The oil and gas industry is at a crossroads. As global demand for energy continues to rise, extracting resources from mature fields and increasingly complex environments is becoming more difficult and costly.
This reality presents both challenges and opportunities for companies across the sector. For organizations that understand the importance of innovation, adaptability, and efficiency, there are ways to navigate these obstacles successfully. According
to one CEO in the energy industry, mature fields are set to dominate the oil and gas sector by 2030. Large oil and gas Firms have often underestimated the remaining potential of this source of energy. The key? New technologies such as AI, Technical expertise and strategic human resources management, empowering local workforce. This is how Expert Petroleum (XP) does it.
Why operating mature oil and gas fields is complex
As of the end of 2024, global proven oil reserves are estimated to be at 1,765.2 billion bbl, while natural gas reserves are at around 7,537.7 tcf and it is widely acknowledged that a substantial portion of these come from fields that have been producing for an extended period and experiencing declining production rate. Extracting these resources from mature fields is inherently challenging. Over time, reservoirs begin to deplete, and the cost of extraction increases. Unlike new fields, mature fields often require more advanced technologies, greater expertise, and more precise process optimization. These complexities are further compounded by other factors such as environmental concerns, fluctuating market prices, and geopolitical uncertainties. For example, abandoned oil and gas wells, also known as orphaned wells, can leak methane—a potent greenhouse gas—into the atmosphere. A 2024 study estimated that methane emissions from abandoned wells in the U.S. range between 1.1 to 2.6 teragrams (Tg) annually. Many companies in the oil and gas industry may therefore opt to leave such fields to decline, particularly in regions that are more difficult to operate in.
However, these mature fields can also be an opportunity for firms which have financial and human capabilities, technical expertise and a commitment to long-term sustainable operations . Expert Petroleum, with its strong technical foundation, is one of the companies that has successfully managed to revitalize mature fields. The firm’s management uses for example an unique workforce management approach which, according to CEO David Martinon, “aim[s] to give more initiative to field operators and equip them with the latest technologies to implement them swiftly. Technicians on the ground have been working for many years, yet most of the time they had no say or did not have the technology readily available to optimize their operations. That was a shame, as they understood better than anyone else what was happening and how production and processes could be improved. Thus, we decided to include them in the decision-making process and quickly provide them with the required technology and investment to implement their suggestions, and it worked!”
This also underscores the company’s ability to operate in challenging geopolitical environments, such as war-torn regions like Ukraine. In these regions, it is not only technical expertise that is required, but also an ability to have the flexibility for field operators and local management to be empowered to adapt to logistical challenges security concerns, and unpredictable changes in local regulations.
A need for technical expertise and a skilled workforce
As the demand for energy continues to grow and the search for new oil and gas reserves becomes more difficult, expensive and impactful on the environment, the role of technical expertise in existing mature oil and gas operations becomes increasingly vital. Companies that can master the complex technologies required for enhanced oil recovery, reservoir management, and other advanced production techniques have a distinct advantage in the market. In fact, companies with the ability to sustain and optimize production in mature fields in a more environmentally friendly manner not only gain a competitive edge but also contribute to meeting global energy demands more effectively.
Expert Petroleum’s approach combines deep technical expertise and with an emphasis on continuous innovation and human resources training and development. Whether it is employing AI to get the most out of historical field data or utilizing enhanced recovery methods, the company understands the importance of staying at the cutting edge of technological advancements. This technical competency enables XP to provide solutions that meet the increasingly high demands of the oil and gas industry.
In addition to technical expertise, the industry requires a highly skilled workforce that can meet the ever-changing demands of the new technologies applied to operations. The work is often physically demanding, logistically challenging, and carried out in remote or hazardous locations As such, companies need to recruit, train, and retain top talent—workers who are not only capable of handling the technical demands of the job but also able to adjust quickly to unforeseen circumstances.
Expert Petroleum therefore places a strong emphasis on human resources, understanding that the success of any project depends not just on technology, but also on the people who operate it. A company’s ability to mobilize its workforce quickly, manage it effectively, and ensure it is well-trained is critical. The demands of the oil and gas industry require that companies have an efficient and adaptable workforce that can respond to changing conditions at a moment’s notice. Expert Petroleum has chosen to rely on its local workforce to face these challenges with confidence. David Martinon explains that “We trust to train and empower the local employees and have a minimal number of expatriates. In Romania, more than 99% of our employees are Romanian; in Ukraine, over 99% are Ukrainian, and the same will apply to the new countries we are about to enter”.
Adapting to the industry and thinking about sustainable upstream operations
Expert Petroleum has made it a priority to be at the forefront of the regulatory shifts or new environmental standards, workers at XP are trained to keep pace with industry developments.
The company has therefore made significant strides in implementing sustainable practices across its operations, recognizing that resource extraction and environmental footprint reduction and profitability are not always incompatible, at the opposite. XP Upgreen, an initiative launched by the company, is an example of its commitment to such sustainability leadership. The program focuses on reducing the environmental impact of oil and gas operations through the adoption of strict methane emissions reduction target, greener technologies, waste management practices, and energy-efficient processes.
This ensures that the company remains competitive while also looking to the next rehabilitation phase of these mature fields, as indeed, mature wells have significant potential for carbon capture and storage (CSS) or even geothermal energy.
An evolving landscape
The oil and gas industry is undergoing significant changes, driven by technological advancements, market dynamics, and growing sustainability concerns. Expert Petroleum is an example of a company that has adapted to this evolving landscape by combining technical expertise with a strategic focus on human resources and sustainability. By leveraging its deep knowledge of the industry and its ability to mobilize skilled teams, XP is able to meet the complex demands of the modern energy market while contributing to the development of more sustainable practices. As the sector continues to evolve, companies like XP will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry.
