Geophysics UGM and Upstream Innovation PHE conducted initial field testing in 2023 (Photo: UGM Geophysics Research Team).
The collaboration between Geophysics FMIPA UGM and Upstream Innovation PHE in its third year through Electrically Enhanced Oil Recovery innovation is poised to enter the field. This effort is aimed at supporting the government’s program to increase oil production targets by 1 million barrels by 2030 in Indonesia. The UGM Geophysics Research Team, along with Upstream Innovation PHE, actively contributes to achieving this goal.
“Through this research collaboration, our (FMIPA UGM) hope is to support the government’s target of 1 million barrels of oil production,” said Prof. Kuwat Triyana, Dean of FMIPA UGM, during the “Kickoff Meeting for the Electrically Enhanced Oil Recovery Collaboration Study in 2024” held via online meeting on Monday, Jan 12th, 2024.
In 2023, initial field testing was conducted to assess the performance of the Electrically Enhanced Oil Recovery equipment. By continually improving the quality of this equipment, the UGM Geophysics Research Team and Upstream Innovation PHE are confident that they are ready to enter the field for broader oil production in 2024.
“We appreciate the trust placed in us over the past few years. We continue to strive in the development of this Electrically Enhanced Oil Recovery equipment to support the 1 million barrel production target in Indonesia,” said Dr. Afif Rakhman, head of the UGM Geophysics Research Team.
Electrically Enhanced Oil Recovery is one of the supportive methods in oil exploitation by injecting high-powered direct current (DC) into reservoirs to enhance production. By installing anodes and cathodes at specific distances and configurations, the electric current can alter the physical properties of the rocks it passes through, facilitating the movement of oil beneath the earth’s surface. The equipment developed by this team also features remote control capabilities through the internet network.
“This developed technology is easily implementable due to its relatively simple installation process and online operation, making it more effective and efficient in terms of time and cost,” said Metrik Pradana, initiator of the Electrically Enhanced Oil Recovery research from Upstream Innovation PHE.
The technological innovation built through collaboration between institutions and industry partners is an effort to support government programs, particularly in contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This research collaboration reflects point 9 – Infrastructure, Industry, and Innovation, through innovation in meeting the country’s energy needs, as well as point 17 – Partnerships to Achieve Goals, through collaborative efforts to meet the goal of national oil requirements production.
Keywords: Geophysics, Pertamina, PHE, oil, Electrically Enhanced Oil Recovery
Author: Pamungkas Yuliantoro
Photo: UGM Geophysics Research Team.
Editor: Febriska Noor Fitriana
