Geological and Environmental Implications of Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques: Balancing Efficiency with Sustainability

This research paper explores the geological and environmental impacts of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technology, focusing on the balance between efficiency and sustainability in fossil fuel extraction. EOR methods, including thermal recovery, gas injection, and chemical flooding, are critical to maximizing reservoir recovery, especially as global energy demand increases and conventional reserves decline. However, the manipulation of subsurface reservoirs poses significant geological risks, including changes in pore pressure, potential contamination of freshwater aquifers, and impacts on reservoir dynamics and geological stability. Concurrently, the environmental challenges associated with EOR, such as groundwater contamination and geomechanical instability, necessitate careful management and monitoring. The document emphasizes the need to incorporate sustainable practices into EOR operations, such as carbon dioxide injection for recovery and storage, optimization of water use, and the implementation of comprehensive environmental impact assessments. Ultimately, the results suggest a multifaceted approach to EOR that prioritizes energy production and environmental management to ensure a more stable and sustainable energy future.