A Light Touch: ConocoPhillips Alaska shrinks its footprint with an eye to sustainability.

• Author: Orr, Vanessa
• Position: OIL & GAS

ConocoPhillips set some major milestones in 2022, producing its first oil from the Fiord West Kuparuk reservoir and setting a new drilling record from a land-based rig. The company's optimization of new technologies and commitment to sustainable development has enabled it to reduce its footprint in the environment by extending drilling from fewer well pads, providing increased revenue and employment opportunities in the state.

The company has even bigger plans, including continued investment in Alaska and a goal of achieving net zero on its operational emissions by 2050. But there are challenges as well, according to Erec Isaacson, president of ConocoPhillips Alaska.

"As you look at development in the Arctic, the key thing to remember is that it's not easy," he says. "With the regulatory environment we have and experiences that we've had, we've proven that we have the right talent and creativity in the company to achieve our goals. Our many years of history operating responsibly in Alaska reflect our focus to ensure regulatory and environmental concerns are mitigated."

Success Stories

On May 18, 2022, the Fiord West Kuparuk reservoir produced its first oil. "The project used extended reach drilling technology [ERD], the first of this type in Alaska, which will continue to play a vital role in developing Alaska's resources with minimal environmental impact. The team was able to overcome the challenges of implementing a new technology, landed the well, and got it on production," says Isaacson.

Fiord West Kuparuk is a satellite of the Alpine field that is being developed from the existing CD2 pad in the Colville River Unit and is currently producing approximately 11,000 barrels of oil per day.

For areas with existing gravel roads, ERD technology eliminates the need for new gravel pads, additional pipelines, or more roads and enables companies to access 60 percent more acreage from a single pad. Using the Doyon 26 rig, ConocoPhillips set a North American land drilling record of 35,526 feet from the CD2 pad.

The injection well is being pre-produced for approximately six months prior to being converted to permanent injection service when the company is ready to drill the next well.

Having seen the success of ERD technology, ConocoPhillips plans to review other opportunities where the innovative drilling method can be used. "When we look at all of the other opportunities we have up there on the western North Slope, there are other reservoirs that...