AAPG FOUNDATION PRATT CONFERENCE: PETROLEUM PROVINCES, 21st CENTURY
January 12-15, 2000
San Diego, California

BROOKS, J. R. V., Oil and Gas Directorate, Department of Trade and Industry, London, UK; S. J. STOKER and T. D. J. CAMERON, British Geological Survey, DTI Core Store, Edinburgh, UK

Abstract: Hydrocarbon Exploration Opportunities in the 21st Century in the United Kingdom 

Oil and gas production within the United Kingdom and its offshore designated area has continued to rise through the 1990s, and remains at record levels. This paper charts the developments and major new plays of the last decade, and highlights the opportunities and challenges for the 21st Century.

Through a continuing programme of licensing, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has successfully maintained industry interest in UK exploration and production. This has been despite lower oil prices and continuing competition from other oil and gas provinces in the world. Recent licensing rounds that offered acreage in the under-explored basins along the Atlantic Margin to the north-west of Britain have been highly successful, following discovery of oil in a Paleocene fan play in 1992. Similarly, licensing rounds that focused on the mature North Sea basins have proved very encouraging. Improved methods in fault seal analysis have had a significant impact on well success rates in the mature basins. Onshore, exploration activity has increased significantly following the 7th and 8th licensing rounds, with a success ratio of >50% on some plays. The UK's first coal bed methane project is now in production.

Subtle stratigraphic plays will continue to have a key role in the mature North Sea provinces. Focus on older, deeper reservoirs will extend the geographic range of successful plays. The greatest potential for major new discoveries lies along the Atlantic Margin, with significant undiscovered hydrocarbons likely in predominantly Cretaceous and Tertiary reservoirs.

©Copyright 1999.  The American Association of Petroleum Geologists.  All Rights Reserved

BROOKS, J. R. V., S. J. STOKER, and T. D. J. CAMERON