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ABSTRACT
The world's energy consumption is on the rise, but conventional oil and gas reservoirs are no longer producing as they used to. In this context, unconventional energy sources like shale oil/gas, tight oil/gas, coalbed methane, and natural gas hydrates are becoming increasingly vital in filling this energy gap. However, these unconventional reservoirs pose unique challenges due to their low porosity and extremely low permeability. Consequently, unconventional reservoirs demand innovative and distinct approaches for characterization, optimization, and management. In the past decade, significant progress has been made in developing advanced theories and techniques for evaluating and developing these resources. Technologies like hydraulic fracturing, horizontal drilling, and micro/nano-scale pore analysis have been introduced to boost the global production of unconventional oil and gas. Nevertheless, despite these recent advancements, there are lingering issues related to drilling and completing reservoirs. Some wells, even after undergoing hydraulic fracturing in the production layer, fail to yield economically viable production. This problem can be attributed to the intricate interactions between rocks and fluids, resulting in substantial variability in the network of pores and cracks within the reservoir. Additionally, the production lifespans of unconventional reservoirs are frequently quite brief, increasing the uncertainty of hydrocarbon production. Innovative methods that optimize the drilling and completion operations are urgently needed to overcome these problems. It takes a comprehensive strategy that integrates both geological and engineering techniques to improve recovery efficiency in these reservoirs.
