Agenda

Understanding the geologic framework, the nature of the fluids, and the evolution of drilling and completion approaches are essential to having constructive discussions about the future of the Bakken. This session will be organized into three discussions.

• “The Geologic Fundamentals” will focus on aspects of geology such as stratigraphy and thermal maturity of the Bakken Petroleum System (BPS). Differences in those characteristics in different areas across the basin and how they affected development strategies will be discussed.
• “The Fluids” will address topics such as the variability of oil properties between different areas of the BPS, the role of wettability in development, relationships between water saturation and oil productivity, and how changes in fluid compositions and GOR over time will affect future development.
• “Evolution of Drilling and Completions and Spacing” will examine the history of engineering practices in the Bakken and how those practices, as well as changes in spacing rules, have affected production and set the stage for future activities such as infill drilling, refractures, and enhanced oil recovery (EOR).

This session will focus on 3 areas of discussion on methods to maximize well production and well pad operations. 

• “Gas Trends” will be a discussion on predicting gas production and then managing it through initial drawdown, artificial lift selection, and production facility and infrastructural capacity and design.
• "Maximizing Ultimate Recovery” will focus on improved recovery methods such as refracturing/re-stimulation and EOR techniques to improve the productivity of existing wells.
• “Digitalization and Automation Efforts” addresses recent innovations in automating and advancing production operations.

Unit developments with and without parent wells require different considerations for multi-disciplinary development and depletion planning. This session addresses the challenges of

• Developing excellent workflows and strategies that consistently influence capitally intensive go-forward decisions
• Current development approaches and modifications for marginally economic areas and pay-zones
• Acquiring and implementing the knowledge that we need on time and setting ourselves up for maximum prosperity

Session 4 will be organized into three discussions covering improving the predictability of performance and key performance measures and drivers.

• “Improving Predictability” will be a discussion of how to use digital technology and machine learning to predict performance across the Bakken and optimize development such as with well spacing, and stimulation design.
• “Financial Performance” will address drivers for decision-making, developing within operating cash flows, and current investor requirements.
• “Environment, Social and Corporate Governance” will examine flaring, gas capture, trucking, water sources and disposal.  There will be discussions on stewardship, governance and relationships with landowners, tribes and regulatory agencies.