JUNE 2026 • VOL. 78, NO. 6
View the issue page for June 2026 JPT here
Features
Energizing Tomorrow: An Update on SPE Finances
An update on SPE’s path to financial sustainability: stronger revenues, new partnerships, and emerging opportunities—from geothermal initiatives to AI-driven licensing—are improving the outlook. While challenges remain, recent progress highlights a more resilient Society and a forward-looking strategy focused on long-term member value.
Comments: Oceangoing Robots Show Off Their Potential at OTC
New technical papers suggest advanced robotic systems may not be far away from broad adoption for a large share of offshore inspection and intervention.
Guest Editorial: Rising Pressures and Legacy Wells—The Permian Basin’s Next Challenge
This guest editorial from the Center for Injection and Seismicity Research (CISR) at The University of Texas at Austin details the emerging risks posed by injection in Texas and what steps might be taken to mitigate them.
In Shale, There’s No Single Playbook for How To Do EOR
New insights from Chevron, Occidental Petroleum, and others at the SPE Improved Oil Recovery Conference highlight the different paths companies are using to squeeze more out of tight rocks.
Evolving Perforation Strategies Improve Fracture Performance
As unconventional hydraulic fracturing matures, completions practices shift from art to engineering best practices.
The New Brownfield of Venezuela
Since the US arrested and removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on 3 January 2026, all eyes have turned toward the country’s vast oil reserves, the largest of any country. From 2005 to 2024, oil production in Venezuela fell by 70%, from 3.1 million B/D to just 0.9 million B/D. The race is on to bring production back, but aging infrastructure and expatriation present major roadblocks.
Case Study: Record-Setting ERD Execution in Brazil
This case study from SLB and offshore producer PRIO describes the longest openhole section in Latin America with the highest extended-reach drilling ratio in Brazil’s history.
Case Study: Magnetic Short-Hop Enables Real-Time RSS-to-MWD Communication
This case study from Erdos Miller outlines the use of magnetic short-hop technologies to complement the use of mud pulsers to transmit telemetry to surface.
Global Exploration and Production Updates: FIDs, Discoveries, and New Frontiers
Formerly titled E&P Notes, this monthly snapshot of global E&P activity highlights ongoing developments worldwide.
People
This section lists with regret SPE members who recently passed away.
Technology Focus Synopses
Coiled Tubing
Karan Kaul, Principal Technical Professional, Halliburton
OTC 35615 Flexible Coiled Tubing Remediates Hydrates in the Campos Basin
SPE 231394 Split-String Coiled Tubing Field-Validated for Extended-Reach Operations
SPE 231322 Field Trial Achieves Post-Frac-Plug Drillout Using 2⅞-in. Coiled Tubing
Acidizing
Chris Carpenter, Technology Editor, Society of Petroleum Engineers
SPE 226370 TCP and Acidizing Operation Achieved Into Depleted Gas Reservoir for CCUS Project
SPE 230588 Study Reviews Use of Seawater Base-Acid Systems in Acidizing Presalt Carbonates
SPE 228992 Tool-Free Fishbone Fracture Acidizing Stimulation Implemented in Openhole Horizontal Well
Hydraulic Fracturing Operations
Vibhas J. Pandey, Professional Engineer and Owner, WellStim Technologies
SPE 230613 Closed-Loop Completions Program Holds Potential to Transform Hydraulic Fracturing
SPE 226647 Acid Fracturing and Hydraulic Fracturing Applied in a Single Well for a Deep Carbonate Reservoir
SPE 227989 Alaska North Slope Fracturing Campaign Provides Best Practices, Better Decisions
EOR Operations
Kristian Mogensen, Subject-Matter Expert, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company
OTC 36263 Encapsulated Polymer Technology Overcomes Shear Degradation and Injectivity Loss Offshore
SPE 230249 Test Proves Validity of In-Situ Combustion in the Permian Basin
SPE 230250 Novel Gas-/Liquid-Coinjection EOR Process Enters the Permian
SPE Technical Papers Available for Download — May–June 2026
The complete SPE technical papers—synopsized in each monthly issue of JPT—are available for download for SPE members for 2 months.