MARCH 2026 • VOL. 78, NO. 3
View the issue page for March 2026 JPT here
Features
Energizing Tomorrow: Engineering Education, Upskilling, and SPE’s Role
Petroleum engineering education is at a crossroads, with university enrollments shrinking and a talent gap looming. Take a look at what the data really show about degree trends, why Gen Z is turning away from engineering, and how SPE—from K–12 outreach to lifelong upskilling—is uniquely positioned to impact the industry’s future workforce.
Comments: Upstream Industry Must Embrace Bright Ideas To Curb Flaring
The tools to reduce flaring are well within reach, but the results will depend on a long-term commitment by operators and governments.
Guest Editorial: The Agentic Oil Field—No Longer a Vision, It Is Inevitable
Reaching further than dashboards and data lakes, the agentic oil field envisions artificial intelligence systems that reason, act, and optimize.
Aker BP’s Digital Muscle: Cutting Mechanical Complexity Saved Millions
By simplifying tubing-hanger installation systems, Aker BP shed the complexity tax.
Exclusive Q&A: An Inside Look at PDO’s Effort To Scale Hydraulic Fracturing in Oman’s Low-Pressure Oil Reservoirs
Oman is embarking on a renewed effort to deploy the latest hydraulic fracturing technologies and techniques, tailored to its own unique reservoirs and set of challenges.
Advancements Bring Geothermal Power to the Surface
From its origins running just a few light bulbs in Tuscany in 1904 to supporting baseloads on national power grids today, geothermal power generation has been driven by technological advancements. Many of these advancements stem from oil and gas exploration and production efforts.
Case Study: Predicting Child-Well Performance Degradation in the Midland Basin
Addressing the challenges of developing a mature basin with a data-driven approach to spacing and inventory decisions.
E&P Notes
Updates about global exploration and production activities and developments.
People
This section lists with regret SPE members who recently passed away.
Technology Focus Synopses
CO2, Natural Gas, and Hydrogen Storage
Kaibin Qiu, Geomechanics Adviser, SLB
SCCO2/Brine Injection or WAG Couple With Saltwater-Disposal Wells for Carbon Sequestration
Study Explores Storage of Hydrogen/Natural Gas Mixtures in Underground Gas Repositories
UK CO2 Transportation, Storage Project Reaching Final Investment Decision Provides Lessons
Production Monitoring
N.M. Anisur Rahman, Senior Petroleum Engineering Consultant, Saudi Aramco
Real-Time Production-Optimization Routine Deployed for Gas Lifted Wells
Field Tests Evaluate Nonradioactive Multiphase Flowmeters
Multiagent AI Improves Offshore Production Surveillance and Intervention
High Pressure/High Temperature
Abdul Muqtadir Khan, Digital Solutions Project Manager, SLB
Electromagnetic Look-Ahead Service Assists Geostopping Decisions in High-Pressure Wells
Wireline-Perforation Strategy Aims for Depleted HP/HT Reservoirs
Smart Multistage Technology Enhances Completion, Acid-Fracturing Stimulation
Geothermal Energy
Shaun Toralde, Global Segment Director for Geothermal and Minerals, Weatherford
Record-Breaking Enhanced Geothermal System Designed for Project Cape, Utah
Closed-Loop Geothermal Drilling Proves Effective in Romanian Pannonian Basin Basement
Enhanced Geothermal System Proppant Stimulation Targets High-Temperature Dry Rock
SPE Technical Papers Available for Download — February–March 2026
The complete SPE technical papers—synopsized in each monthly issue of JPT—are available for download for SPE members for 2 months.