MAY 2026 • VOL. 78, NO. 5
View the issue page for May 2026 JPT here
Features
Energizing Tomorrow: SPE and AI
This month’s column highlights how artificial intelligence is influencing SPE programming, publications, and new tools, while also transforming day‑to‑day operations across our industry. The column explores energy supply implications and practical field applications, showing how SPE is helping members turn AI into a tool for progress.
Comments: OTC Returns as Industry Faces Challenge of a Coming ‘Production Gap’
In partnership with OTC 2026, Rystad Energy has shared its latest outlook for the offshore sector and the role it is expected to play in supplying low-cost barrels through 2050.
Why Humans, Not Technology, Are the Biggest Obstacle to Drilling Advancement
Drilling experts recently shared candid views on what will be required for their segment of the upstream business to move to the next stage of development.
Exclusive Q&A With EQT’s Sarah Fenton: Every Metric Matters
EQT is benchmarking its way to basin-leading productivity and relying on partnerships and new technology to turn KPIs into operational reality.
Does the CCUS Puzzle Have All Its Pieces?
Experts and industry leaders gathered in The Woodlands, Texas, recently to sift through the challenges of carbon capture, utilization, and storage. The puzzle is coming together, but some critical pieces are still needed before the results look like the picture on the box.
Guest Editorial: Fracture Stimulation in the Middle East—Past, Present, and Future
Hydraulic fracturing holds great potential in the region, but there are several key questions worth asking as efforts move forward.
Case Study: How Advanced Sensing and Big Data Improve Pipeline Cleaning and Flow Assurance
This case study from Italian technology developer Sentris highlights the effectiveness of using sensors during pigging operations to optimize cleaning efficiency.
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
Deepwater Fields
Andy Hawthorn, Portfolio Manager for Smart Services, Baker Hughes
Prospect Revalidation Using Integrated Perspective Leads to No-Drill Decision
Global Deepwater Drilling Project Derives Drilling Parameters With AI Application
Study Reviews Best Practices for PWC Technique for Abandonment in Deepwater Brazil
Intelligent Operations
Cenk Temizel, Energy Professional
Well-Intervention Operation Planning Becomes a Digital Workflow
AI-Based Technology Enables Real-Time GOR Control in Oil-Rim Reservoir Management
Study Reviews Intelligent Risk-Monitoring Technology for Workover Operations
Extended-Reach and Complex Wells
Chris Carpenter, Technology Editor, Society of Petroleum Engineers
Varying Drilling-Fluids Properties Overcomes Drag in Offshore ERD Well
Approach Integrates Mechanical, Hydraulic Simulations for Efficient Well Planning
Predictive Machine-Learning Optimization Enables Delivery of Highly Challenging Wells
Cementing and Zonal Isolation
Paul Henderson, Product Manager, FET Variperm
Cement Voids and Microannuli Influence Collapse Resistance of Pipe/Cement/Pipe Systems
Standardized Qualification Process Improves Swell-Packer Performance
Advanced Simulation Tool Developed for Deepwater Well Cementing
SPE Technical Papers Available for Download — April–May 2026
The complete SPE technical papers—synopsized in each monthly issue of JPT—are available for download for SPE members for 2 months.