Unconventional oil and gas

Unconventional oil and gas differs from conventional oil and gas not in the nature of the oil or gas itself, but in the type of rock from which such oil and gas has been extracted and the method by which such extraction takes place.

Historically, oil and natural gas has been found in underground reservoirs trapped between geological strata. Vertical wells are drilled into these reservoirs to allow the oil and/or gas to flow out under pressure (or with the use of pumps or compression tools as the pressure within the reservoir declines). Unconventional oil and gas derives from tiny connected pore spaces that contain oil or gas within the rock strata themselves. The oil and gas is essentially trapped within these pore spaces and is unable to flow naturally and requires the use

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

TAKE A FREE TRIAL

Latest Energy News

Ofgem consults on smart meter guaranteed standards of performance

Ofgem has launched a consultation on introducing smart meter guaranteed standards of performance. The consultation aims to clarify that the Electricity and Gas (Standards of Performance) (Suppliers) Regulations 2015, SI 2015/1544, apply to both smart and traditional meters, ensuring a clear understanding for energy suppliers and consumers. It also proposes four new guaranteed standards to address various smart metering-related issues: (1) reducing wait times for smart meter installation appointments so that customers are offered an appointment within six weeks of their request; (2) providing compensation for failed installations due to faults within the supplier’s control; (3) requiring suppliers to deliver a resolution plan within five working days if a customer reports a problem with their smart meter; and (4) providing compensation if smart meters do not operate in smart mode and remain unresolved for over 90 days. The consultation closes on 9 May 2025. The feedback received will assist Ofgem in drafting the statutory instrument required to implement these standards.

NESO publishes 2025 Operability Strategy Report and Electricity Markets Roadmap

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has published its 2025 Operability Strategy Report and Electricity Markets Roadmap, highlighting improvements made in 2024 to support its 2025 goals and enhance industry operations. The Operability Strategy Report details the expected operability challenges in transitioning to a clean power electricity system by 2030. The report focuses on seven key areas of system operability: adequacy, flexibility, frequency, thermal, voltage, stability, and restoration. The report utilises Clean Power 2030 analysis and data, providing insights into the potential operational landscape of a clean power system. The Electricity Markets Roadmap details NESO's design principles and plans to reform and evolve Britain's electricity markets. It outlines NESO's vision for various market segments, including response, reserve, thermal, voltage, stability, and restoration markets, as well as revenue stacking and the Balancing Mechanism.

SAU publishes evaluation report on modified Capacity Market scheme

The Subsidy Advice Unit (SAU) has published a report in response to a request from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) regarding the Capacity Market scheme, as amended in 2025. The report evaluates DESNZ's assessment of the scheme's compliance with the requirements outlined in the Subsidy Control Act 2022 (SCA 2022).

Ofgem publishes updated RIGs, RRPs, and PCFM guidance for RIIO-2 Year 4

Ofgem has published the updated versions of the RIIO-2 Regulatory Instructions and Guidance (RIGs), Regulatory Reporting Packs (RRPs), and Price Control Financial Model (PCFM) guidance for gas distribution networks. These changes, initially proposed by Ofgem via a notice on 21 February 2025, were made following stakeholder feedback and aim to clarify reporting requirements for network licensees. The changes are effective immediately, and Ofgem has clarified that annual reporting information submitted for the 2024-25 regulatory year must comply with these updated documents.