The Subsurface Program aims to secure Australia's oil and gas self-sufficiency through excellence in research and development by addressing the main engineering and geological barriers to exploitation of complex reservoirs.  The research includes enabling technology to improve the effectiveness in targeting oil exploration and maximising hydrocarbon recoveries of challenging reservoirs. 

A challenging reservoir is defined as a reservoir that is currently not produced, is subeconomic or very poorly performing because of geological or engineering complexities, or a combination of the two.  Research into advancing technology aims to characterise, develop and produce challenging reservoirs for optimal production. 

Research Projects

See here for research projects under the Subsurface Technologies theme