Ensemble data: Updated version of guideline
Illustration of a full filed reservoir model showing oil (green), gas (red) and water (blue). Illustration: SLB
6/16/2025 In 2023, a group under the FORCE umbrella drew up a guideline for sharing ensemble data in production licences. It has now been revised to incorporate feedback received.
When multiple models are created for a specific reservoir (ensemble), this results in a lot of data. With so much data – both the sharing of too much and too little is problematic. The consequence could be that licensees are unable to exercise due diligence, and /or that they cannot participate in a constructive manner when decisions are made. To help address this problem a guideline for ensemble data sharing was created under the FORCE umbrella.
After about a year in use feedback on the guideline was requested and a cross-functional group from FORCE (Integrated Reservoir Modelling group) has been working on a revision during the spring of 2025.
The companies involved in the revision are - in alphabetical order - Aker BP, ConocoPhillips, Equinor, Halliburton, Harbour Energy, INPEX Idemitsu, OKEA, Orlen, Petoro, slb, and Vår Energi. The Norwegian Offshore Directorate coordinated this effort.
“It has been brilliant to have so many companies actively involved in the both the original writing and now the revision of the guideline.” says Sophie Haseldonckx of the Norwegian Offshore Directorate, who coordinated this effort.
Sophie Haseldonckx of the Norwegian Offshore Directorate coordinated this effort. Photo: Arne Bjørøen
Guideline rather than a standard
The document is written as a guideline rather than a standard, as each field or modelling project has different needs. “Early involvement and ongoing collaboration between the parties is the key to using ensemble data constructively in decision processes” says Haseldonckx
The revision focused on expanding the introduction and terminology chapters, adding pro/con sections for each level of sharing, and providing additional explanations on documentation/sharing requirements.
“Hopefully many will find the update of document useful, both with respect to what they should receive / can expect and what the expectations are once they have received the data.”
Feedback is of course welcome on this revision too. Here are three alternative ways you can provide feedback:
- If your company participated in creating the document, please contact “your” work group member listed in the document.
- Provide feedback to your company’s representative in the Integrated Reservoir Modelling Network.
- You can send feedback to postboks@sodir.no using "Feedback – FORCE – Guideline for sharing ensemble data" in the subject field, see footnote.
FOOTNOTE: Please note that correspondence will be treated as a case document, and as such will be registered in the Norwegian Offshore Directorate’s journal. Case documents and correspondence registers are public information, unless otherwise indicated by relevant statutes or regulations. Anyone can apply for access to case documents and registers.
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Updated: 6/16/2025