Hydraulic fracturing in tight oil reservoirs: a synthesis of current practices, challenges, and future trajectories

Abstract

Multistage hydraulic fracturing (MHF) is the primary method for developing extremely tight oil reservoirs (TORs) with nanopores. Currently, this technology is considered the only economically viable way to develop these resources. However, MHF suffers from geomechanical limitations, including formation heterogeneity and limited pumping capacity at surface facilities. This paper reviews the current state of MHF in tight oil reservoirs, connecting geomechanical concepts to field applications and highlighting key challenges and future trends, including sustainability and digital transformation. The industry has evolved from simple planar fracturing operations to complex stimulated reservoir systems (SRS). Modern design is based on geological characteristics; in-situ stresses and natural fractures guide engineering decisions, such as the use of hydraulic fracturing fluids. However, this sector faces ongoing challenges, including overlap of parent and child wells, low recovery factors (less than 10%), and loss of conductivity, caused by gaps in the scaling of complex physical processes across time and space. Addressing these challenges is facilitated by digitalization. By harnessing data analytics, ML and real-time DAS/DTS, operators transition from a «design and pump» paradigm to a «sense and respond» approach. This empowers them to optimize real-time hydrocarbon sweep and bridge key sustainability gaps. In conclusion, this review illustrates how optimized water management, efficient operational scaling and sustainable design in MHF directly contributes to SDGs 6, 8, 9 and 12, promoting responsible global resource stewardship. Keywords: tight oil reservoirs; hydraulic fracturing; stimulated reservoir system; fracturing fluids; energy efficiency; sustainable energy; clean energy technology.