Case Study: California Resources Corporation improves Bakersfield thermal project economics with Computer Modelling Group simulation

CRC uses Simulation to Improve Economics in Bakersfield Thermal Project

California Resources Corporation (CRC) faced a major challenge in developing its 35Z section of the Midway-Sunset reservoir near Bakersfield, a heavy-oil field with more than 100 years of production history, limited recovery, and mixed results from prior thermal recovery efforts. To better understand reservoir behavior and identify the best development strategy, CRC worked with Computer Modelling Group and used its thermal simulation software, including STARS and CMOST AI.

Computer Modelling Group helped CRC build a tailored geological and reservoir model, match history with production and pressure data, and run forecasts to compare recovery options. The simulation showed that cyclic steam stimulation was best for short-term development, while crestal steamflooding was the best long-term option, and also supported moving from 1-acre to 2-acre well spacing. CRC estimated $10 million to $15 million in savings over the first five years, with a reported 185x cost-to-benefit ratio, and the field’s performance has matched the simulation forecasts so far.

California Resources Corporation