petroleumreserven

Petroleumreserven, often translated as petroleum reserves, are quantities of crude oil and condensates that are economically recoverable from known accumulations under current technical, economic, and political conditions. They differ from resources, which may become recoverable with future changes in technology, price, or policy. Reserve estimates inform planning, policy, and market expectations.

Reserves are typically labeled as proved (1P), probable (2P), and possible (3P). Proved reserves have high confidence of recovery under existing conditions. Probable and possible reserves add volumes with progressively lower certainty. Reporting practices vary by jurisdiction, but 1P and 2P are commonly used for planning in many countries.

Estimation relies on geological and engineering data: seismic surveys, well tests, production history, and decline-curve analysis, together with assumptions about prices, costs, and technology. International standards such as the Petroleum Resources Management System (PRMS) provide common definitions and categories to harmonize reporting.

Conventional reserves consist of oil recoverable with traditional methods, while unconventional reserves include oil sands, extra-heavy oil, and tight oil that require specialized techniques. Advances in drilling and processing have expanded recoverable volumes, but often with higher costs and greater environmental considerations.

Globally, reserves are concentrated in a few regions, notably in the Middle East and in North America and parts of Latin America. Reserve levels influence energy security, investment, and geopolitics, and are periodically revised as new discoveries are made or as prices and technology change.