Mr. Pham Truong Giang – Deputy Director of the Center for Petroleum Exploration and Production Research at VPI – discusses the application of the award-winning enhanced oil recovery (EOR) research project.
Mr. Pham Truong Giang – Deputy Director of the Center for Petroleum Exploration and Production Research, Vietnam Petroleum Institute (VPI). Photo source: A.N/Bnews/vnanet.vn
On the sidelines of the 6th Emulation Congress (2025–2030) of the Vietnam National Oil and Energy Group (Petrovietnam) held on August 1st, a VNA reporter interviewed Mr. Pham Truong Giang, Deputy Director of the Center for Petroleum Exploration and Production Research at the Vietnam Petroleum Institute (VPI), regarding the practical applications of the research cluster titled “Research, selection of solutions, development and application of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technologies for clastic sedimentary reservoirs in the Cuu Long Basin, offshore Vietnam”, which was awarded First Prize at the Vietnam Fund for Supporting Technological Creations (VIFOTEC) Awards.
Reporter: As a co-author of the project, could you share why your team focused on developing and applying EOR technologies to increase production efficiency at oil fields in the Cuu Long Basin?
Mr. Pham Truong Giang: This project was implemented by VPI over a span of three years (2019–2022). During this period, the research team conducted detailed analysis and evaluations to select the most suitable technical solutions for each type of reservoir — not only at the Bach Ho (White Tiger) field but also at other fields in Vietnam. VPI successfully designed and fabricated a set of pilot-scale equipment, producing 100 tons of VPI SP chemical agent (at a capacity of 4 tons/day) for industrial-scale trials and performance evaluation. This served as a basis for wider application across the entire Bach Ho field. A key highlight of the project was the successful collaboration between VPI and the Vietnam-Russia joint venture “Vietsovpetro” to conduct a pilot injection of the VPI SP chemical agent at a test area within the Bach Ho field. The industrial trial, conducted in the Lower Miocene reservoir, delivered results that exceeded initial expectations. Building on this success, VPI is now working with field operators to scale up the technology in the next phase. By the end of 2026, the solutions developed by VPI are expected to be fully applicable across various offshore oil fields in Vietnam.
Dr. Nguyen Minh Quy (VPI Deputy Director – third from the right) and MSc. Pham Truong Giang (third from the left), co-authors of the award-winning research, honored at the 6th Petrovietnam Emulation Congress (2025–2030).
Photo source: A.N/Bnews/vnanet.vn
Photo source: A.N/Bnews/vnanet.vn
Reporter: Could you elaborate on the significance of this research once it is fully implemented in practice?
Mr. Pham Truong Giang: This is the first time Vietnam has systematically implemented an EOR technology solution through a scientific, well-planned approach aligned with global practices — from selecting suitable and feasible technological solutions to achieving technical and economic effectiveness. Our results demonstrate strong potential for the broader application of the VPI SP chemical injection technique in enhancing oil recovery, not only in the Bach Ho field but also across the Cuu Long Basin and other offshore oil fields. These efforts are key to optimizing resource extraction and improving the economic efficiency of oil and gas projects in Vietnam. The research also paves the way for large-scale production of VPI SP chemical agents and boosts the potential for its application in various fields. This would help increase crude oil output for Petrovietnam and make a significant contribution to national economic and social development. Furthermore, these findings lay a foundation for attracting domestic and foreign investment to build a production line for EOR chemical agents in Vietnam — creating new jobs, spurring growth, and supporting the country’s long-term economic development.
VPI and Vietsovpetro conducted pilot injections of the VPI SP EOR chemical at a test area in the Bach Ho field, Cuu Long Basin, offshore Vietnam.
Photo source: A.N/Bnews/vnanet.vn
Photo source: A.N/Bnews/vnanet.vn
Reporter: What is the importance of this research project in the current context where discovering new oil fields is increasingly difficult?
Mr. Pham Truong Giang: With domestic oil production in decline — due to major fields nearing the end of their life cycle and new discoveries being mostly small, marginal fields with complex development conditions — the need to deploy advanced EOR technologies has become urgent. Especially when these technologies can be expanded to other fields with similar geological and operational conditions. VPI’s research opens the door for large-scale production and application of VPI SP chemicals, helping boost crude oil output and contributing significantly to Petrovietnam’s production targets and national development.
Reporter: How do you assess the role of young scientists in applying advanced technologies and digital transformation to scientific research at VPI?
Mr. Pham Truong Giang: We’re now applying the latest achievements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution — such as integrated simulation, multiphase/multicomponent reservoir modeling, streamline simulation, and more — to better understand and evaluate EOR mechanisms. These modern techniques, combined with AI and machine learning algorithms, enhance the accuracy of production forecasting and evaluation of EOR solutions. VPI has a growing number of young researchers who are technologically adept and quick to adopt digital tools and big data analytics. Their flexibility, innovation, and proactive mindset are accelerating the transition from ideas to real-world applications.
Reporter: What’s your perspective on the role of emulation movements in scientific research in generating tangible value?
Mr. Pham Truong Giang: Emulation movements — when aligned with clear goals and effective recognition mechanisms — can serve as powerful motivation for scientists. At VPI, such initiatives are closely linked to specific performance metrics such as research timelines, real-world applicability, patent registrations, and economic impact.
Reporter: Thank you for your insights!
Source: BNEWS