Harnessing biochemical innovations for sustainable oil recovery: perspectives from the Indian context on green enhanced oil recovery (GEOR) methods for matured petroleum fields.

Green enhanced oil recovery (GEOR) has emerged as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional oil recovery techniques, offering a more sustainable way to increase oil extraction while minimizing environmental harm. This review focuses on the potential of biochemicals, particularly biopolymers, and biosurfactants, in improving oil recovery in Indian oilfields. While these biochemicals, such as xanthan gum, scleroglucan, and HEC, have shown promising results in global oilfields, their application in India remains largely unexplored. By comparing the characteristics of Indian reservoirs with successful international case studies, this review highlights the feasibility and advantages of biopolymer-based EOR methods in India's unique reservoir conditions, including high temperatures, salinity, and other challenges. Despite the proven benefits of biopolymers, such as their environmental sustainability and operational efficiency, they have not yet been widely adopted in Indian oilfields. The review identifies key research gaps, including the need for a deeper understanding of microbial and biopolymer interactions, and stresses the importance of developing sustainable and cost-effective production methods for biopolymers. The findings suggest that integrating biopolymers into India's oil recovery processes could not only enhance extraction rates but also contribute to greener, more efficient practices. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of biopolymer-based EOR and outlines future research directions, contributing to the development of more sustainable oil recovery techniques tailored to India's specific needs.