Plug and Abandonment of Wells

When well productivity declines to the point where continued production becomes unprofitable, the fate of the well is to be plugged and abandoned (P&A). Regulatory authorities require that the well be sealed to prevent potential leakage from the reservoir to the surface. For example, the Petroleum Safety Authority of Norway has developed specific guidelines for P&A operations, outlined in NORSOK D-010, which apply to the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) ( NORSOK D-010, 2013 ). These guidelines set minimum requirements and acceptance criteria that operators must adhere to. Similarly, the UK sector ( O&G UK, 2015 ) has regulatory frameworks governing P&A operations.