Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) Market
Visiongain has published a new report entitled Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) Market Report 2025-2035: Forecasts by Application Method (In-Situ (Reservoir) Chemical Injection, Ex-Situ (Surface) Chemical Processing), by Origin (Petrol-based, Bio-based, Water-based), by Reservoir Type (Onshore Reservoirs, Offshore Reservoirs, Heavy Oil & Bitumen Reservoirs, Other), by Chemical Type (Water-soluble Polymers, Surfactants, Polymer Gels, Biopolymers, Alkaline Chemicals), by Technique (Polymer Flooding (PF), Surfactant-Polymer (SP) Flooding, Alkali-Surfactant-Polymer (ASP) Flooding, Micellar Flooding, Low Tension Gas Flooding (LTG), Other) AND Regional and Leading National Market Analysis PLUS Analysis of Leading Companies.
The global chemical enhanced oil recovery (EOR) market is estimated at US$1,036.6 million in 2025 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period 2025-2035.
Government Incentives and Policy Support for EOR Expansion
Many governments are recognizing the role of Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) in energy security and are introducing incentives, subsidies, and funding programs to support its adoption. In the United States, the Department of Energy (DOE) has funded research projects focused on cost-effective polymer flooding to improve domestic oil production. In China, the government is backing PetroChina and Sinopec to scale up Chemical EOR projects as part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on oil imports. For example, the U.S. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocated funding for domestic energy projects, including research and development into advanced EOR techniques. Such policy support enables companies to invest in research, pilot projects, and full-scale deployments, driving long-term growth in the Chemical EOR market.
How will this Report Benefit you?
Visiongain’s 394-page report provides 119 tables and 220 charts/graphs. Our new study is suitable for anyone requiring commercial, in-depth analyses for the chemical enhanced oil recovery (EOR) market, along with detailed segment analysis in the market. Our new study will help you evaluate the overall global and regional market for Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) . Get financial analysis of the overall market and different segments including application method, origin, reservoir type, chemical type and technique, and company size and capture higher market share. We believe that there are strong opportunities in this fast-growing chemical enhanced oil recovery (EOR) market. See how to use the existing and upcoming opportunities in this market to gain revenue benefits in the near future. Moreover, the report will help you to improve your strategic decision-making, allowing you to frame growth strategies, reinforce the analysis of other market players, and maximise the productivity of the company.
What are the Current Market Drivers?
Environmental Regulations Pushing for More Efficient EOR Methods
Stricter environmental regulations are prompting oil companies to adopt more sustainable and efficient oil recovery methods, making Chemical EOR an attractive option. Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are enforcing policies that limit carbon emissions and mandate the responsible management of water and chemical waste in oil recovery processes.
For instance, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Union’s environmental directives are imposing tighter restrictions on carbon-intensive oil recovery techniques such as steam flooding and gas injection. As a result, many oil producers are turning to Chemical EOR methods that require less energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
A notable example is BP’s collaboration with Nalco Champion (now part of Ecolab), where they developed environmentally friendly chemical formulations that optimize oil recovery while adhering to strict environmental regulations. Additionally, Middle Eastern countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia are integrating Chemical EOR into their sustainability initiatives to align with their net-zero targets by 2050.
Rising Global Energy Demand Impacting Oil Recovery Strategies
The growing global demand for energy is a critical factor driving the adoption of Chemical EOR techniques. As energy consumption continues to rise, oil companies are pressured to maximize recovery from existing reservoirs rather than relying solely on new explorations.
With emerging economies in Asia-Pacific, particularly China and India, witnessing rapid industrialization and urbanization, the need for enhanced oil recovery solutions has intensified. Major oil producers such as China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) are investing in Chemical EOR projects to boost production from mature fields and meet their domestic energy needs.
In the U.S., ExxonMobil has focused on expanding its Chemical EOR projects in Texas, where aging fields require enhanced recovery techniques to sustain output. Similarly, Saudi Aramco is deploying Chemical EOR in its massive reservoirs to increase domestic production and maintain its position as a leading global oil supplier. The rising demand for energy security is, therefore, a fundamental force propelling investment in Chemical EOR technologies.
Where are the Market Opportunities?
Expansion into Offshore and Unconventional Oil Reservoirs
As offshore and unconventional oil reserves become more critical to global supply, Chemical EOR technologies are evolving to enhance recovery in these challenging environments. In deepwater fields, Equinor and BP are deploying low-salinity polymer flooding to improve recovery efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. In Canada’s oil sands, Suncor and Cenovus Energy are investing in chemical-assisted steam flooding (C-EOR) to increase recovery rates while reducing water and energy consumption. For example, TotalEnergies’ offshore polymer injection project in Angola has demonstrated significant success in improving oil recovery in deep-sea reservoirs. With offshore oil accounting for nearly 30% of global production, Chemical EOR represents a high-potential opportunity in deepwater and unconventional reservoirs.
Strategic Partnerships Driving Innovation and Market Growth
As Chemical EOR technologies evolve, strategic partnerships between oil producers and chemical suppliers are accelerating innovation and large-scale adoption. Chevron and Dow have partnered to develop next-generation surfactants tailored for complex reservoirs. Baker Hughes and ADNOC are collaborating on customized polymer flooding solutions for Middle Eastern oil fields. Schlumberger and BASF are working together on enhanced surfactant formulations that improve oil mobility while reducing chemical costs. These partnerships enable faster innovation by combining oilfield expertise with chemical R&D, cost-sharing for large-scale field trials, and customized solutions that address specific reservoir challenges. By leveraging these collaborations, companies can reduce technology deployment risks, enhance operational efficiency, and accelerate market adoption of Chemical EOR solutions.
Competitive Landscape
The major players operating in the chemical enhanced oil recovery (EOR) market are Air Liquide, Baker Hughes Company, BP Plc, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, Croda International, Haliburton Corporation, Linde Plc, Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Schlumberger Limited, Secure Energy Services, Suncor Energy Inc., TechnipFMC plc, Titan Oil Recovery, Ultimate EOR Services, XYTEL Corporation. These major players operating in this market have adopted various strategies comprising M&A, investment in R&D, collaborations, partnerships, regional business expansion, and new product launch.
Recent Developments
- 10-Mar-25, Shell and partners start petroleum production at the Gumusut- Kakap- Geronggong- Jagus East (GKGJE) Phase 4 project on the Brunei-Malaysia border, expecting 21,000 barrels per day (bpd).
- 07-Mar-25, JERA and BP have unveiled the leadership team for their 50-50 offshore wind joint venture, JERA Nex bp, set to become a leading global offshore wind developer. Nathalie Oosterlinck has been appointed CEO of the new entity. The partnership aims to drive offshore wind expansion worldwide.
- 06-Mar-25, Baker Hughes and Woodside Energy announced a joint initiative to develop a lower-carbon power generation technology utilizing the Net Power platform for oil and gas, LNG, and heavy industries. The initiative builds on their 2022 MoU, focusing on the feasibility and scalability of the platform while capturing nearly all CO₂ emissions.
Notes for Editors
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