Best Methods for Abandoning an Idle Oil Well and the Longevity of Wellbore Cement

Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Jim Crompton, Student Researcher Vandan Bhalala, and Energy Finance Lab Program Director Brad Handler write about how plugging and abandoning an idle oil well is a critical process in oil and gas operations during the later stages of the life of a wellbore, environmental, safety and economic perspectives. They look at the best methods for abandoning an idle oil well, as well as the durability and longevity of cement barrier used in wellbores against leakage of methane gas.  August 21, 2025.