Integration of EOR/IOR and environmental technologies in BRICS and nonBRICS: A patent-based critical review

To support a responsible energy transition toward a low-carbon energy matrix and renewable sources, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) of Agenda 2030, the continued production of fossil fuels remains essential for the coming decades, while ensuring social well-being and financing clean energy development. Enhanced and Improved Oil Recovery (EOR/IOR) methods improve recovery rates with low capital and operational expenditure (CAPEX and OPEX). However, environmental preservation must be prioritized. This study offers a comparative analysis of the integration of EOR/IOR and environmental technologies between BRICS and nonBRICS countries, focusing on intermediate Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 4–5), thereby emphasizing potential future applications. Patents from 2002 to 2021 were obtained from the worldwide Espacenet database for 18 EOR/IOR methods, linked to environmental domains through International Patent Classifications. Composite indicators were employed for static and temporal evaluations. Key trends, export activities, technological specialization, revealed advantages and distances, and emerging technologies were analyzed. Technologies addressing both EOR/IOR and environmental concerns represent only 5 % of all EOR/IOR methods, with major contributions from the USA, China, and Russia. USA dominates in export patents, holding 85 %, while BRICS have recently surpassed nonBRICS in patent filings. The technological gap between BRICS and nonBRICS has widened in recent years, with BRICS showing greater specialization. BRICS countries hold technological advantages in methods such as surfactants, polymers, and heat and steam methods, whereas nonBRICS lead in fracture reinforcement, crevice or fracture formation, and WAG. Emerging methods include low salinity water, WAG, microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR), macromolecular compounds, and polymers associated with surfactants. No technological monopolies that could hinder progress toward SDG 7 were identified, although partnerships for specific methods are recommended. The study focuses on TRL 4–5 patents and excludes technologies already in use or protected as trade secrets. COVID-19 pandemic data may also present anomalies. • Methods associating EOR/IOR with environmental protection represent only 5 % of the total; • BRICS countries prioritize EOR/IOR & Environment technologies, whereas nonBRICS countries focus on general EOR/IOR methods; • BRICS countries demonstrate an increasing technological advantage over nonBRICS countries, with a widening technological gap; • Emerging methods include low salinity water and combined technologies such as WAG for carbon capture and storage (CCS).