Sustainable operations: well selection in oil and gas projects

Purpose This study aims to enhance decision-making in the selection of oil and gas (OG) wells for stimulation operations by integrating sustainability into project management practices. By proposing an innovative multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework, the research seeks to improve production efficiency while considering economic and environmental factors. Design/methodology/approach The proposed framework employs an interval-valued spherical fuzzy (IVSF) entropy method to determine the weights of 14 critical criteria from both engineering and managerial perspectives. Four fuzzy ranking methods are then applied to evaluate well selection strategies, with the results aggregated using the Borda method. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to assess the robustness of the approach, particularly in mitigating risks associated with economic forecasts for carbonate reservoirs. Findings The study demonstrates that the proposed MCDM-based framework enhances decision-making by providing a structured and transparent evaluation of OG well selection. The integration of sustainability-focused criteria ensures alignment with project objectives while improving economic viability. The sensitivity analysis confirms the reliability of the method, indicating its effectiveness in addressing uncertainties in economic forecasts and operational risks. Originality/value This research presents a novel approach that bridges project management innovation with sustainable well selection in the OG industry. By leveraging IVSF entropy and multiple fuzzy ranking techniques, the study introduces a more comprehensive and resilient decision-making model. The findings offer practical implications for both technical and managerial stakeholders, supporting more informed, efficient and sustainable OG reservoir management.