One area of complementary research will involve the Extreme Drilling Lab, a new facility at the NETL for observing and modeling the performance of drilling equipment and fluids under high-pressure and high-temperature (HP/HT) conditions. Using physical simulation facilities unique to the industry, NETL scientists will study phenomena related to ultra-deep drilling, building unique data sets and expertise in the areas of rock mechanics, and novel drilling fluids. The lab will also enable the study of novel electronics, sensors and completion equipment in HP/HT environments. Beyond the physical simulation capabilities, the lab will also incorporate ultra-deep drilling simulation models and a rock mechanics laboratory.

Other complementary research may include fundamental studies related to domestic enhanced oil recovery (EOR), unconventional oil, treatment and beneficial use of produced water, and basic research into the environmental impacts of oil and gas development. The NETL is developing this plan in consultation with stakeholders.