Abstract: A system and method for producing hydrocarbons from a subsurface hydrocarbon-bearing formation. The system includes a production well, at least part of the production well located in a portion of the hydrocarbon-bearing formation. A heating well is also provided, at least part of the heating well located in a portion of the hydrocarbon-bearing formation; wherein the heating well includes a main well and a plurality of smaller bore lateral wells extending into the hydrocarbon-bearing formation. The smaller bore lateral wells improve heat distribution within the formation, and so fewer heating wells are required to achieve the same effect as using heating wells without smaller bore lateral wells.

Abstract: A configuration of elongate subsurface heaters (20) in a subsurface oil shale formation (10) for use in hydrocarbon production. The heaters (20) are grouped into a series of columns (40), and the columns extend generally perpendicular to the sedimentary layers (50) of the subsurface oil shale formation (10). The heaters may also be grouped into a series of layers, with each layer extending in one sedimentary layer of the oil shale formation.

Abstract: A system and method for producing hydrocarbons from a subsurface hydrocarbon-bearing formation. The system includes a production well, at least part of the production well located in a portion of the hydrocarbon-bearing formation. A heating well is also provided, at least part of the heating well located in a portion of the hydrocarbon-bearing formation; wherein the heating well includes a main well and a plurality of smaller bore lateral wells extending into the hydrocarbon-bearing formation. The smaller bore lateral wells improve heat distribution within the formation, and so fewer heating wells are required to achieve the same effect as using heating wells without smaller bore lateral wells.