Métodos para desenvolver hidrocarbonetos a partir de uma formação rochosa rica em composto orgânico, a partir de uma formação de subsuperfície em uma área em desenvolvimento e a partir de uma formaçã de xisto betuminoso, para minimizar o impacto ambiental em uma área de desenvolvimento de hidrocarbonetos e para minimizar xisto betuminoso não pirolisado em uma formação de subsuperfície

A method for developing hydrocarbons from a subsurface formation. The subsurface formation may include oil shale. The method may include conductively heating portions of an organic-rich rock formation located in a development area, thereby pyrolyzing at least a portion of formation hydrocarbons located in a heated zone in the organic-rich rock formation into hydrocarbon fluids. The heat may be generated from one or more wellbores completed within the formation, such as by means of a resistive heating element. At least one unheated zone is preserved within the organic-rich rock formation. This leaves a portion of the development area substantially unpyrolyzed. The at least one unheated zone is sized or configured in order to substantially optimize that portion of the development area in which the organic-rich rock is pyrolyzed while controlling subsidence above the organic-rich rock formation.