The current work examines the application of system dynamics to real options through work with a major energy firm to apply real options. Five key challenges facing the real options community are presented and potential system dynamics contributions to these challenges are discussed. Two cases from a BP research project illustrate how system dynamics can be used to develop and value real options. The work shows that the use of systems dynamics in real option development and valuation can 1) address key challenges facing the real options community and increase the use of real options in the oil and gas industry 2) allow system dynamicists to offer increased value in developing and valuing flexibility and 3) open system dynamics to new markets of research collaboration and potential clients.