Gazprom plans fracturing in Western Siberia

Gazprom Neft subsidiary Bazhenov Technology Centre will drill and complete in the Salymsky-3 block for commercial development of the Bazhenov formation, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug-Yugra of western Siberia.

Commercial production of non-conventional oil is expected in 2025.

The first exploration and appraisal well, with a one km-plus horizontal section, has been drilled at the block. More than 300 metres of core samples were sent to laboratories in Khanty-Mansiysk and Tyumen.

Preliminary results indicate hydrocarbons at six intervals throughout the strata.

Gazprom Neft has completed 3D-seismic investigations, surveying more than 300 square km using “Green Seismic” technology which minimises clearance through the forest for seismic equipment. Data interpretation is expected to be complete by the end of 2020. The results will update the geological concept of the Bazhenov formation and traditional deposits in the asset.

The Bazhenov formation comprises a group of oil-bearing rocks covering about one million square km in Western Siberia. The formation lies at a depth of two to three km.

Provisional forecasts indicate geological reserves of 18-60 billion tonnes.

Salymsky-3 block will undergo a 15-stage fracturing operation with plans to begin geological prospecting at neighbouring Salymsky-5 block before yearend.

Reserves in place at Salymsky-3 and Salymsky-5 stand at more than 500 million tonnes oil.

Salymsky-3 and Salymsky-5 licence blocks form part of the asset portfolio of joint venture between Gazprom Neft and Zarubezhneft.

Source: Oil & Gas Journal