BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 28. Uzbekneftegaz is
preparing to introduce directional and horizontal drilling
technologies in cooperationwith U.S.-based energy technology
company SLB, formerly known as Schlumberger, and China National
Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) to increase production from existing
wells, the company said on October 27.
SLB provides oilfield technologies and services, including
directional drilling, well construction and production
optimization. The company operates in more than 100 countries and
supports oil and gas producers across the energy value chain. China
National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) is a major Chinese
state-owned energy company whose operations cover oil and gas
exploration and production, refining, pipeline transportation and
oilfield engineering services.
According to preliminary estimates by Uzbekneftegaz, the
introduction of directional and horizontal drilling could increase
daily production from individual wells by 50%-60% compared with
conventional vertical drilling. However, actual results will depend
on geological conditions and the implementation of the
technologies.
To support production at existing fields, Uzbekneftegaz is also
purchasing 35 small compressors worth $78.5 million. Seven units
have been delivered, and installation is underway.
The expansion of drilling capacity and the adoption of advanced
technologies are aimed at replenishing Uzbekistan’s hydrocarbon
reserves and improving output from existing fields. The results
will depend on exploration success, the timely deployment of
equipment and the ability to translate technological upgrades into
sustained production gains.
