Russia has huge hydrocarbon reserves on the sea shelf, but their development requires unique technologies. Deputy Chairman of the Board of Gazprom Oleg Aksyutin spoke about the key areas of work.
The potential of the shelf areas is estimated at 13.4 billion tons of standard fuel. Already open deposits contain 10.9 trillion cubic meters of gas. Another 2.2 trillion cubic meters are ready to start drilling, and oil and condensate reserves exceed 200 million tons.
Gazprom is currently producing at the Kirinskoye field as part of the Sakhalin-3 project. In the near future, it is planned to launch three more fields with total reserves of 1.4 trillion cubic meters of gas. These are the Yuzhno-Kirinskoye and North-Kamennomysskoye fields, located in the Ob Bay.
Experience at the Kirinskoye field allowed us to create a technological base for solving complex problems. This is especially important in conditions of limited access to imported equipment. The company is now focused on two main challenges.
The first is the creation of a domestic system for underwater gas production and treatment. The second is the development of an underwater booster compressor station. The implementation of these projects will allow the commissioning of up to 16.7 trillion cubic meters of natural gas. Work is also underway to create our own unmanned underwater vehicles, since now the share of imports in this segment is 100%.
Another important task is to increase the speed and accuracy of data processing geological exploration. The short navigation period, lasting from two to five months, greatly limits the possibilities. If drilling work could not be carried out this season, the next attempt is possible only in a year.
An interesting approach is proposed for working in Arctic conditions. Instead of increasing the ice stability of platforms or placing them underwater, the possibility of actively controlling the ice situation in drilling areas is being considered. Specific technologies for this have not yet been disclosed.
Shelf development is the strategic future of the Russian oil and gas industry. As traditional deposits are depleted, these reserves will become increasingly in demand. However, high investment risks and a long development cycle constrain the activity of companies. For example, last year the Ministry of Natural Resources received only three applications for geological study of marine areas. Overcoming technological barriers will be the key to the successful development of this area.
The material was prepared with the support of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science as part of the Decade of Science and Technology.
Source: @nefte_baza
