Collaboration with SLB aims to enhance oil and gas exploration, reduce emissions
KARACHI:
Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) – Pakistan’s largest oil and gas exploration firm – has partnered with a global technology firm to enhance the use of technology for better planning, exploration, and production of oil and gas deposits across Pakistan. SLB, a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange and operating in around 100 countries, will assist OGDCL in improving controls over carbon footprints and combating climate change by developing technologies that reduce emissions and enhance geothermal energy for a better future for people and the planet.
In a statement, SLB said that as part of the collaboration, it will help OGDCL develop a plan to evaluate the geothermal potential of 25 fields in the North, South, and Central basins in Pakistan, which have been pre-selected by the state-owned domestic exploration firm. The international firm’s experts, together with the OGDCL team, will assess surface, subsurface, and well data for the fields to identify focus areas and estimate their geothermal potential using regional models and well productivity calculations.
The initial OGDCL pilot project’s scope includes screening, evaluation, and selection of nine fields for detailed analysis, evaluation of geothermal potential, wellbore modelling, and determination of next steps. SLB stated on its website, “We create and deploy the technology and systems needed to simultaneously reduce emissions while meeting the world’s growing energy demands, ensuring progress for people and the planet, on the journey to net zero and beyond.”
Ahmed Hayat Lak, MD/CEO of OGDCL, was quoted in the statement saying, “OGDCL is committed to exploring innovative avenues for energy development in Pakistan, and its collaboration with SLB marks a significant step toward harnessing the country’s geothermal potential. By leveraging SLB’s expertise and technology, we aim to not only evaluate the potential of geothermal resources but also contribute to sustainable energy solutions for the nation.”
Karim Badawi, MENA development director for SLB’s New Energy Business, said, “The geothermal pilot project study encompassing fields across the country’s three basins is an important first step in Pakistan’s journey to develop its geothermal resources, and we are excited to work with OGDCL on exploring renewable, lower carbon energy sources.” Governments across the region are recognising the potential of geothermal as an alternative clean energy source that can support their net zero initiatives.
In its latest financial statement for the three quarters ending March 31, 2024, OGDCL reported that six exploration blocks were awarded to the company, comprising four operated blocks and two non-operated blocks. However, drilling activities were impacted by a shortage of spare parts and consumables for rig equipment due to LC (letter of credit/import) issues, leading to the stacking of rig N-1 and delays in the repair and maintenance work of other rigs.
The company has drilled eight wells in the nine-month period, including three exploratory wells. Drilling and testing of four wells from the previous fiscal year were also completed. Total drilling recorded during the six months was 25,777 meters (9M 2022-23: 23,959 meters). OGDCL’s exploration activities yielded four gas condensate discoveries in different parts of the country. The expected combined daily production potential of these discoveries is 481 barrels of oil and 28 million cubic feet (MMcf) of gas.
OGDCL’s average daily net saleable crude oil, gas, and LPG (liquid petroleum gas) production remained stable at 33,339 barrels, 720 MMcf, and 735 tons, respectively, in the nine-month period. Their share in domestic production stood at 46%, 28%, and 38%, respectively.
