JSC Gazprom Neft reports completion of well testing at its BD4 appraisal well in the Badra field in eastern Iraq, recording a natural flow rate of 7,000 b/d.
Sequential testing of six strata was followed by concurrent testing of all pay horizons. Testing continues at two other wells.
Infrastructure to bring the field into commercial production is nearing completion, Gazprom Neft said. Work continues on construction of a 170,000-b/d central gathering facility. Gazprom Neft also plans on a 1.5 billion cu m/year gas conversion plant.
Badra development plans include 17 total production wells and 5 injection wells, with output expected to reach 170,000 b/d by 2017.
“With well testing completed, we are one step closer to beginning commercial production at the Badra field,” said Vadim Yakovlev, Gazprom Neft first deputy chief executive officer. “Since beginning development—practically from scratch—just 3 years ago, a Gazprom Neft-led consortium has completed a major project in establishing all the facilities necessary for large-scale production at Badra, and this will begin as early as this year.”
Gazprom Neft has 30% interest in the Badra project in Wasit Province. Partners include Iraqi Oil Exploration Co. 25%, South Korea’s Kogas 22.5%, Malaysia’s Petronas 15%, and Turkey’s TPAO 7.5%.