Saudi Aramco produced the first unconventional tight gas from its South Ghawar operational area in Saudi Arabia. Production is 2 months ahead of schedule.
Commissioned facilities at South Ghawar have 300 MMscfd of raw gas processing capacity and 38,000 b/d of condensate processing capacity. In response to growing demand for gas, the company said it will increase overall processing capacity to deliver 750 MMscfd of raw gas in the near future.
Saudi Arabia’s Unconventional Resources Program, launched in 2013, aims to boost gas production to meet domestic needs, displace crude oil in power generation, supply feedstock for petrochemicals, and stimulate regional economies (OGJ Online, May 29, 2018).
Ghawar is Aramco’s second unconventional gas stream after production commenced at North Arabia field in 2018 with the delivery of 240 MMscfd to customers in Wa’ad Al-Shamal. Work is simultaneously progressing at Jafurah unconventional gas field, which is the largest liquid-rich shale gas play in the Middle East.
