Noble Energy sanctions Alen gas development project
Noble Energy Inc. has sanctioned the Alen natural gas development project offshore Equatorial Guinea with the start of production expected in first-half 2021 (OGJ Online, May 10, 2018).
Gas will be processed through Alba Plant LLC’s liquefied petroleum gas plant and EGLNG’s LNG plant at Punta Europa, Bioko Island—both onshore and Marathon Oil-operated.
“The Alen development is the first step towards creating an offshore natural gas hub in Equatorial Guinea, which will open the potential for future monetization of additional discovered resources through existing infrastructure. Noble Energy has discovered 3 tcf of gross natural gas resources in the Douala basin,” said J. Keith Elliott, senior vice-president, offshore, for Noble Energy.
The field, on Blocks O and I offshore Equatorial Guinea, holds total estimated gross recoverable resources of 600 bcf of gas equivalent and has been producing gas condensate since 2013. The gas has been reinjected into the reservoir to enhance liquids recovery (OGJ Online, Jan. 12, 2011).
Primary condensate will continue to be produced and transported to Aseng field production, storage, and offloading vessel for sales. The Alen project will utilize the existing three high-capacity production wells on the platform, with minor modifications necessary to deliver sales gas from the platform. A 24-in., 950 MMcfed capacity pipeline will be constructed to transport all gas processed through the Alen platform some 70 km to the onshore facilities.
Gas sales of 200-300 MMcfed gross (75-115 MMcfed net to Noble) are expected at start-up. The wet gas stream will be tolled through the Alba plant for additional liquids recovery before converting dry gas into LNG via the EGLNG facility. Gas sales are expected to grow modestly as open capacity in the EGLNG plant increases due to declining Alba field production.
Noble plans to sign offtake agreements to sell the LNG in global markets. Cumulative capital expenditure for the project in 2019-20 is $330 million gross ($165 million net to Noble).
Noble operates Alen field with 45% working interest and holds a 28% non-operated working interest in the Alba plant.
