Uchenna Izundu
International Editor
LONDON, Jan. 27 -- Several natural gas discoveries in Algeria's Reggane and Ahnet basins could prove to be important future resources for Repsol YPF SA.
After drilling exploration well KLS-1, it tested the isolated Kahlouche Sud structure in the North Reggane concession, and gas flowed at 629,000 cu m/day at a depth of 3,720 m through a 32/64-in. choke.
Meanwhile, discovery well OTLH-2, drilled in the M'Sari Akabli concession, flowed on test 249,000 cu m/day of gas at a depth of 1,280 m, and 110,000 cu m/day of gas at 1,340 m; both flowed through 32/64-in. chokes, said RWE Dea AG, a consortium partner. This new independent structure was the first discovery on this block and was in its center.
The wells were drilled in Algeria's Sahara Desert and proved there is gas flow from the Lower Devonian level.
Repsol YPF said the Reggane basin is a major driver for future growth and its holdings add up to total net reserves of 145 million boe.
The consortium secured exploration rights during the 2002-03 Algerian bidding rounds. During 2005-07, three discoveries were made in Reggane: Sali-1 (SLI-1), Kahlouche-2 (KL-2), and the Reggane-6 (RG-6); one exploration well in Upper Ordovician, plus two positive appraisal wells.
Repsol YPF operates the consortium with a 33.75% stake and RWE Dea has a 22.5% interest. Other partners are Sonatrach with 25% and Edison SPA with 18.75%.
Contact Uchenna Izundu at [email protected].
