Chevron Corp. reported the successful conclusion of the initial 12-well exploration drilling program by its subsidiary, Chevron Canada Ltd., in the Kaybob area of the liquids-rich portion of the Duvernay shale play in west-central Alberta.
Five wells have been completed and are tied into production facilities, and an additional four wells are waiting on completion and tie-in. Liquids yield for the completed wells range 30-70% with initial production rates as high as 7.5 MMcfd of gas and 1,300 b/d of condensate.
“Early results of our Duvernay exploration program are encouraging,” said George Kirkland, Chevron vice-chairman.
Jeff Shellebarger, president of Chevron North America Exploration & Production Co., said well performance and condensate yields exceeded the company’s expectations. “Near term-plans include transitioning to a 2-rig drilling program to optimize well and completion design, and full field spacing requirements,” he said.
Chevron Canada boosted its lease position in the Duvernay shale earlier this year by acquiring 67,900 net acres from Alta Energy Luxembourg SARL and affiliates (OGJ Online, Aug. 2, 2013). The company now holds 325,000 net acres in the Kaybob area of the Duvernay play.
