ConocoPhillips Alaska makes oil discovery in NPR-A

Jan. 13, 2017
ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc. reported making an oil discovery in the Greater Mooses Tooth (GMT) Unit in the northeast section of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A).

ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc. reported making an oil discovery in the Greater Mooses Tooth (GMT) Unit in the northeast section of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A). The Willow discovery wells, Tinmiaq 2 and 6, were drilled in early 2016 and encountered 72 ft and 42 ft of net pay, respectively, in the Brookian Nanushuk formation. ConocoPhillips has a 78% working interest in the discovery; Anadarko Petroleum Corp. holds the remaining interest.

The two discovery wells, about 4 miles apart, are 28 miles west of the Alpine Central Facility. The Tinmiaq 2 well was tested and established good reservoir deliverability with a sustained 12-hr test rate of 3,200 b/d of 44° gravity oil. Initial technical estimates indicate the discovery could have recoverable resource potential in excess of 300 million bbl of oil, ConocoPhillips said.

Appraisal of the discovery will start this month with the acquisition of 3D seismic. Subject to appraisal results and the choice of development scenario, Willow could produce as much as 100,000 b/d of oil. Initial commercial production could occur as early as 2023, “assuming timely permit approvals and competitive project economics,” the company said.

In a follow-up to the Willow discovery, ConocoPhillips and its bidding partner, Anadarko, were successful in December’s federal lease sale on the western North Slope, awarded 65 tracts for a total of 594,972 gross acres. ConocoPhillips independently was successful in December’s state lease sale on the western North Slope, awarded 74 tracts for a total of 142,280 gross acres.