The partnership operating Taq Taq oil field in the Kurdistan region of Iraq is drilling a well to test northern reach of the free-water level after an independent study cut proved and probable reserves by two thirds (OGJ Online, Mar. 13, 2013).
Depending on results of the TT-29z well, a similar well might be drilled to test the southern extension, according to Genel Energy PLC, London. Genel holds 55% of the TTOPCO partnership with Addax Petroleum Corp., Houston, part of the Sinopec Group. Genel’s working interest is 44%.
The study, by McDaniel & Associates, lowered Taq Taq reserves to 59 million bbl from a yearend 2015 estimate of 172 million bbl.
Genel said the change follows reassessment of the gross rock volume above the oil-water contact and fracture porosity of the undrained Cretaceous Shiranish reservoir.
The study noted “significant uncertainty” in Taq Taq reserves, dependent on Shiranish fracture porosity in the unswept part of the reservoir. The factor is difficult to estimate.
Production has dropped to 19,000 b/d from 36,000 b/d at the end of 2016. Water breakthrough has accelerated production declines of key wells, Genel said. Taq Taq has produced 207.9 million bbl.
The company expects results of the TT-29z well by midyear.
