Wintershall Holding GMBH plans to drill an exploratory well on the Aguada Federal block in central Argentina to examine the potential of shale rock in the Vaca Muerta formation.
The German company has plans for a second well this year. Depending on results from the vertical wells, Wintershall plans to drill up to six horizontal wells in the area.
Operator Wintershall Energia SA gained a 50% interest in the block in Neuquen province in 2014. Gas y Petroleo del Neuquen SA also has 50% (OGJ Online, Apr. 8, 2013).
“There is a great deal of potential in shale rock in Argentina, but we need additional insights regarding the exact nature of the reservoir,” said Mario Mehren, a Wintershall director responsible for exploration and production in Argentina.
Active in Neuquen province for more than 20 years, Wintershall also holds shares in San Roque, Aguada Pichana, and Bandurria blocks.
