OREANDA-NEWS. Gazprom Neft has completed drilling of the first prospecting and appraisal well for the purpose of commercial analysis and testing of the Bazhenovsky-Abalaksky formation in the Palianovskaya area of Krasnoleninskoye field, which is being developed by Gazpromneft-Khantos . The well produced a gushing flow of gas and oil mixture at a rate of 80 cubic meters per day. Core sample analysis and testing of pay formations confirm that there are highly conductive channels in the shale oil formations.

Gazprom Neft specialists have also looked at the results of testing and operation of the earlier drilled wells that hit the Bazhenovskaya suite and are located relatively close to Krasnoleninskoye field in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug-Yugra. At present, the company is working to create a conceptual geological model of the shale oil deposits and is determining the area for drilling of a new well cluster. Gazprom Neft plans to complete the project documentation for commercial development of shale oil in the Palianovskaya area of Krasnoleninskoye field in the summer of 2013.

Assessment of the potential of Bazhenovsky-Abalaksky formation in Palianovskaya area is Gazprom Neft’s second project which looks into the possibilities of producing shale oil. The company is acquiring similar experience through Salym Petroleum Development (SPD), its joint venture with Shell . Specialists from Gazprom Neft, Shell, and SPD have drafted a road map that defines the stages in the development of the Bazhenovskaya suite at Verkhne-Salymskoye oil field in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug-Yugra.