OREANDA-NEWS. Gazprom Neft, Tatneft and Zarubezhneft have concluded a Memorandum of Cooperation on the development of the skills and competencies needed for the development of exceptionally challenging projects in opening up carbonate deposits. The document, outlining the principles of joint activities and key areas of focus, was signed by Gazprom Neft CEO Alexander Dyukov, Deputy CEO and Chief Geologist, Tatneft, Rais Khisamov, and Zarubezhneft CEO Sergei Kudryashov.

The consortium will provide an effective forum for securing new knowledge in the estimation, exploration, prospecting, development and enhanced oil recovery of carbonate reservoirs. Potential opportunities for joint activities by Gazprom Neft, Tatneft and Zarubezhneft include the full cycle of creating new technologies for work with carbonate reservoirs, from initial research and pilot and developmental activities through to their implementation and wider utilisation.

Key areas of focus in developing a knowledge sharing system will include regular seminars and conferences, as well as the development of a scheme for sharing information on the outcomes of implementing new technologies. The consortium’s work will be coordinated by a Technical Committee, comprising two representatives from each company. The Memorandum is expected to remain in force until 2030.

Gazprom Neft CEO Alexander Dyukov commented: “As part of its Technology Strategy Gazprom Neft is implementing a programme to bring various categories of reserves into production. Our company is committed to finding the most effective methods of working with hard-to-recover and non-traditional hydrocarbon resources. Combining Gazprom Neft’s technological and scientific potential with that of other major industry players allows us to continue developing new approaches and technologies to bring additional hydrocarbon reserves into commercial production effectively.”

Carbonate reservoirs are strata predominantly composed mainly of limestone and dolomite. A key characteristic feature of carbonate reservoirs is their reservoir porosity and permeability, with complex void structures. Hydrocarbons in carbonates are often found in what is known as a “double medium” — the primary content being held in pores, with a secondary capacity being held in fissures and cavities. Significant difficulty in developing such fields arises from their geological inhomogeneity, both laterally and vertically. . The high chemical reactivity of many carbonate rocks should also be noted.

Sixty percent of oil reserves worldwide are held in carbonate strata.