The Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has commenced commercial production of tight gas from its Nur West Well-1, located in the Sujawal district of Sindh. This development, reported on August 13, marks a significant step in harnessing Pakistan’s unconventional gas resources.
Tight gas is a type of natural gas trapped within rock formations that are difficult to extract, requiring advanced techniques for production. Despite these challenges, the Nur West Well-1 is now successfully producing 1.5 million cubic feet of gas per day. This output is a vital addition to the national grid, as it is being integrated into the supply managed by the Sui Southern Gas Company, which is responsible for distributing gas across various regions of Pakistan.
The well was drilled to an impressive depth of nearly 3 kilometers, a process that posed several technical challenges. However, OGDCL managed to overcome these difficulties by employing hydraulic fracturing, a method that involves injecting fluid into the rock at high pressure to release the gas.
OGDCL, which fully owns and operates the Nur West Well-1 project, is deeply committed to the exploration and development of tight gas reserves within Pakistan. This initiative is part of the company’s broader strategy to enhance the country’s energy resources and reduce dependency on imported energy. The successful extraction of tight gas from this well demonstrates OGDCL’s capability in dealing with complex geological formations and reinforces its role as a leading player in Pakistan’s energy sector.
In addition to the success at Nur West Well-1, OGDCL has also reported encouraging results from another well located in the Kohat district. These findings indicate the potential for additional gas production, which could further strengthen Pakistan’s energy supply in the future.
The company’s ongoing efforts in exploring and developing new gas reserves are crucial for meeting the growing energy demands of the country and ensuring a stable and sustainable energy future.
The commencement of tight gas production from the Nur West Well-1 not only contributes to the current energy supply but also highlights the potential of unconventional gas resources in Pakistan. As OGDCL continues its exploration activities, the prospects for discovering and developing new energy sources remain promising, paving the way for a more secure energy landscape.
