This is the main conventional gas initiative underway in the country, which at the end of 2024 will begin to produce 10 million cubic meters per day, about 8% of the current total.
TotalEnergies together with its partners Wintershall Dea Argentina and Pan American Energy began drilling activities for the three natural gas producing wells of the Fénix Project, an offshore gas development off the coast of Tierra del Fuego that had its previous milestone in February, when The production platform manufactured in Italy was completed.
According to a recent statement, drilling of the first of these three horizontal wells began on May 24, marking the beginning of the last stage prior to production.
According to the schedule, completing the underwater excavations will take approximately seven months.
The platform for the excavation arrived from the North Sea aboard a heavy cargo ship, on a journey of 14,000 kilometers that was completed in 35 days.
These works are expected to be completed by the end of 2024, at which time a production of 10 million cubic meters of natural gas per day is estimated, which will represent close to 8% of the country’s current gas production.
Once operational, the gas will be transported through a gas pipeline that will connect to the Vega Pléyade offshore platform. Subsequently, the gas will be processed and conditioned at the Río Cullen plant, before entering the San Martín Gasduct.
Offshore development in Argentina is growing hand in hand with this project and the ventures in Mar del Plata.
Underwater drilling
The three wells were drilled with a Noble Regina Allen drilling platform, also known as a jackup rig, which arrived in the country after a transoceanic transfer of more than 14,000 kilometers, from the North Sea, in just 35 days, aboard a ship heavy load. Upon arrival, it was unloaded in the project operation area.
“Following the successful installation of the production platform in February and the extensive and detailed preparation work for the drilling campaign in recent months, we are excited to begin the next phase in the development of Fénix,” said Manfred Boeckmann, CEO by Wintershall Dea Argentina.
The manager added that they are making promising progress towards putting it into production.
Fénix Project, the main conventional gas project in the country
With an investment of 700 million dollars, the Fénix Project is currently the main conventional gas development in Argentina.
This offshore initiative is essential to increase domestic gas production, and its volumes are expected to contribute to the country’s energy supply for more than 15 years.
The offshore activities of the Fénix Project are carried out simultaneously with production operations in the Austral Marine Basin, managed by Total Austral, the Argentine subsidiary of TotalEnergies.
The Fénix project foresees a production of 10 million cubic meters of natural gas per day, which will represent about 8% of the country’s current gas production.
This basin, the southernmost in the world, has been a focus of gas production since the 1970s, currently producing around 20 million cubic meters of gas per day, equivalent to 15% of national production.
It was declared of interest by the provinces of Tierra del Fuego and Santa Cruz, as well as by the Patagonian Parliament.
In addition, it is expected to promote the reactivation of the ports of Puerto Deseado and Punta Quilla, in Santa Cruz, increasing their operation.
What is the equipment that performs the drilling like?
TotalEnergies specified that the equipment chosen for drilling “is an industry leader and is especially prepared to operate in complex climatic conditions.”
It has a large deck of 8,570 square meters, a load capacity of 3,500 tons and can drill to a depth of 35,000 feet, which ensures autonomy under the challenging conditions of the South Atlantic.
The Noble Regina Allen platform was assembled using a special system that positioned the unit on the Fénix production structure, installed last February.
The team responsible for drilling the three horizontal wells is made up of 120 people.
Half of these professionals are of Argentine origin, belonging to various companies specialized in drilling and completing wells.
*D.C.
