Africazine:
Egypt is set to enhance its energy landscape with a significant intervention at a gas well in the Western Desert.
The Badr El Din Petroleum Company (Bapetco) will spearhead a record hydraulic fracturing operation at the Obaiyed H18 horizontal well, with Halliburton providing essential services. This operation aims to improve gas extraction and bolster domestic energy supplies.
Egypt’s Ambitious Gas Extraction Initiative
The Obaiyed H18 well, drilled in 2019, reaches a depth of approximately 5,630 metres, featuring a horizontal section that extends over 1,600 metres through gas-bearing formations. The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has outlined that this operation will employ six successive fracturing stages to enhance gas flow.
Preparations will commence with a drilling rig, followed by rigless stimulation work, and the deployment of specialized servicing equipment to complete the well. Halliburton has mobilized 18 high-pressure pumps, boasting a combined hydraulic capacity exceeding 40,000 horsepower for this operation.
Strategic Goals for Egypt’s Energy Sector
This initiative is part of Egypt’s five-year strategy aimed at maximizing the potential of existing oil and gas infrastructure. The plan focuses on applying advanced extraction techniques to counteract declining output from mature reservoirs. If successful, this approach could be replicated across other horizontal wells in Egypt, unlocking further gas resources.
Next Steps for the Hydraulic Fracturing Operation
- Work is expected to begin in the coming days.
- Preparations will utilize a drilling rig before stimulation work starts.
- Specialized servicing equipment will be deployed to complete the well.
Egypt’s strategic intervention at the Obaiyed H18 well marks a pivotal step towards enhancing domestic energy supplies.
