Aramco successfully produces tight gas at South Ghawar
Saudi Aramco, one of the world's largest energy companies, has successfully produced the first unconventional tight gas from its South Ghawar operational area, two months ahead of schedule, it announced on November 14.
This is a significant milestone in Aramco's strategy to increase gas production by more than half, over 2021 levels, through 2030.
The commissioned facilities at South Ghawar have a processing capacity of 300mn ft3/day of raw gas and 38,000 barrels/day of condensate. Aramco plans to double this capacity in the near future, with the goal of achieving South Ghawar's target of delivering 750mn ft3/day of raw gas.
“This first production of unconventional tight gas from South Ghawar is a milestone that demonstrates real progress on our gas expansion strategy, which we believe has a role to play in meeting the Kingdom’s needs for lower-emission energy and supporting growth in the chemicals sector,” Nasir Al-Naimi, Aramco upstream president, said.
This successful production of tight sand gas represents Aramco's second unconventional gas stream, following the commencement of production at the North Arabia field in 2018. Work is also progressing at the Jafurah unconventional gas field, which is the largest liquid-rich shale gas play in the Middle East, the company said.
Aramco has three major unconventional gas fields: South Ghawar, North Arabia and Jafurah, according to its website.