BP Expects First Gas From Oman's Khazzan Field in 2017

Energy major BP expects to produce first gas from Oman’s Khazzan field by 2017 at a rate of 1 billion cubic feet (bcf) a day, news agency Reuters quoted a senior official as saying.

"2017 is when we plan to have the first gas from the field, and that ramps up to 1 bcf a day - it may actually ramp up to 1 bcf a day very quickly," Michael Townshend, president of BP Middle East, told reporters in Abu Dhabi, the news agency reported.

Total investment in the first phase to reach the initial gas production target will be $16 billion, he added.

Earlier this month, Times of Oman reported that BP will complete 16 wells in Khazzan tight gas field in Block 61 and will have at least nine rigs in operation by the end of this year.

Sanctioned in December 2013, the Khazzan project represents the first phase in the development of one of the Middle East region’s largest unconventional tight gas plays.

BP is the operator of Block 61 and holds a 60% interest. The Oman Oil Company for Exploration and Production holds remaining 40% interest.