Saudi Arabia's state oil company Aramco discovered two natural gas fields, Al-Hiran and Al-Mahakik, in the Empty Quarter, the country's Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman announced on Sunday.
The discoveries support Aramco's strategy to increase gas production by more than half, over 2021 levels, through 2030, subject to domestic demand.
'The discovery of Al-Hiran natural gas field was confirmed after gas flowed from the Hanifa reservoir in the Al-Hiran - 1 well, at a rate of 30 million standard cubic feet (MMSCF), and 1,600 barrels of condensates daily (BCPD), and from the Al-Arab - C reservoir in the same field at a rate of 3.1 MMSCFD,' the ministry said in a statement.
Another discovery in Al-Mahakik natural gas field was confirmed after gas flowed from the Al-Mahakik - 2 well, at a rate of 0.85 MMSCFD, the ministry added.
According to the statement, the country discovered gas in five reservoirs in previously discovered fields.
'It was discovered in the Jallah reservoir in the Usaikerak field in the Empty Quarter, after gas flowed at a rate of 46 MMSCFD, in addition to discovering an additional natural gas reservoir in the Shadoun field, west of Haradh, after gas flowed from Unayzah – A reservoir, at a rate of 15.5 MMSCFD, with about 460 BCPD,' the ministry said.
'Natural gas was also discovered in Unayzah B/C reservoirs in the Mazalij field, southwest of Dhahran, where gas flowed at a rate of 14 MMSCFD, with about 4,150 BCPD, and in the Al-Sarah reservoir in the Al-Wadhihi field and the Al-Qusaibah reservoir in the Awtad field, southwest of Hofuf city, where natural gas flowed at a rate of 11.7 MMSCFD and 5.1 MMSCFD, respectively, with about 57 BCPD,' it added.
By Sibel Morrow
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr