Amman, Nov. 19 (Petra) -- Energy Minister Saleh Kharabsheh struck a cautiously optimistic tone about Risheh gas field discoveries, saying that while reserves appear substantial, their strategic value hinges on comprehensive economic viability assessments to quantify their potential contribution to the national economy.

At a government forum Tuesday, Kharabsheh detailed Risheh field's gas reserve estimates, presenting findings alongside Communication Minister Mohammad Momani. The study employs standard industry classifications - high, medium, and low scenarios - with median projections serving as the primary benchmark for development planning.

Initial assessments indicate median in-place gas reserves of 11.990 trillion cubic feet, with a 39 percent recovery factor yielding potentially recoverable reserves of 4.675 trillion cubic feet, Kharabsheh revealed.

Conservative estimates place reserves at 9.39 trillion cubic feet with a 30 percent recovery rate, suggesting 2.835 trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas. Under optimistic projections, reserves could reach 14.600 trillion cubic feet, with a 43 percent recovery factor pointing to 6.350 trillion cubic feet of extractable resources.

The National Petroleum Company plans a major strategic overhaul to develop the Risheh field, with investments exceeding 2 billion dinars over a decade, a project encompassing production facilities and transmission networks, according to the minister.

The development strategy draws on international expertise, with WesternGeco Schlumberger conducting Gas Initially in Place (GIIP) assessments and France's Beicip Franlab handling reserve certification, following initial geophysical analysis and static modeling by the National Petroleum Company.

Central to the infrastructure plan is a proposed 320-kilometer pipeline linking Risheh to Khanasri. Initial capacity is set at 150 million cubic feet daily, with potential expansion to 500 million in its second phase.

The government aims to accelerate natural gas distribution to industrial zones nationwide, positioning the resource as a catalyst for industrial development.

NPC Director-General Mohammad Khasawneh outlined an ambitious development strategy for the Risheh field, which currently produces 45 million cubic feet daily, partially utilized by the Risheh power station.

Against Jordan's daily gas demand of 340 million cubic feet, the company's 2024-2029 work program targets drilling 70 wells, including 26 development wells, to achieve production of 150 million cubic feet daily by 2029.

Highlighting the capital-intensive nature of the project, Communications Minister Mohammad Momani emphasized that field development demands substantial long-term investment and extended development cycles.

The minister characterized the Risheh discoveries as a strategic milestone in Jordan's economic modernization agenda, with preliminary assessments reinforcing the field's development potential.

//Petra// AA


19/11/2024 17:45:13