Gazprom and Wintershall Dea start production from Achim Development

Russian energy firm Gazprom and German gas and oil producer Wintershall Dea have commenced production of gas and condensate from Area 4A in the Achimov formations of the onshore Urengoyskoye field in Western Siberia, Russia.

Achim Development, a joint venture between Gazprom and Wintershall Dea, has also started hot commissioning of Area 4A.

Upon successful completion of the hot commissioning phase, Achim Development will move ahead with the commercial production of hydrocarbons.

The hot commissioning process involves filling up the production complex with raw gas to test it under operating conditions.

Additionally, Achim Development is planning to commence the commissioning process for Area 5A located in Achimov formations in the first quarter of this year.

Area 4A/5A is located north of Area 1A of the Urengoyskoye field. Production from the Area 1A block was started in 2008 by Achimgaz, a 50:50 joint venture between Wintershall Dea and Gazprom Dobycha Urengoy,

Wintershall Dea board chairman and CEO Mario Mehren said: “Our gas projects in Russia are the cornerstone of our company’s business in terms of both reserves and production. A gas-focused portfolio is our strategy for the future, and the partnership with Gazprom remains a strategic priority.

“So the successful start-up of the Achim Development project makes a significant contribution to our strategic goals, and is an impressive highlight in the long and fruitful history of our partnership.”

Wintershall Dea said that the Achimov formations, which are located at a depth of nearly 4,000m, are characterised by very high formation pressures. This makes the development of Area 4A/5A a technological challenge.

Gazprom and Wintershall Dea are planning to drill more than 140 wells at Area 4A/5A.

Wintershall owns 25.01% stake in Achim Development, while Gazprom owns a majority share of 74.99%.

Last year, Wintershall Dea pledged to achieve net-zero emissions from upstream activities by 2030 to address the issue of climate change.