Gazprom Neft to launch all infrastructure at Ignyalinskoye field, gas portion of Chona in 2026 - CEO Dyukov

VLADIVOSTOK. Sept 5 (Interfax) - Gazprom Neft is developing a major hydrocarbon production center in Eastern Siberia and plans to launch all infrastructure at the Ignyalinskoye field and the gas portion of the Chony project in 2026, the Russian oil company's CEO, Alexander Dyukov told reporters at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF).

Dyukov said he visited the company's production assets in Eastern Siberia on the way to the EEF.

"The development of a large production center in Eastern Siberia is one of Gazprom Neft's priorities for the next few years. Our assets in Eastern Siberia are characterized by difficult geology, including the particulars of the tectonic structure of productive horizons, abnormal formation pressure and low formation temperature. But we have found the technological keys to these difficult reserves," Dyukov said.

"The company sees great potential in projects in Eastern Siberia, since they are oriented toward supplying hydrocarbons to the promising markets of countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The development of these reserves also facilitates the socioeconomic development of Russian regions in Eastern Siberia," Dyukov said.

He recalled that Gazprom Neft is developing the oil rim of the Chayanda field, which is the company's anchor asset in Eastern Siberia at the moment.

The company is also working on the Chona cluster, which is located near the Eastern Siberia - Pacific Ocean oil pipeline and Power of Siberia gas pipeline. The gas part of the cluster is being developed in the Vakunaisky and Tympuchikansky areas, while oil is being produced at the Ignyalinskoye field.

"Four wells have been drilled since the beginning of the Ignyalinskoye field's development in 2023. About 100 production wells will be drilled here by 2027. The infrastructure complex being built at the field will include oil treatment, gas treatment and condensate stabilization plants, a transfer point, an oil and gas transport system and other facilities. Construction and installation work has now begun on some of the facilities, including the transfer point. The launch of all infrastructure is scheduled for 2026," Dyukov said.

The launch of the gas portion of the Chona project is also scheduled for the end of 2026, he said. The Vakunaisky and Tympuchikansky areas have recoverable gas reserves of more than 110 billion cubic meters. The company is now drilling two multi-well pads, Dyukov said.