Turkmengaz expects feasibility study for underground gas storage facility within a month, plans to store 5 bcm

ASHGABAT. Oct 25 (Interfax) - The feasibility study for the construction of an underground gas storage facility (UGSF) in Turkmenistan will be ready in the next month, the head of geology and development at state gas company Turkmengaz, Aydogdy Byashimov told Interfax on the sidelines of the Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan - 2024 conference.

Turkmengaz announced the start of the pre-qualification round of an international tender to build the UGSF in April. Byashimov said the process is still continuing.

"The feasibility study is now in the final stage of preparation, and after it I think the selection of the contractor will already conclude. The feasibility study will be completed this month or in November," Byashimov said.

The IIa formation of the Odjak gas condensate field in northeastern Turkmenistan, on the northern edge of the Zaunguz Karakum desert, has been tentatively selected for the UGSF.

"Right now we're planning initially [to store] 5 billion cubic meters. Expansion to 7 bcm is possible, we have such an intention," Byashimov said.

The cost and duration of construction will be known once the feasibility study is completed. One of the main challenges of the project is studying and ensuring the air-tightness of existing wells, Byashimov said.

The Odjak field was discovered in 1966 and its development began the same year. Gas from the field is now used for local needs. The field has 13 productive horizons and as of December 2023 it had 12 operating production wells, all at IIa.