The commencement of upper-level production testing in well no. 3 marks a significant milestone in Shahajadpur-Sundalpur gas field, located in Charkakra union of Companyganj upazila in Noakhali.
Testing operations began at 10:00am on Friday.
Previously, on March 9, the authorities conducted an experimental Drill Stem Test (DST) in well no. 3 to evaluate gas storage capabilities.
Excavation, initiated in November last year, concluded, paving the way for the upper-level production test following the DST assessment. Initial findings indicated gas presence in three zones of the well, with the total gas reserves set to be determined post-production testing.
Prince Md Al Helal, project director of Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (Bapex), confirmed the initiation of upper-level production testing in the well's lower zone on Friday.
He explained that following excavation completion, the DST test concluded, leading to the commencement of upper-level production testing. Testing operations span from depths of 3,041 meters to 3,046 meters in the lower zone and from 3,057 meters to 3,064 meters. The total gas reserves will only be ascertainable after the completion of production testing.
Asaduzzaman, in charge of Bapex Charkakra no. 3 well drilling, expressed optimism regarding gas prospects, surpassing the initial target of adding 10 million cubic feet of gas to the national grid daily. Further evaluation will provide comprehensive insights into gas reserves post-DST assessment.
Officials highlighted that gas was initially discovered in three zones of the well, with additional testing scheduled for the remaining two zones to gain a comprehensive understanding of gas reserves post-DST evaluation.
Notably, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the Shahajadpur-Sundalpur gas field on January 8, 2013, following the commencement of production at well no. 1.
Bangladesh's gas reserves are sourced from 29 fields, with current extraction at 2,041.7mmcfd from 111 wells across 20 fields, down from a peak of 2,800mmcfd due to depletion. Five fields are abandoned, and three inactive due to transmission issues. To increase production by 618mmcfd, Petrobangla plans to drill 48 wells, 23 by Bapex and 25 outsourced.
Despite a demand of 4,000mmcfd, Bangladesh only supplies 2,700mmcfd, causing a 1,300mmcfd shortfall. By 2029-30, demand is expected to rise to 6,655mmcfd, with a projected supply of 4,352mmcfd. To address this, the government prioritizes domestic production, investing in onshore and offshore projects and identifying over 300 potential sites, aiming to finalize 100 wells.
Drilling projects are progressing swiftly, with a boost of 130mmcfd capacity after successful completion of 10 wells against an anticipated 100mmcfd. Depths vary from 2,600m to 4,900m, with plans for deeper drilling in Mobarakpur of Pabna. Petrobangla aims for 100 wells by 2028, stressing the importance of detailed action plans and close monitoring for timely completion.
There's optimism regarding gas reserves in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, estimated at 10 trillion cubic feet (tcf), indicating further potential for exploration and extraction, though detailed planning and monitoring remain crucial for effective utilization.