Abstract

To date, producing natural gas fields are substantially depleted. Gas hydrate fields are promising production targets, which can enable manifold increase of the resource base and unlock the potential of existing fields under development, particularly given that this is the largest undeveloped unconventional gas source. Russia is currently lagging too far behind global trends in natural gas hydrate research, while some countries are planning to proceed to the pilot development stage in the nearest future. That is why this issue is of particular interest. This study is targeted at gas hydrate accumulations of West Siberia associated with the highest production potential. The purpose of this project is to validate a replicable method for identification and evaluation of promising gas hydrate deposits based on detailed study of mode of occurrence, geological and field analysis and properties of gas hydrate-bearing rocks. Other objectives include assessment of gas-hydrate resources, production potential and cost-effectiveness analysis through the example of NK Rosneft’ field. The study involved analyses and systematization of Russian and international experience in identification, characterization and development of gas hydrate accumulations; definition of the main criteria of the presence of gas hydrate accumulations, identification of potentially productive gas hydrate accumulations in West Siberia. Methods for identification of gas hydrate accumulations and estimation of porosity and saturation were proposed and validated. A gas hydrate accumulation was identified within the field under study; a simplified reservoir simulation model was used to assess the resource potential of gas hydrate in-place and development opportunities. The project is economically viable. Results obtained to date provide significant insight into geological and geophysical aspects of gas hydrates, principles of prospecting, identification and assessment of resource potential of gas hydrate accumulations as demonstrated by the example of NK Rosneft’s field.

Key words:

natural gas hydrates, natural gas, hydrate stability, permanently frozen rocks (permafrost), potentially productive zone, resources, gas hydrate development.

References

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