Gazprom Neft has begun geological investigations in Paleozoic hydrocarbon deposits in the Tomsk Oblast. Thus far, the complex structure of the pre-Jurassic complex has not been deemed an independent geological prospect, investigations into which demand the modification of traditional prospecting methodologies. The aim of this project is to identify optimum approaches for investigating oil-bearing Paleozoic deposits, allowing greater efficiency in geological prospecting as well as reducing costs, and resulting in an additional 25 million tonnes of recoverable reserves, as well as more than one billion tonnes of hydrocarbons in place, from this region alone.
Investigations into the geological structure and conditions dictating the formation of the pre-Jurassic complex (created during the Paleozoic era) are being undertaken at Gazpromneft-Vostok’s fields in the Tomsk Oblast. The goal of the project is to create appropriate technologies to investigate promising facilities by involving and bringing together all possible information, obtained through various theoretical and experimental approaches, and scientifically adapting and modifying these in line with the underlying geology of the pre-Jurassic complex.
Cumulative geological and technological factors have allowed three characteristic zones to be identified among the various hydrocarbon accumulations within the Tomsk Oblast, investigation of which will involve six wells being drilled throughout 2017–2019. Specialists from the Gazprom Neft Science and Technology Centre will determine a selection of technologies optimally suited to the geological exploration of the strata of the pre-Jurassic complex.
The Paleozoic era began approximately 540 million years ago, and lasted for 290 million years. Many of the largest and most important coal and oil deposits were formed during the Paleozoic era.
Tomsk oblast lies in the southeastern West Siberian Plain. (Source: Gazprom Neft)