The Economic Evaluation of Various Production Scenarios for Zubair Reservoir in the Kifl Field

Abstract

This work evaluates the economic feasibility of various production scenarios for the Zubair reservoir in the Kifl oil field using cash flow and net present value (NPV) calculations. The Kifl field is an exploratory field that has not yet been developed or assessed economically. The first well was drilled in 1960, and three other wells were later drilled to assess the oil accumulation, so in this research, Different production scenarios were evaluated economically. These scenarios were proposed based on the reservoir model of the Zubair formation in the field. The research methodology used QUE$TOR software to estimate capital expenditures (CapEx) and operating expenditures (OpEx) based on field-level data, production profiles for each scenario, and produced fluid properties. CapEx estimates were mainly based on the number of drilled wells and plateau duration, while OpEx estimates were based on the number of barrels produced from each scenario. Cash flow values were estimated each year in the production interval after subtracting water handling costs, CapEx, and OpEx from the gross revenue of oil produced. The NPV for each scenario was then calculated using a 5% interest rate, and the most economical option was determined by comparing the NPV values of each scenario. Case-3 scenario was identified as the most economical option, with a high NPV value of approximately 612 MM$, an oil production rate of 10 MSTB/d, a Plateau duration of 3 years, a total number of wells of 11, and an Initial water cut of 13 %.