Value of Managing the Subsurface Risks and Uncertainties in the Project Execution; A Successful Case History in Merakes Green Gas Field Development

Abstract

Implementing a proactive approach with comprehensive reservoir characterization, risks identification and mitigation are key elements that have to be deeply investigated before the project execution for achieving the optimum results in field development. A tremendous result on the seismic driven field development and synergy with a fast track development concept in Merakes green gas field has been achieved. In this paper, the conceptual and methodologies are described in the way of managing the subsurface risks and uncertainties during the planning and execution phase. A suitable example in Merakes field development which classified as "appraisal while developing", since the remaining risks still exist during development campaign, is presented. By having only two exploration wells with limited data, a robust upfront reservoir characterization and modeling were quite challenging to provide a reliable image of the subsurface condition. The enhancement on the way of constructing an integrated reservoir study prior to the field development is considered an essential requirement that has to be done before the project execution. A comprehensive approach that maximizes the integration of Geology, Geophysics and Reservoir Engineering disciplines and brings out the reservoir risk quantification has been considered as a basis and strategic driver for both subsurface quantitative description and de-risking of development wells locations. Focusing on the subsurface risk criticality, the compartmentalization, rock facies quality, gas-water contact depth and sand production were considered as the main critical aspects that could impact the final success. Preserving mitigation strategies and adapting development flexibility concept have been prepared to overcome such subsurface unexpected conditions. A description of the well placement strategy which widely open to be optimized during the drilling campaign was allowed and brought benefits in mitigating the compartmentalization risk. The readiness of an adequate and comprehensive data acquisition program including log data acquisition, coring and well testing in the development wells has been prepared. Moreover, a sidetrack contingency plan has been also considered for a key-well in case of worse than expected results. With know-how and experiences on the nearby field development, an extensive evaluation of water and sand production risks was derisked by selecting smart completion and sand control technologies. A holistic integration between subsurface, drilling, petroleum, facilities disciplines is considered of paramount importance in development projects. The awareness of the field's risks and uncertainties allows maximizing efforts in following up the drilling phase promptly adapting the data acquisition plan to the effective level of residual uncertainty and related development risk. Eventually the good match between the expected scenario and the actual well results allowed to cancel most of the costly data acquisition plans which contributed to a positive impact on the project cost and time-saving.