“In October 2015, the drilling of exploratory well LIRA 1X was completed. The work led to the discovery of an important gas field located in the deep sea Romanian offshore in Trident block (EX-30),” said Romgaz, which takes part in the project in collaboration with Lukoil and PanAtlantic (SUA).
Starting with 2011, the geological exploration works in EX-30 Trident are carried out by the operator of the joint-venture, LUKOIL Overseas Atash (100% subsidiary of Public Joint-Stock Company LUKOIL), in compliance with the Concession Agreement concluded with the Romanian Government.
Currently, Romgaz share in the project is 10%, Lukoil owns 72% and PanAtlantic Petroleum Ltd. 18%.
The water depth within the block ranges from 300 to 1,200 meters. The block has an area of 1,006 square km.
“According to preliminary results of the analysis of drilling data and geophysical exploration, the Lira-1X delivered a productive interval with an effective gas-saturated thickness of 46 meters. According to seismic data, the area of the gas field can reach up to 39 km(2), reserves can exceed 30 bln cubic meters of gas, which is to be confirmed during evaluation drilling,” according to the statement.
In 2012, OMV Petrom and ExxonMobil announced a large gas discovery in the Black Sea. Preliminary estimations pointed to a natural gas field of 42-84 billion cubic meters.
Romania’s annual gas consumption reaches nearly 11 billion cubic meters and the main producers, OMV Petrom and Romgaz, cover almost entirely the local gas needs.