Dynamics of hard-to-recover reserves development: Bazhenov-Abalak play in Khanty-Mansi autonomous okrug - Yugra

In the current Global Energy Transition, the objective of hard-to-recover reserves development still remains a priority for maintaining stable oil production level. In the territory of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra, the Bazhenov-Abalak Play contains 3 bln tons of recoverable oil resources. At the same time, according to the RF State Register of Reserves as on 01.01.2021, the recoverable reserves are estimated at 489 mln tons, and in 2020 annual oil production from these deposits made 1.043 mln tons. In 2010-2020, 849 exploratory wells drilled the Bazhenov deposits; testing was conducted in 290 of them, and oil inflows were obtained in 137 wells. Average oil flowrates without hydraulic fracturing are 3-4 m3/day. PJSC Surgutneftegas has been developing the Bazhenov Formation for the longest time. RITEK and Gazpromneft Company apply innovative methodologies of development of hard-to-recover reserves. Hydraulic fracturing and drilling designer wells are included in most of the field development plans. In accordance with the Federal Project “Technologies of hard-to-recover hydrocarbon development”, at least 40 mln tons of oil will be produced from the Bazhenov Formation by 2035