MUSCAT: UK-based upstream energy company Genel Energy has announced the successful completion of the re-entry and workover of the Batha West-1 (BW-1) well in Block 54 in Oman’s Al Wusta Governorate — a key milestone that paves the way for a deeper understanding of the hydrocarbon potential of the onshore licence.
London-headquartered Genel Energy holds a 40% non-operating interest in the 5,632 km² concession, while OQ Exploration & Production (OQEP) — the upstream arm of OQ Group — holds the remaining 60% operating interest. Both parties signed an Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement (EPSA) with the Omani government early last year to develop the block, also known as the Karawan Concession.
Commenting on the company’s performance in the block in a recent trading and operations update, Paul Weir, Chief Executive of Genel, said: “On Block 54 in Oman, preliminary operational work has been completed safely, ahead of time and under budget. Work is ongoing to assess the accumulated data to inform the focus of our activities over the next two years, which will include drilling two wells”.
Weir added that the BW-1 well operation represents the first of several steps towards understanding the full potential of the licence. “Work is now underway to analyse the data collected and assess its implications for the location of further activity on the block, including the acquisition of 3D seismic data and the drilling of two exploration wells over the next two years”.
In addition to testing the BW-1 discovery well, the joint venture partners have outlined a three-year work programme encompassing a borehole workover and formal well testing of multiple pay zones to confirm reservoir deliverability. This phase also includes 300 km² of 3D seismic acquisition and the drilling of two vertical exploration wells.
Located within the South Oman Salt Basin — a region associated with significant commercial discoveries — Block 54 is considered high-potential but relatively underexplored compared with neighbouring productive acreage.
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