On creation of research and testing facilities to promote study of nonconventional oil reserves in Tatarstan

UDK: УДК 553.98(470.41) + 622.337.2

Key words: nonconventional reserves, Domaniс deposits, extra-heavy oil, research and testing facilities, Tatneft assets, tight oil, R&D

Authors: R.N. Minnikhanov (President of the Republic of Tatarstan, RF, Kazan), N.U. Maganov, R.S. Khisamov, (Tatneft PJSC, RF, Almetyevsk)

Discovery of new fields with conventional hydrocarbon reserves is not enough anymore to replace resource base of the Republic of Tatarstan. However geological surveys testify that the hydrocarbon potential of the domanikites and domanikoids in Tatarstan is rather high and it has not been fully understood by now. Today, study of nonconventional hydrocarbon reserves and bringing them into development is an effective tool to replace reserves that can provide the necessary level of oil production to guaranty the economic growth of the country. The paper considers the feasibility of creating of research and testing facilities in the unallocated subsoil reserve fund on the Tatarstan and on the boundary Samara region territories to provide in-depth study and development of nonconventional reserves. Main challenges of this project have been set out. Program of works to initiate research and testing facilities DOMANIK and BITUM in the Republic of Tatarstan has been developed and preliminary cost estimates have been calculated. The research and testing facilities are aimed at development of new geological exploration methods and testing of new reservoir engineering technologies to be carried out in cooperation with the largest Russian research enterprises and major operators. Considering the highest potential of the Volga-Ural oil-and-gas province and the economic importance of reserves production, discovery, study, and development of nonconventional reserves should be a key priority for the Tatneft Company and for the Republic of Tatarstan.