JSC Ukrgasvydobuvannya has started performing production stimulation operations at the end of Q1 using its own hydraulic fracturing (HF) fleet after modernization and refitting works have been completed.

60 HF operations were performed from the beginning of 2019 after its own fleet has been put into operation, and with the involvement of service companies PA “Belorusneft” and TacromServices S.R.L.

These 60 operations will result in about 360 million cubic meters of additional gas in 2019. It is worth noting that such stimulation operations as HF make it possible to increase production in the long run. The production is expected to increase by 1.2 billion cubic meters over a period of 5 years after 60 operations are performed.

A new fleet made it possible not only to increase the amount of production stimulation works, but also to create new jobs. The specialists, who started working using their own fleet, have undergone a number of training courses. They participated in HF operations performed by external contractors and adopted their foreign colleagues’ experience and practical skills. It is planned to hold additional practical and theoretical sessions for the employees of UGV-SERVICE, along with the performance of the works, with the involvement of the “big four” companies, because the best effect is achieved when combining theory and practice.

Due to the lack of new sites, UGV makes considerable efforts to stimulate production at the existing depleted deposits. However the Company has to add new deposits to its resource portfolio for the significant increase in Ukrainian gas volumes.

It is worth noting that Ukrgasvydobuvannya plans to perform more than 100 HF operations by the end of 2019. This will allow the Company to achieve a positive effect of more than 0.5 billion cubic meters of gas in 2019 and more than 2 billion cubic meters as extra production in 5 years.