Accra, Nov. 10, GNA – The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has welcomed the discovery of hydrocarbons at the Nya Gyidie-1X exploration well in the Deepwater Cape Three Points (DWCTP) Block offshore Ghana, describing it as a significant boost to efforts aimed at sustaining the country’s future oil and gas production.
The discovery, announced by block operator Planet One Oil & Gas, marks the first successful test of a carbonate reservoir system in Ghana and opens new possibilities for petroleum exploration beyond the sandstone reservoirs that underpin the country’s existing commercial oil and gas fields.
In a statement, the GNPC, a partner in the DWCTP Block alongside Planet One Oil & Gas and GOIL Upstream Limited, said the find could help address concerns over declining production and the need to replenish Ghana’s petroleum reserves.
Located about 148 kilometres offshore Ghana, the Nya Gyidie-1X well was drilled in water depths of 2,289 metres and encountered hydrocarbons in carbonate formations between 3,364 and 3,499 metres measured depth.
Mr Kwame Ntow Amoah, Chief Executive Officer of GNPC, described the discovery as a landmark achievement for Ghana’s upstream petroleum industry.
“The significance of Nya Gyidie-1X goes beyond the hydrocarbons encountered in this well. For the first time in Ghana, we have tested and confirmed hydrocarbons in a carbonate reservoir system, opening a new geological play for further exploration,” he said in the statement.
Mr. Amoah noted that at a time when reserve replacement and production sustainability remained national priorities, the discovery offered renewed optimism for the sector.
“The next task is to establish the scale and commercial potential of the discovery through rigorous technical evaluation. GNPC looks forward to working with Planet One and GOIL Upstream to build on this result and advance the development and production opportunities it presents for Ghana,” he added.
According to GNPC, although hydrocarbons have been confirmed, additional technical studies and appraisal activities are required to determine the size, characteristics and commercial viability of the discovery.
The outcome of the evaluations would guide future exploration and development decisions within the block.
GNPC commended Planet One Oil & Gas, GOIL Upstream and the technical teams involved in the drilling programme for their collaboration in achieving the result.
The Corporation said it would continue to work closely with its partners and relevant regulatory agencies to evaluate the discovery and determine the next steps in line with its mandate to support the exploration, development and responsible management of Ghana’s petroleum resources.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade