Shallow gas reserves discovered between Abu Dhabi, Dubai

Close to 80 trillion standard cubic feet (TSCF) of shallow gas resources was discovered between the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, official news agency WAM reported.

The discovery of the reserves was made within an area of 5,000 square kilometers between Saih Al Sidirah and Jebel Ali, in Abu Dhabi and Dubai respectively.

The reservoir is termed as ‘shallow gas’, as it contains high-quality organic gas at relatively shallow depths from the earth’s surface.

ADNOC drilled over ten exploration and appraisal wells, in its first effort to explore hydrocarbon resources in Dubai.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Dubai Supply Authority (DUSUP) signed an agreement to continue the exploration and development of the shallow gas resources in the area of discovery.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, director general, DUSUP, said: “This partnership enables our organisations to combine each other’s capabilities to capture the greatest possible benefits from the UAE’s hydrocarbon assets.”

“We look forward to working closely with ADNOC to further explore gas resources in the area between Abu Dhabi and Dubai as part of diversifying our energy resources.”

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and ADNOC group CEO said: “The discovery of shallow gas resources between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is a result of ADNOC’s drive to implement the leadership’s wise directives to efficiently accelerate the exploration and development of the UAE’s vast untapped hydrocarbon resources and maximise its value for the benefit of the nation.”

The exploration agreement – ‘Jebel Ali’ – highlighted ADNOC’s commitment to deploy varied resources to develop shallow gas resources, and conduct exploration to assess further volumes.

The gas produced would be supplied to DUSUP, to support the emirate’s economic growth and enhance its energy security, the statement said,

ADNOC is deploying drilling and completion technologies to access trapped gas, including horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to ensure productivity, and to reduce the number of drilling rigs required.

In Q4 2019, UAE’s Supreme Petroleum Council announced an increase in oil reserves by seven billion barrels and conventional gas by 58 trillion standard cubic feet (TSCF). New discovery of unconventional gas amounted to 160 TSCF.

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