Exploration und Produktion won Erdol und Erdgas in Deutschland 2008

摘要

This article gives an overview of oil and gas exploration and production in Germany in 2008. The article is based on data gathered on a regular basis by the State Authority for Mining, Energy and Geology (LBEG)from the oil companies and the other state mining offices. Although oil and gas exploration activities decreased in terms of both geophysical prospecting and exploration drilling, they exceeded the average of the five previous years. The 3D seismic acquisition area was almost halved compared to the previous year and amounted to 500 km . More than 200 km of 2D seismic lines were acquired, which was nearly the same amount as in 2007. One gravimetric survey was carried out, extending across about 200 km . The number of exploration wells drilling decreased from twelve in the previous year to ten in 2008. In addition there are five wells which were drilled to total depth before 2008 but without final results. Four new field wildcats could be completed in 2008, but all of them were dry. Two more exploration wells (new pool tests) were completed. One of these wells found gas and the other one was dry. The number of field development wells drilling clearly increased by five and amounted to twenty one. In addition there are three wells which were drilled to total depth before 2008 but without final results. Twelve wells could be completed successfully. Ten of these wells found oil or gas and two were drilled as pilot holes. The footage drilled was significantly below the value of the previous year (67,410 m) and amounted to 57,481 m. Nevertheless it still exceeded the average of the five previous years. Due to the depletion of the gas reservoirs the annual gas production dropped by 8% compared to the previous year and amounted to 16.4 billion m (field quality). The total remaining proven and probable natural gas reserves were estimated at 194 billion m (field quality). This means that the reserves dropped by 25 billion m or 11% compared to the previous year. The annual oil production declined to 3.1 million metric t primarily because of the lower production from the Mittelplate oilfield. Compared to the previous year this was a decline in production of nearly 11%. The total remaining proven and probable oil reserves were estimated at 37 million t which are 3 million t or 8% below the previous year's value.