OREANDA-NEWS. February 17, 2012. OJSC Orenburgneft (a TNK-BP Group subsidiary) plans to invest USD 170 mln in a programme to deploy new technologies by 2016, reported the press-centre of TNK-BP.

The Company's focus areas include boosting reserves and optimizing field developments; well work and drilling; energy-saving equipment and improving the efficiency of field facilities.

During 2011 around 40 technology projects were reviewed, 14 of which were tested. As a result, five new technologies will be deployed by the company simultaneously: a high-efficiency electrical submersible pump (ESP); a hydraulic drive for a Geiser sucker rod pump; equipment for separated pumping of liquid into wells to help operate several formations simultaneously; new geophysical equipment and also a system of sensors to optimize drilling processes.

In 2011 TNK-BP invested USD 320 mln in technology and innovation development in such areas as exploration and development of reserves; wellwork and drilling; oil production; energy-efficient equipment and enhancement of infrastructure efficiency. The pilot production portfolio included ca. 120 pilot projects this year with work carried out on approximately 1,000 wells. Over 60 successful projects are already being scaled up.

According to Francis Sommer, TNK-BP Senior Vice President, Operations and Technology, Orenburgneft plans to expand its new technology programme this year and deploy 40 innovative technolgies. "We want to test 20 new technologies and scale up another 20 methodologies that have been successfully trialed", he said. "There will be a special focus on wellwork, as it is this area that generates additional oil production."