The Verkhnechonskoye field is the second largest in the east of Russia and the largest in the Irkutsk region. The structure it has is truly unique. Currently, only two deposits of this kind are known in the world. Oil appeared in the upper reaches of the Chona River in the Precambrian period, that is, at the time of the very first life forms. The rock under which liquid gold is located in this place is very hard. And therefore, traditional methods of drilling in this field, unfortunately, are ineffective.
Discovery story
Oil was discovered at the Verkhnechonskoye field in 1978. It was found by the Soviet geologist B. Sinyavsky. According to a 1991 estimate, the reserves of this field amounted to 60 million tons of oil. For the first time, they tried to begin the development of this layer back in the 90s. However, after drilling hundreds of exploratory wells, work on the development of a new field was suspended. In those days, the country simply did not have the technology to efficiently extract oil in such hard rocks.
Verkhnechonskneftegaz was transferred to the rights to develop the Verkhnechonskoye field to zero, 68% of the shares of which were then owned by TNK-BP, and 32% was owned by Rosneft.
Development: first steps
Verkhnechonskneftegaz specialists conducted a thorough assessment of the geology of this field in 2003-2005. The main goal of well drilling at that time was to study the structure of the site. Geologists had to find out how well the individual zones of the field are connected to each other. The result of the research was the conclusion of scientists about the good quality of the Verkhnechonsk layer.
Start of trial operation
Since the field was recognized as promising by geologists, the company's management decided to start its development. After some time, an event happened that greatly accelerated this process. In 2006, a decree of the Government of the Russian Federation on the start of the construction of the ESPO pipeline was issued. This was an incentive for further development of the oil industry in Eastern Siberia. And of course, such a decision significantly accelerated the pace of development of the Verkhnechonskoye field. In 2008, the pilot operation of the reservoir grew into the industrial stage.
First oil
The first 30 tons of black gold were mined at this deposit in 2008. Also this year, a pipeline was extended from here to the ESPO line. Its length was 85 km. At about the same time, roads were built in the area of the deposit, bridges were erected, and power plants were assembled.
Development today
In subsequent years, oil production at the Verkhnechonskoye field increased at a faster pace. Oil to the country, this object gave more and more. The field itself also developed. So, for example, in 2014 there was built a special underground storage for associated gas. This allowed to exclude the burning of the latter in torches.
The field reached its maximum productivity in 2016. Since that time, it began to supply the country with an annual rate of 8.6 million tons of oil.
Black gold is being mined at this deposit at 50 cluster sites. At the same time, the company annually puts into operation several dozen new wells. In February 2017, the field produced its 50 millionth ton of oil.
Verkhnechonskneftegaz remains the owner of this company. However, at the moment, the main share of VCHNG OJSC is owned by Rosneft (99, 94%).
Where is it located?
According to the description of the Verkhnechonskoye field given above, it can be understood that the object is really very promising and important for the country's economy. However, this company is located in an area with actually very difficult climatic conditions.
This object is located in the Katanga district of the Irkutsk region. It got its name thanks to the Chone River, in the upper reaches of which it is located. The distance from this field to Irkutsk is 1100 km. From Moscow it is separated as much as 4000 kilometers. The closest city to the field is Kirensk (250 km).
Verkhnechonskoye field belongs to the East Sugdinskoye oil and gas field. The total area of the latter is 2.4 thousand km 2 . In tectonic terms, these strata are located in the Nepa-Botuobinsk region. According to data obtained in the course of research by geologists, geographically, the field occupies a section of the Chona River valley and its tributaries - Molchapun, Marikta, Bireya, as well as watershed areas 400-480 m high.
The Verkhnechonskoye oil and gas condensate field is located in the permafrost zone. For most of the year, the air here on the street has sub-zero temperatures. Therefore, working at this enterprise is, of course, very difficult. The main mode of transport connecting this facility with populated areas is a helicopter.
In the summer, workers can travel to the winery facility. The administrative center of the shift camp of the field is located in the n / a Erbogachen. There is also a highway connecting the Verkhnechonskoye field and Talakan. It is here that marketable oil with VCHNG already "flows" into the ESPO. In fact, Talakan (where liquid gold is also being developed) is the final point of production of VChNG.
How to get to Verkhnechonskoye field?
To get to this object, thus, if necessary, will be relatively difficult. Those who wish will first need to fly on a scheduled flight to the city of Kirensk (charter AN-24). At the airport, the city will have to transfer to a helicopter. The road on this type of air transport to the place will take about 2 hours.
Of course, everyone living in the village has, among other things, to comply with certain rules. For example, you cannot bring alcohol to the field with you. When landing on a helicopter, all employees undergo inspection for its availability.
Features of oil production
The depth of black gold at the Verkhnechonsk deposit is 2.7 km. When drilling, oil workers have to go through rock formations as well. Oil freezes at a temperature of -35 ° C. In the area of the field, in the cold season on the street, it can fall to lower limits. However, oil production at Verkhnechonskoye does not stop even in cold weather. An important feature of the development technology at this field is the heating of hydrocarbons for transportation.
In total, this enterprise has 3 promising oil reservoirs. Currently, liquid gold reserves at Verkhnechonskoye are estimated at approximately 200 million tons.
Employee Reviews
Working conditions at the Verkhnechonskoye oil field, as well as at many other similar facilities in Siberia and the Far East, are, of course, very difficult. The climate in these regions is known to be severe. However, with respect to everything else from the workers about this facility, there are mostly only positive reviews on the Web. Social security at this field for employees is one of the best in the region. For example, workers here are even offered compensation for travel to the place of rest. The field shift usually lasts 28 days.
The only thing, some disadvantage of working at this facility, judging by the reviews on the Web, are not too high salaries. An ordinary engineer at the field (for 2017), for example, usually receives 100-110 thousand rubles for one shift, a worker - up to 60 thousand rubles.