According to experts, the Cheleken Peninsula, located on the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea, holds significant reserves of hydrocarbon resources in its depths. Oil production in this region has been recorded since 1876. Currently, the area of the peninsula, stretching from west to east, is nearly 500 square kilometers. From a geological perspective, Cheleken is situated in the Caspian Basin and is composed of sedimentary rocks from the Mesozoic and Quaternary periods. As a result of tectonic processes, the peninsula has repeatedly undergone horizontal and vertical fractures, leading to the formation of numerous cracks with no clear direction. This has caused mud volcano eruptions and the surfacing of iodine-bromine waters. The name Cheleken, derived from the words "char" and "kän," means "four deposits" or "four treasures" (oil, oil products, salt, and paint).
In the present-day village of Hazar, formerly known as Akjayar, the production of iodine, bromine, and technical carbon has been successfully established for decades.
Three years ago, a significant event was the extraction of a powerful oil flow from exploratory well No. 707 at the East Cheleken field. This well was drilled using an inclined method, becoming the first of its kind on the peninsula in the years of independence. Its mouth is located onshore, while the borehole is directed towards the Caspian Sea shelf. Daily oil production from this well is 10–12 tons. Subsequently, wells No. 712 and No. 717 were also drilled using the same method, ensuring stable oil production. This drilling technique is not only economically advantageous but also stands out for its high technical safety and environmental cleanliness.
The State Concern "Türkmennebit" and its oil and gas production division "Galkynyşnebit" are engaged in extracting "black gold" and "blue fuel" in this region. Prospects for hydrocarbon production are mainly associated with offshore fields. Several deposits began to be developed after the country gained independence. At the same time, significant oil reserves have also been confirmed onshore. The results of exploratory drilling in the eastern part of the peninsula indicate the presence of large deposits. This confirms the economic feasibility of deep drilling under the conditions of Western Turkmenistan.
In January of this year, the volume of oil production at the operating wells of "Galkynyşnebit" amounted to 4,961 tons, exceeding the planned targets by 106%. Compared to the same period last year, growth reached 102%. During the reporting period, more than 52 million cubic meters of associated gas were extracted, fulfilling the plan by 174%.
"The support provided by our esteemed President to oil workers inspires us to work more efficiently. Currently, the total number of active wells in our division is approaching 180, and each of them is under strict control. The project depths of active onshore wells range from 1,200 to 2,750 meters. According to geologists, the deeper layers of the peninsula contain significant hydrocarbon reserves. In the coming years, it is planned to drill three new wells each at the West Cheleken and Dagadzhyk fields, which will give new impetus to the development of the peninsula," confidently states the chief geologist of the division, Dovran Bayramov.
Source: Nebit-Gaz Newspaper
