Achim Development discovering new horizons
Achim Development is Wintershall Dea’s latest project in Siberia and will raise its gas production in Russia to a new level.
Achim Development is the latest joint venture between Wintershall Dea and Gazprom in Siberia. The project company is developing Achimov formations in Area 4A/5A of the Urengoyskoye field, enabling Wintershall Dea to significantly boost its natural gas and condensate production in Russia. The company has a 25,01 per cent stake, the rest is held by Gazprom. Achim Development is Wintershall Dea’s first project in Russia that is located north of the Arctic Circle.
In early 2021, Achim Development successfully began hot commissioning of Area 4A/5A and produced first gas and condensate from the licence block. After the completion of hot commissioning, Achim Development will proceed to ramp up its production volumes towards full project capacity. The total planned production capacity in Area 4A/5A is 14 billion cubic metres of dry gas annually.
Achimgaz was commissioned as general contractor for the first development phase, which started in 2018 with 40 production wells. Achimgaz, a joint venture between Gazprom subsidiary Gazprom Dobycha Urengoy and Wintershall Dea, has been producing natural gas and condensate in Area 1A of the Urengoyskoye field since 2008 and can therefore contribute extensive experience and know-how to the work at the Arctic Circle.
While the first development phase was ongoing, the Achim Development project company started in 2020 the second execution phase with over 100 production wells and new processing facilities.
The construction work for Achim Development is in full swing, the first significant production volumes are expected in 2021.
The construction of Achim Development is a mammoth undertaking that is being executed exceptionally. The figures alone are breath-taking: among other things, almost 100 kilometres of access roads and more than 140 kilometres of power lines will be laid, and one residential complex, two gas treatment plants and a condensate pipeline will be built. The first significant production volumes are expected in 2021.
We’re on schedule with the project delivery. This has also been made possible thanks to the extensive know-how and commitment of Achimgaz, which is the general contractor for the first project phase.
The nature in Siberia requires a high degree of sensitivity.
Nature in Siberia is not only very rough, but also very sensitive. Because the ground thaws in summer and becomes loose and swampy, construction work can be carried out only during the winter period, which lasts from September to May. In order to start construction work without damaging the sensitive ground, huge sand cushions must be initially heaped up.
