The South Caucasus News - SouthCaucasusNews.comThe top Biden administration official in charge of Europe and Eurasia on Tuesday spoke about the latest military escalation on the border of Armenia and Azerbaijan, reiterating Washington’s efforts to bring the parties together, TURAN’s U.S. correspondent reports..
“I think the tensions now just point to the importance of more…
As reported by bp’s vice president for wells in Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye, Jim O’Leary, it might take up to 12 months to assess the gas volumes in the deep layers in the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli field block (ACG) in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, according to Azerbaijan in Focus, reporting Azernews.
“We hope that there are good reserves. We are hopeful for that. That is why we will drill two production wells,” Jim O’Leary said.
According to him, based on the assessment of the data received from the first well and another well to be drilled, it will be possible to estimate approximately how many gas reserves ACG has in the deep layers. This process might take up to 10-12 months.
It should be noted that on February 7, 2023, drilling of a new assessment well was commenced in order to collect information about the deep gas layers under the operational oil field in ACG, and that well was completed in April last year.
In addition, in the second half of this year, bp plans to start drilling the first production well within the framework of the development of deep gas layers in ACG. The first gas is expected to be extracted at the beginning of next year.
John Roberts, Energy Security Specialist at Atlantic Council, highlighted the significance of assessing gas volumes in the deep layers of the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli (ACG) field block in the Caspian Sea.
“The significance of assessing gas volumes in the deep layers of the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli (ACG) field block in the Caspian Sea lies in its potential to unlock previously untapped resources. These deep layers represent a critical aspect of the field’s reservoir, and accurately assessing the gas volumes therein is essential for optimizing production strategies and maximizing the economic benefits for stakeholders involved.”
He answered the question, “What factors contribute to the estimation process of gas reserves in the deep layers, and why does it take up to 12 months?” in this way.
“Several factors contribute to the estimation process of gas reserves in the deep layers. These include the geological complexity of the reservoir, data acquisition challenges, and the need for comprehensive analysis and interpretation of seismic data. Additionally, the estimation process involves rigorous modeling and simulation techniques. The lengthy duration, up to 12 months, is primarily due to the meticulousness required in integrating various data sources and conducting thorough evaluations to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the estimates.”
According to John Roberts, the drilling of production wells plays a crucial role in the overall assessment of gas reserves in the ACG field block.
“By drilling into the deep layers, operators can directly access the reservoir and gather essential data on its characteristics, such as pressure, composition, and flow rates. This information is invaluable for refining reservoir models, validating reserve estimates, and informing production strategies.”
An international expert emphasized that the expected outcomes or projections for gas extraction from the deep layers in ACG are contingent on various factors, including the results of drilling operations and reservoir performance.
“Nonetheless, based on preliminary assessments and exploration activities, there is optimism regarding the significant potential for gas extraction from these deep layers. The timeline for drilling the first production well will provide crucial insights into the feasibility and productivity of extracting gas from these reservoirs.”
“The assessment of gas reserves in ACG aligns with global trends in gas demand and geopolitical uncertainties by contributing to diversifying energy supplies and enhancing energy security. As the world transitions towards cleaner energy sources, natural gas continues to play a pivotal role in meeting energy needs while reducing carbon emissions. Moreover, the development of new gas resources such as those in the ACG field block can mitigate geopolitical risks associated with over-reliance on specific energy suppliers or transit routes, thereby enhancing energy resilience on a global scale,” John Roberts added.
The post Energy Security Specialist: Development of gas resources in ACG enhances global energy resilience appeared first on Azerbaijan In Focus.
Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are actively involved in the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR, or Middle Corridor), noted Elvira Mami, Senior Economic and Risk Analyst at the Overseas Development Institute, according to Azerbaijan in Focus, reporting Trend.
“One example is that the countries, along with Georgia, are forming a joint venture to promote multimodal services along the Trans-Caspian International Transportation Route. We can also see the development of strategic collaboration in oil transit between the countries, as well as agreements on digitalizing the corridor,” she said.
As the expert noted, the Middle Corridor provides an important alternative route for companies that want to bypass the Northern Route due to sanctions.
“Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, a substantial percentage of trade between China and Europe has relocated to the Middle Corridor, however, due to operational issues on the Middle Corridor route, some cargo has switched to sea transit. Currently, the corridor has the ability to solve these operational challenges as a result of initiatives being done to increase its capacity. Nonetheless, it won’t be able to replace the Northern Corridor route because its capacity is still less than ten percent of the Northern Corridor,” Mami added.
The Middle Corridor is a transportation and commerce route that connects Asia and Europe via various nations in the region. It is an alternate route to the traditional Northern and Southern Corridors.
The route begins in China and passes via Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. It then travels via the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey before reaching Europe.
The Middle Corridor provides a land route that connects eastern Asia, including China, to Europe, skipping the longer sea routes.
The post UK’s expert praises Azerbaijan’s, Kazakhstan’s role in Middle Corridor development appeared first on Azerbaijan In Focus.
President Salome Zurabishvili is set to participate in the Munich Security Conference scheduled for February 16-18 without government approval, reported Radio Tavisupleba, relying on the information received from the President’s office. Last year, the ruling Georgia Dream party launched an impeachment proceeding against Salome Zurabishvili for violating the Constitution by making foreign visits without the government’s consent.
The ruling Georgian Dream party criticized the president for yet another violation of the Constitution and downgraded its representation at the Munich Security Conference from the Prime Ministerial level to a Foreign Minister. According to the ruling party whip, Mamuka Mdinaradze, the Prime Minister’s first foreign visit will be in Brussels, as this is the government’s political statement. In previous years, Georgia was represented at the Munich Security Conference at the level of the prime minister.
The latest edition of the Munich Security Report 2024 describes Bidzina Ivanishvili as “the pro-Russian oligarch and founder of Georgia’s governing party.” According to the report, Bidzina Ivanishvili is identified as responsible for Georgia’s recent democratic backsliding and moving away from the EU, against the wishes of the Georgian public. Apart from the role of Ivanishvili, the report also highlights Russia’s tactic of using threats of “fueling separatism in Abkhazia and South Ossetia [occupied Tskhinvali region] to sow stability.
The Russian independent media outlet Mediazona, citing the database of Russia’s Interior Ministry, reveals the list of foreign individuals wanted by Russian authorities on various charges. Mediazona reports that Georgia tops the list with its 100 citizens fighting on the Ukrainian side in Russia’s war of aggression in the category Foreigners in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, followed by the UK, Belarus, Israel, and the United States. Former Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili, Georgian MP, Aleko Alisashvili, and the leader of the anti-occupation movement, Davit Katsarava, are also listed in the wanted database of Russia’s Interior Ministry.
Last week, the Abkhaz telegram channels circulated the draft agreement on cooperation between the Russian Federal Service of National Guard Troops (RosGvardia) and the so-called interior ministry of Abkhazia, which sparked concerns about the “interference in internal politics” and “loss of sovereignty” among the local population in Abkhazia. The Abkhaz opposition expressed worries that the real reason behind the agreement may be the necessity to disperse protest rallies by force and protect investment projects by the Russian side, calling the de facto interior minister not to sign the agreement. Later, occupied Abkhazia’s interior minister claimed that the agreement wouldn’t be concluded.
USAID’s Assistant to the Administrator (AtA) of the Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG), Shannon N. Green, visited Georgia, where she met with the Speaker of the Parliament, Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Central Election Commission (CEC), and the elections-focused civil society organizations. According to the official press releases, the US-Georgia strategic partnership and preparations for the 2024 parliamentary elections were among the main topics of the discussions. The USAID official reiterated U.S. support for Georgia’s efforts to ensure free and fair parliamentary elections.
The National Statistics Office (Geostat) published express data indicating that Georgia’s external merchandise trade (excluding non-declared trade) decreased by 14.9% in January 2024 compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, amounting to USD 1,339.8 million. According to Geostat, Georgia’s external merchandise trade saw exports rise by 26.3% to USD 338.2 million, while imports increased by 10.2% and totaled USD 1,001.6 million.
President Salome Zurabishvili is set to participate in the Munich Security Conference scheduled for February 16-18 without government approval, reported Radio Tavisupleba, relying on the information received from the President’s office. Last year, the ruling Georgia Dream party launched an impeachment proceeding against Salome Zurabishvili for violating the Constitution by making foreign visits without the government’s consent.
The ruling Georgian Dream party criticized the president for yet another violation of the Constitution and downgraded its representation at the Munich Security Conference from the Prime Ministerial level to a Foreign Minister. According to the ruling party whip, Mamuka Mdinaradze, the Prime Minister’s first foreign visit will be in Brussels, as this is the government’s political statement. In previous years, Georgia was represented at the Munich Security Conference at the level of the prime minister.
The latest edition of the Munich Security Report 2024 describes Bidzina Ivanishvili as “the pro-Russian oligarch and founder of Georgia’s governing party.” According to the report, Bidzina Ivanishvili is identified as responsible for Georgia’s recent democratic backsliding and moving away from the EU, against the wishes of the Georgian public. Apart from the role of Ivanishvili, the report also highlights Russia’s tactic of using threats of “fueling separatism in Abkhazia and South Ossetia [occupied Tskhinvali region] to sow stability.
The Russian independent media outlet Mediazona, citing the database of Russia’s Interior Ministry, reveals the list of foreign individuals wanted by Russian authorities on various charges. Mediazona reports that Georgia tops the list with its 100 citizens fighting on the Ukrainian side in Russia’s war of aggression in the category Foreigners in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, followed by the UK, Belarus, Israel, and the United States. Former Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili, Georgian MP, Aleko Alisashvili, and the leader of the anti-occupation movement, Davit Katsarava, are also listed in the wanted database of Russia’s Interior Ministry.
Last week, the Abkhaz telegram channels circulated the draft agreement on cooperation between the Russian Federal Service of National Guard Troops (RosGvardia) and the so-called interior ministry of Abkhazia, which sparked concerns about the “interference in internal politics” and “loss of sovereignty” among the local population in Abkhazia. The Abkhaz opposition expressed worries that the real reason behind the agreement may be the necessity to disperse protest rallies by force and protect investment projects by the Russian side, calling the de facto interior minister not to sign the agreement. Later, occupied Abkhazia’s interior minister claimed that the agreement wouldn’t be concluded.
USAID’s Assistant to the Administrator (AtA) of the Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG), Shannon N. Green, visited Georgia, where she met with the Speaker of the Parliament, Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Central Election Commission (CEC), and the elections-focused civil society organizations. According to the official press releases, the US-Georgia strategic partnership and preparations for the 2024 parliamentary elections were among the main topics of the discussions. The USAID official reiterated U.S. support for Georgia’s efforts to ensure free and fair parliamentary elections.
The National Statistics Office (Geostat) published express data indicating that Georgia’s external merchandise trade (excluding non-declared trade) decreased by 14.9% in January 2024 compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, amounting to USD 1,339.8 million. According to Geostat, Georgia’s external merchandise trade saw exports rise by 26.3% to USD 338.2 million, while imports increased by 10.2% and totaled USD 1,001.6 million.