BAKU, Azerbaijan, Apr.4
By Elnur Baghishov – Trend:
The drilling of the Hirkan 1 well near the Caspian Sea began in the Golestan Province (northeastern Iran) was launched yesterday on Apr. 3, Trend reports citing the National Iranian Oil Company’s website.
A number of Iranian government officials, parliamentarians and local officials attended the event dedicated to drilling of the well.
According to the report, the Hirkan well is being drilled as a result of research conducted by the National Iranian Oil Company. The well was named Hirkan in order to bring attention to protection of the Hirkan forests.
Speaking at the event, head of the exploration department of the NIOC Saleh Hendi said that short-term projects will be implemented in the northern provinces of Iran at the first stage. At the next stage, longer-term projects will be implemented.
Hendi noted that the Hirkan well is a new step within the exploration operations in northern Iran. The main part of the next exploration operations will be carried out in 3 provinces of Iran in the furture.
"Given the strategic position of the region, the exploration of new hydrocarbon resources will eliminate the need for gas imports from Turkmenistan and will lead to economic development in the region," he said.
Iran currently has discovered 125 oil fields and 59 gas fields. The country's total hydrocarbon reserves are estimated at 836 billion barrels. With available technology and equipment, Iran can extract 239 billion barrels. Thus, 29 percent of the country's hydrocarbon reserves are recoverable, while 71 percent remain underground.