Govt to drill 6km deep wells in four gas fields to tackle energy crisis

The government has initiated drilling to a depth of nearly 6,000 metres to extract gas in a bid to resolve the ongoing energy crisis. Initially, four wells in four gas fields will be drilled, which are estimated to contain potential gas reserves of 1.5 to 2 trillion cubic feet (TCF).

According to Petrobangla, the deep wells will be drilled at the Titas gas field in Brahmanbaria, the Bakhrabad and Srikail gas fields in Cumilla, and the Mubarakpur gas field in Santhia, Pabna. Drilling at the Titas-31 well began on April 19, and work is currently underway at full capacity.

Under the plan, Bangladesh Gas Fields Company Limited will drill two wells, and Bapex will drill two wells. The wells are Titas-31 and Bakhrabad-11 under BGFCL, and Srikail and Mubarakpur under Bapex.

A Petrobangla official highlighted the significance of the initiative, noting that wells in the country have typically been drilled to a maximum depth of 4,000 metres. The decision to drill deeper to 6,000 metres marks a major step forward.

Engineers at Bapex explained that gas is typically found at depths of 2,600 to 4,000 metres in the country. However, Bapex's three-dimensional and seismic surveys have indicated the possibility of large gas reserves at depths below 4,900 metres, beneath layers of hard rock.

Analysis of survey data suggests that the Srikail area may hold approximately 926 billion cubic feet of gas, while the Titas field may hold around 1,583 billion cubic feet. Combined, the four wells have the potential to produce 1.5 to 2 TCF of gas.

A Bapex official said that based on the positive indications from recent seismic surveys, drilling at Titas-31 and Bakhrabad-11 has been planned to depths of about 5,600 metres.

Petrobangla Chairman Erfanul Haque told the media that while the deep drilling is highly risky, the potential reserves, if confirmed, could significantly alleviate the current energy crisis.

He added that the government had already planned to drill and work over 150 wells to tackle the crisis. Of these, 25 wells have been completed, which could potentially add 243 million cubic feet of gas per day. Currently, 120 million cubic feet of gas is being supplied to the national grid from these wells. Additionally, five new wells are planned in Bhola.