British energy giant bp has announced the start of non-associated gas (NAG) production operations at the Azeri–Chirag–Gunashli (ACG) field off the coast of Azerbaijan in the Caspian Sea.
Co‑venturers at ACG are ExxonMobil, INPEX, MOL, ONGC Videsh, the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO).
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The ACG field holds substantial NAG potential, with recoverable volumes estimated at around four trillion cubic feet (tcf), with the potential to reach 6tcf.
This development represents the first commercial gas output at the ACG field, until now recognised as one of the world’s largest oil-producing sites.
Initial production comes from a NAG well drilled from the West Chirag platform, which began operations last year.
The newly operational well targets two reservoirs, the Qirmaki Upper Sand and Qirmaki Lower Sand, both located beneath existing oil reservoirs in the field.
According to bp, the well has confirmed gas resources in the Qirmaki Upper Sand and high‑pressure gas in the Qirmaki Lower Sand.
The initial NAG production is focused on the Qirmaki Lower Sand reservoir and will initially prioritise well and reservoir testing.
The produced gas and condensate will be transported to the Sangachal Terminal via existing ACG infrastructure, integrating both oil and gas systems to make use of the established offshore facilities.
BP Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye regional president Gio Cristofoli said: “This is a big day for Azerbaijan and for the ACG co‑venturers. ACG has a long and successful history and now, nearly three decades into oil production, the field continues to hold potential to deliver value for the nation and its investors as it starts this new chapter.
“With the launch of its gas journey alongside oil, ACG is now uniquely positioned as an integrated oil and gas asset, leading the regional industry and contributing to Azerbaijan’s plans to increase energy supplies to Europe while supporting the country’s energy transition efforts.”
In a separate development in Western Australia, bp has signed an agreement to sell a 5% share in the Browse LNG project to GS Energy.
Once completed, bp will retain a 39.33% interest in the venture, which is managed by Woodside.
BP said the sale aligns with its disciplined portfolio strategy, bringing in a committed partner to build on work already completed to progress the Browse to North West Shelf (NWS) development. The project is moving towards front-end engineering and design and the approvals required to proceed.
Under the current concept, gas from Browse, Australia’s largest undeveloped offshore resource, would be produced offshore and processed through the NWS Karratha Gas Plant.
According to bp, the divestment of the 5% stake remains contingent on regulatory clearances and approval from joint venture partners.
