In the heart of Egypt’s Western Desert, a new frontier in hydrocarbon exploration is unfolding, thanks to cutting-edge 3D modeling techniques. Researchers, led by Taher Mostafa from Al-Azhar University’s Faculty of Science, Geology Department, have uncovered significant potential in the Lower Cretaceous formations of the Abu Sennan field, offering a glimpse into the future of oil and gas exploration in the region.
The northern part of Egypt’s Western Desert has long been known for its oil-producing prowess, but the Abu Sennan field, with its complex lithological composition, has presented unique challenges. The Abu Roash and Bahariya formations, which make up the field, exhibit significant variations in reservoir continuity, both horizontally and vertically. This heterogeneity has made it difficult to accurately assess the hydrocarbon potential of the region.
Mostafa and his team tackled this problem head-on, utilizing datasets from five wells and comprehensive 3D seismic data covering the entire Abu Sennan region. “The key to unlocking the potential of Abu Sennan lies in understanding its complexity,” Mostafa explained. “By integrating geophysical well data with 3D seismic interpretation, we’ve been able to create a detailed picture of the reservoir structures and their hydrocarbon potential.”
The results are promising. The “E” and “G” members of the Abu Roash Formation, along with the Bahariya Formation, show the highest potential for containing hydrocarbons. The Abu Roash “E” member, for instance, has a net pay range of 17–47 meters, with effective porosity ranging between 20% and 26%, and oil saturation ranging between 49% and 77%. Similarly, the Bahariya Formation exhibits a vertical thickness of 12–62 meters, with effective porosity ranging from 15% to 26% and oil saturation between 46% and 77%.
The team’s work didn’t stop at identifying potential reservoirs. They went a step further, creating depth-structure maps and 3D models of the structures and reservoirs. These models served as the basis for calculating volumetrics, revealing estimated stock tank oil in place volumes of 394, 216, 376, and 601 (×106 m3) for the AR/E, AR/F, AR/G, and Upper Baharyia formations, respectively.
The implications of this research for the energy sector are significant. As traditional oil and gas reserves deplete, the ability to accurately assess and extract hydrocarbons from complex formations becomes increasingly important. The techniques developed by Mostafa and his team could pave the way for similar studies in other complex formations around the world, potentially unlocking vast new reserves.
Moreover, the use of 3D modeling and seismic interpretation in this study highlights the growing importance of technology in the energy sector. As data collection and analysis tools become more sophisticated, our ability to understand and exploit complex geological structures will only improve.
The research, published in the journal Petroleum, or ‘Petroleum’ in English, offers a roadmap for future exploration in the Abu Sennan field and beyond. As Mostafa puts it, “The future of hydrocarbon exploration lies in our ability to understand and adapt to complexity. This study is a step in that direction.”
The energy sector is on the cusp of a new era, one where technology and geological expertise combine to unlock the planet’s remaining hydrocarbon reserves. The work of Mostafa and his team in the Abu Sennan field is a testament to this, offering a glimpse into a future where no reservoir is too complex to exploit. As we look to the future, it’s clear that the key to unlocking the planet’s remaining hydrocarbon reserves lies in our ability to understand and adapt to the challenges posed by complex geological structures. The research conducted by Mostafa and his team is a significant step in this direction, offering valuable insights and techniques that could shape the future of hydrocarbon exploration.
