**Kazakhstan and Shell Pioneer New Gas Processing Plants for Kashagan and Karachaganak Fields**
In a significant stride towards enhancing its petroleum infrastructure, Kazakhstan and Shell PLC are set to collaborate on the construction of two major gas processing plants at the Kashagan and Karachaganak fields. These ambitious projects aim to significantly boost natural gas production, underscoring the mutual commitment of both parties to bolster Kazakhstan’s energy sector.
**Detailed Development Plans**
On August 26, Almasadam Satkaliyev, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy, convened with senior officials from Shell’s conventional oil and gas division to discuss advancing plans for a 2.5 billion cubic meters per year gas processing plant at the Kashagan field. Concurrently, they focused on a 4.5 billion cubic meters per year plant at the Karachaganak field. These discussions are integral to a broader strategy aimed at expanding existing partnerships and exploring future joint geological projects in the region.
**Strategic Partnership and Regional Impact**
The Ministry of Energy and Shell emphasized the strategic importance of these developments, highlighting their potential to strengthen bilateral cooperation. The meeting underscored Kazakhstan’s commitment to increasing commercial gas production to meet growing domestic demand. Almasadam Satkaliyev expressed hope for continued strategic partnership with Shell, stressing the importance of ongoing projects and new opportunities.
**Operational Details**
Shell, via its subsidiary Shell Kazakhstan Development BV, holds a 16.81% stake in the North Caspian Sea PSA Consortium (NCPSA), which operates the Kashagan field. The consortium includes major partners such as Kazakhstan’s state-owned JSC NC KazMunayGas (KMG), Eni SPA, ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, China National Petroleum Corp. (CNPC), and Inpex Corp. For the Karachaganak field, Shell and Eni jointly operate through Karachaganak Petroleum Operating BV (KPO), where they each hold a 29.25