**Kazakhstan and Shell Pave the Way for Enhanced Gas Processing at Kashagan and Karachaganak Fields**
In a recent meeting, Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister, Almasadam Satkaliyev, and senior executives from Shell focused on advancing the development of gas processing plants at the Kashagan and Karachaganak oil fields. This strategic partnership aims to enhance gas processing capabilities, catering to the country’s growing demand for commercial gas.
### Advancing Gas Processing Plants at Kashagan and Karachaganak
The discussions centered on constructing two significant gas processing plants. At the Kashagan field, plans are underway to build a 2.5 billion cubic meters per year gas processing facility, which is part of the field’s second-phase (2A) expansion. This new plant will play a crucial role in boosting oil and condensate production to around 710,000 barrels per day over the next decade. By supplying raw gas to the planned plant, oil production is expected to increase to 500,000 barrels per day. The construction of this plant is currently in its preliminary front-end engineering and design phase and is slated for commissioning by 2029-2030 if approved.
At the Karachaganak field, a 4.5 billion cubic meters per year gas processing plant is being developed. Estimated to cost $3.2 billion, this facility will significantly enhance the field’s operational capacity. The plant’s construction is progressing well, with ongoing work on the gas recirculation compressors to maintain pressure and increase oil yield. The field operator, Karachaganak Petroleum Operating BV (KPO), is a joint venture between Shell, Eni, Chevron, Lukoil, and KazMunayGas (KMG).
### Strategic Partnership and Future Prospects
The meeting highlighted the strong strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Shell. Kazakhstan emphasizes the timely implementation of further stages of the Kashagan field development, particularly to meet the growing domestic demand for commercial gas.