Pluspetrol is a leader in the operation of high-pressure gas fields and the extraction of oil in mature fields with secondary and tertiary recovery. With a view to the future, the company is making significant investments in the country, and it is particularly well-positioned at the Vaca Muerta formation, one of the largest unconventional oil and gas reservoirs on the planet. The main sources of conventional gas and oil are Centenario (located in the Neuquén Basin), El Corcobo (in the Colorado River region) and Ramos (located in the north of the country). At the Argentine Sea, the company has offshore explorations in the Malvinas basin. In each of its operations, Pluspetrol develops its technical and complex logistics expertise, contributing to the socioeconomic development of communities, ensuring the protection of the environment, and guaranteeing respect for cultural and archaeological heritage of the area.
Operations in the Neuquén region are challenging because of their proximity to urban areas and the characteristics of the basin. Because of the proximity to local communities, directional drilling and production island techniques are applied.
This area is home to the unconventional resources of Vaca Muerta and Los Molles, as well as the Centenario field and the oil reservoirs of the Tordillo, Lotena and Lajas formations, where secondary production by water injection is carried out.
CENTENARIO FIELD
The Centenario field is located near the city of Neuquén and is one of the most significant oil, gas and condensate fields in both the province and the country. As in the entire Neuquén area, its proximity to urban areas adds to its complexity.
Heavy crude recovery.
The Vaca Muerta formation, spreading 18,641 square miles (30,000 km2), is one of the largest unconventional oil and gas reservoirs on the planet. Since 1998, with heavy investment and a long-term vision, Pluspetrol has prioritized the exploration and exploitation of unconventional resources such as gas and shale oil.
Exploration of unconventional resources such as tight gas and shale oil.
In 2009, Pluspetrol acquired assets that include concessions in Jaguel Casa de Piedra, CNQ-7 Gobernador Ayala, CNQ-7/A and Gobernador Ayala III, located in the provinces of Mendoza and La Pampa. These assets represent one of the company’s main fields in Argentina.
The main challenge in this region is production using the CHOPS (Cold Heavy Oil Production With Sands) approach and an extensive secondary recovery project using water injection.
Production of heavy oil.
Secondary recovery using water injection.
Located in the city of Tartagal, in the north-east of the province of Salta, the Ramos field is an exemplary high pressure gas development. It is located in the Yungas ecoregion and measures are taken to preserve the biodiversity found there. The ISO 14001:2004 Integrated Management System certification has been used to ensure the social and environmental safety of the area. Among other things, Pluspetrol has carried out revegetation and reforestation activities in areas surrounding the site, and implemented conservation projects for endangered species, such as the Military Macaw. The work carried out in Salta since the start of operations in 1979 has enabled the consolidation of this operation.
Development of high pressure gas.
Complex logistics.