Tengizchevroil, a 50%-owned affiliate of oil producer Chevron, has commenced crude oil production from the third-generation plant (3GP) at its Future Growth Project (FGP) within the Tengiz oilfield in Kazakhstan.
The FGP aims to increase the oilfield's annual output of crude oil by 12 million tonnes (mt).
Once all facilities are fully operational, Tengizchevroil's total annual production of crude oil is projected to reach around 40mt.
The FGP is the third processing plant at the Tengiz oilfield and aims to boost overall production to one million barrels of oil equivalent per day.
This achievement comes after the completion in 2024 of the wellhead pressure management project (WPMP), designed to optimise the field and processing operations.
The FGP and WPMP projects at Tengiz installed five Frame 9 gas turbine generators, four large compression trains with added pumping capacity, a new centralised control centre, and improved sour gas handling and reinjection systems for long-term pressure maintenance.
Chevron vice-chairman Mark Nelson said: “First oil at the Future Growth Project is the latest in a series of development milestones, including in the Gulf of Mexico and the Permian, that are expected to significantly increase free cash flow to the company and deliver value for Chevron shareholders.”
The 3GP plant has facilitated technology transfers through collaborations with international companies and contributed to the development of local infrastructure in the Atyrau region.
Tengizchevroil general director Kevin Lyon said: “The successful delivery of the Future Growth Project is a major accomplishment in terms of scale and global complexity. FGP will unlock additional value for both Kazakhstan and Tengizchevroil’s shareholders.
“We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, our shareholders, contractor companies, our talented and skilled workforce and other stakeholders for their collaboration and support in helping us reach this milestone.”
Chevron International Exploration & Production president Clay Neff said: “This milestone concludes a multiyear project that completely revamped the gathering and processing capacity of one of the world’s largest oilfields that will provide significant economic benefit for the Republic of Kazakhstan.
“This accomplishment was possible due to our strong partnership with Kazakhstan, our contractors and the local workforce.”
Tengizchevroil deputy general director Konilkosh Suyessinov said: “Kazakhstani companies have proven their outstanding capabilities in executing large-scale projects. As part of FGP, Tengizchevroil has invested nearly $19.5bn [KZT10.08trn] to purchase local goods and services and awarded over 1,250 contracts to Kazakhstani companies.”
