Reservoir thickness and quality were consistent with that encountered at the Tamar-1 location. Pressure data also confirmed continuous high quality reservoirs. The gas/water contact was encountered where projected in the middle reservoir and, as expected; no water contact was seen in the top reservoir. Whole core samples in three reservoirs were obtained to assist in the geologic and engineering studies needed for field development.
The results of Tamar-2 have considerably reduced the uncertainty in previous resource estimates for the structure. Accordingly, the gross mean resource estimate for Tamar has been raised to 6.3 trillion cubic feet, which represents a 26 percent increase from the estimate made following the Tamar-1 drilling and double the original pre-drill resource estimate for the prospect. In order to further confirm Tamar drilling results, a reservoir consulting firm has been retained to prepare an independent assessment of the discovered natural gas resources.
Charles D. Davidson, Noble Energy’s chairman and chief executive officer, said, The results of the appraisal well are extremely positive for Noble Energy, our partners, and the state of Israel. With drilling at Tamar and Dalit, we have already confirmed a very substantial amount of natural gas resources, perhaps over two decades of future supply based on projected needs. As such, we are moving forward with development plans focused on bringing the first phase of production to the Israeli shores by 2012.
