French oil major Total has commenced production of the Incahuasi gas and condensate field located within the Aquio and Ipati blocks in Bolivia.
Located at more than 5,600m beneath the Andean foothills, 250km from the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, the Incahuasi field has production capacity of 50,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d).
The first phase of the field development project comprised three wells, a gas treatment plant and associated export pipelines.
The second phase of development, which is currently under consideration, involves another three wells.
Total exploration and production president Arnaud Breuillac said: "Incahuasi is one of the largest gas and condensate fields brought on stream in Bolivia. Incahuasi’s production will contribute to Bolivia’s gas exports to Argentina and Brazil as well as domestic consumption.
“Delivered within budget, Incahuasi is the 4th start-up this year and as a low-cost project with a long production plateau, it will contribute to the Group’s production growth in 2016 and beyond.”
Discovered in 2004, the Incahuasi field is operated by Total with 50% stake. Other partners include Gazprom with 20% interest, Tecpetrol 20% and YPFB Chaco 10%.
According to estimates, the Incahuasi field holds C1+C2 hydrocarbon reserves of approximately 176 billion cubic meters of gas and 15 million tons of condensate.
Total is also a partner in the San Antonio, San Alberto and XX-Tarija Oeste (Itaú) production licenses.