Ukraine trumpets carbonates potential

State-owned oil firm heralds success in the Dnieper-Donetsk basin. But there could be even greater deeper potential for those with risk appetite and deep pockets

Ukrainian NOC Naftogaz has proven the Yablunivska carbonates hold gas after successfully drilling well 336, according to the firm’s COO, Otto Waterlander. Naftogaz will now test how much gas can be produced from its new type of reservoir, having approved investment in the Yablunivska 10 well for September. The new bore aims to test how gas-rich the geological formation is. Naftogaz plans to give a further update on the results in October, but it is already in bullish mood. Transformation of the structure of Naftogaz’ E&P division, improved processes and a better focus on geology, reservoir engineering and production technologies have strengthened the team, says Waterlander, with new expe