OMV Petrom, Southeastern Europe’s largest integrated energy producer, has announced the discovery of a new natural gas reservoir in Spineni, located approximately 70 kilometres northeast of Craiova. The significant find represents a major addition to the company’s onshore exploration portfolio and demonstrates the continued potential of Romania’s hydrocarbon resources.
The exploration success centres on the 1 Spineni exploration well, which was drilled to a depth of approximately 4,800 metres. The well has confirmed the presence of both natural gas and condensate, with results validated through comprehensive production testing that demonstrates the commercial viability of the discovery.
Production Potential and Testing Results
Production testing has revealed substantial output potential from the discovery well, with results indicating a daily production capacity of 180,000 cubic meters of natural gas and 25 cubic meters of condensate. This translates to a total production potential of 1,300 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/day) from the single discovery well.
The prospect was successfully identified through analysis of data collected during the 3D Spineni seismic survey conducted in 2022 within the X Craiova block. This systematic approach to exploration demonstrates the effectiveness of advanced seismic technology in identifying subsurface hydrocarbon accumulations.
Strategic Investment Framework
Cristian Hubati, member of the executive board responsible for Exploration & Production, emphasised the discovery’s alignment with OMV Petrom’s broader investment strategy. The company plans to invest 5.8 billion RON in exploration and production activities during 2025, with nearly half of this allocation directed toward onshore operations.
The investment strategy also encompasses the advancement of the offshore Neptun Deep project, described as a strategic initiative requiring large-scale capital commitment. Hubati highlighted the company’s continued investment focus on containing natural production decline from mature fields while pursuing new near-field opportunities in proximity to existing operations.
Commercial Development Pathway
Testing results have confirmed the commercial viability of the Spineni discovery, positioning the project for the next phase of development. The immediate next step involves securing approval for the development plan, which will outline the framework for bringing the discovery into production.
OMV Petrom has already invested approximately EUR 15 million during the exploration phase of this onshore project. This investment encompasses the drilling operations, testing activities, and technical evaluations necessary to establish the reservoir’s commercial potential.
Regional Energy Significance
The Spineni discovery adds to OMV Petrom’s established position in Southeastern Europe’s energy sector and reinforces Romania’s role as a significant hydrocarbon producer. The find represents successful execution of the company’s exploration strategy, which combines advanced technology with systematic field development approaches.
The discovery’s location within the established X Craiova block provides potential synergies with existing infrastructure and operations, potentially enhancing the economic viability of the development. The proximity to existing facilities could facilitate efficient development and production operations once the development plan receives approval.
This natural gas discovery contributes to regional energy security objectives while supporting OMV Petrom’s long-term production growth strategy in the Romanian market.
For more information visit www.omvpetrom.com
