French oil major Total announced on August 3, 2016, that the company has started production at the Incahuasi gas and condensate field in Bolivia, bringing on stream 50,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.
«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», said Arnaud Breuillac, President of Total Exploration & Production. «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.»
The Incahuasi field lies at more than 5,600 meters beneath the Andean foothills, 250 kilometers from the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The first phase of the field development involves three wells, a gas treatment plant and 100 kilometers of associated export pipelines. The second phase of development, involving three further wells, is currently under consideration.
Incahuasi is situated in the Aquio and Ipati blocks. The development is operated by Total (50%), with partners Gazprom (20%), Tecpetrol (20%) and YPFB Chaco (10%).
Total has been present in Bolivia since 1996 and is one of the country’s leading oil and gas companies, with 2015 equity production of 28,000 boe/d, mostly gas. In addition to the operated Incahuasi field, Total is a partner on the San Antonio, San Alberto and XX-Tarija Oeste (Itaú) production licenses. The Group also operates the 7,800 square kilometer Azero exploration license in the Andean foothills.
