Reliance strikes gas off Orissa

Reliance-Niko consortium strike gas again; capacity seen around 1-2 TCF.

Although no final estimate of the in-place reserves is available, they are expected to be large, but smaller than the consortium's find of 14 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Krishna-Godavari basin (Block D-6) in 2002.

Niko's official website disclosed a 3D seismic programme, covering 1,800 square km, or 12 per cent of the block. "Utilising the 2D and 3D seismic, several rollover anticlines at the Miocene level have been identified. These structures are smaller than those in Block D-6 with potential reserves in the 1-2 trillion cubic feet (TCF) range each," the website said.

Reliance declined to comment on the issue. "We are neither denying nor confirming the development," a Reliance spokesperson said. It is learnt that the company will go for multiple checks before making an announcement. The Reliance website, however, noted that six exploratory wells had been drilled in the block.

Reliance has a 90 per cent participating interest in the block and is the operator. Niko has a 10 per cent interest.

The shallow water northwest coast block, named NEC-OSN-97/2, is located in the southwestern part of the Bengal basin. The western boundary is marked by the coastline. Water depth here ranges from 0-400 metres.

The block is adjacent to the Mahanadi basin, which is stated to be the next hotspot for upstream activity.