Uzbekneftegaz and China's XIBU to Drill 30 Wells in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan's state-owned energy company, Uzbekneftegaz, has signed a strategic agreement with the Chinese firm XIBU to drill 30 wells in the country between 2026 and 2027. This initiative marks the first phase of a more extensive long-term cooperation plan.

The broader program envisions drilling a total of 105 exploration and production wells across Uzbekistan from 2026 through 2029. The agreement was finalized during an official visit to China by the Chairman of Uzbekneftegaz, Abdurashid Sanginov.

XIBU, a subsidiary of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and one of the world's four largest oil and gas companies, will carry out the drilling operations. The work will involve deploying ten drilling rigs, each with a lifting capacity of 450 tons.

The new wells will be situated on prospective sites where seismic surveys have identified natural gas reserves. They are designed for depths exceeding 5,500 to 6,000 meters. The project aims to tackle complex geological conditions prevalent in existing wells, including pressures up to 1,000 atmospheres and temperatures reaching 200°C.

This collaboration is strategically important for enhancing drilling safety in challenging environments, preventing accidents, expanding geological exploration efforts, increasing gas reserves, and strengthening Uzbekistan's energy security.