Uzbekneftegaz Partners with Chinese XIBU to Drill 30 Wells in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan's national energy company, Uzbekneftegaz, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Chinese firm XIBU to drill 30 new wells within the country. The drilling operations are scheduled for the period of 2026-2027.

This agreement marks the initial phase of a more extensive, long-term cooperation plan. The broader framework envisions the drilling of a total of 105 exploration and production wells across Uzbekistan between 2026 and 2029.

The contract was formalized during an official visit to China by Abdumalik Mamarizayev, Chairman of the Board of Uzbekneftegaz. During his trip, he also held negotiations with other leading companies in the oil and gas sector. XIBU, a subsidiary of the global energy giant China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), will carry out the drilling using ten rigs, each with a lifting capacity of 450 tons.

The new wells will be situated on promising sites where seismic surveys have already identified natural gas reserves. They are designed to reach depths exceeding 5,500 to 6,000 meters. The project will address complex geological challenges present in existing fields, including pressures up to 1,000 atmospheres and temperatures reaching 200°C.

The implementation of this project is considered strategically vital for Uzbekistan. It aims to enhance drilling safety under difficult conditions, prevent accidents, expand geological exploration activities, increase gas reserves, and ultimately strengthen the nation's energy security.