Chevron Corporation says that its affiliate Tengizchevroil LLP has completed a major expansion at the Tengiz Field in Kazakhstan that will nearly double production capacity at one of the world's largest oil fields.

The completion of the expansion brings Tengizchevroil's daily crude production capacity to 540,000 barrels. The first phase of expansion, accomplished earlier this year, increased daily capacity from approximately 310,000 barrels to 400,000 barrels.

"This accomplishment demonstrates how Chevron is leading the industry in the selection and execution of major capital projects while providing increased value for our host countries and partners," said George Kirkland, executive vice president, Chevron Global Upstream and Gas. "As world energy demand continues to grow, the multi-billion dollar expansion of the Tengiz field brings much-needed new oil to market."

The Sour Gas Injection (SGI) operations and the crude processing portion of the Second Generation Plant (SGP) have been successfully in service for several months while the natural gas and sulfur processing portions of SGP were being completed and commissioned. SGP's full facilities now stabilize and sweeten crude oil, as well as separate and process natural gas into gas products and elemental sulfur. SGI reinjects one-third of produced sour gas into the reservoir at very high pressures to help preserve reservoir pressure.

"The success of this expansion is a testament to Chevron's long-term, successful partnership with the Republic of Kazakhstan. Chevron is committed to continuing our investment in the people, economy and energy infrastructure of Kazakhstan," said Guy Hollingsworth, president of Chevron Europe, Eurasia and Middle East Exploration and Production. "The scale of this project is incredible. SGP is the largest single-train sour gas and crude processing unit in the world, and SGI is now returning sour gas to the reservoir at the highest concentrations of hydrogen sulfide and highest pressures ever accomplished."

Chevron has a 50 percent interest in Tengizchevroil. Other partners are KazMunaiGas, 20 percent; ExxonMobil Kazakhstan Ventures Inc., 25 percent; and LUKArco, 5 percent.

Tags: Chevron Corporation