Chuchupa

Chuchupa Oil and Gas Field Profile

Location

The Chuchupa Oil and Gas Field is located in the Guajira Basin, Colombia, specifically in shallow water with a depth of approximately 26 feet.

Coordinates

The field's coordinates are approximately 11.728, -72.799 (WGS 84).

Operator and Ownership

The field is operated by Hocol S.A., a hydrocarbon exploration and production company. The ownership is divided between Hocol S.A. (43.0%) and Ecopetrol S.A. (57.0%).

Discovery and Production

The Chuchupa field was discovered in 1973. Gas production began in 1979, following the drilling of the first well in 1975.

Production Details

• Peak Production: The field reached its peak production in 2010.
• Current Production: As of 2022, the field produced 1,118.82 million m³ of gas per year.
• Production Status: The field is currently operating, but it has recovered over 94% of its total recoverable reserves. Production is expected to continue until the field reaches its economic limit, estimated to be around 2031.

Reserves

• Gas Reserves: As of 2021, the remaining gas reserves were approximately 2067.11 million m³.
• Oil Reserves: The original oil in place was estimated at 800 million barrels as of 2018.

Field Characteristics

• Type: The Chuchupa field is a conventional gas field, with some oil reserves.
• Significance: It is the largest non-associated natural gas field in Colombia, contributing significantly to the country's natural gas production.

Economic and Operational Aspects

• Contribution to National Output: The field currently accounts for approximately 1% of Colombia's daily natural gas output.
• Future Prospects: Given the mature state of the field and declining production, new fields such as the Sinu-9 field operated by NG Energy are expected to take over as major producers in the region.

Historical and Social Context

• Chevron's Involvement: Chevron, which previously operated the field, discovered gas in La Guajira in 1972 and began production in 1979. Chevron sold its interests in the Chuchupa and Ballena fields in April 2020.
• Community Impact: The operations in the area have also involved community development initiatives, such as Chevron's support for local tourism and water access projects in the La Guajira region.

Challenges and Future Outlook

• Declining Production: The field is facing declining production, which is a common issue with mature fields in the Guajira Basin.
• Regulatory and Security Issues: The development of new oil and gas fields in Colombia is hindered by security concerns, community consultation processes, and political opposition to fossil fuel exploration, particularly fracking.

In summary, the Chuchupa Oil and Gas Field is a significant but mature gas field in Colombia, operated by Hocol S.A. and owned jointly by Hocol and Ecopetrol. While it has been a major contributor to Colombia's natural gas production, its output is declining, and new fields are being developed to replace it.