By Ejekwu Chidiebere
- It has just added over 135 MMscf/d to Nigeria’s domestic gas supply
Energy Window International (Media) – The NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture (JV) has achieved a major breakthrough with the “innovative, rigless recompletion” of a key non-associated gas well in OML 17, Heirs Energies said. “This pioneering intervention”, and “the first of its kind in Nigeria” according to the Company’s statement, has doubled the JV’s gas output to a peak of 135 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/d), thereby delivering a significant boost to domestic gas supply and strengthening the nation’s energy security.
“This significant production increase has transformed power generation across the eastern network”, and “Transcorp PLC – TransAfam Power”, regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading power generation plants, have also quadrupled its output, rising from an average of 50 megawatts to more than 180 megawatts, with peaks of 200 megawatts. EWI Publishers also gathered that other power plants that feed from the network – First Independent Power Limited (FIPL) and Geometric Power, have equally recorded more stable operations and higher generation.
Thus in total, the power plants now receiving gas from the Joint Venture have seen, Heirs said, combined output surge from around 100 megawatts to more than 350 megawatts. “This increased power generation provides enough energy to power hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses – reducing blackouts, supporting hospitals, and schools, and keeping factories, small enterprises, and critical infrastructure running.”
Mrs Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser on energy matters, wrote to Heirs Energies CEO Osa Igiehon and said: “I congratulate the entire Heirs Energies team on this remarkable achievement, which is a testament to the strength of Nigerian engineering expertise and the value of persistent technical innovation.”
She added, “Please be assured of my continued support as you expand your operation across the energy sector, unlocking additional oil and gas resources to power homes, industries and commercial activities nationwide.”
It could be recalled that the Well at the centre of this success had previously been shut due to excessive water production, and rather than drilling a new well or undertaking a conventional workover, Heirs Energies said its engineered took the whole hug, embarking on a rigless, through-tubing recompletion into an untapped reservoir interval. “Completed safely, in record time, and at just 15% of the cost of drilling a new Well, the operation sets a new standard for rigless solutions in Nigeria’s upstream sector.”
Udy Ntia, Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd, said: “This innovative intervention demonstrates NNPC’s strong commitment to unlocking the nation’s gas resources in support of national development. The performance of the NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture shows the power of partnership, disciplined execution, and innovation in driving substantial value for Nigeria.”
Engr. Seyi Omotowa, Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NUIMS, added, “This project reflects NUIMS’ strategic focus on safe, efficient, and value-driven upstream operations. It is a model for the type of innovative solutions required to optimize Nigeria’s hydrocarbon assets.”
“The NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture continues to advance gas-focused, innovation-driven developments, aiming to expand domestic gas supply, strengthen electricity generation, build local capacity, and support broader economic and industrial growth. This latest success reinforces the JV’s commitment to delivering energy that powers homes, industries, and national prosperity.”
Osa Igiehon, Chief Executive Officer, Heirs Energies, said: “This milestone is another testament to Heirs Energies’ leading capabilities in managing brownfields. The ingenuity, thoroughness, and resilience of our 100% Nigerian workforce made this possible. We remain committed to supporting Nigeria’s gas-to-power agenda through innovation-led, responsible, and performance-driven upstream operations.”
Heirs Energies Limited has been described as Africa’s leading indigenous-owned integrated energy company, which is committed to meeting Africa’s unique energy needs while aligning with global sustainability goals. It’s been rated highly for its strong focus on innovation, environmental responsibility, and community development, leading in the evolving energy landscape while contributing to a more prosperous Africa.