– Eni first entered Turkmenistan in the late 2000s. How would you describe the company’s experience   in the country?

– Eni acquired Burren Energy plc. in 2008 and has been operating Nebit Dag concession under the name Eni Turkmenistan Limited (ETL) since 2014. In the same year, Eni and the Turkmen government extended the Production Sharing Agreement until 2032, solidifying the company’s long-term commitment to the country. Our presence in Turkmenistan is characterized by a stable and mutually beneficial partnership with the Turkmen government, significant investment within the period, and a focus on both safe hydrocarbon production and human capital development. Eni’s approach in Turkmenistan extends beyond oil production to include social and environmental responsibility, which is aligned with the company’s global sustainability strategy.

– What future work plans does Eni have at the Nebit Dag block?

– ETL’s future plans for the Nebit Dag block in Turkmenistan will focus on maximizing hydrocarbon production in a safe and sustainable manner. This will be achieved through a continued emphasis on asset integrity and technological innovation. Development strategy to maximize efficient oil recovery includes drilling of infilling wells and water injection as secondary recovery mechanism. Additionally, workovers of existing wells and production optimization initiatives will be performed to mitigate the decline (perforations of new production layers, matrix acidifications), keeping always as priority safety of the people, protection of environment, and integrity of our assets. Thanks to all these activities, we achieved the increase in proven reserves by 50% in comparison to 2008.  

– What technologies and practices does Eni employ to enhance recovery at the block and minimize the environmental footprint of its operations at the site?

– Innovation has always characterized Eni’s activities and words such as “research”, “development” and “technology” are embedded in our DNA. Eni Turkmenistan Limited, in line with Company’s strategy, employs most recent technologies and international best practises to maximise hydrocarbon recovery in Nebit Dag concession. As mentioned before, drilling infilling wells is one of the 2 pillars of our development strategy. Improving drilling performance to deliver earlier production is key to maximise the value for the Company and the Country. In this sense, ETL recently implemented a pilot project together with one of our Business Partner, first application of this type in Turkmenistan, that deploys digital solutions to drilling operations, with an estimated benefit on the timing of drilling each phase of the well up to 35%! Water injection is the second pillar and the secondary recovery mechanism we implement in Burun field to enhance oil recovery: 2025 will see the final commissioning of the last phase of the project that should increase full life 2P residual reserves by around 40%. In line with Company’s Carbon Neutrality targets, minimization of environmental footprint is a key objective of ETL, and in 2025 we performed in Nebit Dag concession a fugitive gas detection campaign with recent developed optical gas imaging camera. With this project we continue our path against methane emission, after the successful elimination of main emission sources that was possible thanks to a design upgrade of some sections of the plant and the execution of the identified required modifications.

– How does Eni uphold its social responsibility in Turkmenistan?

– Eni Turkmenistan Limited upholds its social responsibility in country through a multifaceted approach that aligns with its global sustainabili ty commitments and the country’s development goals. Its efforts focus on environmental protec tion, community engagement, and people devel opment. Eni Turkmenistan Limited (ETL) emphasizes environmental protection through its operations, which are certified to ISO 14001 standards. Key initiatives include the Biopile, an innovative “waste-to-product” project, that recovers crude oil from drill cuttings and oily liquids, producing sand as well for civil activities and water for evaporation, thereby reducing landfill waste; the Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction, flaring and venting reduction initiatives, and energy management. Among social projects, the construction of a training center in Ashgabat, the purchase of medical equipment for hospitals, the contribution to realization of the modern recreation complex for children during summer period in Gurtly, and the financing of the dormitory in Balkanabad town for 260 students, are the main initiatives that testify our commitment towards territory and local communities. ETL’s social responsibility in Turkmenistan extends to fostering local development. With a workforce of around 850 people, over 95% of whom are national staff, Eni Turkmenistan Limited is one of the main employer in the Balkan velayat. The company provides extensive training for its employees and sponsor Turkmen citizens studies at Italian universities, facilitating development of local skills. Particularly, in the last ten (10) years more than 30 Turkmen students received sponsorship to participate to Master’s programs in recognized Institutions (prestigious Italian Universities and Eni Corporate University), more than 60 Turkmen citizens could attend specialistic training courses in Italy and an average of 25 students per year received academic lectures of Italian language.

– What are ENI’s key expectations for the upcoming OGT 2025 conference and exhibition in Ashgabat?

– The “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2025” conference and exhibition is shaping up to be a major event that highlights Turkmenistan’s pivotal role in the global energy market and its evolving energy strategy. I am looking forward to learning about the latest progress on key project like the Galkynysh Field, and to seeing the strong focus on energy transition and sustainability. I am especially interested in the discussions on methane emission reduction and Turkmenistan’s potential for renewable energy. I am sure the conference will be a great platform for showcasing the newest technological advancements in the energy sector, particularly how AI and digital solutions will impact hydrocarbon production and management. With high-level attendees, including government officials and global industry leaders, the event will provide an excellent opportunity to build strategic partnerships, explore new business ventures, and establish productive collaborations.