Uzbekneftegaz and China’s CNPC partner to explore ultra-deep hydrocarbon reserves

The contract, announced by the state-owned company’s press service, outlines the drilling of 30 exploration and appraisal wells between 2026 and 2028.

This strategic project focuses on ultra-deep drilling, with plans to reach depths of 5,500–6,000 meters. These operations are specifically designed to identify and tap into hydrocarbon reserves located in complex geological formations characterized by abnormally high pressures and temperatures.

The partnership is part of a broader initiative to modernize Uzbekistan's energy sector by integrating international expertise and cutting-edge technology into the extraction process. By collaborating with CNPC, Uzbekneftegaz aims to enhance the efficiency of its drilling operations and implement advanced technical solutions across its geological exploration sites.

Beyond the immediate technical goals, the agreement serves as a key component of the national strategy to expand the country’s resource base. The exploration of newly identified prospective areas in the Ustyurt region is expected to play a vital role in securing long-term energy supplies and discovering new fuel deposits.

Officials at Uzbekneftegaz stressed that this cooperation with their Chinese partners marks a new stage in the country’s geological exploration efforts. The project is expected to provide deeper insights into the subsurface potential of the region while strengthening the overall stability of the national resource infrastructure.