State approves 2nd CD-5 expansion; ConocoPhillips plans 10 new wells

Alan Bailey

Petroleum News

Alaska’s Division of Oil and Gas has approved a request by ConocoPhillips for authorization to drill up to 10 new wells from the CD-5 pad, in the northeastern National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. The so-called CD5X2 project, the second expansion at CD-5, will enable the continued development of the Alpine oil resource without any expansion to the existing gravel drill site, the company told the division. CD-5 is the farthest west of the drill site in the Alpine field and accesses oil in reservoirs in the Alpine sands.

ConocoPhillips told the division that the new development is expected to involve the installation of 33 new vertical support members for carrying pipeline, two pipe racks, new well houses and other infrastructure components. Drilling would start in February 2019 and the development would be completed by April 30, 2024.

The CD-5 development has proved particularly successful for ConocoPhillips, with oil production significantly exceeding initial estimates.

- ALAN BAILEY