(World Oil) – Condor Energies has launched a multi-well drilling program in Uzbekistan as the Canadian independent looks to expand natural gas production and reserves across its portfolio in Central Asia.
The campaign begins with a vertical well targeting producing carbonate reservoirs and deeper stacked clastic and basement formations at around 3,000 meters. Drilling and evaluation of the well are expected to conclude in October 2025. Results will guide a 12-well horizontal program, with each well forecast to produce 13–20 MMcf/d at a cost of roughly $3.3 million once the drilling learning curve is achieved.
The first horizontal well will feature a 1,000-meter lateral, with potential for longer laterals as reservoir data dictates. Condor noted that horizontal well performance is not yet reflected in its reserves report, leaving scope for material upgrades once production data is captured.
To support future drilling, the company is integrating 1,462 km² of reprocessed 3D seismic and inversion attributes, which has expanded its portfolio to 18 potential targets. Condor said this could extend drilling activity beyond 2026. Discussions are also underway to contract a second rig to accelerate output.
Looking ahead, the company is preparing a field compression project slated for 2026 to offset rising pipeline pressures. Engineering studies estimate compression could increase base production by 25% to 55%, with costs ranging from $12 million to $20 million depending on configuration.
Condor’s Uzbek production averaged 10,284 boe/d through early September, steady with the previous quarter. Output growth is expected to resume once new wells are brought online and compression facilities are installed.
Beyond Uzbekistan, Condor is advancing a modular LNG project in Kazakhstan. Fabrication of its first plant remains on track for completion by late 2025, with LNG output expected by the second quarter of 2026. The company ultimately plans to expand production at the site to 150,000 gallons per day.
The Uzbek drilling program is part of Condor’s Production Enhancement Services Contract (PEC) covering eight conventional gas-condensate fields. Condor holds 51% of the project, while 49% is allocated to a non-controlling partner.
