ExxonMobil working through Longtail EIA with Guyana’s EPA

Sept. 10 (oilnow.gy) ExxonMobil is working with the Guyana environmental regulator to advance the Longtail development, with the project expected to introduce non-associated gas and condensate production to the country’s offshore portfolio around 2030.

Country President Alistair Routledge disclosed the progress during the Energy Perspectives podcast episode released on September 7. He said the company has already submitted the field development plan (FDP) and environmental impact assessment (EIA), which are under review by Guyana’s authorities.

Approval of the EIA would lead to an environmental permit, while approval of the FDP would produce the production license.

“We’ve [ExxonMobil] been going through the environmental impact assessment with the Environmental Protection Agency… That project [Longtail], assuming approval by the government this year and FID by ourselves and our co-venturers, we anticipate start-up in the 2030 timeframe,” Routledge disclosed.

Longtail will differ from Guyana’s first seven offshore developments by targeting a retrograde gas reservoir. While the reservoir contains primarily gas, production is expected to include very light oil known as condensate. The project will also use gas reinjection, but no water injection, to maximize liquids recovery. 

Routledge explained that gas development would add a different “flavor” to Guyana’s offshore industry, opening the door to new uses for the country’s natural gas resources. 

“What we’re seeing as we shift to Longtail and, hopefully behind that, the Haimara project, is a shift to gas development… We are in a little bit of a transition going from what we would call black oil field development into gas field development,” the official said.

Longtail is located about 188 kilometers offshore Guyana and is expected to produce up to 1.2 billion cubic feet of gas per day and about 250,000 barrels per day of condensate. Development drilling could begin in 2027, with subsea installation expected from 2028.

ExxonMobil Guyana operates the Stabroek Block with a 45% interest, alongside Chevron (through Hess) with 30% and CNOOC Limited with 25%.