Pakistan, Chinese firms sign MoU to explore Rs20 billion energy investment

Shaheen Energy and China's Anton Oilfield Services Group have signed a memorandum of understanding to look into roughly Rs20 billion of investment in Pakistan's gas and upstream energy work over the coming three to five years, according to Profit by Pakistan Today. The accord follows amendments to the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Policy 2012, which now permit producers to transfer as much as 35% of pipeline-grade gas to authorised outside purchasers through a competitive process.

Under the MoU, the pair plan to assess projects that could be commercially viable, such as third-party gas trading, development of upstream gas fields, output improvement, gas treatment and energy infrastructure. The collaboration is expected to concentrate mainly on gas that is stranded or at low pressure, gas monetisation and technology-led output gains. Shaheen will bring its local operating know-how and gas processing skills, while Anton brings overseas oilfield technology and upstream expertise.

Shaheen already runs a processing facility at the Sinjhoro field, designed to handle 10 million standard cubic feet each day (MMSCFD). It currently treats about 8 to 10 MMSCFD of low-pressure permeate gas, using membrane technology to strip out carbon dioxide and bring the output up to pipeline standard. Anton, meanwhile, is present in over 30 countries and regions, offering drilling and completion, reservoir engineering, field management and energy-resource commercialisation.