Poly-GCL, company engaged in natural gas exploration in Ethiopia, has started drilling the 6th petroleum and natural gas well dubbed Hilal-7 gas in Somali Regional State, Ethiopia. Thus far the company has drilled 5 gas wells around Calub and Hilala areas in the Ogaden Basin.

The drilling of the well was officially commenced on January 10, 2017 in the presence of Minister for Mines, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Motuma Mekessa, and La Yifan, Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia.

The drilling of Hilal-7 gas field is expected to be finalized within half a year.

According to the Minister, Ethiopia will start extracting natural gas after 3 years. “Unlike the other drillings, the digging at Hilal-7 is special as it took into consideration exploration of both petroleum and natural gas,” the Minister added.

The Chinese Ambassador on his part noted that such project strengthen co-operation and bilateral ties between Ethiopia and China.

According to Fana Broadcasting Corporate, Calub, Hilala Genale areas ave 4.7 billion cubic feet of natural gas deposit. It was in the 1970s that the deposits were discovered.

Source: Fana Broadcasting Corporate