Published: November 22 2023
A major natural gas field has been discovered near the Hungarian border by Croats. This discovery has the potential to greatly impact Hungary's energy security and benefit MOL, the Hungarian oil and gas company, through its Croatian subsidiary.
Implications for Energy Security and MOL
The gas field discovered near the Hungarian border could meet 7 percent of Croatia's gas needs. Engineers estimate that the gas field contains 150 million cubic meters of gas, and another well will soon be drilled to potentially yield even more gas. Together, these two wells could supply up to 15 percent of Croatia's gas needs. This discovery is a positive move towards reducing dependence on imported gas and improving energy security for both Hungary and Croatia.
Quality and Infrastructure Considerations
The gas discovered in the field is of very good quality, with an extremely dry composition. However, the full exploitation of this resource is still a few years away. The infrastructure required for extraction and transportation of the gas will take approximately three years to complete. Once the infrastructure is in place, the gas field can be fully exploited and contribute to meeting energy demands.
Additional Discoveries and Future Plans
The Grubišno Polje area has already yielded several gas fields, with the largest discovered in 1996. The newly discovered gas field in the Slavonia region can potentially supply Croatian consumers for about five years if intensively exploited. Additionally, the Zagreb government plans to repurpose the depleted mines in the area into underground gas storage facilities by 2050, ensuring a sustainable and long-term gas supply.
Conclusion
The discovery of a major natural gas field near the Hungarian border not only benefits Croatia's energy security but also presents opportunities for MOL, the Hungarian oil and gas company, through its Croatian subsidiary. With further exploration and the development of necessary infrastructure, this discovery has the potential to significantly impact the energy landscape in the region.
Questions & Answers
What is the impact of the natural gas discovery near the Hungarian border? The natural gas discovery near the Hungarian border can have a major impact on Hungary's energy security.
Who made the natural gas discovery near the Hungarian border? The natural gas discovery was made by Croats near the Hungarian border.
How much of Croatia's gas needs can the well alone meet? The well alone can meet 7 percent of Croatia's gas needs.
How much gas is estimated to be in the Slavonia region gas field? Engineers estimate that the Slavonia region gas field contains 150 million cubic meters of gas.
What will happen next after the natural gas discovery? Another 800-meter deep well will soon be drilled, which could yield even more gas. Once the drilling and infrastructure are completed in three years, the natural gas can be extracted and transported.
How long can the newly discovered gas field in the Slavonia region supply Croatian consumers? If intensively exploited, the newly discovered gas field can supply Croatian consumers for about 5 years.
What are the plans for the depleted mines in the area? The Zagreb government plans to turn the depleted mines in the area into underground gas storage facilities by 2050.
