stated that Peru could produce over 400,000 barrels of oil daily from offshore Lots Z-61, Z-62, and Z-63, located off the northern coast, if the existing reserves are confirmed — a development that would make Peru a surplus producer of this energy resource.
The government official noted that these lots together cover more than 2 million hectares on the continental shelf, offshore, about 100 miles from the coastlines of northern Lambayeque and La Libertad regions.
In these lots, the hydrocarbon company Anadarko conducted seismic mapping tests with very positive results.
"So positive that Chevron, a global oil giant, has entered into a partnership with Anadarko and, as we understand, will be in charge of drilling on the continental shelf to confirm the reserves," Montero told RPP Noticias.
"This could lead us to an extraordinary and much-desired situation: turning Peru's hydrocarbons trade balance, which is currently in deficit, into a surplus," he added.
Thus, Peru might become self-sufficient in oil and could export it.
"Some technical information we have reviewed suggests that production from these lots could reach 400,000 barrels per day, while Peru currently consumes 290,000 and currently produces 45,000," he explained.
Natural gas expansion
In addition, the government official noted that there are at least two major initiatives aimed at expanding the use of natural gas in southern Peru.
"One of them is the 'Seven Regions' Project with the company Cálidda, which is the natural gas distributor in Metropolitan Lima. We are already completing an addendum with clear figures and clear terms with them," the minister said.
"We are talking about a project that would bring natural gas to more than 300,000 households — that is, one and a half million Peruvians in seven regions of southern Peru: Puno, Madre de Dios, Cusco, Apurimac, Ayacucho, Huancavelica, and Ucayali," Montero explained.
"This project could undoubtedly begin this year; we are already completing 3,711 kilometers of distribution networks, a tremendous project," he pointed out.
(END) MDV/MVB