Exploration and Appraisal Highlights

In 2020, OMV completed the drilling of seven exploration and appraisal wells in five different countries, two of which were successful.

In Austria, OMV finalized one exploration well started in 2019.

OMV Petrom drilled one exploration well in Romania, and two deep exploration wells were tested in the second half of 2020. One test concluded that reservoirs seem unlikely to produce, whereas the second evaluation is still ongoing.

In Norway, the Hades appraisal well was successful.

OMV finalized two exploration wells in New Zealand in 2020. While Tawhaki-1 in the Great South Basin proved dry, Toutouwai-1 in the Taranaki Basin is a likely commercial discovery. An appraisal well is planned for 2022.

In Malaysia, SapuraOMV completed two exploration wells on block SK408 with non-commercial natural gas volumes in Remayong.

OMV participated in three 3D seismic surveys completed in 2020, one in Romania (Hunt/OMV Petrom), one in Australia (SapuraOMV), and one in Bulgaria (Total/OMV). In Romania, Hunt/OMV Petrom completed the 1,583 km² 3D seismic survey (within the VIII – Urziceni Est license) in February 2020. In March, SapuraOMV completed a 3D offshore seismic survey (GEM 3D) covering an area of 420 km² offshore from Australia in the Vulcan sub-basin. In May, Total/OMV completed a 3D offshore survey (Han Asparuh 3D) covering an area of 5,614 km² offshore from Bulgaria.

Due to the current environment (COVID-19, oil price, budget restrictions), drilling of several exploration wells was shifted to 2021 or later. Exploration and appraisal expenditures decreased to EUR 227 mn in 2020 (2019: EUR 360 mn).