Eni acquired 124 exploration leases onshore in the Eastern North Slope of Alaska from Caelus Alaska Exploration Company, Eni announced Wednesday.
Eni will hold all leases with a 100 percent working interest in the area of approximately 350,000 acres, the press release said. The Eastern Exploration Area (EEA) is located 20 miles to the southeast of the town of Deadhorse and to the southeast of the giant Prudhoe Bay oil field, and near existing infrastructure and close to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), according to the press release.
Eni said the EEA is considered a prime area with high potential and multiple proven plays, between two of the largest hydrocarbon discoveries in North America.
The company also announced that it would apply its business model and experience through fast-track exploration of the new potential new discoveries with a short time to market, which aims at generating long-term value for all stakeholders and shareholders.
According to the press release, the new acquisition will further strengthen Eni's presence in one of the most prospective oil-prone areas in the U.S. In the United States, Eni has a presence in 21 oil and gas fields, out of which 11 are operational with a net daily production of approx. 60,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boed).
In the Gulf of Mexico and in Alaska, Eni holds 109 leases, and has a non-operated participation in the Alliance field. In Alaska, Eni is the operator of the Nikaitchuq field with 100 percent share and has a 30 percent participation in the Oooguruk field, with a total net production of approx. 20,000 boed.
