Management of Oil & Gas Exploration and Production in the Zamrud Conservation Area

Abstract

Abstract This paper describes how Caltex Pacific Indonesia (CPI) manages the development of oil and gas production in the Zamrud conservation area. This management began with a "green" seismic project, "zero discharge" drilling, produced water management, preservation of nature, and includes delivering oil to the sales point. The challenges come not only from internal issues in preserving the environment during oil field operations, but also from the cultivated surrounding areas, which leads to growing pressure on the conservation area. As global energy demand continues to grow, the oil and gas companies are expanding their exploration and production activities into some of the most sensitive and remote ecosystems. The Zamrud field is one of the example sensitive ecosystems where CPI is exploring and producing oil and gas. The history of oil and gas development in the sensitive tropical ecosystems has been marked by conflicts with the environmentalists and isolated indigenous communities. However, CPI in line with its vision, mission and values in preserving its area of operation has implemented viable techniques, technologies and innovative management approaches – as well as improved communications among companies, governments and local communities – which have increased the potential to reduce the risks of oil and gas development. High commitment to the environment, which is reflected in an integrated effort between the government, CPI, and the local people and other institutions, has resulted in successfully preserving the conservation area. Application of the latest drilling and production technology has contributed to the success in maximizing oil production and at the same time preserving the environment. CPI manages exploration and production operations that have proven to be good practices for the future, and has implemented viable techniques to ensure conservation of the environment while exploring for and developing hydrocarbons for the Government of Indonesia.