ASHGABAT — Turkmenistan is poised to significantly ramp up drilling operations at the Galkynysh gas field, aiming to increase its output and efficiency, officials announced. The field, which ranks as the world’s second-largest, is currently managed by the state-owned company Turkmengaz, and plans are underway to expand its production capacity.

According to Trend News Agency, during a recent Cabinet of Ministers meeting, Deputy Chairman Batyr Amanov outlined an array of initiatives designed to streamline drilling activities at the Galkynysh field. The initiatives include the acquisition of advanced drilling equipment, pending approval from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Amanov described the field as reaching a new phase in its development, with several new wells scheduled to be drilled as part of the initial expansion efforts.

In response to Amanov’s report, President Berdimuhamedov emphasized the necessity of modernizing equipment to expedite the development of oil and gas fields. He endorsed the proposal for enhanced drilling tools and tasked the deputy minister with overseeing the implementation process. These steps are part of a broader strategy to not only increase the field’s annual gas output from 30 billion cubic meters to 40 billion but also to extend Turkmengaz’s retail network and optimize its export capabilities.

The Galkynysh gas field, located in Mary Province, has been a cornerstone of Turkmenistan’s gas production since 2013. With reserves estimated at over 14 trillion cubic meters, the field’s strategic development is vital for the country’s energy sector, particularly in terms of meeting the growing domestic and international demand for natural gas.