Higher prices and unconventional drilling drive proved reserves additions
Reserves life at current production rates is 17 years
Continuing success in exploration and strategic acquisitions in Guyana and Brazil add high-quality resources.
WED, FEBRUARY 27 2019-theG&BJournal- Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) said Tuesday it added 4.5 billion oil-equivalent barrels of proved oil and gas reserves in 2018, replacing 313 percent of the year’s production.
ExxonMobil’s proved reserves totaled 24.3 billion oil-equivalent barrels at year-end 2018. Liquids represented 64 percent of the reserves, up from 57 percent in 2017.
“We continue to add high-value, attractive assets to our portfolio that have positioned the company for long-term growth,” said Darren W. Woods, ExxonMobil chairman and chief executive officer. “Our unique strengths, integrated businesses and technical expertise continue to grow value for our shareholders.”
ExxonMobil’s reserves life at current production rates is 17 years. Over the past 10 years, ExxonMobil has added proved oil and gas reserves totaling approximately 17 billion oil-equivalent barrels, replacing 108 percent of produced volumes, including the impact of asset sales.
Consistent with SEC requirements, ExxonMobil reports reserves based on the average of the applicable market price on the first day of each calendar month during the year. As a result of higher prices in 2018, about 3.6 billion oil-equivalent barrels, including volumes at the Kearl oil sands development in Canada, qualified as proved reserves additions at year-end.
During 2018, proved additions from unconventional plays totaled approximately 1.2 billion oil-equivalent barrels. Significant additions in the Permian Basin are supported by ExxonMobil’s growth plan including increased drilling activity and infrastructure development.
A downward revision of approximately 800 million oil-equivalent barrels in the Netherlands was a result of an agreement with the Dutch government to curtail production at the Groningen field.
Reserves additions reflect new developments as well as revisions, including price impacts, and extensions of existing fields resulting from drilling, studies and analysis of reservoir performance.
ExxonMobil added 1.3 billion oil-equivalent barrels to its resource base in 2018 through by-the-bit exploration discoveries and strategic acquisitions, primarily in Guyana and Brazil. The resource base includes proved reserves, plus other discovered resources that are expected to be ultimately recovered.
“Multiple new discoveries offshore Guyana, continued growth in the Permian Basin and a strategic acquisition in Brazil greatly enhanced our already strong portfolio of high-quality, low-cost-of-supply opportunities,” said Woods.
The annual reporting of proved reserves is the product of the corporation’s long-standing, rigorous process that ensures consistency and management accountability in all reserves bookings.
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