The ECD-8D Well Aims To Develop Gas And Condensate Reserves In The Petaca Formation

The drilling of the Enconada-8D well (ECD-8D) is making significant progress and aims to develop gas and condensate reserves in the Petaca formation (Petaca A and Petaca B levels).

“This is a targeted well, located at the crest of the structure for the reservoirs of interest. The production forecast for this project considers an approximate flow rate of 3.8 million cubic feet per day of gas (MMcfd),” stated Raúl Giraudo, General Manager of YPFB Andina SA

Based on the review of area information and the positive results from well ECD-7, the formation structure is best expressed to the northeast, with development at various levels of the Petaca Formation. To continue field development and increase the ultimate recovery factor, well ECD-8D is being drilled. Once drilling of well ECD-8D is completed, drilling of development well ECD-9D is scheduled to begin.

YPFB Andina SA, a subsidiary of YPFB Corporación and operator of the Enconada field, is investing approximately $7.67M in the drilling of this directional well, whose final depth is estimated at 2,183 meters, until it crosses the Ichoa formation.

The well began drilling on April 9, 2026. In early May it reached its final depth, passing through the targets with good gas samples, and is scheduled to come online in August 2026.

The Enconada field was discovered by Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB) in July 1972 with the drilling of well ECD-X2, classified as a gas and condensate producer from the Petaca formation. Wells ECD-6, ECD-7, ECD-5D, ECD-X1, ECD-X3, and ECD-X4 have also been drilled in the field.

The field began continuous production in 2021. It currently produces 8.93 MMcfd of gas and 252 barrels per day of condensate, with a cumulative production of 8.4 billion cubic feet (8.4 BCF) of gas.