PDVSA Gas, a subsidiary of Petróleos de Venezuela, implemented the highly inclined drilling technology in the RG 278 well located in Santa Rosa oilfield, eastern Anzoátegui state. The use of this technique in 14 wells included in Anaco's major area will raise the domestic gas output by 110 million cubic feet.

PDVSA has devised a pilot project to drill shallow deposits and get the technical and economic feasibility to develop significant, easily accessible gas reserves of 800-900 feet deep that had been not developed earlier.

The surveys of RG 278 well found an output capacity of more than 11 million cubic feet/day -an additional input to the Anaco area, presently at 1.6 billion cubic feet/day.

This new strategy on highly inclined drilling will help operate two shallow deposits concomitantly, resulting in high productivity levels and profitable operations.

Testing and the first stage of production of well RG 278 proved to be successful and went far beyond the expectations of the PDVSA Gas staff without the need for increasing expenses.

The introduction of new techniques to develop deposits containing large gas reserves will bolster energy development in east Venezuela, according to the plans and strategies of the Bolivarian government to ensure domestic supply and fulfill the commitments aimed at Latin American and Caribbean integration.