Oil remains a key resource of the global economy, and its largest deposits are concentrated in regions with rich geological structures. Here are the top 5 giants defining global energy:
- Al-Ghawar (Saudi Arabia)
The world’s largest field, discovered in 1948, contains about 12 billion tons of oil. It is located in the Persian Gulf basin and covers an area of 8,400 km2. 250 million tons are mined here annually, which is 60% of Saudi Arabia’s production. It is operated by Saudi Aramco, but the details of the development are classified. - Bolshoy Burgan (Kuwait)
A group of three deposits (Burgan, Akhmadi, Magva) with reserves of 11 billion tons. Opened in 1938, it has been under development since 1946. It covers 75% of Kuwait’s oil resources, with annual production of up to 10.7 billion tons. The main operator is Kuwait Petroleum Corporation. - Bolivar Costal (Venezuela)
Located in the Maracaibo Basin, it was opened in 1917. The reserves are estimated at 8.3 billion tons. Mining has been carried out since 1922 at depths up to 4,500 m. The field includes four sites where oil of different densities is produced. The operator is Petroleos de Venezuela. - Upper Zakum (UAE)
Offshore field in the Persian Gulf, discovered in 1963. Reserves are 7-10.7 billion tons depending on the estimate. It is managed by ADNOC (60%), ExxonMobil (28%) and Japan Oil Development Co (12%). Annual production is 80 million tons of low-sulfur oil. - North/South Pars (Qatar/Iran)
A cross-border deposit in the Persian Gulf with reserves of 7 billion tons. The Qatari part (North) has been under development since 1991, while the Iranian part (South Pars) is being developed with the participation of Gazprom, Eni and Total. The total area is 3,700 km2, and mining is carried out both onshore and offshore.
These giants provide a significant share of global oil production, but their operation is fraught with technical and geopolitical challenges.