Specialists from the Natural Gas Research Institute of the “Turkmengaz” State Concern have developed a method to extinguish the uncontrolled fire at the Darvaza crater in the Central Karakum Desert, where natural gas has been seeping to the surface and burning since 1963. The solution involves drilling a new well and rerouting the gas flow, according to the “Nebit-Gaz” newspaper.

"Considering the identified geological and hydrodynamic features, specialists from the Natural Gas Research Institute proposed drilling a production and appraisal well at the Chaljuba field. By intensively extracting gas from the reservoir with the highest reserves, it was possible to change the direction of the filtration flows and significantly reduce gas flow into the crater," the statement reads.

A crater approximately 60 meters in diameter and approximately 20 meters deep, officially known as the "Karakum Glow," was formed by the accidental collapse of an exploratory well in a gas-bearing structure. Located approximately 270 kilometers from Ashgabat, it is a unique natural and man-made feature. At the time of the accident, the escaping gas was ignited to prevent poisoning of people and animals. The fire was expected to subside within a few days, but the blaze has burned for over six decades.

The prolonged combustion is explained by the complex geological structure of the Zeagli-Dervezinsky group of fields, where the crater is located. The section is characterized by numerous thin productive layers at depths ranging from 200 to 950 meters, which are hydrodynamically interconnected. This creates conditions for constant gas flow between the layers.

Previous attempts to survey the crater were made. Specialists from the “Nebitgazhovpsuzlyk” department of the “Turkmengaz” State Corporation descended to the bottom in hopes of finding the remains of the wellbore and installing wellhead equipment. However, gas was escaping from multiple sources, and they were unable to regain control of the well.

Currently, nine fields in the group are in commercial development, with gas production occurring from 45 wells. The institute has been conducting comprehensive research in this region for over forty years.

According to the institute, the implementation of a scientifically based solution will completely eliminate uncontrolled gas emissions into the atmosphere, reduce the environmental burden, and ensure the rational use of Turkmenistan's natural resources.