Capitalized exploration drilling: Suspended well costs

Exploratory drilling costs are capitalized until the drilling of the well is complete. If hydrocarbon resources are found whose commercial development is possible, the costs continue to be capitalized as construction in progress, subject to further appraisal activity that may include the drilling of further wells. Management evaluates all such capitalized costs at least once a year from both a technical and economic perspective to confirm the continued intent to develop or otherwise extract value from the discovery. If this is no longer the case, the relevant costs are written off. If proven reserves of oil or natural gas are determined and development is sanctioned, however, the relevant expenses are transferred within property, plant and equipment to machinery and technical equipment. Impairments for unsuccessful exploration wells are recognized in exploration expenses.

The following table indicates the changes in capitalized exploration drilling.

The last row shows the year-end value for equity-accounted companies.

Capitalized exploration drilling (million €)

Fully consolidated companies

 

2017

2016

As of January 1

 

411

423

Additions to exploration drilling of the year

 

32

103

Capitalized exploration drilling charged to expense

 

(34)

(49)

Reclassification of successful exploration drilling

 

(75)

(75)

Translation effect

 

(31)

9

As of December 31

 

303

411

Equity-accounted companies as of December 31

 

164

212

The following table provides an overview of the capitalization period, amounts capitalized for exploration drilling, and the number of suspended exploration wells.

Capitalized exploration drilling (million €)

Fully consolidated companies

 

2017

2016

Wells for which drilling is not complete

 

4

37

Wells capitalized less than one year

 

35

71

Wells capitalized more than one year

 

264

303

Total

 

303

411

Number of exploration wells in construction in progress

 

31

36

Number of exploration wells in construction in progress at equity-accounted companies as of December 31

 

23

27