Beach Energy provided an update on the NTNG program in ATP 855 and PRLs 33-49, where a total of 18 wells have been drilled as part of the Stage 1 exploration phase, of which 14 have been fracture stimulated and 11 flow tested to date.
A targeted campaign of fracture stimulation was undertaken to increase the understanding and knowledge of the geology and optimal approach for gas extraction. As such, flow rates to date should be assessed in this context and are not representative of whole-of-well rates expected from an entire commercially producing well. The company says it is encouraged by test results for the Stage 1 exploration phase and the program remains on track to achieve reported milestones.
The current fracture stimulation program in ATP 855 is expected to be completed in the coming weeks with the Condor Energy Services spread currently working at Geoffrey-1, the final Stage 1 well in Queensland. Hervey-1 and Etty-1 were completed and are currently being flow tested, with the snubbing unit installing production tubing in readiness for flow testing at Redland-1.
The joint venture has approved the fracture stimulation of the Boston-2 well (PRL 37) over eight stages. This will take place after the completion of stimulation activities at Geoffrey-1.
Beach Managing Director, Reg Nelson , said, “We are extremely encouraged by the results from the single fracture stimulation stage in the Daralingie Formation at Etty-1, particularly when compared with rates from wells such as Hervey 1, which we believe to be outside the preferred over-pressured zone in the Nappamerri Trough. To have flowed a single zone at in excess of 870,000 standard cubic feet per day on a restricted basis is very exciting for the program.”
Nelson further said that, looking forward, the company believes that the possibility of a horizontal well being drilled into this Daralingie Formation sand and fracture stimulated extensively through a multi-stage approach is very real. This work would only be undertaken with joint venture approval and would form potential Stage 2 discussions.
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Press Release; Image: Beach Energy