Beach Energy hits more gas in Cooper Basin

Australian oil and gas explorer, Beach Energy, completed its four‐well Permian gas exploration and appraisal campaign in the ex PEL 106 and ex PEL 91 in the Cooper Basin, hitting gas at Mohakami-1 well. 

The well tested a western extension of the Southwest Patchawarra gas fairway intersected 10.1 meters of net pay across a 19.2-meter gross section and was cased and suspended as a future producer.  Drill stem tests were encouraging, with a flow rate from one test of 8.6 MMscfd and liquids content of 93 bbl/MMscf.

The company said in its latest drilling report that it has made three liquids‐rich gas discoveries from four wells.

Planning of an expanded FY18 operated gas drilling program is underway, with more than twice the number of gas wells drilled in FY17 currently anticipated, Beach Energy said.

The company has also completed the installation and commissioning of compression at Middleton during March with first production volumes expected to be achieved early in the fourth quarter. Production at full capacity is expected to hit 25 mmscfd.

Beach Energy also noted it expects to maintain its maximum daily raw gas production beyond the financial year 2018. However, with plans for an expanded exploration drilling program planned for FY18, the company could expand its capacity to 40‐50 mmscfd.