First gas from Sole field to plant expected later in February

Cooper Energy expects first gas from the Sole field, located offshore Australia, to flow to an onshore plant later this month while the full rate production is expected in March 2020.

Orbost gas plant; Source: Cooper
Orbost gas plant; Source: Cooper

The Cooper-operated Sole gas field is located in the eastern part of the Gippsland Basin, approximately 40km offshore Victoria, Australia. The project involves the development of the Sole offshore gas field and upgrade of the Orbost gas plant to supply approximately 24 PJ per annum.

The Orbost gas processing plant is being upgraded by APA Group to process gas from the Sole gas field. APA was expected to conclude the plant upgrade works and begin commissioning and delivery of sales gas within the September 2019 quarter. However, the project has taken longer than expected.

The project was also affected by recent bushfires in Australia, which caused further delays.

On the other hand, the development and commissioning of Sole has been completed and the field is ready to supply gas.

In an update on Tuesday Cooper informed that the Sole Gas Project had passed a critical milestone with the entry of gas from the Eastern Gas Pipeline into the Orbost gas processing plant in Australia.

Cooper said that the commissioning of the Orbost plant is proceeding towards its second phase, which will include introduction of gas from Sole and commissioning of raw gas processing facilities. Completion of second phase commissioning is to be followed by a plant production test and the beginning of firm gas supply from Sole.

According to Cooper, first gas flow from the field to the plant is anticipated later in February. Full rate production and commercial operation for firm gas supply are anticipated in March 2020.


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