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Empire Energy Group Ltd (ASX:EEG) has secured key contracts for its Carpentaria Pilot Project in the Beetaloo Basin, Northern Territory, Australia. The company has engaged Ensign Rig 965 for drilling the Carpentaria-5H well on exploration permit (EP) 187, a critical component of the Carpentaria Project. Additionally, Halliburton has been contracted for the well’s fracture stimulation, utilizing a high-capacity 44,000 hydraulic horsepower (HHP) fracking fleet, nearly tripling the horsepower used in previous campaigns at Carpentaria.
Drilling and Stimulation Details
Empire Energy’s drilling program will focus on a 3,000-meter horizontal section and 60 fracture stimulation stages in the Velkerri B Shale formation for the Carpentaria-5H well. The substantial increase in fracking fleet horsepower aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the stimulation process, potentially improving productivity outcomes.
Alex Underwood, managing director of Empire Energy, highlighted the significance of this phase: “Empire is entering a pivotal stage with the Beetaloo Project, aiming to commence sales of test gas from the McArthur River Pipeline. Following a recent successful capital raising, the team is advancing with design and execution planning for the Carpentaria-5H pilot development well, including the engineering work for surface facilities needed for gas sales.”
Timeline and Development
The drilling of the Carpentaria-5H well is scheduled to begin in late October, contingent on the release of Ensign Rig 965 from its current contract. Fracture stimulation operations will follow promptly thereafter. Initial flow test results are anticipated in the first quarter of 2025. Engineering work on surface facilities is progressing, with installation planned for the second quarter of 2025. Pilot production sales are projected to start by mid-2025, pending final regulatory approvals for test gas sales, which are currently in advanced stages.
Empire Energy aims to complete the well with a 5-and-a-half-inch casing, allowing for enhanced fracture stimulation pump rates exceeding 100 barrels per minute. This upgrade is expected to boost productivity during the stimulation phase and support the company’s objectives for the project.
The advancements in the Carpentaria Pilot Project mark a significant step forward for Empire Energy, positioning the company to potentially capitalize on the Beetaloo Basin’s resources and contribute to its growth trajectory in the energy sector.
