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Highlights
D3 Energy enhances gas flow rates following a successful cleanout at its RBD03 well
Extended testing underway to gather pressure build-up data before operational pause
Company prepares for helium and hydrogen exploration in South Australia's Arckaringa Basin
Gas exploration and production company D3 Energy Ltd (ASX:D3E), listed on the ASX 200, has reported an increase in gas flow rates at its RBD03 well located in the Free State province of South Africa. The improvement comes as part of the company’s multi-well production testing program under the ER315 permit, aimed at revitalising legacy wells and unlocking new value from underexplored resources.
The RBD03 well was originally drilled in the early 1980s and had previously encountered testing limitations due to subsurface obstructions.
Operational Workover Clears Obstructions for Enhanced Output
D3 Energy recently conducted a cleanout operation on the RBD03 well to remove suspected blockages hampering flow. The intervention was carried out in early May following the identification of irregularities during earlier testing phases. Despite partial restrictions caused by an undocumented borehole variation, the cleanout proceeded successfully and allowed for the recommencement of flow testing in mid-June.
The resumed testing has already yielded a marked uplift in performance, indicating that the well is now operating under improved reservoir conditions. The company is continuing to test the well over a set period to accumulate additional data for pressure analysis.
Pressure Build-Up Analysis to Follow Flow Period
As part of the structured testing approach, D3 Energy plans to shut in the RBD03 well after the completion of a two-week flow cycle. The pause will facilitate a comprehensive review of pressure build-up data, which is critical to evaluating reservoir integrity and longer-term performance trends.
The information gathered from this phase will assist in guiding future operational strategies, including the sequencing of additional wells under the broader testing initiative in South Africa.
New Frontier: Helium and Hydrogen Exploration in South Australia
In addition to its work in South Africa, D3 Energy has disclosed its strategic expansion into Australia through the acquisition of helium and hydrogen exploration permits in South Australia’s Arckaringa Basin. The permits span a sizeable tract of underexplored terrain that shares geological characteristics with the nearby Amadeus Basin, known for past gas-rich sub-salt penetrations.
This new development positions the company within an emerging corridor of interest for clean energy gases. The Mt Kitty-1 and Magee-1 wells in the Amadeus Basin have historically returned elevated concentrations of helium and hydrogen, pointing to promising parallels in the Arckaringa Basin. With limited prior drilling in the region, the upcoming exploration phase could reveal valuable subsurface insights.
D3 Energy's dual-region approach—focused on enhancing existing gas infrastructure in South Africa while exploring for cleaner energy sources in Australia—underscores its growing presence across both traditional and transitional energy landscapes.
