3D Energi Confirms Gas Discovery at Essington-1 Offshore Otway Basin
3D Energi has confirmed a natural gas discovery at the Essington-1 well in the offshore Otway Basin, supported by direct gas sampling and preliminary analysis. Further testing is planned to assess the commercial potential of the find.
- Natural gas confirmed in Waarre C and Waarre A reservoirs
- Representative gas samples recovered via Modular Formation Dynamics testing
- Preliminary analysis shows low CO2 concentrations (2-4.5%)
- Ora wireline formation testing planned to evaluate reservoir deliverability
- Joint venture partners include 3D Energi, ConocoPhillips Australia, and Korea National Oil Company
Discovery Confirmation
3D Energi Limited (ASX – TDO) has announced a confirmed natural gas discovery at the Essington-1 exploration well, located offshore in the Otway Basin within the VIC/P79 permit area. The discovery spans two key reservoirs, Waarre C and Waarre A, where representative gas samples were successfully recovered through Modular Formation Dynamics (MDT) testing. This direct sampling validates earlier drilling observations, petrophysical interpretations, and pressure data, providing strong technical evidence of hydrocarbons in place.
Preliminary Gas Quality and Testing Plans
Initial rig-based compositional analysis of the MDT gas samples indicates encouragingly low carbon dioxide levels, ranging from 2% in the Waarre A reservoir to 4.5% in the Waarre C. These figures are preliminary and await confirmation through detailed laboratory compositional analysis. To further evaluate the reservoir’s commercial potential, 3D Energi plans to deploy Schlumberger’s Ora wireline formation testing platform. This advanced testing will measure reservoir mobility, connectivity, and fluid properties, while recovering additional hydrocarbon samples for comprehensive analysis.
Joint Venture and Strategic Implications
The Essington-1 well is operated under a joint venture comprising 3D Energi (20%), ConocoPhillips Australia (51%), and Korea National Oil Company (29%). Executive Chairman Noel Newell expressed pride in the team’s achievement, highlighting the alignment of multiple technical indicators that culminated in this discovery. While the commercial viability remains to be assessed, the confirmation of hydrocarbons in two reservoirs marks a significant milestone for the project and the joint venture partners.
Looking Ahead
With the Ora wireline formation testing imminent, the next phase will provide critical data to determine the deliverability and economic potential of the gas reservoirs. This step is essential before any development decisions can be made. The discovery adds to the growing portfolio of offshore gas prospects in the Otway Basin, a region of increasing strategic importance for Australia’s energy supply.
Bottom Line?
The Essington-1 discovery sets the stage for crucial testing that will define its commercial future and impact on the Otway Basin gas landscape.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the detailed laboratory analysis reveal about gas composition and impurities?
- How will the Ora wireline formation testing results influence development timelines?
- What are the potential market and infrastructure implications if the discovery proves commercial?
