Empire Energy to announce key milestone for Beetaloo gas project

Dozens more workers are expected to arrive at the Beetaloo Basin shortly as a key project prepares for production. Read when the first flows are expected.

Empire Energy, one of the principal developers in the Beetaloo Basin, expects to achieve a final investment decision by the end of the year and first production by 2025.

The revelation is contained in a speech to delegates at NT Resources Week to be delivered on Wednesday by Empire chief executive Alex Underwood.

In the speech, seen by this publication, Mr Underwood will say Empire is preparing the next phase of its development after successful on-ground activities over the past two years.

He will say strong test results from four wells drilled at Empire’s EP187 field had achieved strong flows to complement already good flows at Carpentaria 3H while development at the Beetaloo Basin had reached a critical point.

Empire Energy chief executive Alex Underwood will deliver good news for the company at NT Resources Week.

“We continue to progress our planning for the Carpentaria pilot project and are on track to make a final investment decision to progress to commercial production in the months ahead,” he will say.

“We’ve just announced a 30 per cent increase in flow rates from the first test period to the second, which plays nicely into production planning and we’re on track to commence pilot production projects which will involve putting up to 25 terajoules a day into the McArthur River pipeline.

“We expect to be in production in early 2025, which comes at a crucial time for the Northern Territory gas market given declines of existing sources of gas.

“The more gas you have in the system, the more downward price pressure it applies.

Empire Energy managing director Alex Underwood, with Leslie Rice from KD Machinery Hire at the Carpentaria field.

“Potential FID by end of year would result in an active works program next year including new wells, compressor stations, connecting to the McArthur River Pipeline that could see up to 80 people on site with work in Borroloola and as far afield as Daly Waters and Katherine.

Mr Underwood will reveal Empire had recently drilled the longest horizontal well in Australia on time and on budget.

“We are very pleased to see increasing flow rates from our recently completed wells,

the technical learning is rapidly building our understanding of how to develop the Beetaloo.

“It will also involve continued consultation with Traditional Owners, other landholders, the government and the broader community.”

OECD secretary-general Mathias Cormann will speak at NT Resources Week.

He said finalisation in May of the regulatory framework after the recommendations of the Pepper inquiry gave the company greater certainty.

“We are working closely with government to process our environmental approvals,” he said.

“Beetaloo gas has a significant role to play in meeting our energy needs, boosting our economy and cutting carbon emissions.”

Hosted by the Territory government and sponsored by Santos, Inpex and Tivan, NT Resources Week features the SEAAOC conference, Mining the Territory and the Environmental Management and Decarbonisation Forum.

Speakers include Federal Resources Minister, Madeleine King, and NT Mining Minister, Nicole Mansion. Keynote speakers will include Santos’ Vince Santostefano, Inpex’ Tetsu Murayama, Michael Gunner from Fortescue Future Industries and OECD secretary-general, Mathias Cormann.