Industry News

SS1H intersects 90-metres of high quality Mid Velkerri B Shale in ‘core’ Beetaloo Basin

Highlights

• The Shenandoah South 1H (SS1H) well in EP 117 has reached a Total Depth (TD) of 3,300 metres, intersecting approximately 90 metres of high quality Mid Velkerri B Shale with strong dry gas shows. This represents the thickest section of Mid Velkerri B Shale seen in the Beetaloo Subbasin depocenter to date.

• Tamboran’s new Helmerich & Payne (NYSE: HP) super spec FlexRig® Flex 3 rig reached TD of the pilot hole in 21.5 days, drilling at 153 metres per day. This is a new record for wells drilled below 3,000 metres in the Beetaloo Sub-Basin.

• Logging of the Mid-Velkerri B Shale formation indicates higher porosity and gas saturation relative to offset wells, consistent with the Marcellus Shale in the US.

• Initial evaluation confirms reservoir continuity of the Mid Velkerri B Shale over 150 kilometres between the Amungee 2H and Beetaloo W1 wells. This includes a target development area of approximately 1 million acres where the shale depth exceeds 2,700 metres.

• Tamboran will commence drilling of a 1,000-metre horizontal section within the shale formation ahead of a stimulation program of up to 10 stages over a 500-metre section, which is planned for Q4 2023.

To view full ASX announcement, click here.

We are excited to announce our rebrand to GR Production Services (GRPS).

GR Production Services (formerly Upstream PS) has been delivering valued production services to the energy and resources industries for more than 25 years.

GR Production Services CEO Cameron Wills said “With the resources industry and the needs of our clients evolving over time, so too have our capabilities and expertise. Rebranding to GR Production Services reflects our increased range of capabilities and services whilst aligning our brand with that of our parent company GR Engineering Services Ltd (GRES) (ASX:GNG). GR Production Services is strategically positioned to deliver quality, reliable services to our clients”.

GRES MD Tony Patrizi said “In 2014, we strategically acquired Upstream PS and have been pleased with the consistent performance of the business to date. This timely rebrand to GR Production Services provides strength to our GR brand along with a bright future of growth and enhanced range of opportunities."

GR Engineering Services are confident that rebranding Upstream PS to GR Production Services aligns operational services with GR Engineering’s process engineering, design and construction experience.

This provides the energy and resources sector with a unique offering which facilitates the delivery of outsourced solutions across the value chain. From the design and construct phase, through to the operations, maintenance, optimisation and final decommissioning phases.

Learn more: https://www.grps.com.au

The Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct has potential to power the NT economy and provide energy advantages for Australian and international markets into the foreseeable future.

Should the NT and Commonwealth government’s initial vision for the project be realised, it could deliver tens of billions in investment dollars and economic activity to the Territory coupled with tens of thousands of jobs.

The precinct is being promoted as a blueprint for future Australian industrial hubs offering energy providers a sustainable, modern and hi-tech alternative.

It will be largely powered by renewables and the industries based there will reflect the Territory government’s target to reach a net zero economy by 2050

Middle Arm by air October 2022. Picture by Wayne Zerbe

Middle Arm will foster critical minerals processing which is the future of energy transition through products such as batteries, as well as advanced manufacturing.

It’s hoped solar and future fuels such as blue and green hydrogen would ultimately power the businesses based there.

As well, a carbon capture and storage facility will trap at least 90 per cent of emissions at the source and provide options for international and Australian producers to store carbon.

The precinct will be master-planned so infrastructure, services, engineering and environmental approvals create certainty for industry through a clear process.

The NT government announced in June the names of the five initial proponents who want to be based at Middle Arm.

The Land Development Corporation has announced BMD Urban Pty Ltd, as the successful tenderer to complete construction works for Stage 1 of Kittyhawk Estate.

That planning has also included extensive environmental and marine studies to minimise any impact and safeguard the environment including Darwin Harbour.

They are French renewable operator Total Eren, Fortescue Future Industries, critical minerals start-up Tivan, natural gas operator Tamboran Resources Ltd and critical minerals company Avenira.

The Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct is a 1500ha package of land with parcels belonging to the NT government and the Land Development Corporation.

About 500ha of land has been given over to the first tranche of five projects with about 300ha of that at the Kittyhawk Estate at Middle Arm owned by the Land Development Corporation. About 30ha at Stage One is serviced and ready for development.

INPEX is currently the biggest tenant at Darwins Middle Arm. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Avenira and Fortescue are proposing projects at Kittyhawk while the remaining 200ha is located on Crown Land, managed under the Crown Lands Act.

The so-called first five at Middle Arm have been given ‘not to deal’ rights by the NT government for up to 12 months to determine whether to proceed with their particular project.

The precinct is expected to be largely powered by renewable and solar sources, has supplies of water needed to produce green hydrogen, nearby onshore and offshore gas sources and access to critical minerals and rare earths for renewables.

One of the first five companies, Tivan, announced on Thursday it had secured a six-month extension with the NT government to develop a Tivan processing facility, giving it an 12-month ‘not to deal’ provision.

Concept for the Middle Arm hydrogen hub by Total Eren.

The NT government has been working for five years on key aspect including common-user infrastructure such as modular offload facilities, jetties, storage and a pipeline network and will continue significant planning and consultation to ensure the precinct’s success

More than 200 studies have already been undertaken around design and project advancement and its proximity to Darwin Port and Darwin International Airport is an enormous selling point.

Middle Arm is near some of the world’s fastest growing economies and is expected to leverage off its proximity to South-East Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

The government points out that 45 per cent of global population lives directly to the Territory’s north, and that same region produces the same percentage of greenhouse gas emissions.

The Commonwealth government has contributed $1.5bn equity into the project.

Source: NT NEWS

Highlights

• In accordance with the 2014 Falcon Oil and Gas Limited (Falcon) farm-in agreement, Tamboran has given notice to Falcon that all farm-in commitments have been fully satisfied, having reached the associated cost carry commitment.

• All parties have committed to fully fund their full working interest of future cash calls at Shenandoah South 1H (SS1H) in EP 117, which commenced drilling on 01 August 2023.

• Falcon remains carried for a net A$6.8 million (A$3.4 million net Tamboran) consideration for future drilling activities, following an agreement to waive its pre-emptive rights, as announced by Tamboran on 12 October 2022.

To view the full ASX announcement, click here.

On behalf of the Australian Government, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has today opened the Regional Microgrids Program, with $125 million in funding allocated to develop and deploy microgrid technologies across regional and remote communities.

The new Program will allocate $75 million for microgrid projects in First Nations communities.

Electricity provision in remote First Nations communities is often heavily reliant on diesel which is unreliable, expensive and emissions intensive.
The First Nations Community Microgrids Stream aims to deliver cleaner, cheaper and more reliable energy and empower First Nations communities to participate in their electricity supply arrangements and the development of energy infrastructure.

The funding follows amendments to the National Agreement for Closing the Gap to include new standards for the provision of essential services.

Applications will be assessed in two stages, with initial Expressions of Interest followed by Full Applications. The Program will be delivered on an ongoing basis and ARENA will be able to collaborate with applicants and provide feedback on applications.

Microgrid projects under the First Nations Community Microgrids Stream will be developed in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, First Nations renewable energy experts and state and territory governments across Australia.

Program guidelines have been developed in consultation with a broad range of stakeholders, including the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) and other First Nations group representatives.

Both Streams of the program will aim to resolve remaining barriers to final investment and full deployment of microgrid solutions.

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the funding will help First Nations communities access renewable energy and build on ARENA’s existing and ongoing work in renewable energy microgrids.

“It’s vital we make sure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in remote communities are able to participate in the electricity transition and share in the benefits of Australia’s renewable future,” Mr Miller said.

Remote communities relying on fossil fuels like diesel have unique challenges in transitioning to renewables and this new funding will help overcome barriers to broader deployment of microgrid solutions.

ARENA’s strong track record in supporting the deployment of complex and emerging renewable energy projects means we are well placed to work with developers and First Nations communities to bring the energy transition to remote Australia.”

The Program also incorporates ARENA’s former $50 million Regional Australia Microgrid Pilots Program (RAMPP), bringing the total of the Regional Microgrids Program funding pool to $125 million across both streams.

Applications are open now, with the program to run until December 2025 or until funds are exhausted.

For more information about the Regional Microgrids Program, including eligibility and how to apply, please visit the ARENA funding page.

ARENA media contact:

media@arena.gov.au

Download this media release (PDF 122KB)

1H 2023 Highlights

• Production of 45 million barrels of oil equivalent down 13%
• EBITDAX[1] $2,112 million down 23%
• Free cash flow from operations[1] US$1,129 million down 34%
• Underlying profit[1] US$801 million down 37%
• Statutory net profit after tax US$790 million down 32%
• Interim dividend of US$283 million, a 14 per cent increase to US8.7 cents per share unfranked
• 2023 guidance remains unchanged

Santos today announced its half-year results for 2023, reporting strong free cash flow of US$1.1 billion and underlying profit of US$801 million. The results reflect the strength of the disciplined operating model which is designed to ensure the business remains resilient through the oil price cycle.

The Board has resolved to pay an interim dividend of US 8.7 cents per share unfranked (US$283 million), 14 per cent higher than the corresponding prior period interim cash dividend.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Gallagher said Santos has delivered strong free cash flow and underlying earnings in the 2023 first half, despite an ever-changing macro environment.

“We remain focused on executing our strategy to backfill and sustain our existing infrastructure, decarbonise and develop our Santos Energy Solutions division. Our goal is to strike the right balance between disciplined and phased major project spend, returns to shareholders, and investment in new energy solutions to meet customer demand,” Mr Gallagher said.

“Our Santos Energy Solutions division is expanding and continues to work on building new revenue sources through decarbonisation projects. The Moomba carbon capture and storage project will be one of the biggest and lowest cost in the world and is on track for first injection of CO2 next year.

“Our critical fuels play a key role in the energy security of Australia and Asia. Gas enables a cleaner energy future, offering firming for renewable electricity and an affordable, reliable alternative to higher-emitting fuels.”

The view the half year results video presentation, click here. 

Source: Santos.com

https://www.santos.com/news/2023-half-year-results/

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - INPEX Browse E&P Pty Ltd (“INPEX”) today announced it has been jointly awarded a greenhouse gas storage assessment permit (title G-7-AP) with TotalEnergies CCS Australia Pty Ltd and Woodside Energy Ltd, in a joint venture known as Bonaparte CCS Assessment.

The permit was awarded following Australia’s 2021 Offshore Greenhouse Gas Storage Acreage Release and is in the Bonaparte Basin off the northwestern coast of the Northern Territory of Australia – an area considered to be promising for geological storage of carbon dioxide in service of carbon capture and storage (CCS) activities. 

INPEX is pleased to pursue evaluation and appraisal work in cooperation with the Bonaparte CCS Assessment Joint Venture participants, holding a 53 per cent participating interest as Operator.

Supporting quotes

Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia the Hon Madeleine King MP

• Since becoming Minister I have emphasised the role the resources sector will play in Australia’s transition to net zero. 

• The International Energy Agency has made it clear that the world won’t get to net zero by 2050 without CCUS. This offshore acreage has the potential to contribute to that important goal.

INPEX President Director Australia Hitoshi Okawa

• Acquiring this permit provides an exciting opportunity to prove up a large-scale carbon storage site in northern Australia, with the potential to become one of the largest CCS projects in the world.

• INPEX believes industry and government working together is a powerful enabler for responsible energy development. We are extremely appreciative of the Australian and Japanese governments’ support, as we work towards a cleaner energy future.

• We are proudly contributing to Australia’s lower carbon future, as mapped out in our INPEX Vision@2022 – and as Operator of both Bonaparte CCS Assessment and Ichthys joint ventures, INPEX is ideally placed to champion CCS activities in northern Australia.

TotalEnergies Senior Vice President Asia Pacific for Exploration & Production and Renewables Julien Pouget

• The award of this promising greenhouse gas storage assessment permit is fully in line with our strategy to provide more energy with lower emissions and our ambition to achieve net zero by 2050 together with society.

• As partner in both Ichthys LNG and Bonaparte CCS Assessment joint ventures, TotalEnergies is well positioned to contribute to a low carbon LNG production in Australia.

Woodside Energy CEO Meg O’Neill

• Woodside welcomes the award of the permit as an important milestone for the Joint Venture, as it assesses the CCS potential of the permit area.

• For Woodside, CCS will be an important addition to our portfolio of carbon management options, as we work towards our own aspiration of net zero by 2050.

To view the full media release, click here.

Source: INPEX

The Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct has achieved a further significant milestone.

Infrastructure Australia has assessed and approved the Stage Two business case for the Middle Arm Precinct, stating the project “will support the opportunity to transition Australia’s exports to high-tech, low-cost, low-emission energy sources.”

This assessment marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards transforming Middle Arm into a modern, low-emissions development-ready industrial precinct, underpinned by environmental, cultural and social values.

The review also outlined stated the Middle Arm Precinct is likely to increase the value of mining and manufacturing to the Northern Territory and Australia as a whole. 

The Territory Labor Government has and will continue to undertake significant planning and consultation to ensure the precinct’s success.

This includes stringent environmental approvals to ensure the ongoing protection of Darwin Harbour and surrounding areas.

At full capacity, the precinct will create 20,000 jobs, increase renewable energy production, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, uplift the value of exports and unlock development across a range of industries.

A Stage Three business case is currently being developed for the final Infrastructure Australia assessment before being approved as Investment Ready.

The Infrastructure Australia Stage Two business case assessment of Middle Arm can be found here https://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/map/common-user-infrastructure-middle-arm-precinct

The Middle Arm Sustainable Development Business Case will be publically available in the coming weeks.

Quote attributable to the Chief Minister, Natasha Fyles:

“Our future will be built on cleaner energy that puts Territorians first.

“Middle Arm is crucial in the growth of our low-emissions and renewable energy sector as we power towards a net-zero future.

“It is not a secret that sustainability is at the core of Middle Arm, with sustainable energy, sustainable jobs, and a sustainable environmental strategy all part of the plan to build a strong future for the Territory.

Quote Attributable to Minister for Territory Development, Eva Lawler:

“This is great news for the Territory and Australia as a whole.

“The Middle Arm Precinct will greatly benefit Territorians long into the future, we are creating new sources of renewable and low-emission energy, unlocking new opportunities and focusing on a cleaner, greener future.

“Due to its strategic position and extensive planning, the Middle Arm Precinct will enable several industries, land and marine, which will add great value to our goal of reaching a $40 billion economy.”

Source: NT Government Newsroom

Jacana Energy is seeking non-binding expressions of interest from interested parties for up to 100 megawatts (MW) of additional renewable energy for the Darwin-Katherine region.

Read the press release from Tuesday 8, August 2023 here.

Source: Jacana Energy

Empire Energy advances gas transportation services with APA 

Highlights

• Empire and APA Group (ASX: APA) have executed an initial agreement for the establishment of exclusive midstream gas infrastructure early works and proposed long-form agreements, furthering the memorandum of understanding as announced by Empire on 27 October 2021

• Subject to entering long-form agreements and approvals by each party, APA will spend up to $5 million under a proposed early works agreement on Engineering and Design Concepts for midstream gas infrastructure facilities associated with Empire’s Carpentaria Pilot Project for the potential construction of midstream infrastructure to transport up to 25 terajoules (TJ) per day to market (“Early Works Agreement”)

• Subject to entering long-form agreements and approvals by each party, APA would fund the Carpentaria Pilot Project midstream gas infrastructure facilities under a proposed partnering agreement (“Partnering Agreement”), which would materially reduce the capital requirements for Empire to commence commercial production.

• The Partnering Agreement would also comprise the transportation of large volumes of gas from the Beetaloo to Australian east coast markets subject to entering long-form agreements and approvals by each party. The leading concept considers the potential construction of a new pipeline connecting the Beetaloo to APA’s existing Carpentaria Gas Pipeline (“CGP”) between Mount Isa and Ballera (Queensland)

• The concept pipeline connecting the East Coast via the CGP has the capability of being expanded to meet growing market demand on the East Coast (in excess of 500 TJ/d), and will be the subject of further evaluation between Empire and APA in the medium term 

To view full ASX announcement, click here.