The well will be drilled vertically to a depth of 4,050m measured depth below rotary table (MDRT), to further test the gas potential of the Waitsia field. The program is expected to be completed in six weeks.
The Waitsia field comprises primary targets in the deep conventional formations in the Kingia and High Cliff Sandstones.
AWE expects to intersect Carynginia Shale and Irwin River Coal Measures, and the secondary targets in the shallower Dongara and Wagina tight sandstone formations before the primary targets.
Based on the analysis of samples from drilling, the Waitsia-1 will undergo a flow test and will be completed as a production well for potential future field development.
The Waitsia gas field hosts around 290 billion cubic feet of 2C contingent resources in the Kingia / High Cliff Sandstone formations.
AWE, through its subsidiaries, owns a 50% stake in the Permits L1/L2, while Origin Energy Resources holds the remainder.
The company plans to commence drilling on the Waitsia-2 well in the second half of this year.
