Chevron Corp. reported a new deepwater natural gas discovery in a Chevron-operated block in the Carnarvon Basin offshore Western Australia, Australia's premier hydrocarbon basin.

The Clio-3 discovery well is located in the WA-205-P permit area approximately 90 miles (150 km) northwest of Onslow. Situated in 3,186 feet (971 m) of water and drilled to a depth of 14,137 feet (4,309 m), the well penetrated approximately 260 feet (79 m) of net gas pay. Clio-3 marks the third consecutive discovery on the Clio structure.

George Kirkland, vice chairman, Chevron, said, "We are continuing to invest in a significant exploration program to underpin the long-term growth of our Australian business. Our continued success underscores the quality of our Australian portfolio and our technical competence."

Jim Blackwell, president, Chevron Asia Pacific Exploration and Production Co., added that the company is realizing the opportunities it has as a leading lease holder in the Carnarvon Basin, noting that, "Western Australia will play a key role in our long-term plans to build a leading natural gas business to supply energy safely and reliably to Australia and the Asia-Pacific. We expect this discovery, together with our previous discoveries in this permit area, to underpin expansion opportunities at the Wheatstone liquefied natural gas hub."

Chevron, through its Australian subsidiary, holds a combined 66.66 percent interest, while Shell Development (Australia) holds the remaining interest. More tests are being conducted on data gathered from the discovery well, and additional work is required to determine the extent and commercial viability of the discovery.

Tags: Chevron Corporation