Origin Energy, on behalf of the L11 Joint venture, advised that the exploration well Redback South 1, which was completed in October, began a well testing program on November 17, 2009. The well was perforated in the Wagina Sandstone from 3,882.5mD to 3,888.5mD (6 meters).

The Redback South 1 well will be flare tested over a 3-4 day period and then shut-in for a 7 day pressure build-up. This information is expected to give an indication of the potential size and commercial significance of the discovery. Initial gas rates of up to 38.4 mmscf/day have been recorded on a 1" choke, at a flowing wellhead pressure of 1,750 psi. Further information will be released when the test is completed.

Origin's Executive General Manager, Geoscience & Exploration New Ventures, Dr. Rob Willink, said, "We are encouraged by the extraordinary gas flow rate achieved to date. Whilst this result indicates the excellent reservoir quality of the upper Wagina Sandstone, gas flow rate on its own is not a measure of the size of this new gas discovery. An indication of the commercial significance of this resource must await the analysis of pressure data collected over the duration of the test period."

Tags: Origin Energy