Origin Energy has released its Quarterly Production Report to the Australian Securities Exchange for the Quarter ending December 31, 2008 which covers its activities in the areas of gas and oil exploration and production (the E&P business).

Origin’s Managing Director Grant King said, "This is the first quarter that incorporates the effect of the transaction with ConocoPhillips to establish APLNG. Notwithstanding this transaction, the E&P business for the half year to 31 December 2008 has achieved record levels of production, sales and revenues -- each 23% higher than the half year to December 31, 2007."

The completion of the transaction with ConocoPhillips to establish a 50:50 incorporated joint venture -- Australia Pacific LNG (APLNG) -- Australia's largest proposed CSG to LNG project resulted in the Origin Group receiving an upfront payment of A$6.9 billion. In addition to this initial payment COP will carry Origin's share of expenditure for a further A$1.15 billion. APLNG is targeting a final investment decision in the LNG project by late 2010.

Mr King said, "The APLNG transaction has seen Origin reduce its interest in its CSG assets by 50%. As a consequence of its reduced interest, Origin has recorded a lower share of production from CSG over the last two months of the December Quarter. This, combined with the lower seasonal gas production usually seen when moving from the September (winter) Quarter to the December (spring/early summer) Quarter and a constraint on production from the BassGas project, has seen December Quarter production approximately 30% lower than the September Quarter."

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