Empire Energy Group said that its environment management plan (EMP) for the Carpentaria Pilot Project in Australia’s Northern Territory has received approval from the Northern Territory Department of Lands, Planning and Environment.
This approval enables the company to undertake key activities in its operations within the Beetaloo Basin.
The EMP permits the construction of up to four new well pads and the drilling, hydraulic fracturing, and completion of up to nine new wells. It also includes the installation of essential infrastructure such as the Carpentaria gas plant, water handling facilities, and pipelines for gas and wastewater transport.
Additionally, the plan allows for the operation and maintenance of up to 12 gas wells, including existing ones, and the transport of gas to the McArthur River Pipeline for market distribution.
Final approval for the project requires compliance with the Beneficial Use of Test Gas provisions of the NT Petroleum Act, which governs the sale of gas produced during pilot phases.
Empire Energy said that it is currently engaged in stakeholder consultations, which involve discussions with traditional owners. These consultations are facilitated in collaboration with the Northern Land Council, a requirement for the regulatory process.
According to the company, preparations for drilling at the Carpentaria-5H well are advancing, with Ensign Rig #965 positioned on-site. The commencement of drilling is part of Empire Energy’s ongoing work to move towards pilot production, which is tied to its prior gas sales agreement with the Northern Territory Government.
Empire Energy operates its Beetaloo Basin activities through its wholly owned subsidiary, Imperial Oil & Gas. The subsidiary oversees exploration and development in the Northern Territory, including the Carpentaria Pilot Project.
Empire Energy managing director Alex Underwood said: “The Empire team continues to progress towards pilot production from the Beetaloo Basin, which will provide much needed gas supply for the people of the Northern Territory under the gas sales agreement Empire signed with the NT Government earlier this year.
“This regulatory approval aligns with the NT Government’s support for Empire and the development of the broader Beetaloo Basin, which is expected to create thousands of jobs, put downward pressure on energy prices across the NT and Eastern Australia, and has the potential to drive a resurgence of manufacturing in the Northern Territory.”
