Despite recent localised rain in the Cooper Basin, Beach Energy Ltd is expecting to spud its second shale gas well, Holdfast-1, later today.
Holdfast-1 is approximately 24 kilometres to the northeast of the first shale gas well, Encounter-1.
The well is targeting the same Roseneath-Epsilon-Murteree shales which are expected to be of a similar order of thickness to the first well.
Holdfast-1 is planned to reach a total depth (TD) of 3,625 metres in around 60 days.
Further extensive coring is planned for this second well which will assist with gas in place estimates as well as assessing the mechanical properties of the rock for optimizing fracture stimulation design.
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Source: Beach Energy, January 21, 2011;