Empire Energy has started drilling the Carpentaria-5H (C-5H) well in its 100%-owned, Beetaloo Basin permit EP187 in Australia.

The C-5H well will form part of the Carpentaria Pilot Project, and is Empire's longest horizontal shale well, targeting a 3,000m drilled and cased horizontal section.

Drilled by Ensign Rig #965, C-5H is expected to reach a measured depth of more than 5,000m and take 45 days to complete.

The well is being drilled from the same pad as Carpentaria-2H and 3H, with a longer lateral length and larger diameter for increased gas production.

This will facilitate the stimulation and production of a longer section of the shale (3,000m) and improve the effectiveness of the stimulation through the wider well diameter.

After drilling, C-5H will undergo hydraulic stimulation with enhanced horsepower, proppant and fluid concentration to boost productivity. A single slickwater design will be used across the entire horizontal section, differing from previous wells.

Empire Energy managing director Alex Underwood said: "Empire has now reached the execution phase of our Carpentaria-5H operations. This is an important milestone for our company and the Beetaloo Basin generally.

“This well will be our first full-scale pilot development well, incorporating learning from the four wells that have previously been drilled successfully in EP187. The well design incorporates a larger well bore diameter targeting a 3,000m drilled and cased horizontal section.

“Our planning for the installation of the Carpentaria Gas Plant is progressing with a goal of commencing the sale of gas from EP187 in 2025.”

On 15 November, Empire announced that the Northern Territory Government had approved the environment management plan (EMP) for the Carpentaria Pilot Project.

The EMP provides approvals for the project including the development of up to four well pads, drilling and completion of up to nine wells, and the development of the Carpentaria Gas Plant and above-ground facilities.