Australia-based Hartshead Resources has submitted its Phase I field development plan (FDP) for the Anning and Somerville gas fields, offshore UK.

The FDP, which includes a detailed description of the subsurface interpretation, planned development wells, production forecasts and facilities, has been submitted to the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA).

The fields are located within the Seaward production licence P2607 in the Southern Gas basin.

Planned to be developed in phases, the P2607 licence comprises five blocks in Quads 48 and 49 on the UK Continental Shelf.

The first phase of the P2607 licence comprises the Somerville and Anning Gas Fields while the second phase consists of the Hodgkin and Lovelace Gas Fields. The third phase will comprise 14 prospects.

Hartshead and its joint venture partner RockRose Energy plan to finalise project debt funding and make final investment decision (FID) for the Anning and Somerville gas fields Phase 1 development upon seeking technical feedback from the NSTA.

Hartshead CEO Chris Lewis said: “This milestone is a significant advancement towards Hartshead becoming a UK gas producer and playing our part in the UK’s energy security and energy transition.

“Seeing the development project take shape, and having a clear development plan and offtake route identified, is immensely gratifying after all the hard work put in by the team so far. I now look forward to taking FID alongside our project partner RockRose.”

The development plan of the Somerville and Anning Gas Fields includes six production wells from two wireline-capable normally unmanned installation platforms.

The gas fields are due to start production in 2025.