Tamboran Plans 119 Stimulation Stages with Liberty Energy’s 80,000 HHP Equipment

Tamboran Advances Beetaloo Basin Development

Tamboran Resources Corporation (ASX: TBN, NYSE: TBN) has officially commenced a significant stimulation campaign targeting its Shenandoah South 2H sidetrack (SS-2H ST1) and 3H (SS-3H) wells within the Beetaloo Basin’s EP 98 exploration permit. This marks a pivotal step in the company’s efforts to unlock the basin’s natural gas potential and bolster energy supply in the Northern Territory.

The campaign is notable for its scale and technical ambition. Tamboran plans to execute up to 119 stimulation stages across the two wells, with the SS-2H ST1 well featuring 43 stages over a 5,427-foot horizontal section and the SS-3H well comprising 76 stages across a 9,766-foot lateral. This represents a substantial increase in both lateral length and stage count compared to the company’s previous SS-1H well, which had only 10 stages over 1,640 feet.

Leveraging Advanced Stimulation Technology

Central to this campaign is the deployment of Liberty Energy’s state-of-the-art stimulation equipment, boasting 80,000 hydraulic horsepower (HHP), the first such frac spread imported into the Beetaloo Basin from the United States. This enhanced horsepower capacity is expected to drive a more intense stimulation process, with proppant intensity anticipated to increase by over 25% to more than 2,800 pounds per foot, compared to the SS-1H well’s 2,212 pounds per foot.

All stages will be pumped using a slickwater fluid design, a technique known for improving fracture propagation and proppant placement. Tamboran’s Managing Director and CEO, Joel Riddle, highlighted the expected step change in stimulation efficiency, emphasizing the campaign’s potential to set new benchmarks in the basin’s development.

Strategic Implications for Northern Territory Energy Supply

Beyond technical advancements, these wells are strategically important as they are planned to contribute reliable natural gas production to the Northern Territory. The output is expected to feed into the proposed Shenandoah South Pilot Project, targeting a production capacity of 40 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d). This pilot project represents a critical milestone in establishing a local gas supply chain, potentially reducing reliance on imports and supporting regional economic growth.

Tamboran’s prior experience with wet season stimulation campaigns in the Beetaloo Basin, including the Amungee 2H and Shenandoah South 1H wells, provides operational confidence to conduct these complex activities year-round. This operational resilience is crucial given the basin’s challenging environmental conditions.

Ownership and Operational Control

Tamboran operates EP 98 through its subsidiary Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited, holding a 77.5% interest, with Falcon Oil and Gas Australia Limited owning the remaining 22.5%. The company also holds significant stakes and operatorship in adjacent permits EP 76 and EP 117, consolidating its position as the largest acreage holder in the Beetaloo Sub-basin with approximately 1.9 million net prospective acres.

As the operator, Tamboran is responsible for executing the stimulation campaign and subsequent development activities, positioning the company at the forefront of unlocking the Beetaloo Basin’s unconventional gas resources.

Looking Ahead

While the campaign’s success hinges on operational execution and market conditions, the deployment of advanced stimulation technology and the scale of the program underscore Tamboran’s commitment to accelerating production growth. The results from these wells will be closely watched by investors and industry observers as indicators of the basin’s commercial viability and the company’s ability to deliver on its strategic objectives.