Amplitude Energy has intersected the primary gas reservoir at its Isabella prospect, revealing encouraging preliminary data that points to high deliverability and low CO2 levels. The company is now set to commence flow testing to better understand the resource potential.
- Sidetrack well ST-1 penetrates Waarre C reservoir
- Preliminary data indicates high deliverability and ~5 mol% CO2
- Gas water contact suggests larger gas accumulation
- Joint Venture approves casing, completion, and flow testing
- Well program remains on schedule and budget
Exploration Progress at Isabella Prospect
Amplitude Energy Limited has reported significant progress in its drilling operations at the Isabella prospect, located offshore in the Otway Basin, Victoria. The sidetrack well ST-1, drilled from the earlier Elanora-1 well, successfully intersected the primary Waarre C reservoir on 1 March 2026. This milestone marks a crucial step in evaluating the gas potential of the permit VIC/L24, where Amplitude Energy holds a 50% interest and operates alongside O.G. Energy.
Encouraging Preliminary Reservoir Data
Following the reservoir intersection, a formation evaluation program was conducted using wireline logging between 3 and 6 March. Preliminary results suggest the reservoir exhibits high deliverability with relatively low carbon dioxide content, estimated at approximately 5 mol%. Notably, the gas water contact appears to lie below the reservoir intersection, hinting at a potentially larger gas accumulation than initially anticipated based solely on the Waarre C reservoir.
Next Steps: Flow Testing and Evaluation
In light of these promising early indicators, the Joint Venture has approved the casing and completion of the ST-1 well, followed by a flow test scheduled to span roughly two weeks. This flow test aims to confirm the minimum gas volume and reservoir pressure, as well as to provide further laboratory analysis to verify gas composition. The outcomes will be pivotal in determining the commercial viability of the Isabella prospect and guiding any subsequent development decisions.
On Schedule and Within Budget
Amplitude Energy emphasises that the Elanora-1/ST-1 well program remains within the approved schedule and budget, reflecting disciplined project management. However, the company also cautions that the presence of a gas-bearing reservoir does not guarantee commercially recoverable resources. Should the flow test and gas composition data not support development, the well will be plugged and abandoned.
Strategic Implications for Domestic Gas Supply
Amplitude Energy’s portfolio focuses on supplying the Southeast Australian domestic gas market, and the Isabella prospect sits strategically close to existing infrastructure and demand centres. A successful development here could bolster the company’s gas supply capacity and contribute to regional energy security amid fluctuating East Coast gas markets. Investors and analysts will be watching closely as the flow test results emerge, which will shed light on the prospect’s true potential.
Bottom Line?
The upcoming flow test at Isabella will be a decisive moment, potentially unlocking a new gas resource or prompting a strategic pivot.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the flow test confirm commercial volumes and reservoir pressure?
- How might the low CO2 levels impact processing costs and marketability?
- What are the next steps if the flow test results are inconclusive or negative?