Eastern Gas’s Venus-2H horizontal well in Queensland’s Surat Basin reached total depth, intersecting Venus-1 and revealing extensive Macalister Lower coal with peak gas readings of 42.3%. The integrated well system now advances to dewatering and flow testing to gauge production potential.
- Venus-2H reaches 1,450 metres, intersects Venus-1 wellbore
- 445 metres of net Macalister Lower coal encountered
- Repeated excellent gas shows with peak 42.3% total gas
- Integrated Venus-2H/Venus-1 system prepped for flow testing
- Structural complexity revealed, aiding coal interval delineation
Venus-2H Completes Key Wellbore Intersection
Eastern Gas Corporation Limited (ASX:EGA) has successfully drilled its Venus-2H horizontal appraisal well to a total depth of 1,450 metres in Queensland’s Surat Basin, achieving a critical milestone by intersecting the existing Venus-1 vertical wellbore at approximately 927 metres measured depth. This subsurface connection is designed to facilitate integrated flow from the horizontal well through Venus-1 to surface facilities, setting the stage for the next phase of reservoir evaluation.
Extensive Coal Intervals and Strong Gas Indicators
The Venus-2H well encountered a cumulative 445 metres of interpreted net Macalister Lower coal, including a continuous 148-metre section in the second sidetrack. Gas readings throughout these coal seams were consistently above the 'excellent' threshold of 8%, peaking at a notable 42.3% total gas in the second sidetrack. These gas shows, detected from hydrocarbons released during drilling, confirm the presence of gas within the target coal but do not yet indicate flow rates or production capacity.
Navigating Structural Complexity with Sidetracks
Drilling revealed greater structural complexity in the Macalister Lower coal than pre-drill models suggested, including a fault displacement of about four metres. The team deployed two sidetracks to navigate these complexities, with the second sidetrack successfully re-entering and maintaining contact with the target coal seam over a substantial interval. This approach maximised the exposure of productive coal within the wellbore and enhanced geological understanding of the reservoir.
Preparing for Dewatering and Flow Testing
With drilling complete, Eastern Gas will now install a completion liner to maintain access to the coal intervals and enable controlled flow through the integrated well system. Following rig demobilisation, the company plans to commence a flow-testing program starting with dewatering to reduce reservoir pressure and stimulate gas desorption. This testing will provide crucial data on water production, reservoir pressure response, timing of gas breakthrough, and gas flow performance across the extensive coal interval.
Managing Director Highlights Progress and Next Steps
David Spring, Managing Director, emphasised the significance of the intersection and gas shows, noting that while gas readings are encouraging, they are not definitive indicators of production. He highlighted the value of the geological insights gained from the sidetracks and reaffirmed the company’s focus on completing the integrated well system and progressing to flow testing to better understand reservoir behaviour and commercial potential.
Bottom Line?
Eastern Gas has laid critical groundwork with Venus-2H’s intersection and gas shows; the upcoming flow tests will be pivotal in translating geological promise into production reality.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the structural complexity impact long-term reservoir management and well performance?
- What flow rates and gas compositions will emerge from the upcoming dewatering and production testing?
- Could the integrated horizontal well design at Venus set a precedent for future Surat Basin developments?