• Re-processed seismic over P2607 licence provides significantly improved imaging of
subsurface, including Anning and Somerville fields and other discovered fields and
exploration opportunities.
• Revised interpretation of Anning and Somerville confirms previous work and indicates
a small increase in Gas Initially In Place (GIIP).
• Hi-grading of additional opportunities within the licence continues to ensure gas
recovery is maximised.
• Work programme continues, developing a new subsurface model to allow detailed
planning of well locations to maximise gas recovery from each well, while minimising
drilling risk.
•
1UK NBP gas prices (~93p/therm) and futures have strengthened throughout the
summer after the lower prices in early spring even with European gas storage levels
at 90% of capacity.
• Viaro Energy has reached an agreement with Shell and ExxonMobil to acquire a 100%
working interest in the associated gas infrastructure which has been identified as one
possible offtake route for Hartshead’s Phase I development
• Hartshead awaiting further clarity on UK Government Energy Profits Levy
Hartshead Resources NL (Hartshead, HHR or the Company) is pleased to provide an
operational update. In the last quarter of 2023, Hartshead received the reprocessed volume
of seismic data purchased from specialist seismic contractor PGS. The reprocessing involved
performing pre-stack depth migration processing on the existing seismic data to provide
better imaging of the subsurface in at the Anning and Somerville fields, as well as some of the
other opportunities in licence P2607.
Interpretation of the reprocessed data has now largely been completed with very positive
results. Delineation of the Anning and Somerville fields has predominantly shown only small
differences between the two seismic versions giving improved robustness to the estimate
volumes of GIIP. Where there is a difference, near the flank of the fields, structures have been
lifted up, increasing the volume within the fields.
Imaging of the exploration prospects within the area of the reprocessed seismic has also been
enhanced, allowing a more rigorous review of the opportunities. The review will identify the
key opportunities to progress in conjunction with the Anning and Somerville development,
ensuring development synergies with the aim of maintaining gas production as high as
possible for longer.
Subsurface Modelling
The improved seismic data has been used to enhance the subsurface model for the Anning
and Somerville fields, allowing a single model to be built covering both fields. Combined with
updated reservoir properties, the new model will facilitate detailed responses to questions
previously asked by the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) as part of the Field
Development Plan (FDP) approval process.
Prior to detailed well planning commencing, the well paths will be derived within the
subsurface model to optimise the well trajectories ensuring maximum gas recovery from the
most cost effective drilling operations.
Oil & Gas UK Government Energy Profits Levy (EPL)
A policy paper published by the government has advised of changes to the UK EPL. Many of
these changes were previously detailed as part of the Labour Manifesto including a 3%
increase in the EPL rate to 38% from 1 November 2024, an extension to the EPL expiry to 31
March 2030 (currently 31 March 2029) and the removal of the 29% investment
allowance from 1 November 2024. The Government will also reduce the extent to which
capital allowance claims can be considered in calculating levy profits; however, the extent of
the reduction will only be announced in the October budget following engagement with
stakeholders.
South North Sea Gas Infrastructure
Viaro Energy has reached an agreement with Shell and ExxonMobil to acquire a 100% working
interest in the Shell-operated UK Southern North Sea (SNS) assets. The acquisition includes
the Corvette and Leman fields (and the associated infrastructure), which has been identified
as one possible offtake route for Hartshead’s Phase I development.
Gas Price
Despite the European Commission announcing that gas storage levels were greater than 90%
on 21/08/2024, NBP spot gas price has remained over 90p/therm, with winter future
contracts above £1/therm. This indicates that there has been strong gas demand through the
summer months, which is forecast by the market to extend into the winter season.
Chris Lewis, Hartshead CEO, commented: “The recent sub-surface work undertaken by the
team serves to increase our confidence in the volumes of gas remaining to be recovered at
Anning and Somerville, as well as assisting with future detailed well planning to maximise
recovery and minimise risk. All of this work ensures that the field development execution will
be successful in delivering gas to the UK grid.
We see strong gas prices in Europe leading out of summer, demonstrating the continued
robustness of the European gas market which unpins future gas prices in the UK.”
The Board of Directors of Hartshead Resources NL authorised this announcement to be given to ASX.