Beetaloo Energy has delivered a significant result from its operations in the Northern Territory, with its Carpentaria-5H gas well posting some of the strongest flow rates ever recorded in the Beetaloo Basin.
Impressive Flow Rates During Clean-Up
The company reported that the Carpentaria-5H well reached a peak gas rate of 11.2 terajoules (TJ) per day. Across the test period, it maintained a basin-leading average of 7.1 TJ per day. The well concluded this phase of testing flowing at a solid 6.3 TJ per day, which management highlights demonstrates a remarkably low decline rate at this early stage.
Notably, these strong numbers were achieved while the well was still in its 30-day clean-up period, with only approximately 23 per cent of the fracture stimulation fluid recovered. Historical data from the company's previous wells, Carpentaria-2H and Carpentaria-3H, showed gas flow increases of up to 30 per cent once clean-up was fully complete, suggesting further potential uplift for Carpentaria-5H.
A Strategic Focus on Long-Term Productivity
Rather than pursuing maximum initial flow rates, Beetaloo Energy adopted a careful approach designed to protect the well's long-term output. From the second day of testing, engineers used a restricted choke to slow the clean-up process. This method is believed to have better preserved the fracture network created in the shale rock.
Early technical analysis indicates this strategy is working. Specialists report that Carpentaria-5H has developed a stronger and more extensive fracture network compared to earlier wells, with fractures reaching further into the rock formation. This improvement enhances gas flow and could significantly boost total recoverable resources and project economics.
Independent resource certifier Netherland, Sewell & Associates has attributed 10 petajoules of recoverable 2C gas resources per well location in the area surrounding Carpentaria-5H, underscoring the substantial scale of the Beetaloo asset.
Progress Towards First Gas Sales in 2026
Beyond the flow test success, Beetaloo Energy is advancing its ground operations. The company has secured all necessary regulatory and board approvals to proceed with its Carpentaria Pilot project. This initiative includes a 10-year gas sales agreement with the Northern Territory Government to supply the local market.
Civil works are currently underway at the site of the planned Carpentaria gas plant, with pile installation and mechanical equipment work scheduled for the first half of 2026. Concurrently, the refurbishment of gas compression equipment in Queensland is nearly finished, ready for relocation and on-site commissioning next year.
The pilot production phase is expected to utilise the Carpentaria-5H, Carpentaria-3H, and Carpentaria-2H wells. First gas sales are targeted for the second half of 2026. An extended flow test for Carpentaria-5H is planned for the first quarter of 2026, once the current clean-up is finalised, which may further increase the well's deliverability.
As 2025 concludes, these developments signal Beetaloo Energy's steady progress in transforming the long-discussed potential of the Beetaloo Basin into a tangible, revenue-generating gas province for Australia.
