AWE, Origin make WA gas discovery

Joint venture partners Australian Worldwide Exploration and Origin Energy say they have made a gas discovery in the northern part of the Perth Basin.

In an update today, Origin said data from the onshore Redback South 1 exploration well indicated the presence of gas in the upper section of the Wagina sandstone reservoir.

"Gas samples have been recovered from the reservoir and preliminary analysis indicate gas composition to be similar to that seen in the nearby Beharra Srings gas field," the JV said.

"Reservoir development in the Wagina Sandstone is also comparable with that in the Beharra Springs field, despite this reservoir having been encountered some 400m deeper.

"The commercial significance of this discovery is dependent on further evaluation including testing to determine the gas flow rate."

AWE holds a 33 per cent interest in the Beharra Springs gas fields and the recent gas discovery is located 2.2 kilometres northeast of the Beharra Springs gas plant.

AWE holds a 33 per cent interest in the Redback South prospect while Origin holds the balance.