Production Testing Underway at RBD12 Well
D3 Energy Limited (ASX: D3E) has announced the commencement of production testing at the RBD12 well, recently drilled within the ER315 area in South Africa’s Free State Province. This testing marks a significant milestone in the company’s exploration and development strategy for its natural gas and helium assets.
Evaluating Reservoir Potential and Gas Characteristics
The ongoing production testing aims to assess crucial reservoir characteristics, including flow rates, pressure responses, and gas composition. These results will provide invaluable insights that inform future development plans and operational strategies.
Initial Testing Results and Challenges
Early testing at RBD12 has observed intermittent gas flow, with rates initially declining below the threshold recorded by the testing equipment. Despite this, a rapid pressure buildup upon well shut-in has been noted, which D3 Energy describes as encouraging and unusual when compared to nearby wells. The company suspects that wellbore damage during drilling may have contributed to these irregularities.
Managing Director and CEO David Casey commented: “While early testing at RBD12 has presented some challenges, the rapid gas pressure buildup and cyclical peaks in flow are promising. We remain committed to exploring all remedial options while testing continues.”
Strategic Implications for Future Development
This testing is part of D3 Energy’s broader program that includes drilling and testing multiple wells within ER315. The data gathered will play a critical role in determining well interference, spacing requirements, and designing future testing programs. Additionally, the results will support the preparation of a Production Right application to South African authorities, advancing the company’s broader goals.
About D3 Energy Limited
D3 Energy is focused on exploring and developing natural gas and helium resources, with a primary focus on its assets in South Africa’s Free State Province. The company’s exploration efforts have identified substantial contingent and prospective resources, highlighting a promising future in the region.
