Amplitude Energy (ASX: AEL) is preparing to begin flow testing at its Isabella prospect in the offshore Otway Basin after early drilling and evaluation results pointed to strong reservoir performance and low CO2 levels.
The Isabella field sits in permit VIC/L24 in Commonwealth waters south-west of the producing Casino field. Amplitude is operator and holds a 50% stake in the permit, with O.G. Energy holding the remaining 50%.
The Isabella field is being drilled as a planned sidetrack from the earlier Elanora-1 well, with the ST-1 8.5-inch hole section intersecting the primary Waarre C reservoir target on 1 March 2026.
A wireline logging program carried out between March 3 and March 6 collected pressure and sample data, with preliminary results indicating high deliverability and CO2 levels of about 5 mol%.
Technical results to date also suggest the gas-water contact sits below the Waarre C reservoir intersection, raising the prospect of a larger gas accumulation than indicated by the reservoir intersection alone.
Joint venture approves completion and 2-week test program
These results have led the joint venture to approve casing and completion of ST-1, followed by a flow test aimed at confirming minimum gas volume and reservoir pressure.
The test work, along with further laboratory analysis to confirm gas composition, is expected to take about two weeks. Amplitude said the Elanora-1/ST-1 program remains on schedule and within the joint venture’s approved budget.
A final development decision on Isabella will be made after the flow test and gas composition data are assessed. If the results do not support commercial development, the well will be plugged and abandoned.
Meanwhile, it was a solid H1 for the company.
