Tamboran and Jemena have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) in support of a long-term gas transportation agreement and the planned Maverick Pilot Development.
The MoU will enable Tamboran to contract ~100TJ per day of firm capacity through the NGP, subject to applying NGP Access Principles.
The long-term transportation access agreement with Jemena will support the sanctioning of the proposed Maverick Pilot Development, planned for the end of 2023.
Over calendar years 2022 and 2023, Tamboran plans to drill three horizontal wells within EP 136. Based on a Netherland, Sewell and Associates, Inc (NSAI) maturation study, if successful, these wells could deliver approximately one trillion cubic feet (TCF) of 2C contingent resources, sufficient to support the proposed Maverick Pilot Development. Tamboran is targeting initial production from the development by the end of calendar year 2025.
Tamboran will now commence Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) studies to progress the proposed Maverick Pilot Development.
Tamboran will commence stakeholder engagement activities for the selected pipeline route and secure NGP access agreements with Jemena, planned to be completed during the second half of calendar year 2022.
Tamboran Resources Limited Managing Director and CEO, Joel Riddle, said the binding MoU contemplates Tamboran securing firm capacity on the NGP of approximately 100TJ per day, which will support the sanctioning of the proposed Maverick Pilot Development.
“It is strategically important for Tamboran to secure access to the Jemena-owned Northern Gas Pipeline, an important piece of infrastructure and currently the only gas pipeline route connecting the NorthernTerritory to Australia’s East Coast Gas Market,” Mr Riddle said.
“If the planned three well drilling program within our EP 136 permit is successful, we expect to book approximately 1TCF of 2C contingent gas resources, convertible to 2P gas reserves upon finalisation of a gas sales agreement, which will support the Maverick Pilot Development.
“Production is targeted to commence by the end of calendar year 2025, delivering much needed gas molecules to the East Coast.
“Tamboran will now fully fund FEED activities for the proposed Maverick Pilot Development, which will involve the potential to integrate renewable technologies, in line with our aspiration to be a net zero gas producer when production commences.
“Over the past two years, the Tamboran and Jemena teams have built a strong relationship, evaluating the most cost effective and efficient way to bring Tamboran’s low-carbon dioxide gas in the Beetaloo to Australia’s East Coast Gas Market.
“With the current state of the gas crisis on Australia’s East Coast, we are proud to play a part in the solution to not only deliver low-cost gas to Australian households, businesses and manufacturers, but also help reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the region where approximately 60 per cent of electricity generation is still from coal-fired power.
“Development of the Beetaloo Subbasin is expected to support Australia’s energy security and drive significant economic activity within the Northern Territory. This includes potential generation of billions of dollars in royalties to the Northern Territory Government and the creation of approximately 4,000 jobs in the region.”
Jemena Managing Director, Frank Tudor, said the MoU will help establish a credible path to market for new gas utilising the existing NGP.
“Tamboran’s project will help place downward pressure on gas prices and we expect the development of the Beetaloo will create thousands of local jobs, many in regional parts of the Northern Territory,” Mr Tudor said.
“We have been impressed with the Tamboran operational team and their deep knowledge and experience in developing world-class shale resources and continue to believe that the NGP is the most efficient and effective way of bringing gas from the Northern Territory to Australia’s East Coast.”
