Australia's premier shale basin: five plays, 1 000 000 000 years in the making

Abstract

The successful fracture stimulation and production test of the Amungee NW-1H well placed the Velkerri Shale play and the Beetaloo Sub-basin on Australia’s energy radar. The Velkerri Shale dry gas play is currently Australia’s most promising shale gas prospect; however, it is not the only prospect in the Beetaloo Sub-basin. Four additional potential plays have been identified, each with their own specific risk profile and relative benefits. These are the Velkerri Shale liquids rich gas play, the Kyalla Shale and hybrid liquids rich gas plays, and the Hayfield Sandstone oil/condensate play. Appraising each of these opportunities requires special attention to ensure efficient and appropriate deployment of capital. A framework approach allows for the high-level assessment and comparison of each of the discussed opportunities within the Beetaloo Sub-basin portfolio.