Angus Energy plc has submitted revised plans for an extended well test and ruled out any use of hydraulic fracturing at the Balcombe oil field near Crawley in Sussex.
LIMESTONE
Local residents have protested against the project and slowed vehicles entering the site.
“As previously, the company would like to make clear once more that it does not employ, or intend to employ, any hydraulic fracturing techniques on any of its presently operated fields, ” said Angus in a statement.
“Hydraulic fracturing is an expensive and complex technique used to improve the performance of wells producing directly from shale reservoirs.
“As regards Balcombe in particular Angus do not need to use this technique because we will be producing from a limestone reservoir within the shale.”
Managing director George Lucan added that great care had been taken over the application and he hoped for a fair hearing from West Sussex County Council and positive result.
“[This] will allow the company and its shareholders to exploit this valuable asset and make our own contribution to the Government’s net zero targets specifically by replacing imported hydrocarbons and their higher associated carbon footprint.”
INTERESTS
Project partners are Angus (25%) Cuadrilla Balcombe Ltd (56.25%) and Lucas Bolney Ltd (18.75%).
Angus also has interests in Lidsey oil field in Bognor Regis (80%) Brockham oil field in Dorking, Surrey (65%), and Saltfleetby gas field in Lincolnshire (51%).