Two new potential oil sites in Weston Newton are being planned by Beverley-based onshore energy operator Rathlin Energy (UK) Ltd.
The company has submitted screening requests to East Riding of Yorkshire Council for West Newton C and West Newton D to determine the need for environmental impact assessments.
Rathlin already operates at West Newton A and West Newton B, where Union Jack Oil and Humber Gas and Oil also have interest holdings, and hopes to extend exploration of the village’s hydrocarbon field to the two new sites.
The company will conduct a public consultation on the proposed development over the coming months before submitting any formal planning applications.
Rathlin stated that local fuel production would be more environmentally and economically beneficial rather than importing oil and gas.
“The Humber, as Britain’s largest energy hub which contributes £18bn to the economy along with 27% of the UK’s oil refinery capacity, relies on fuel, ” a statement read.
“The West Newton prospect borders a thriving cluster of world-scale chemical and energy operations located at Saltend, and elsewhere within the Humber estuary.
“The cluster currently relies upon significant oil and natural gas imports from overseas.
“These foreign imports come at a higher cost to the UK and with an increased carbon footprint.”
Rathlin Energy has also announced completion of the wellsite and access track construction at West Newton B, and the site is fully permitted to begin conductor drilling operations.
A surface water discharge system has been installed for environmental isolation of the wellsite and two drilling cellars.
On Monday (17 August 2020) a conductor rig and associated equipment was mobilised to site, and drilling operations are expected to begin soon.
The conductor rig will drill to a depth of approximately 80m into the Cretaceous chalk where steel casing will be installed and cemented to surface.
After completion, the conductor rig will be demobilised and the site prepared for the main drilling rig, expected to be rigged up within two weeks in preparation to drill the main borehole to a depth of approximately 2,000 metres.
The drilling operation will continue 24-hours a day for up to ten weeks after which the drilling rig will be demobilised.
Information gathered during the drilling will establish productive capability and any future drilling operations.