News Oil & Gas

West Newton-A proposals include up to six new oil wells

Rathlin Energy (UK) Ltd said it planned up to six new wells at its West Newton-A site as the local authority decided the proposed extension would not require an environmental impact assessment.

Extension: the joint venture are West Newton hopes to hold a public consultation on plans for West Newton-A (Union Jack Oil)

CONSULTATION

The operator and its joint venture partners, which have two existing wells at West Newton-A, will conduct a public consultation over the coming months before submitting a planning application.

In October 2020, Rathlin announced it planned two new sites, West Newton C and D, and hoped to drill up to two exploration and appraisal boreholes at each if it received a permission.

A company statement today read: “The proposed extension of the existing West Newton-A (WN-A) wellsite and associated work programme would provide for testing, appraisal and production from the two existing wells (WN-A1 and WN-A2) and the potential for drilling, testing, appraisal and production from up to six new wells on the WN-A site over a 25-year period.

“The East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s screening opinion considers that the proposed development would not comprise EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) development.”

JOINT VENTURE

Rathlin has a 66.67% interest in PEDL183, and Reabold Resources plc investment company has a 59% shareholding in Rathlin and a 16.665% direct licence share. Union Jack Oil holds a 16.665% interest in PEDL183.

“It is encouraging that activity continues behind the scenes at West Newton, with progress being made ahead of testing and eventual production on the licence,” said Reabold co-chief executive Stephen Williams.

“With each step taking West Newton closer to development and potentially unlocking further value.”

In December, the JV announced that the West Newton B-1Z (WNB-1Z) sidetrack well had encountered a gross 62 metre thick hydrocarbon bearing reservoir interval in the primary Kirkham Abbey target formation which “significantly exceeding previous observations.”