IGas to start drilling Ellesmere Port exploration well in UK

UK-based onshore hydrocarbons producer IGas has leased a drilling rig to spud the Ellesmere Port exploration well.

Drilling is expected to start in late 2014. Currently, the company is undertaking a community engagement programme.

The Ellesmere Port is IGas’ third well to be drilled in the UK, following the completion of two wells in Cheshire and Manchester (Barton Moss).

IGas is currently evaluating the second well, which was drilled at Barton Moss in the first quarter of 2014.

The core analysis has started and full results will be released after the submission of 14th licence round applications.

IGas said the exploratory work carried out until now, together with offset well data, has given the company the required information to design an appropriate hydraulic fracture programme for wells in the area.

IGas chief executive Andrew Austin said: "We are delighted to have secured a suitable rig for our exploration well at Ellesmere Port.

"This well, similar to the one we successfully drilled at Barton Moss earlier this year, is to further appraise the geology in the north-west and another step in unlocking Britain’s onshore energy resources."

IGas has licences to explore oil and gas in several UK locations, including the north-west, East Midlands, the Weald Basin in southern England and the northern coastal area of the Inner Moray Firth in Scotland.