Session 7. Oral Presentation for: Resolving drilling issues in the Beetaloo – drilling longer for lower cost
J. Bunning A *A
Jordan Bunning is a Principal Engineer and founding member of inGauge Energy, with over 17 years of experience in complex well execution and project management across conventional oil and gas; high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT); coal seam gas (CSG); and deep-water bores. He has held key roles such as Drilling Manager, Drilling Team Leader, Senior Drilling Engineer, and Drilling and Completions Engineer, with expertise in rig operations, well design, and complex project planning and execution. Jordan has led several of inGauge Energy’s most successful projects, including serving as in situ Drilling Manager for Westside Corporation, Comet Ridge, and Empire Energy’s Northern Territory Carpentaria-1 well. He has worked onshore and offshore in Australia, the United Kingdom, Africa, Papua New Guinea, and the Middle East. Jordan holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Petroleum Engineering (Hons) from the University of New South Wales (2003) and has prior experience with Oilsearch Limited, Santos Ltd, Origin Energy, and Roc Oil Limited. |
Abstract
Presented on 27 May 2025: Session 7
The Beetaloo Sub-basin in central Northern Territory, Australia, is a promising region, estimated to contain upwards of 500 trillion cubic feet of gas resources (Northern Territory Government 2023). Empire Energy Group Limited, a key operator in the Beetaloo, has been advancing its assets towards production, focusing on cost reduction and operational efficiency. This paper discusses the significant reduction in drilling costs achieved through lessons learned and innovative solutions implemented over the past 5 years. inGauge Energy, Australia’s largest onshore drilling and completions consultancy, has been pivotal in supporting Empire Energy’s operations. The cost of drilling Carpentaria wells has decreased from AUD5600 per metre to AUD2200 per metre, attributed to longer wellbores and optimised operational strategies. Key challenges addressed include logistics in remote areas, regulatory complexities, and technical difficulties, such as drilling through the Moroak Sandstone and managing shallow aquifers. This paper highlights the importance of meticulous logistical planning, strong industry relationships, and the adoption of advanced drilling technologies. Techniques, such as floating casing and other drilling technologies, have enabled longer lateral wells to be executed, which is crucial for cost reduction. Despite progress to date, ongoing challenges remain, including regulatory hurdles and the need for further technical optimisation. Future cost reductions rely on continuous learning, bulk efficiency, and long-term drilling and services contracts. By optimising well designs, improving the rate of penetration, and leveraging economies of scale, the industry can ensure the viability and profitability of the Beetaloo Sub-basin, contributing significantly to Australia’s energy future.
To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Keywords: Beetaloo, cost, drilling, exploration, gas, Northern Territory, oil, petroleum, production.
Jordan Bunning is a Principal Engineer and founding member of inGauge Energy, with over 17 years of experience in complex well execution and project management across conventional oil and gas; high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT); coal seam gas (CSG); and deep-water bores. He has held key roles such as Drilling Manager, Drilling Team Leader, Senior Drilling Engineer, and Drilling and Completions Engineer, with expertise in rig operations, well design, and complex project planning and execution. Jordan has led several of inGauge Energy’s most successful projects, including serving as in situ Drilling Manager for Westside Corporation, Comet Ridge, and Empire Energy’s Northern Territory Carpentaria-1 well. He has worked onshore and offshore in Australia, the United Kingdom, Africa, Papua New Guinea, and the Middle East. Jordan holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Petroleum Engineering (Hons) from the University of New South Wales (2003) and has prior experience with Oilsearch Limited, Santos Ltd, Origin Energy, and Roc Oil Limited. |
