Talisman sees 1-2 tcf from 'outer foothills'

Sept. 6, 2006
Talisman Energy Inc., Calgary, said it could be producing a net 200 MMcfd of gas by 2010 from a large play in the outer foothills of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin.

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Sept. 6 -- Talisman Energy Inc., Calgary, said it could be producing a net 200 MMcfd of gas by 2010 from a large play in the outer foothills of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin.

Having spent $230 million to acquire more than 260,000 acres along the trend, mostly at 100% working interest, the company plans a $250 million outlay to drill 30 or more wells in 2007. It has engaged rigs for the program.

The acreage lies in a relatively undeveloped part of WCSB, east of and parallel to Talisman's existing foothills play in Alberta and British Columbia.

The land position provides Talisman with numerous multizone opportunities in several distinct regions. The company has identified more than 100 drilling locations so far.

Of four wells drilled in 2006, three are under test and the fourth will be tested this winter.

The first well, Chinook 16-14-65-13w6m, gauged 6 MMcfd of raw gas from three intervals within the Nikanassin, a formation found at the Jurassic-Cretaceous boundary. It will be tied in by the end of September, following tests of two more intervals. Three wells are drilling, and six more wells are planned for the rest of this year.

Talisman expects recovery to average 6-10 bcf/well, but some wells have produced more than 25 bcf.

"Reservoir deliverability is enhanced by fracturing associated with the thrust and fold structures," the company said.