Angus Energy PLC will gather more data to assess the commercial viability of Kimmeridge layers across the Weald basin in the UK following evidence of high-quality crude at Lidsey.
With consent from regulators, the company performed a geochemical analysis of oil produced from the Kimmeridge (Clay) layers in the Lidsey-X1 well. Production from the Great Oolite formation was temporarily isolated and the Kimmeridge exposed. The formation immediately produced light oil. Multiple samples sent for third-party analysis demonstrated a composite of oil from the Oxfordian and Kimmeridge layers exhibiting a mixed range of source maturities, the company said. The lowest quality crude in the range possessed light, 38.5° gravity oil in the natural fracture system.
The assessment provides “demonstrable evidence of oil generation of good quality on the outer perimeter of the basin,” supporting the company’s conclusion that “the Weald Basin Kimmeridge play is robust and the highest maturity will be found in the center of the Weald at Brockham, Balcombe, Holmwood, and Horse Hill,” said Angus Energy’s chief geologist, Andrew Hollis.
“Based on the data, it is possible that fields centered in the Weald could produce even lighter, sweeter crude at 40° API. Comparatively, Brent Oil is 36° API,” he said.
Angus owns 60% direct interest in the Lidsey oil field onshore West Sussex near Bognor Regis, and a 50% economic interest in the Lidsey-X2 well, which is held under UK production license PL 241. Partners are Terrain Energy, 10%; Doriemus, 20%; and Brockham Capital, 10%. In March, the West Sussex County Council extended planning permission for the field for the next decade.
The company will continue to gather data, including a basin-wide study due in the next month, said Paul Vonk, Angus Energy’s managing director. “Demonstrating we have movable oil in the Kimmeridge at Lidsey is an important metric and, we believe, further derisks our assets at Brockham, Balcombe, and Holmwood.”
