By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Sept. 5-- Talisman Energy Inc., Calgary, reported high natural gas production rates in two core areas in western Canada this year.
The Bigstone-Wild River area currently is producing 85 MMcfd. Talisman said it drilled 25 wells in the area this year with a 100% success rate, andiInitial production from five new wells already totals 26.6 MMcfd of natural gas. As operator, the company currently is operating four rigs and plans to spend $132 million in the area drilling an additional 12 wells and investing in several wells operated by others prior to yearend.
Talisman's expansion of its Wild River plant in 2002 and connection to the company's Central Foothills gas-gathering system resulted in an additional 33 MMcfd of gas directed to the Talisman-operated Edson gas plant. The company plans additional expansions in the fourth quarter of this year.
In Whitecourt, Talisman drilled 13 operated wells since this time last year, with an 85% success rate, and currently is producing more than 50 MMcfd. It expects to spend $41 million in the area this year. The company will be operating three rigs during the fourth quarter, adding 14 operated locations in the area prior to yearend.
Talisman, which has 616,000 net undeveloped acres in the Bigstone-Wild River and Whitecourt areas, said it plans to continue its active drilling program in the area in 2004.
