IGas: Core study lifts UK shale potential

Core analysis of the IGas Energy PLC Springs Road-1 (SR-01) well in North Nottinghamshire, England, indicates the Bowland shale compares favorably with prolific US shales, the operator reports (OGJ Online, Mar. 11, 2019).

IGas collected 147 m of “highly encouraging” Bowland shale core. It said analysis by Stratum Reservoir confirms “that a significant hydrocarbon resource is present in the Gainsborough Trough.”

Key results:

• Total organic carbon—2-7%, averaging about 3%.

• Thermal maturity—average of 464°C. (wet gas to dry gas window).

• Total porosity—2-9%, averaging 4%.

• Gas content—24-131 scf/ton, averaging 71 scf/ton.

• Average clay content—about 30 wt %.

“The key characteristics of the Bowland shale in SR-01 compare favorably to commercial shale operations observed in North America, such as the Permian and Marcellus,” Egdon said in a press release. “The core results indicate a mature, organic-rich source rock with good porosity confirming favorable gas resource density. In particular, the low clay content is encouraging and an indication that hydraulic fracturing of the rock should be effective.”

The vertical SR-01 well encountered all three Carboniferous target zones: Bowland shale, Millstone Grit, and Arundian shale. In the primary Bowland target, it encountered 429 m of hydrocarbon-bearing shale.

The well is on PEDL 140, where interests are Ineos Upstream Ltd., 40%; IGas Energy, 17.5%; Egdon Resources and Island Gas Ltd. (IGas affiliate), 14.5% each; and Ecorp Oil & Gas UK Ltd., 13.5%.