Drilling has commenced at the Neptune Energy-operated Adorf Z16 gas development well in the municipality of Hoogstede, northwestern Germany.

The well is being drilled with a rig operated by KCA Deutag, with final depth of around 3,400 metres expected to be reached in August this year.

The Adorf Carboniferous gas field was discovered in 2020 and the Adorf Z15 well was brought into production in October. The Z16 well will be the second in the formation.

Neptune Energy’s Managing Director in Germany, Andreas Scheck, said: “The Adorf Z16 well is expected to double Neptune’s daily production in the field to around 3,700 barrels of oil equivalent.”

“Following the field’s discovery last year, this ongoing activity underlines our commitment to invest in the region. The Adorf carboniferous field development is one of our most promising activities in Germany and demonstrates our desire to grow our business here.”

Neptune Energy recently completed the acquisition of interests in several oil and gas fields in western Germany and owns 100 per cent of the Adorf Carboniferous gas field.

The company announced first gas production from the Adorf Carboniferous development in November last year.

Initial results were positive following successful drilling of the Adorf Z15 appraisal well, in the municipality of Emlichheim. Subsequent production tests indicated flow rates of up to 1,700 barrels of oil equivalent (boe) per day (gross). The well reached final depth of 3,500 metres in February 2020. A modern processing plant for treatment of the natural gas has since been constructed at the site.

Neptune’s Managing Director in Germany, Andreas Scheck, said the result of the Adorf Z15 well underlines the great potential for future gas production within this region.

“It is one of the most promising gas discoveries in Germany in recent years.”