AREEA member Eni has uncovered a substantial gas field in the Timor Sea, potentially adding another resource industry project to the Northern Territory’s portfolio.

An appraisal well at the Evans Shoal Gas Field in the Bonaparte Basin exposed at least eight trillion cubic feet (TCF) of raw gas, three to four TCF of which are recoverable for processing.

Chief Minister Adam Giles said the find, located 300km northwest of Darwin, could lead to significant economic returns for the Northern Territory.

“This presents another exciting opportunity for the Territory and is one more encouraging step in our efforts to establish Darwin as North Australia’s gas processing and marine supply hub,” he said.

“The Country Liberals government is committed to facilitating the speedy and economic development of this new gas province in a way that brings the greatest financial and social benefit to the territory.

“We aim to create a continuous flow of major projects over the years ahead, breaking the traditional boom-bust cycle of large-scale development.

“Pursuing additional LNG and domestic gas infrastructure, including a pipeline network across the NT linking into the East Coast gas market, is another important part of this long term planning.”

Eni, along with joint venture partners Shell, Petronas Carigali and Osaka Gas are analysing the results of the appraisal and reviewing development concepts, whilst also conducting drilling activities on the nearby Blackwood Gas Field.