Drilled to a depth of about 914 metres, the wells have now been perforated and fracced. Each well is expected to produce average flows of 130 million cubic feet of natural gas per day.

The penetrated Devonian Shale would provide up to 252 metres of potential gas producing interval, said Norwest.

CEO Joe Salomon said despite lower-than-expected flow rates, the wells showed potential for consistent gas production.

“Given these flow rates from the initial wells, it is highly likely that up to 100 wells will be drilled over the 10,400 acre project area,” said Salomon.

Norwest holds a 37.5% interest and about a 29% net revenue interest in each of the wells. The company will hold the same interest level in the whole project, once the first 20 wells have been drilled and a commitment made to another 20 wells.

Remaining project partners are operator Miller Petroleum of Tennessee and Golden Triangle Energy of Texas.