Currently, the JV – in which AGL Energy is also a partner – is dewatering six wells before they are brought on production. The EM 23, 24, 25, 27, 33 and RB08 wells were fracture stimulated between mid and late May.

As of June 6, the Camden project was producing more than 14 terajoules per day of CSM gas – 16% more than a year ago, Sydney Gas said.

Chairman John Saunders said the JV was now planning to drill five coreholes to help prove up additional gas reserves in the Stage 3 and 5 areas of the Camden Gas Project.

“Following the corehole drilling, a reservoir characterisation study will be conducted over the coal seams to determine their gas content, gas composition and gas saturation values for delineating ‘high production fairway’ with a view to optimise future production drilling locations,” Saunders said.

So far, two coreholes – Currans Hill-1 in the Stage 3 area and Badgerys Creek-1 in Stage 5 – have been drilled and completed after reaching depths of 1069 metres and 955m respectively.

Having finished drilling Badgerys Creek-1, Rig 28 is scheduled to complete the corehole drilling in the Hunter area at the end of this month and return back to the Camden Gas Project area to complete three additional coreholes.

Since April 23, the JV has finished drilling one vertical well, EM27 and two deviated wells, EM24 and RB12.