General News
12 November, 2025
Gas exploration underway
CONOCOPHILLIPS Australia has started exploration in the Otway basin in an effort to find new domestic natural gas supply and be part of the solution to Victoria’s forecast gas shortfalls in the coming years.
The exploration program aims to identify viable natural gas reserves to supply the domestic market and support Australia’s future energy needs – ensuring reliable power generation and residential heating, as well as supporting local manufacturers.
On November 1, exploration drilling commenced at the first of two planned exploration wells for 2025.
The first well, Essington-One, is located approximately 50 kilometres south west of Port Campbell, which lies adjacent to current natural gas developments.
Drilling of Essington-One is likely to continue through to the end of November 2025, with a second well, Charlemont-One, expected to commence in December.
The Transocean Equinox rig is operating on behalf of ConocoPhillips Australia while drilling the two wells.
Anchors and mooring chains from both locations will be collected within three months of the activity completion at each well.
Additional wells may be considered in the future under the approved environment plan.
“More domestic gas supply is needed if Australia is to achieve the 2035 climate targets recently announced by the Albanese Government,” a ConocoPhillips Australia spokesperson said.
“We are hopeful that we will find natural gas from these two prospects to support Australia’s domestic gas market.
“If we are successful, various development concepts will be considered, including their commercial viability.
“We are committed to conducting our exploration activities safely and have extensive environmental protection measures in place.
“We regularly conduct aerial surveys for whales and monitor for whale calls to activate our protection measures if needed.
“We’re drilling about 2.5 kilometres below the seabed with precision, and at that depth, the well diameter is only about the size of a dinner plate.”
Read More: local