Key Highlights

  • Zones 3, 4 and 5 at HOCH-1 confirmed water-free gas during testing.
  • Commingled production from Zones 2, 3, 4 and 5 averaged 3.15 MMCFPD, equivalent to 548 boepd, over 12 hours.
  • Pressure build-up testing is underway to support reserves determination.
  • Phase 2 will target at least two deeper Hall Channel zones with potentially extensive mapped reservoir areas.

ADX Energy (ASX:ADX) has reported further positive flow results from its HOCH-1 shallow gas exploration well in Upper Austria, with three additional zones confirming water-free gas.

The latest testing of Zones 3, 4 and 5 followed the earlier Zone 2 test, with commingled production from Zones 2, 3, 4 and 5 averaging 3.15 MMCFPD, equivalent to 548 boepd, over a 12-hour period.

HOCH-1 Testing Delivers Further Gas Flow

Zones 4 and 5 were perforated and tested, although individual flow rates were inconclusive due to the likely dominance of Zone 2, which has greater permeability.

Zone 3 was subsequently perforated and cleaned up, confirming additional gas flow. The four zones were then tested together, producing the reported 3.15 MMCFPD average flow.

The well has now been shut in with downhole gauges to record pressure build-up for reserves determination.

Earlier Zone 2 Test Supports Productivity

The latest result follows the first Phase 1 test of Zone 2, which produced water-free gas at an average stable rate of 2.7 MMCFPD, equivalent to 450 boepd, over an 11-hour period.

Pressure build-up analysis from Zone 2 indicated potential productivity of 3.5 MMSCFPD, with a sand extent of at least 600 metres from the HOCH-1 wellbore.

ADX said positive results have been recorded from all zones tested to date during Phase 1.

Deeper Zones Offer Further Testing Potential

The HOCH-1 well encountered up to eight biogenic gas reservoirs within the Hall Basin floor fan formation and Base Hall Channel formation.

Post-drill 3D seismic mapping and well correlations indicate the potential for large lateral extensions of several sand bodies, particularly Zone 3 and Zone 6.

Water-free gas from Hall Channel Zones 4 and 5 also provides support for the interpretation that deeper Zones 6 to 8 may be gas filled.

ADX plans to test at least two deeper Hall Channel zones during Phase 2. A workover rig will be required to drill out a cement plug to access the deeper intervals.

Mapping Indicates Extensive Stratigraphic Trap

New reprocessed pre-stack depth migrated 3D seismic has been used to map the Hall Channel sands following drilling.

The mapping and well correlations indicate a potentially large extension of the stratigraphic trap, extending at least 2.5 kilometres to the southeast. One lower Hall Channel sand planned for Phase 2 has a potentially large stratigraphic trap area mapped on 3D seismic and supported by nearby well data.

ADX holds a 50% economic interest in the HOCH prospect and is the operator. HOCH-1 is the first of three shallow gas prospects planned in Upper Austria, with two additional prospects fully permitted for drilling in 2026.

What Could Come Next for ADX Energy (ASX:ADX)?

The immediate focus is the pressure build-up results from the current testing phase, followed by the Phase 2 program targeting deeper Hall Channel zones.

ADX said further HOCH-1 testing updates are expected following the pressure build-up, while the Phase 2 testing program is expected to be available in the coming weeks.