Third Energy can announce that it will today submit a planning application to North Yorkshire County Council to hydraulically stimulate and test various geological formations, at the existing Well KM8 at Kirby Misperton. If successful, these tests will be followed by the production of gas from one or more of these formations into the existing production facilities for the generation of electricity. The prospective nature of the formations was identified during the KM8 drilling operation in 2013 and subsequent analysis of well data.

The work involved in the proposed development will consist of five principal phases: pre-Stimulation Workover; Hydraulic Fracture Stimulation and Well Test; Production Test; Production; and the eventual site restoration.

The company is also applying to the Environment Agency for the necessary permits for the proposed project. These include a bespoke mining waste operation permit, including a non-hazardous mining waste facility, a bespoke radioactive substances permit and a bespoke groundwater activity permit.

Commenting on the application John Dewar, Operations Director said “Submitting this application is an important milestone in the project to establish the potential to produce gas from the ‘Bowland’ strata beneath North Yorkshire. We know that the gas is present but it is only by actually hydraulically stimulating the rock that we can understand the potential of the gas to flow and the likely volumes that can be produced”.

He continued: “We are proud of our 20 year history of safe and low key operations in North Yorkshire and this project is designed to continue in the same way.”

About Third Energy

Third Energy is an independent company with a focus on gas appraisal and development, set up with the purpose of building a portfolio of UK producing and appraisal assets, onshore and offshore, and to be a respected and profitable gas company.