Cuadrilla has successfully completed drilling the UK’s second horizontal shale gas well at its exploration site at Preston New Road in Lancashire. This second horizontal well, drilled through the Upper Bowland shale at an approximate depth of 2,100m below the surface, extends laterally for some 750 metres through the shale gas reservoir. The first horizontal well was completed by Cuadrilla in April through the Lower Bowland shale rock at approximately 2,300m below surface and extends laterally for some 800m. A vertical pilot well was drilled last year to a depth of over 2,700m through the Upper and Lower Bowland shales and the data gathered from this pilot well informed the decisions in locating these first two horizontal wells.

Francis Egan, CEO of Cuadrilla, said:

“We are very pleased to have successfully completed drilling the UK’s first two horizontal shale gas wells, as we continue to lead the way on UK shale exploration. Subject to hydraulic fracturing consent being granted by the Government we plan to fracture the shale rock around these wells over the coming months and test the flow rates of natural gas from the shale. Our objective is to demonstrate that natural gas will flow from the shale in commercially viable quantities. In the process we look forward to demonstrating that the UK’s huge shale gas resources can be safely produced and make a major contribution to improving the UK’s energy security, whilst reducing our gas import needs and providing economic and environmental benefit.”

Cuadrilla will now start to dismantle the drilling rig, in readiness for its return to mainland Europe, and this is expected to take a few weeks. The site team will then start to prepare for the hydraulic fracturing phase with much of the required equipment already on site.

Following hydraulic fracturing of the first two horizontal wells Cuadrilla will run an initial flow test of both wells for approximately six months.

About Cuadrilla

Formed in the UK in 2007, Cuadrilla is a privately owned British exploration and production company focused on discovering and recovering natural resources, primarily natural gas, from shale rock. The company is headquartered in Bamber Bridge, Lancashire.

Cuadrilla aims to be a model company for exploring and developing shale gas in the UK. We are acutely aware of the responsibilities this brings, particularly with regard to safety, environmental protection and working with local communities. Shale gas exploration and development can be carried out safely, securely and in an environmental responsible way, and we will do that, so that as a country we have less need to use coal to generate electricity and import less gas from overseas.