Neptune Energy and its partner, Spirit Energy, announced production has commenced from the 11th well at its operated Cygnus gas field in the southern North Sea, unlocking much-needed additional supplies and supporting UK energy independence.

The new well is expected to produce approximately 4,000 boepd, enough gas to heat approximately 200,000 UK homes. Together with the 10th well which started up earlier this year, the Cygnus facility is expected to produce enough gas per day to meet the needs of around 1.9 million UK households.

The Cygnus field continues to have one of the lowest carbon intensities on the UK Continental Shelf.

Neptune Energy’s UK Country Director, Alan Muirhead, said: “Cygnus plays an important role in supporting UK energy security and has the capacity to supply around 6% of the country’s gas demand.

“We’re taking steps to boost North Sea gas production which reduces the UK’s reliance on less secure and more carbon intensive supplies of imported energy, and also supports the government’s aim of achieving energy independence by 2040.”

Spirit Energy’s CEO, Neil McCulloch, added: “Continuing to secure reliable and responsible supplies of energy from the UK continental shelf has never been more important. Spirit Energy is delighted to welcome first gas from the joint venture’s most recent investment in Cygnus, as gas continues to be a key energy source in the transition towards Net Zero.”

The 10th and 11th wells were drilled by Borr Drilling’s Prospector 1 jack-up rig.

Cygnus partners: Neptune Energy (operator and 38.75%), Spirit Energy (61.25%)

About Neptune Energy Group

Neptune Energy is an independent global E&P company with operations across Europe, North Africa and Asia Pacific. The business had production of 135,000 net barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2022 and 2P reserves at 31st December 2022 of 552 million barrels of oil equivalent. Neptune aims to store more carbon than is emitted from its operations and the use of its sold products by 2030. The Company, founded by Sam Laidlaw, is backed by CIC and funds advised by Carlyle Group and CVC Capital Partners.

About Spirit Energy

We are a pioneering energy company with two shareholding entities: Centrica plc (69%), and Stadtwerke München GmbH SWM (31%). We operate in the UK and the Netherlands, with a 700-strong team, and 20 producing field interests.

Our portfolio and ambitions span the breadth of the energy transition. We’re continuing to break new ground, collaborating and thinking differently. Our strategy is focused on: safely delivering production from our existing assets; meeting and de-risking our decommissioning obligations, and pursuing strategic energy transition opportunities from our existing assets.

We’re proud of our heritage. With more than 30 years of production, we’re maximising the potential of our existing assets and substantial gas reserves in the UK and Netherlands. Above all, we live by our commitment to safety in everything we do. Our portfolio is predominantly gas (96%), providing vital, primary energy to fuel our homes and businesses in the UK and Europe.