Geological overview of the 2021 offshore acreage release areas

2021 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 294
Author(s):  
Thomas Bernecker ◽  
Ryan Owens ◽  
Andrew Kelman ◽  
Kamal Khider
Keyword(s):  
Development Strategy ◽  
Information Management System ◽  
Petroleum Exploration ◽  
Upper Permian ◽  
Data Repository ◽  
Release Process ◽  
Multidisciplinary Study ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Northern Carnarvon Basin ◽  
Offshore Petroleum

In 2021, a total of 21 areas were released for offshore petroleum exploration. They are located in the Bonaparte Basin, Browse Basin, Northern Carnarvon Basin, Otway Basin, Sorell Basin and Gippsland Basin. Despite COVID-19 negatively impacting the industry, participation in the acreage release nomination process was again robust. However, as has been the case in recent years, industry interest is focussed on those areas that are close to existing discoveries and related infrastructure. In tune with the Australian government’s resource development strategy, the areas being offered for exploration are likely to supply extra volumes of natural gas, both for export to Southeast Asian markets and domestically to meet the forecasted shortage in supply to eastern Australia. According to the 2019 implementation of a modified release process, only one period for work program bidding has been scheduled. The closing date for all submissions is Thursday, 3 March 2022. Geoscience Australia continues to support industry activities by acquiring, interpreting and integrating pre-competitive datasets that are made freely available in the context of the agency’s regional petroleum geological studies. As part of a multidisciplinary study, new data, including regional seismic and petroleum systems modelling, for the Otway Basin are now available. Also, a stratigraphic/sedimentological review of the upper Permian to Early Triassic succession in the southern Bonaparte Basin has been completed, the results of which are being presented at this APPEA conference. Large seismic and well data sets, submitted under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (OPGSSA), are made available through the National Offshore Petroleum Information Management System (NOPIMS). Additional data and petroleum-related information can be accessed through Geoscience Australia’s data repository.

The 2017 offshore acreage release areas: petroleum geological overview

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 304
Author(s):  
Thomas Bernecker ◽  
Steve Abbott ◽  
George Bernardel ◽  
Megan Lech ◽  
Ryan Owens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information Management System ◽  
Petroleum Exploration ◽  
Seismic Survey ◽  
Data Repository ◽  
Technical Program ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Northern Carnarvon Basin ◽  
Offshore Petroleum

In 2017, 21 new offshore petroleum exploration areas have been released. The majority of the areas are located along the North West Shelf spanning the Westralian Superbasin from the Bonaparte Basin in the north-east to the Northern Carnarvon Basin in the south-west. New areas have been released in offshore south-eastern Australia with new opportunities provided in the Otway, Bass and Gippsland basins. Two large areas in the northern Perth Basin, an offshore frontier, complete the 2017 Acreage Release. All Release Areas are supported by industry nominations and one new cash bid area has been offered in the Dampier Sub-basin. Geoscience Australia continues to support industry activities by acquiring, interpreting and integrating pre-competitive datasets that are made freely available as part of the agency’s regional petroleum geological studies. A new regional 2D seismic survey was acquired in the Houtman Sub-basin of the Perth Basin, forming the basis of the latest prospectivity study carried out by Geoscience Australia. The results of the study are presented in the technical program of the 2017 APPEA conference. A wealth of seismic and well data, submitted under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (OPGSSA) are made available through the National Offshore Petroleum Information Management System (NOPIMS). Additional datasets are accessible through Geoscience Australia’s data repository.

Petroleum geology of the 2018 offshore acreage release areas

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 437
Author(s):  
Thomas Bernecker ◽  
George Bernardel ◽  
Claire Orlov ◽  
Nadège Rollet
Keyword(s):  
Information Management System ◽  
Source Rocks ◽  
Petroleum Exploration ◽  
Data Repository ◽  
North West ◽  
Work Program ◽  
Petroleum Systems ◽  
The North ◽  
Well Data ◽  
Offshore Petroleum

A total of 21 areas were released in 2018 for offshore petroleum exploration. They are located in the Bonaparte, Browse, Northern Carnarvon, Bight, Otway and Gippsland basins. All release areas were supported by industry nominations, indicating that interest in exploring Australia’s offshore basins remains strong, despite the significant decrease in the number of exploration wells drilled in recent years. Sixteen areas are being released under the work program bidding system with two rounds, one closing on 18 October 2018 and the other on 21 March 2019. Five areas are being released for cash bidding and include the producible La Bella gas accumulation in the Otway Basin. Prequalification for participation in the cash-bid auction closes on 4 October 2018 with the auction scheduled for 7 February 2019. Geoscience Australia continues to support industry activities by acquiring, interpreting and integrating pre-competitive datasets that are made freely available as part of the agency’s regional petroleum geological studies. The regional evaluation of the petroleum systems in the Browse Basin has been completed and work continues on assessing the distribution of Early Triassic source rocks and related petroleum occurrences across the North West Shelf. A wealth of seismic and well data, submitted under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006, are made available through the National Offshore Petroleum Information Management System. Additional datasets are accessible through Geoscience Australia’s data repository.

PALYNOLOGIC CONTRIBUTIONS TO PETROLEUM EXPLORATION IN THE PERMIAN FORMATIONS OF THE COOPER BASIN, AUSTRALIA

1969 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 79
Author(s):  
R. J. Paten
Keyword(s):  
Petroleum Exploration ◽  
Upper Permian ◽  
Lower Permian ◽  
Hydrocarbon Accumulation ◽  
Early Permian ◽  
Sufficient Data ◽  
Spores And Pollen ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Biostratigraphic Subdivision ◽  
Cooper Basin

From 1959, when Permian spores and pollen were first identified from Delhi-Santos wells in the Cooper basin until 1967, appreciation of the palynologic succession was impeded by problems associated with the severe carbonization of the microfossils. By 1966, sufficient data had been accumulated for the elucidation of the broad palynologic framework. The Merrimelia Formation was identified as early Permian (palynologic unit Plb of Evans), the Lower and Middle Members of the Gidgealpa Formation as Lower Permian (units Plc-P3a) and the Upper Member of the Formation as Upper Permian (units P3b-P4). Breaks in the microfloral succession were noted above the Merrimelia Formation and between the Middle and Upper Members of the Gidgealpa Formation corresponding with observed litho-stratigraphic hiatuses.Well-preserved microfloras were recovered from four wells in late 1967 and early 1968, and produced a dramatic advance in knowledge of the Permian biostratigraphy. It became possible to relate the microfloral succession to the Permian palynologic stages proposed by Evans (1967), for eastern Australia. The Merrimelia Formation was referred to stage 2, while stages 3, 4 and 5 were recognised within the Gidgealpa Formation. In addition, two units of apparently short duration were recognised in each of stages 4 and 5. A six-fold biostratigraphic subdivision of the entire Permian sequence was thus possible.Palynology is finding wide application to problems encountered in current drilling and stratigraphic investigations. It has shown particular value when applied to those problems associated with the mid-Gidgealpa Formation disconformity, which is an important feature relative to hydrocarbon accumulation in the Gidgealpa Field.

2021 Offshore petroleum exploration acreage release

2021 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 291
Author(s):  
Paul Trotman
Keyword(s):  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Domestic Demand ◽  
Liquefied Natural Gas ◽  
Petroleum Exploration ◽  
Demand Growth ◽  
Regulatory Frameworks ◽  
The Future ◽  
Policy Work ◽  
Offshore Petroleum

In 2020, the liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade saw a modest increase of 1%, which is in contrast to the strong growth of previous years. Recently, the global LNG trade has picked up following the easing of impacts from the pandemic and demand growth in Asia. An increase of 6% in the global LNG trade is expected in 2021 and 2022. Domestic demand for gas remains high, with gas being used both for residential supply and also as an essential feedstock for the manufacturing industry. With a projected domestic gas shortfall, the future exploration and development of oil and gas will play a key role in ensuring access to secure, reliable and affordable energy in the future as well as assisting economic recovery from the pandemic. The importance of remaining an attractive investment destination is essential. Our challenge is to not only strike the balance of being agile and adaptive to market disruptions but also provide robust policy and regulatory frameworks to underpin future investment in the sector. Against this backdrop, this paper provides details of the 2021 offshore petroleum exploration acreage release and information about the ongoing policy work of the department.

scholarly journals Sedimentology and geochemistry of Middle–Upper Permian in northwestern Turpan–Hami Basin, China: Implication for depositional environments and petroleum geology

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 910-941
Author(s):  
Jian Song ◽  
Zhidong Bao ◽  
Xingmin Zhao ◽  
Yinshan Gao ◽  
Xinmin Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depositional Environment ◽  
Saline Water ◽  
Depositional Environments ◽  
Source Rocks ◽  
Petroleum Exploration ◽  
Upper Permian ◽  
Late Permian ◽  
Humid Climate ◽  
Mountain Area ◽  
Volcanic Source

Studies have found that the Permian is another important stratum for petroleum exploration except the Jurassic coal measures within Turpan–Hami Basin recently. However, the knowledge of the depositional environments and its petroleum geological significances during the Middle–Late Permian is still limited. Based on the analysis about the sedimentological features of the outcrop and the geochemical characteristics of mudstones from the Middle Permian Taerlang Formation and Upper Permian Quanzijie Formation in the Taoshuyuanzi profile, northwest Turpan–Hami Basin, this paper makes a detailed discussion on the Middle–Late Permian paleoenvironment and its petroleum geological significances. The Middle–Upper Permian delta–lacustrine depositional system was characterized by complex vertical lithofacies assemblages, which were primarily influenced by tectonism and frequent lake-level variations in this area. The Taerlang Formation showed a significant lake transgression trend, whereas the regressive trend of the Quanzijie Formation was relatively weaker. The provenance of Taerlang and Quanzijie Formations was derived from the rift shoulder (Bogda Mountain area now) to the north and might be composed of a mixture of andesite and felsic volcanic source rocks. The Lower Taerlang Formation was deposited in a relatively hot–dry climate, whereas the Upper Taerlang and Quanzijie Formations were deposited in a relatively humid climate. During the Middle–Late Permian, this area belonged to an overall semi-saline water depositional environment. The paleosalinity values showed stepwise decreases from the Lower Taerlang Formation to the Upper Quanzijie Formation, which was influenced by the changes of paleoclimate in this region. During the Middle–Late Permian, the study area was in an overall anoxic depositional environment. The paleoenvironment with humid climate, lower paleosalinity, anoxic condition, and semi-deep to deep water during the deposition of the Upper Taerlang Formation was suitable for the accumulation of mudstones with higher TOC values.

Balancing Environmental Protection and Offshore Petroleum Developments in Guyana

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Alicia Elias-Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Development Strategy ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Environmental Law ◽  
Effective Area ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
State Development ◽  
Green State ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Right ◽  
Offshore Petroleum

This paper reviews Guyana's challenge to regulate the new petroleum sector. The need to amend several pieces of legislation to be aligned with the Aichi targets for 2020 under the Convention on Biological Diversity are examined. Aichi Target 11 provides that ‘by 2020, at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland water areas and 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, are conserved through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative and well-connected systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, and integrated into the wider landscape and seascape.’ The Government of Guyana's Green State Development Strategy which has sustainable development at its core is also examined along with several environmental law principles. The Green State Development Strategy and several environmental law principles are discussed to highlight their relevance to the protection of the marine environment and biodiversity conservation. Several recommendations are made to highlight relevant laws which should be updated for the State to achieve the right balance regarding protection of the environment and sustainable management of offshore petroleum projects in line with the obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

2010 Offshore petroleum exploration release

2010 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
John Hartwell
Keyword(s):  
Water Depth ◽  
Regulatory Framework ◽  
Geophysical Data ◽  
Petroleum Exploration ◽  
Economic Environment ◽  
Geological Data ◽  
Australian Government ◽  
Investment Opportunities ◽  
Offshore Petroleum

The sustainable annual release of quality petroleum exploration acreage, to provide the global petroleum exploration industry with a variety of investment opportunities in Australian waters, is a key objective of the Australian Government. The annual Offshore Petroleum Exploration Acreage Release (Acreage Release) is underpinned by Australia’s stable economic environment and well-established regulatory framework for offshore petroleum activities. The 2010 Acreage Release areas are located across five basins. Release areas have been carefully selected to offer a range of investment opportunities; areas vary in size, known prospectivity, water depth and level of existing geological data and knowledge. Areas are supported by pre-competitive geological and geophysical data and analysis undertaken by Geoscience Australia.

2005 RELEASE OF OFFSHORE PETROLEUM EXPLORATION AREAS

2005 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 101
Author(s):  
Jenny Maher
Keyword(s):  
Petroleum Exploration ◽  
Offshore Petroleum

OFFSHORE PETROLEUM EXPLORATION IN AUSTRALIA ACREAGE BIDDING SYSTEMS: WORK BIDDING OR CASH BIDDING?

2003 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 677
Author(s):  
A.G. Thompson ◽  
V.W.C. Lok
Keyword(s):  
Petroleum Exploration ◽  
Approval Process ◽  
Administrative Discretion ◽  
Administrative Cost ◽  
Natural Justice ◽  
Work Program ◽  
Mixed Regime ◽  
Discretionary Powers ◽  
Exploration And Development ◽  
Offshore Petroleum

The design and efficiency of offshore petroleum acreage bidding systems bear directly on the risk and cost for participants investing in exploration and development projects offshore Australia.Companies, financiers and investors who are interested in investing in petroleum exploration and development activities will find a mixed regime of State and Federal legislation governs such activities in Australia.While the concept of the work program bidding system appears to be sound, the administration of it by the Joint Authorities and Designated Authorities and delegated officers potentially creates many uncertainties for permittees.The approval process is generally a costly and time consuming one under the work program bidding system and its administrative cost diverts funds that otherwise may have been directed to exploration activities.Work program permits are also susceptible to uncertainty and dispute as to whether or not the required work program has been met. Issues of proper or improper exercise of discretionary powers can arise, particularly when wide statutory discretionary powers are in practice circumscribed by Administrative Guidelines.The existence of statutory and administrative discretion requires, in the interests of natural justice, that there be appropriate avenues of appeal for aggrieved permittees. All of the foregoing regulation and cost is removed with cash bid permits. Cash bid permits not only reduce costs for Government but also for industry.The authors are of the view that offering permits by way of the cash bidding system should be reintroduced, with modifications to ensure its efficiency.

PESA Australian exploration review 2018

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 493
Author(s):  
D. Lockhart ◽  
D. Spring
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Petroleum Exploration ◽  
3D Seismic ◽  
The North ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Gippsland Basin ◽  
2D And 3D ◽  
Conventional Oil ◽  
Exploration Activity ◽  
Offshore Petroleum

Available data for 2018 indicates that exploration activity is on the rise in Australia, compared to 2017, and this represents a second year of growth in exploration activity in Australia. There has been an increase in area under licence by 92 000 km2, reversing the downward trend in area under licence that commenced in 2014. Since 2016, exploratory drilling within Australia has seen a continued upward trend in both the number of wells drilled and the percentage of total worldwide. Onshore, 77 conventional exploration and appraisal wells were spudded during the year. Offshore, exploration and appraisal drilling matched that seen in 2017, with five new wells spudded: two in the Roebuck Basin, two in the Gippsland Basin and one in the North Carnarvon Basin. Almost 1500 km of 2D seismic and over 10 000 km2 of 3D seismic were acquired within Australia during 2018, accounting for 2.4% and 3.9% of global acquisition, respectively. This represents an increase in the amount of both 2D and 3D seismic acquired in Australia compared with 2017. Once the 2017 Offshore Petroleum Acreage Release was finalised, seven new offshore exploration permits were awarded as a result. A total of 12 bids were received for round one of the 2018 Offshore Petroleum Exploration Release, demonstrating an increase in momentum for offshore exploration in Australia. The permits are in Commonwealth waters off Western Australia, Victoria and the Ashmore and Cartier islands. In June 2018, the Queensland Government announced the release of 11 areas for petroleum exploration acreage in onshore Queensland, with tenders closing in February/March 2019; a further 11 areas will be released in early 2019. The acreage is a mix of coal seam gas and conventional oil and gas. Victoria released five areas in the offshore Otway Basin within State waters. In the Northern Territory, the moratorium on fracking was lifted in April, clearing the way for exploration to recommence in the 2019 dry season. With the increase in exploration has come an increase in success, with total reserves discovered within Australia during 2018 at just under 400 million barrels of oil equivalent, representing a significant increase from 2017. In 2018, onshore drilling resulted in 18 new discoveries, while offshore, two new discoveries were made. The most notable exploration success of 2018 was Dorado-1 drilled in March by Quadrant and Carnarvon Petroleum in the underexplored Bedout Sub-basin. Dorado is the largest oil discovery in Australia of 100 million barrels, or over, since 1996 and has the potential to reinvigorate exploration in the region.

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