OK, it's official. I'm EXCITED!!!!https://www.upstreamonline.com/exploration/time-running-out-nominations-to-close-for-australia-s-2022-offshore-acreage-release/2-1-1058470
Time running out: nominations to close for Australia’s 2022 offshore acreage release
26 August 2021 15:22 GMT Updated 26 August 2021 15:53 GMT By Amanda BattersbyThe Australian government has told would-be wildcatters that nominations for next year’s offshore petroleum exploration acreage release close next week.
Companies that wish to nominate offshore areas only have until Wednesday 1 September to apply.
This will allow for the 2022 acreage to be announced at the 2022 APPEA conference and exhibition, scheduled for 16 to 19 May 2022 in Brisbane.
Nominations submitted after 11.59pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time on 1 September will only be considered for the 2023 acreage release.
The 2021 offshore petroleum exploration licensing round, comprising 21 blocks in mostly proven basins, was launched in mid-June at this year’s APPEA convention.
This acreage release includes four blocks in the Bonaparte and Browse basins, offshore northern and north-west Australia. There are also eight permits up for grabs in the Northern Carnarvon basin offshore Western Australia.
Off south-east Australia, there are seven blocks in the offshore Otway and Sorell basins, plus two permits in the mature Gippsland basin. The Sorell basin is the only under-explored basin in the offering, Upstream earlier reported.
All areas are available for work programme bidding, which will close on 3 March 2022.
“This year’s release provides opportunities in established oil and gas provinces with existing infrastructure as well as under-explored areas offshore Victoria, also within reach of existing infrastructure" said Keith Pitt, Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia.
"This is consistent with the drive to deliver current projects as well as the potential to increase supply into the East Coast market.
“The continued release of areas for exploration is important to providing a steady supply of energy for the future. I would welcome and encourage industry bidding on the released areas.”
