Analysts at energy company IGas are pouring over the preliminary results of data from the controversial exploration well drilled in Ellesmere Port last year.
The drill rig, at Merseyton Road, started work in mid-November despite the efforts of community protectors.
The company says that due in part to lessons learned on previous wells the intended depth was reached ahead of schedule in mid-December.
The vertical well encountered a thick section of coal as well as shales before penetrating a key limestone geophysical marker.
The coal measures were 800ft thick and contained several seams. A ‘very significant’ shale section of approximately 1,400ft was also drilled.
Preliminary analysis of sample cores gave significant indications of gas. At an earlier stage the firm says it was attracted to the town’s geology as initial research had revealed the coal beds and potentially the shale formations beneath the site had the potential to hold ‘very large amounts of gas’.
IGas says the drilling of the well was accomplished ahead of schedule and under budget.
A spokesman said: “The analysis is in progress and is due to be completed later this year. We took a range of rock samples and data which have been sent to the labs for detailed analysis.
“IGas have now completed three exploratory drills in the north west, at Ince, Ellesmere Port and in Salford to enable us to build up a more detailed geological picture of the region and its underground reserves of natural gas. The results of these three operations, taken together with the findings of the seismic testing which we carried out between Ellesmere Port and Chester, will inform our next steps.”
The company has said it plans to drill two wells in the UK during 2015, subject to planning permission, permits and following public consultation, one of which will be in the north west at a site to be selected.
The Ellesmere Port site has been cleared although the security fences will remain. On site IGas is obliged to cap the well and return the land to its former condition.
