Cuadrilla Resources has completed drilling a second horizontal shale gas well at its exploration licence in Lancashire, UK, and is awaiting governmental approval to begin hydraulic fracturing.
The company drilled the horizontal well through the Upper Bowland shale at a depth of 2,100m below the surface.
In April, the firm completed the first well through the Lower Bowland shale rock at a depth of 2,300m.
The horizontal wells were located with the help of data gathered from a vertical pilot well, which was drilled last year to a depth of more than 2,700m through the Upper and Lower Bowland shales.
Cuadrilla Resources CEO Francis Egan 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.”
The company is focused on demonstrating that natural gas will flow from the shale in commercially viable quantities.
Egan added: “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 dismantle the drilling rig, following which preparations for the fracking phase will begin.
Once hydraulic fracturing of the first two horizontal wells is completed, the company will run an initial flow test for around six months.
The company is facing opposition from protestors who fear the fracking operations could lead to potential damage to the environment.
Fracking has not taken place in the UK since 2011 after a report claimed that the earthquake tremors in Lancashire were caused by the hydraulic fracturing technique.
Last month, the company obtained an injunction forbidding trespass on its Preston New Road (PNR) site in Lancashire.
