Neptune Energy has announced a drilling contract has been awarded to KCA Deutag for the Z17 well located in the Adorf carboniferous gas, in northwest Germany.

This is the third well that KCA Deutag will be drilling in the Adorf field and its drilling operations are planned to start this coming June.

Neptune has been developing the field since 2019. The two previous wells (Adorf Z15 and Adorf Z16) were drilled also by KCA Deutag and are now connected to the production line.

Seeking to minimize their carbon footprint, KCA Deutag’s rig will run on electric motors as an alternative to diesel-driven generators operated by power from the grid. This will help the company remove an estimated 1,000 tonnes of CO2 while drilling operations are taking place. 

Neptune Energy’s Managing Director in Germany, Andreas Scheck, said: “The Adorf carboniferous field development is an important project for Neptune. We have already increased production significantly and see a great deal of further potential from the field.”

“The use of electrical motors underlines Neptune’s commitment to continue to reduce emissions from our operations, ” Scheck added.

The deployment of technologies for reduce carbon emissions aligns with Neptune Energy’s plan to store more carbon than is released from its activities and from the use of its sold products by 2030.

Ron Klunder, KCA Deutag Country Manager said: “The award of this contract further strengthens our long-term relationship with Neptune Energy and allows us, through Kenera, our new business unit, to utilize technology to cut emissions and assist Neptune in meeting their carbon reduction goals.”

Neptune Energy, being the operator, owns a 100% stake in the Adorf Carboniferous gas field. The current daily production is around 4,500 barrels of oil equivalent (boe).