Drilling is almost complete
We began drilling on 20 July, and we have now almost completed the drilling work itself, which extends more than 3,000 metres underground. Along the way, we have taken samples and drill cores from the various layers of limestone, clay and sandstone, and these are now being analysed. Data from the drilling, together with the results of the seismic survey carried out earlier this year, will show whether the subsurface in the area is suitable for the safe and permanent storage of CO2 in the long term.
The next step is a series of tests in the well. We expect to stay on schedule and be fully finished before Christmas. At the start of the new year, we will remove all the temporary installations, and the field will be restored to its original condition so that it can once again be used for farming.
Wellies, sausages and good questions
Many people drive past the derrick every day, but very few have been up close to it.
That’s why there was such great interest in our Open Day event, and by midday Henrik Busk, Head of Exploration at Harbour Energy, was delighted with the turnout:
“The highlight of today’s event has been the large turnout. A turnout of over 200 shows great interest and curiosity about the project.”
But by the end of the day, there had been more than 300 visitors aged between zero and 92. Over 200 of them took part in one of the 20 guided walks around the drilling site and the 55-metre-high drilling rig.
Along the way, 380 sausages were eaten and 30 litres of coffee were drunk, and we were asked many good questions: What do the samples show? How far have we got? And how on earth do you get more than 3,000 metres down into the ground?
