Temporary exploratory well to provide important knowledge about the subsurface
Temporary exploratory well
Following completion of the seismic surveys, the next step is an exploratory well. This is part of the work programme Harbour Energy has committed to carrying out over the coming years.
The purpose of the well is to retrieve core samples and take measurements through the subsurface’s many layers, down to a depth of over three kilometres. Together with the results of the seismic survey, the results from the exploratory well will form the basis for Harbour Energy’s decision on whether to apply to the Danish Energy Agency for a permit to establish a geological CO2 storage site.
How the exploratory well works
An exploratory well, also known as an appraisal well, is a temporary activity in which the total project period – from establishing the drill site to restoring the land – lasts 9-12 months. Once the work is complete, all installations are removed and the area is returned to its original use.
The well will be drilled at a temporary drill site set up on private farmland near Fårup. The drilling rig stands 55 metres tall, while the wind turbine on the same plot stands 130 metres tall. The well is expected to reach a depth of more than 3,000 metres. Along the way, several sections of steel casing and cement are installed to isolate the different geological layers and protect both the subsurface and groundwater.
Frequently Asked Questions
An exploratory drilling, also known as an investigative drilling, is carried out to collect data on the subsoil. Core samples are taken from the various layers of sandstone, clay and limestone. As the name suggests, exploratory drilling is a temporary activity. Once drilling is complete, the drilling rig is dismantled, the well is plugged and the area is restored to its original condition.
The data collected plays an important role in deciding whether a geological CO2 storage site can be established in the area in the long term.
The total time from the establishment of the drilling site and the start of work on the access road to the completion of work on site will take 9–12 months. The test drilling itself takes only three months, whilst the entire project is expected to run from mid-2026 to mid-2027. This is because it takes time to set up the drilling site, erect the drilling rig, dismantle it and restore the site to its original condition and use as agricultural land.
Noise from the activities will not exceed the Danish Environmental Protection Agency’s noise limits. The activities will be similar to those on a normal construction site, where the main activities involve lorry traffic, crane work and the erection of the drilling rig. Noise will be particularly noticeable during the construction and drilling phases, which will last a total of just over four months. Every effort will be made to restrict driving and transport to the hours between 7 am and 10 pm, but in emergencies, lorries may be driven at night or at weekends and on public holidays; however, only via the existing gravel track leading up to the drilling site from the main road.
Unfortunately, noise and disruption caused by the works cannot be entirely avoided. We are doing everything we can to minimise them, and we will remain within the Danish Environmental Protection Agency’s noise limits. Audible noise will mainly occur during the construction and drilling phases, which will last approximately four months. We are endeavouring to restrict vehicle traffic and transport to the hours between 7 am and 10 pm. Both cars and lorries will use only the gravel track leading up to the drilling site from the Hovedvejen/Vestergade junction.
Close contact with authorities and the local community
Randers Municipality has approved Harbour Energy’s project description for the temporary well and issued the necessary permits. Throughout the project, we remain in close contact with authorities and neighbouring residents.
We want to continue building on the direct, personal contact, accessibility and visibility we established during the seismic survey.
Follow the project here on this page, where you can sign up for our newsletter. We’re also on LinkedIn, and we’ll be holding community-facing activities in the local area throughout the project period.
You’re also always welcome to contact us at kontakt@greenstore.dk
