First gas is flowing from IOG’s Blythe H2 well, part of the Southern Banks gas development in the UK southern North Sea.
Startup was delayed a little over a month due to a well control incident and potential partial blockage. Pressure buildup data suggest reservoir permeability is in line with pre-drill expectations, so the issue is potentially mechanical, such as a partially activated downhole valve, rather than reservoir driven.
If cleared, flow rates could increase to 30–40 MMcf/D in the coming weeks.
The Blythe H1 well was shut in as planned. Post-intervention, the plan is to produce initially from H2 only to flush formation water out of the Saturn Banks pipeline system and reduce associated operating expenses.
Following a period of shut in to allow the water levels to re-equilibrate, H1 will be reopened periodically at lower rates to flow gas and condensate with limited water production.