Session 10. Oral Presentation for: Advancing subsurface development in the Kipper Gas Field: reservoir connectivity, pressure data integration, and strategic well placement in the Gippsland Basin

Presented on 20 May 2026: Session 10 The Kipper gas field, located in Australia’s offshore Gippsland Basin, has and will continue to play an increasingly important role in the Gippsland Basin supply mix, where 100% of gas from the basin is sold into Australia’s east coast domestic market. Production commenced in 2017 with two subsea wells, completed in the upper reservoir sands only, as part of the initial development phase. A significant capacity enhancement project followed in 2024 with the installation of Kipper Compression. In 2025, the Kipper Unit Joint Venture participants executed the second phase of the Kipper Field subsurface development plan, drilling the KPA-A3 well into the pressure depleted Golden Beach reservoirs to increase field rate and develop the uncompleted lower sands, with the well location sufficiently spaced from existing wells. A key objective of the well program was to obtain pressures in all sands to confirm reservoir connectivity through likely fault juxtaposition. As the KPA-A3 well plays a crucial role in sustaining Kipper gas production until the end of field life, protection from aquifer and reliable long-life production were key objectives for the well. This work outlines the reasoning behind the selection of the crestal target, presents the reservoir characterisation prognosis and outcome and demonstrates how pressure data has informed the dynamic uncertainties of the field. The Kipper Field is Operated by Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd (32.5%), with co-venturers Woodside Energy (Bass Strait) Pty Ltd (32.5%) and MEPAU A Pty Ltd (35%). To access the Oral Presentation click ‘Supplementary data’ below. To read the full paper click here