These flows were recorded during the last hour of a three-hour production test, QGC said.

On continuous production, this rate was expected to initially stabilise between 1.5 million cubic feet of gas per day and 2.0 million cfd. After clean-up, QGC expects a further increase in gas flow rates, as typically experienced by CBM wells, according to managing director Richard Cottee.

“Importantly, Berwyndale South-18 is free-flowing gas and will be completed as a free-flowing production well using specially-designed equipment,” Cottee said.

“Capital and operating costs for the well will be substantially reduced as no pumping equipment is required.”

Near the Berwyndale South pilot wells, Berwyndale South-18 has benefited from substantial water draw-down through earlier pumping, the company said.

QGC added that increased gas production rates were expected in the other new wells as water pumping on the gasfield increased.

QGC holds a 90% interest in PL201 (Berwyndale South) in partnership with Sentient Gas Australia Pty Ltd (10%).