This flow rate is second only to the previous Berwyndale South-18, which free-flowed a record 2.3 million cubic feet of natural gas per day during the last hour of a three hour test.

QGC said Berwyndale South-16 would be completed as a free-flowing production well using specially designed equipment. Because no pumping equipment was required, the company said capital and operating costs for the well would be substantially reduced.

Near the Berwyndale South pilot wells, Berwyndale South-16 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%).