Curtin scientists and Whicher Range Energy will review the geology, wireline logs, geomechanics and drilling issues of the Whicher Range field and map the tight gas sweet spots, working alongside the UWA team.

CSIRO will perform the petrophysical lab work associated with the tight core.

Curtin’s Associate Professor Reza Rezaee, who will lead the project, said “Although historically it has been too difficult and uneconomical to produce, as energy prices rise and a shift from coal to gas energy sources is experienced, tight gas is now being viewed as a resource with great potential.”

The project is funded by the Western Australian Government’s Exploration Incentive Scheme. The Western Australian Energy Research Alliance will administer the funds over a one-year contract.