Ascent Tests Export Pipe to Croatia

AIM-listed Ascent Resources said August 4 that installation of the pipeline needed to export from its small Petisovci gas project in Slovenia to nearby Croatia, about 5 km away, has been completed and an operational certificate has been issued.

Refurbishment of the separation equipment at the field has completed and, in order to complete testing, it said it will switch the current flow of gas from the Petisovci Pg-10 well through the refurbished pipe early August 4; this gas will continue to be sold locally during testing.

Its customer, Croatia's INA, has received initial positive feedback from the authorities in relation to the re-certification of its pipeline on the Croatian side of the border. The authority has asked for clarification on a number of points which should be completed shortly, said Ascent, and once the recertification has been finalised, then production of gas to INA would start. 

Ascent began commercial production in Slovenia in April but at that time had expected to start supplying INA by end-June 2017. 

Ascent is partnered at the 13bn m³ field by Slovenian state Geoenergo. Meanwhile a contractor arrived August 1 to complete operations at their Pg-11A well. Once completed, the well will be connected through to the process plant via the already-built flowline. 

Mark Smedley