Balcombe Drilling Yield's Hydrocarbons for Cuadrilla

UK unconventionals specialist Cuadrilla Resources has announced drilling at its Balcombe site has confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons.

Andrew Quarles, Cuadrilla’s Exploration Director, said that “the well was a success and we are very encouraged by the findings so far."

On-site operations involved the drilling of a vertical exploration well to an approximate depth of 2,700ft, as well as carrying out a set of advanced petrophysical logs to provide data about the characteristics of the underground rock and the fluids contained in those rocks.

Quarles said that further testing will be required to determine flow rates.

Francis Egan, Cuadrilla CEO, said: “The well is now closed off for the coming months as Cuadrilla applies for planning permission to come back and test flow rates. We appreciate that the Balcombe community has had to bear the strain of protest, as have our on-site and support team and contractors. We commend West Sussex County Council and the Police for both facilitating peaceful protest and preserving order.”