Origin Energy, together with Sasol, signed a conditional farm-in agreement with Falcon Oil & Gas Australia for three onshore exploration permits in the Northern Territory’s Beetaloo Basin.Upon completion of the farm-in agreement, Origin and Sasol will each hold a 35 per cent interest in the three permits and Falcon will hold a 30 per cent interest.

Located about 500 kilometres south-east of Darwin, the permits cover an area of more than 18,500 km2 within the Beetaloo Basin, which is highly prospective for shale gas and associated liquids.Upon completion of the farm-in agreement, Origin will pay Falcon approximately $11 million. Origin will then assume operatorship of the permits and progressively contribute $32 million during three years to fund its share of exploration.

Origin and Sasol each hold an option to participate in two additional work programs, Stage 2 and Stage 3, which, if they proceed, are forecast for calendar years 2017 and 2018. Origin’s contributions to Stage 2 and Stage 3 are currently estimated to be $25 million and $24 million respectively.

Origin Chief Executive Officer Upstream, Paul Zealand said, “This farm-in provides Origin a significant unconventional exploration position in one of the Northern Territory’s most prospective onshore basins. Previous exploration activities within the Beetaloo Basin, including drilling activity on the permits, has highlighted its strong shale gas potential.

“The signing of this farm-in agreement is consistent with our objective to find new sources of energy. Upon success, these resources could then be monetised by connecting them with domestic and international markets,” Zealand said.