Neptune Energy  announced the award of a contract to drill the Z17 well in the Adorf carboniferous gas field, north-west Germany, to KCA Deutag. Operated with power from the grid, KCA Deutag’s rig will use electrical motors in place of diesel-driven generators, removing an estimated 1,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions from the drilling operation

Neptune has been developing the Adorf field since 2019. The Adorf Z15 and Adorf Z16 wells were also drilled by KCA Deutag and are now in production.

Neptune Energy’s Managing Director in Germany, Andreas Scheck, said: “The Adorf carboniferous field development is an important project for Neptune. We have already increased production significantly and see a great deal of further potential from the field.

“The use of electrical motors underlines Neptune’s commitment to continue to reduce emissions from our operations.”

The deployment of emission-reduction technology is aligned with Neptune Energy’s strategy to store more carbon than is emitted from its operations and from the use of its sold products by 2030.

Ron Klunder, KCA Deutag Country Manager said: “The award of this contract further strengthens our long-term relationship with Neptune Energy and allows us, through Kenera, our new business unit, to utilise technology to cut emissions and assist Neptune in meeting their carbon reduction goals.”

Work on the Z17 well is due to commence in June this year.

As operator, Neptune Energy holds a 100% stake in the Adorf Carboniferous gas field. The current daily production is around 4,500 boe.