The project aims to produce blue hydrogen as up to 1.2 million tonnes per annum of clean ammonia for export to high-margin Asia-Pacific markets.
By integrating gas exploration with its CCS capabilities, Pilot says it can produce carbon-neutral gas, aligning with its existing decarbonisation goals and WA’s push for cleaner energy.
Pilot Energy managing director Brad Lingo said: “Due to the quality and extent of Pilot’s Perth Basin exploration holdings and their fast-track development potential to get direct access to the Western Australia domestic gas market, the company expects the farm-out process to be competitive. We are very focussed on bringing in partners that are focussed on the near-term drilling of the Leander prospect and bringing gas to market.”
With WA’s domestic gas market facing supply constraints and the growing need for gas to support renewable energy growth, Pilot’s drill-ready Leander prospect could offer a compelling opportunity to local established players needing a quick-to-market project.
Leander’s appeal is bolstered by its robust geological profile. Pilot’s technical team has identified multiple stacked pay targets within Kingia Sandstone at the prospect, mirroring the high-productivity reservoirs of multiple onshore Perth Basin giants.
Should exploration prove successful, the company estimates Leander could supply gas for more than 30 years, feeding Pilot’s planned ammonia plant and supporting WA’s energy grid.
The farm-out process is expected to intensify over the coming months, with Pilot aiming to secure partners to fund its drilling and exploration activities. A strategic pivot from traditional oil and gas to a diversified clean energy portfolio, underpinned by its potential farm-out permit and Cliff Head assets, could deliver a lightbulb moment for the ambitious company.
With strong market interest already evident and a clear vision for sustainable energy, Pilot is steering toward a lucrative future in WA’s dynamic energy landscape.
Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au
