News Analysis: Off the shores of New Zealand and extending out 100+/-km (62+/- mi) into the Pacific Ocean lies the area of the ‘Great South Basin’ to which ‘RDS’ will drill a ‘Exploratory Natural Gas Well’. This is expected to occur within the next 24 months and cost up to $200 Million Dollars. If gas is discovered in sufficient amounts, a network of appraisal wells would be drilled over the next ten years. Following that series of wells (if sufficient in size of deposit) would be production wells drilled in the area.
Drilling in 1,300 Meters (4,265 feet) ocean depth, a Semi-Submersible Rig or a Drilling Ship would be employed. ‘RDS’, being a Environmentally Cautious Group, will take every precaution to perform this arduous process correctly, many people say.
People who complain about the ‘High Cost Of Fuels ‘ should consider the ‘Astronomic Cost of Oil and Gas Exploration “Off-Shore”. Perhaps if they do, they will be less inclined to listen to the rhetoric of Politicians (with Personal Vested Interests) who enjoy decrying “Off-Shore Drilling”.
Reality.
Reference: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11182574