Celtique Energie Bids for Gas in Weald Basin

British oil and gas independent Celtique Energie has said that it is planning a £3-4 million gas operation in West Sussex, England, details of which will be released in the coming weeks.

The explorer, which holds 20 licences across Europe, 13 of which it is the operator for, will focus its operations on Billingshurst, the West Sussex County Times has reported. The exploration area for the gas will be located in the Weald Basin. Celtique holds four licences in the Weald Basin, granted in the 13th licensing round of the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

While the Weald Basin has previously been positive for oil and gas shows, it has been less explored than many similar basins within the UK. Though Celtique Energie has licences for the Weald Basin, it will also need to apply for planning permission from the West Sussex County Council. 

Chief operating officer of Celtique Stuart Catterall said the company was aware that there may be environmental concerns over a gas well or gas wells in West Sussex, given that it is an area of natural beauty.

"It’s a natural reaction and it’s not a surprise," he told the West Sussex County Times. "Everyone wants to preserve the natural beauty of West Sussex, especially me because I live here."

He told the newspaper that the company's operations in Billingshurst could created hundred of skilled jobs, with the potential for at least one well on the site if exploration proved fruitful. If granted permission, the West Sussex County Times reported, this will be Celtique's first operating well.