Saltfleetby gas site Image: Google Earth Imagery (c)2019 Infoterra Ltd & Bluesky, Imagery (c)2019 CNES/Airbus, Getmapping plc, Infoterra Ltd & Bluesky, Maxar Technologies, Map data (c)2019

Angus Energy announced this morning it expected to submit a planning application next week for onsite gas processing at its Saltfleetby field in Lincolnshire.

A second application to extend the pipeline to the national grid terminal was likely to be submitted in the last week of May, the company said.

In a statement to investors, Angus said it expected to get permission for the pipeline extension and complete work during September. The timetable for site work was less certain, it said, because of post-Covid issues with procurement.

Angus said it was considering hydrogen-ready high-pressure pipework for the pipeline extension. This would be a first direct connection of its kind, it said. There could also be opportunities for hydrogen storage at Saltfleetby towards the end of the reservoir’s life, it added.

A permit variation was being prepared and the company was seeking approvals from the Health and Safety Executive, the statement said.  The Oil & Gas Authority would also need to approve the final Field Development Plan.

Tenders were invited for gas processing equipment last month and the bidding deadline had been extended into May because of the Covid-19 outbreak, Angus said. It predicted delivery and construction would be in the final quarter of the year, with the “first gas to follow shortly thereafter”.

Delays at Brockham

Angus also issued an update on its proposal to seek permission for water reinjection at its Brockham oil site in Surrey.

It said a revised hydrogeological risk assessment, prepared to support a variation of the environmental permit, had been delayed for “reasons beyond the company’s control”. It said:

“The document is nonetheless a much stronger one as a consequence of the delay and the Company has requested enhanced pre-application service”.

The company said it expected to have discussions with the Environment Agency in the coming weeks.

• DrillOrDrop has reported separately on Angus Energy announcements today that it was withdrawing its planning application for well tests at Balcombe and suspension of production at Lidsey