Higher oil production have been approved at the Wressle well in North Lincolnshire, one of the site investors has announced.

Union Jack Oil said the Environment Agency had lifted the average production limit of 550 barrels of oil per day (bopd) at Wressle.

In a statement, Union Jack said:

“Environment Agency approval has been received that allows higher volumes of fluid to be handled at surface and at nearby water disposal facilities, since 14 December 2023.”

The company reported a “material uplift” in oil production rates to a gross average rate of 670 bopd.

On Sunday 17 December, the well recorded 674 bopd over a 24-hour period, it said.

Union Jack’s executive chairman, David Bramhill, said:

“The issue of the EA permit is welcome news and is instrumental in the optimisation of oil production rates at Wressle.”

The Wressle well began producing water in August 2023. A jet pump installed in the autumn is capable of handling 1,440 barrels of fluid per day, including water.

Union Jack, which as a 40% stake in Wressle, said the workover of the well was continuing. The latest official production data for September 2023 showed Wressle extracted just over 11m3 over the month, at a rate of 2.333bopd.

The Wressle operator, Egdon Resources, now owned by Heyco, is planning another two new production wells and 10-15 years of gas production at the site. Details and public consultation.

An updated industry report on the Wressle site is expected in January 2024.