ADX Energy (ASX: ADX) Flows Gas From Three More HOCH-1 Zones

ADX Energy has recorded water-free gas from three additional zones at its HOCH-1 exploration well in Upper Austria. The result broadens the tested gas-bearing interval before deeper zones are assessed.

Commingled production from Zones 2, 3, 4 and 5 averaged 3.15 million standard cubic feet per day. That rate equals 548 barrels of oil equivalent per day and was sustained over 12 hours.

The well is now shut in with downhole gauges recording pressure buildup. ADX will use that data to support reserves determination.

More Gas-Bearing Zones Confirmed

Zones 4 and 5 were perforated and tested during the second Phase 1 program. However, their relative flow rates remained inconclusive because the more permeable Zone 2 likely dominated production.

ADX then perforated and cleaned up Zone 3, confirming additional gas flow. All three newly perforated zones produced water-free gas during cleanup.

The latest outcome follows the initial Zone 2 test reported on 23 June 2026. That zone averaged 2.7 million standard cubic feet per day over 11 hours, equivalent to 450 barrels of oil equivalent daily.

Subsequent pressure analysis indicated potential productivity of 3.5 million standard cubic feet per day. It also suggested the sand extends at least 600 metres from the wellbore.

Executive Chairman Ian Tchacos said: “The positive flow results from all HOCH-1 well zones tested to date is very encouraging in terms of the determination of a commercial reserve for the well.”

Mapping Extends the Opportunity

HOCH-1 encountered up to eight gas reservoirs within the Hall and Base Hall Channel formations. The well was completed on 15 May 2026 within the ADX-AT-I exploration licence.

ADX operates the project and holds a 50% economic interest in the HOCH prospect. HOCH-1 is the first of three shallow gas prospects planned in Upper Austria. Two additional prospects are fully permitted for drilling in 2026.

Reprocessed three-dimensional seismic mapping has linked deeper Hall Channel sands with nearby historic wells. The interpretation indicates several sand bodies may extend laterally beyond HOCH-1.

Mapping shows a possible connection with the M-001 well, about 2.5 kilometres southeast. Another planned Phase 2 zone correlates with historic well data around 2.8 kilometres east.

These correlations matter because reservoir extent influences the volume that could ultimately be assigned to the well. However, pressure analysis and further testing remain necessary before reserves can be determined.

Deeper Tests Come Next

Phase 2 will test at least two deeper Hall Channel zones, focused on Zones 6 to 8. A workover rig must first drill through a cement plug to provide access.

Rig availability will be determined during the coming weeks. ADX expects to report pressure-buildup results in approximately two weeks, followed by details of the Phase 2 program.

The company also highlighted European gas-market conditions. At the announcement date, it cited a European TTF hub price of €69 per megawatt-hour, equivalent to US$23 per million British thermal units.