FAQs

How deep is the natural gas under the sea bed?

Approximately two kilometresREAD MORE

How have the natural gas volumes been evaluated?

The quantity of natural gas within the 2km deep reservoir is currently unknown, hence the need for further appraisal. However, the computation of in-situ natural gas is based upon 1992 2D seismic data and industry standard mapping techniquesREAD MORE

What kind of rocks hold the natural gas?

The natural gas is held in a reservoir rock named the Collyhurst Sandstone which can be seen in parts of Northwest England. It is a Lower Permian sandstone rock deposited by desert sands and rivers. It is referred to as a “conventional reservoir” which means it is a sandstone that holds the natural gas within the pore spaces between the sand grains. The Skeddan Collyhurst sandstone conventional reservoir is the Irish Sea equivalent of one of the Southern North Sea sandstone reservoir rocks, which has been producing natural gas for the UK since the 1960sREAD MORE

What does “appraisal” mean?

Appraisal means to gather further data on an existing natural gas accumulation. This data is used to understand the potential of the accumulation and to devise a development planREAD MORE

How do you know there is natural gas under the sea off the Isle of Man?

This part of the Manx waters has been well-documented through surveys of the sub-surface running back to the 1970s. The geology of the Irish Sea basin relates predominantly to two main periods of geological time: the Triassic and the Permian. Both periods are known to contain the appropriate rock formations and structures to provide reservoirs for commercial natural gas reservesREAD MORE

Will natural gas extraction pollute Manx waters?

No. Natural gas appraisal and production will not pollute Manx waters – this process is a completely closed system. The Isle of Man is adopting the UK’s strict regulations and legislation for offshore gas developments, minimising the risks of environmental hazardsREAD MORE