Tanzania’s Kiliwani North-1 gas well is undergoing final well integrity tests a head of the first gas production expected in the in mid February 2016, the operator company Aminex PLC and Solo Oil have announced.

The well tests and production preparation follows the signing of a Gas Sales Agreement (GSA) between the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation and the Operator in January, 2016.

Solo Oil in an announcement said the ground operator Aminex has been instructed by the Tanzanian Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) to prepare the Kiliwani North-1 well for production starting mid-February.

Initial production rates according to solo will be managed to allow for testing and commissioning of the recently completed Songo Songo gas processing plant and related pipelines, while also recording critically important pressure and flow rate measurements to determine the optimal flow rate to maximize the life of the reservoir.

Commenting on the development, Solo Oil Chief Executive Neil Ritson applauded Tanzania Petroleum development Corporation for keeping the “Momentum” of the project especially after the signing of GSA and said the company expects to deliver its first gas in the coming months

“Solo is delighted that the momentum of the Kiliwani North project is being maintained after the signing of the GSA and we anticipate being able to report first gas and receipt of first revenue in the comings months.” Ritson Noted

Solo currently holds a 6.175% interest in the Kiliwani North Development Licence where the Kiliwani North-1 well is located and also an option to acquire a further 6.175% interest in the Kiliwani North Development Licence.

LR Senergy has ascribed gross 28 billion cubic feet best estimate contingent resources to Kiliwani North-1, which was contingent on completion of the GSA.  It is therefore Solo’s expectation that reserves at Kiliwani North will be booked later this year.