New Zealand Energy Corp. Announces the Start of Production at Tariki-5A

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 30, 2024) - New Zealand Energy Corp. (TSXV: NZ) ("NZEC" or the "Company") is pleased to provide the preliminary results of the Tariki-5A gas development well.

Management of NZEC are delighted to report that the Tariki-5A well has successfully been perforated and the production route to market commissioned. Gas sales commenced late on December 30th, 2024.

Tariki-5A has been perforated over the top 8m of the 20m of gas bearing sand intersected and was opened to flow on the 28th of December. Limited by wellsite equipment and whilst unloading completion fluids, the well initially flowed at estimated rates increasing from 2 to 5.5 mmscf/d. After ~ 4 hours of cleanup flow the well flow was directed into the ~35km pipeline to Waihapa Production Station. A full maximum flow test couldn't be conducted with the wellsite limitations.

Tariki gas arrived at Waihapa mid-morning on December 29th and after further commissioning work to test the production equipment, separator gas was sent through to Cheal production station for dehydration and hydrocarbon dew point control prior to commencing gas sales.

The Tariki-5A startup and commissioning program has been designed to minimize flaring and hence the full well testing program has only just commenced. While a maximum flow rate test has not yet been carried out, the wellhead pressures, temperatures, flow rates and back pressures provide sufficient information for preliminary estimates. On this basis Tariki-5A is estimated to be able to deliver up to 12 mmscf/d of gas and associated condensate to market. Note that this estimate should be treated with caution until further testing has taken place to confirm the well's behavior and the associated condensate yield.

With respect to the well results, CEO Mr. Adams commented: "The Tariki-5A gas well has successfully been drilled, completed, and placed on production. Early indications are that the well is performing towards the upper end of our predrill expectations and testing is underway to fully characterize the well's productivity and reserves.

The commencement of gas sales from Tariki-5A marks the successful completion of the Company's 2024 highest priority project and the first stage in the redevelopment of the Tariki field into New Zealand's second gas storage field. The Company will now focus on both the evaluation of Tariki gas reserves ahead of its conversion to gas storage, and the redevelopment of its other producing and non-producing assets through 2025."