San Donato Milanese (MI), 14 September, 2009 – Eni has started production from the Blacktip gas field, located in the southern Bonaparte Gulf, offshore Northern Territory, Australia.

The Field, which is 100% owned and operated by Eni, will deliver gas to the Northern Territory’s Power Water Corporation (PWC) for over a period of 25 years, with supply rising to 18,000 boe/day over the life of the contract.

PWC is a utility which provides power generation, transmission and retail services to the entire Northern Territory.

The development of the Blacktip field will provide energy security to the Northern Territory for the long term and will be a catalyst for the ongoing development of the region, supplying gas for its future industrial and economic growth.

Gas production from the Blacktip field is processed through an onshore gas plant near Wadeye, one of the largest Aboriginal communities in Australia. Since the project’s inception, Eni has been working closely with the traditional land owners and the community to contribute positively to the sustainable social and economic development of the area. Eni continues to support the community in the areas of health, education, training and employment, youth leadership and small business development.

Eni has been present in Australia since 2000 and is operator of Woollybutt oil field with 65% interest. Eni has also 10.99% interest in the Bayu-Undan gas and condensate field. In 2008, the average equity hydrocarbon production in Australia was 17,100 boe/day.   Eni has an active programme in 21 exploration licences in Australia, Timor Leste and Papua New Guinea and operates 15 of these licences.

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