Gas has been discovered in the Tiendeveen -1 exploration well. The gas in the Permian Zechstein carbonates which had been identified as a secondary target in the well has been confirmed from wireline logs and drilling data.

The Geesbrug gas field which Northern is developing nearby is also gas bearing in the same Zechstein reservoir. Northern will review both the Tiendeveen and Geesbrug data to assess the range of possible reserves, development options and synergies. No potential gas in place volumes were assigned to the Zechstein prior to drilling.

The intermediate casing will now be run in the hole cemented and pressure tested before the drilling deeper to to the primary reservoir targets located in the Permian Rotliegend sandstone and the Carboniferous Dalen and Hardenberg sandstones. The estimated mean potential gas in place for these reservoirs is 60bcf with an upside P10 potential of 98bcf. Once drilling has been completed further wireline logging will be undertaken on Tiendeveen to confirm the presence of hydrocarbons in the deeper primary targets.

Partners in the well are Northern Petroleum Nederland B.V. (NPN is a wholly owned subsidiary of Northern) with 45%, EBN, the state oil company and Dyas B.V. with 40% and 15% respectively.

In accordance with the AIM Rules – Guidance for Mining and Oil & Gas Companies, the information contained in this announcement has been reviewed and signed off by the Exploration and Technical Director of Northern Petroleum Plc, Mr Graham Heard CGeol FGS, who has over 35 years experience as a petroleum geologist.

For further information please contact:

Northern Petroleum Plc
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7469 2900/61
Derek Musgrove, Managing Director
Chris Foss, Finance Director
Graham Heard, Exploration & Technical Director
Sophie Hull, Head of Corporate Communications

Jefferies International
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7029 8000
Chris Snoxall / Schuyler Evans

Astaire Securities
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7448 4400
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Tel: +44 (0) 20 7562 3350
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Buchanan Communications (Analysts)
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7466 5000
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