Acreage release EPNT26-1 in the highly prospective Beetaloo Sub-basin presents a rare and exciting opportunity for innovative explorers ready to make their mark.
- The Northern Territory Government is driving investment with a new onshore petroleum acreage release in the Beetaloo Sub-basin 5 times the size of Singapore.
- The release is was promoted at the North American Prospect Expo (NAPE) in Houston, one of the world’s largest upstream energy investment events.
- Applications are now open across 50 full and part blocks, supporting domestic energy security, regional economic development and Territory jobs.
The acreage is approximately 4,000 km2, more than 5 times the size of Singapore, and is strategically located near the Amadeus Gas Pipeline and the Stuart Highway within the highly prospective Beetaloo Sub-basin, one of Australia’s most significant onshore shale gas plays.
The announcement was made to industry representatives at the North American Prospect Expo (NAPE) in Houston, Texas, held from 18 to 20 February 2026.
NAPE is the premier marketplace for the upstream energy sector, where companies buy, sell and trade tenure and producing assets.
The event attracts more than 8,000 senior decision-makers, investors, service providers and technology leaders from across the international energy industry.
The new acreage, EPNT26-1, will allow for a competitive bidding process under the Petroleum Act 1984.
The release area is surrounded by high quality shale gas acreage held by Tamboran Resources, Daly Waters Energy, Beetaloo Energy Australia and Santos, with the adjacent acreage EP98 expected to produce the first Beetaloo gas for NT use from mid-2026.
Applications and submissions are now invited over the 50 full and part blocks, with the application period closing at 4pm ACST on Friday 31 July 2026.
More information, including the full geoscience data package, application form and guideline, read petroleum acreage releases.
Source: Northern Territory Government
