More annual reports from Predator Oil & Gas Holdings Plc:
2023 Report Predator Oil & Gas Holdings Plc
Annual Report for the
Year ended 31 December 2021
Contents
Chairman’s statement
Strategy
Group strategic report
Key performance indicators
Group structure and list of assets
Principal risk and uncertainties
Report of the directors
Board of directors
Corporate governance report
Directors’ remuneration report
Independent auditor’s report
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
Consolidated statement of financial position
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
Consolidated statement of cash flows
Statement of accounting policies
Notes to the financial statements
Corporate information
Pages
1 - 3
4
5 - 18
19 - 20
21 - 32
33 - 40
41 - 45
46 - 47
48 - 53
54 - 59
60 – 64
65
66
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69 – 75
76 – 91
92 - 93
Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
Chairman’s Statement
Dear Shareholder,
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I hereby present the consolidated financial statements of Predator Oil & Gas
Holdings Plc (the “Group”, “Predator” or the “Company”) for the year ended 31 December 2021.
2021 has once again been a particularly active period for the Company and its small management team focussed
mainly on operations in Morocco and, in the earlier part of the year, Trinidad. Despite the continuing challenges
presented by the COVID pandemic we have demonstrated our resilience to external global influences by successfully
and safely executing the drilling of our first well, MOU-1, as an approved operator in Morocco. This is a significant
milestone for the Company and the implementation of its business strategy, which is heavily weighted towards gas
as the greener fossil fuel option to accelerate the decarbonisation of the energy sector, by replacing more carbon-
intensive coal and oil, and to maintain security of energy supply during the Energy Transition and the roll-out of
renewable energy alternatives.
The Company’s drilling programme has paved the way to the opening up and de-risking of a new gas basin in northern
Morocco with significant “running room” to add material gas resources. The industrial sector in Morocco is starved
of indigenous gas resources and heavily reliant on imported carbon-intensive fuel oil. The Company’s development
strategy is focussed on compressed natural gas (“CNG”) distribution to industries isolated from gas pipeline
infrastructure. This is attractive to potential end users and by the end of 2021 the Company has initiated discussions
with several parties regarding aligning interests and commercial goals through joint venture participation at project
level. In a pan-European context of security of gas supply, potential additional Guercif gas discoveries are connected
to the European gas grid and provide for diversification of European gas supplies.
In Trinidad we successfully commenced Phase 3 of the Inniss-Trinity Pilot Enhanced Oil Recovery project using
injected anthropogenic carbon dioxide (“Pilot CO2 EOR”). During the period under review the Government of
Trinidad and Tobago established a Carbon Capture and Carbon Dioxide Enhanced Oil Recovery (“CO2 EOR”) Steering
Committee to give recognition to the vital role CO2 EOR could play in response to the need for emission mitigation
and carbon management and Carbon Capture and Storage in the context of the Paris Agreement. This important and
timely initiative has ensured that the Company, being the only CO2 EOR operator in Trinidad and with exclusivity
over Trinidad’s surplus liquid CO2 supply, is well-positioned to offer its technology and operations experience as a
valuable catalyst to co-venture with other operators of producing oil fields onshore Trinidad and to help develop the
Government’s strategic carbon capture plans. Financing of the CO2 EOR services offered by the Company must be
borne by those producers wishing to avail themselves of such services to further the development and retention of
their assets mainly held under Incremental Production Service Contracts. Implementing CO2 EOR plans are crucial if
inward investment in the energy sector in Trinidad is to be secured on the basis of compatibility with the demands
to address the level of global CO2 emissions.
Changes in the ultimate ownership of FRAM Exploration Trinidad Ltd. (“FRAM”) completed in 2020 resulted in the
parent company of FRAM unilaterally terminating the Inniss-Trinity CO2 EOR project without prior consultation with
the Company or the regulatory authorities. As a consequence the Company decided that it would be prudent to
decommission its CO2 EOR facilities at Inniss-Trinity. The Company also elected to seek redress from FRAM for breach
of the terms of the Inniss-Trinity Well Participation Agreement and for failure to repay the Loan advanced to FRAM
repayable out of profits arising from the sale of CO2 EOR enhanced oil production during 2020 and 2021. The
Company has a reasonable expectation that an amicable settlement of the dispute will be achieved in 2022 which
will facilitate the Company establishing its in-country CO2 EOR services Special Purpose Vehicle (“SPV”) using its
subsidiary Predator Oil & Gas Trinidad Ltd. New CO2 EOR projects resulting from the provision of advisory services
and in addition potential assets suitable for CO2 EOR over which the Company will have full unfettered title will be
incorporated into the SPV. There is no guarantee however that this objective will be achieved as it will be subject to
concluding successful commercial negotiations and agreements and the granting of regulatory consents. The
termination of the Inniss-Trinity CO2 EOR Project has unexpectedly been the catalyst to make substantial progress
towards the Company’s preferred business objective of achieving a self-financing CO2 EOR and CO2 sequestration
business in Trinidad. The promising results of the Inniss-Trinity CO2 EOR Project have demonstrated the potential for
the development of CO2 EOR with CO2 sequestration in Trinidad during the Energy Transition and has revitalised
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Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
interest from third parties in being part of the government strategy for CO2 EOR going forward focussed in the near-
term on the Company’s pre-eminent position in Trinidad as a CO2 EOR specialist.
In Ireland the Company submitted its Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (“FSRU”) LNG import solution (“Mag
Mell”) to the Draft Cork County Development Plan 2021 for public consultation. In addition, the Company also made
a submission to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in respect of the Public Consultation on
the Marine Protected Area (“MPA”) Advisory Group’s Report entitled “Expanding Ireland’s Marine Protected Area
Network.” Both submissions focussed on Mag Mell’s ability to address, at the earliest opportunity, Ireland’s security
and diversity of energy supply, particularly in relation to gas.
The Company’s management highlighted from 2016 onwards the risks for security and cost of energy supply for
Ireland, and for Europe in general, of an over-reliance on Russian gas imported through fixed pipelines and a UK gas
infrastructure that was no longer regulated by the EU after Brexit. This scenario sowed the seeds for the application
of geopolitical leverage in the context of energy supply. Accordingly in 2016 the Company created a portfolio of Irish
gas assets focussed on proximity to existing offshore infrastructure; undeveloped discovered gas; and the presence
of proven gas storage reservoirs.
By the end of 2021 the conditions for the implementation and execution of this medium-term business development
strategy have never been more favourable as the value of gas assets continues to rise based on belated EU
recognition of the importance of gas as an Energy Transition fuel suitable for “green finance” and the importance of
diversification of the origin of gas supplies to counteract an over-reliance on Russian gas.
At the end of 2021 the Mag Mell FSRU LNG import option was firmly positioned with the regulatory authorities as a
near-term solution to security of energy supply. Furthermore, it was shown that the Mag Mell project could be
advanced far more quickly than any other competing project.
Additional information requested by the Geoscience Regulation Office (“GSRO”) division of the Department of
Environment, Climate and Communications was provided in support of the review of the terms and conditions for
the award of the successor authorisations to the Corrib South Licensing Option 16/26 and the Ram Head Licensing
Option 16/30. The submitted technical data for the Ram Head Licensing Option 16/30 successor authorisation
included an initial work programme to evaluate the gas storage potential of the undeveloped Ardmore gas field.
Ireland is committed to using natural gas for the foreseeable future and is proposing new-build gas-fired power
stations to satisfy severe peak-day winter demand for electricity. The commercial model for the operation of these
power stations will be tested by the lack of an all-year-round market for additional gas-fired power when low demand
in the summer months is satisfied by renewable electricity generation. Additional sources of indigenous gas and Mag
Mell FSRU regasified LNG not only supports gas storage volumes independent of fixed import pipelines for security
of energy supply but also potentially allows gas-fired power generation in the summer months to support hydrogen
production through the electrolysis of water. Accelerating the roll-out of the hydrogen economy at competitive
prices compared to energy derived wholly from fossil fuels will help to replace fuel oil, coal and potentially some
natural gas usage and storage. Accelerating decarbonisation of the energy sector can occur where other forms of
weather-dependent renewable energy cannot be applied all-year-around on a similar scale across as many industrial
sectors.
A wholistic and inclusive approach to collaboration within the entire energy sector is needed to navigate a socially
just pathway through the Energy Transition in order to meet the goal of mitigating against climate change and
ameliorating the rise in energy costs which can lead to economic recession on a significant scale if left unchecked.
Whilst the Company has a “visionary” business development strategy aimed at establishing value through “First
Mover” status, our primary objective remains to develop near-term shareholder value and to move towards
generating an operating income. The focus is currently on Morocco to build in 2022 upon the success of the MOU-1
exploration well at Guercif. The pathway to monetisation of this asset is clear and the commercial model is
compelling. The financial commitments are manageable and the potential for joint venture partners to carry some
of the burden of financing is high.
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Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
Trinidad also offers a route to establishing a near-term operating revenue. The fiscal regime in Trinidad is however
more challenging, the operating conditions are more demanding and the contractual arrangements are more
complex. Lessons learnt during 2021 will be taken into account and applied to developing the Company’s position in
Trinidad during 2022. However Trinidad has the potential to be self-financing if the appropriate commercial
agreements are entered into based on the in-country expertise the Company has established through the successful
execution of CO2 EO operations..
Ireland is potentially a significant asset yet to crystallise in terms of value creation. If the Corrib South and Ram Head
successor authorisations were to be awarded in 2022 the impact on supporting the Company’s contingent and
prospective resources would be material. Currently there is no significant shareholder value factored into these
assets in Ireland.
During the period under review we have taken the opportunity, when possible and advisable to do so, to raise funds
in the public markets. This is necessary for us to maintain our projects in good standing and to strengthen our hand
in commercial negotiations with much larger potential partners by demonstrating our ability and track record to fund
our projects ourselves if and when required to do so. The Company strengthened its finances through three over-
subscribed Placings to raise an aggregate of £4,585,000 (before expenses). In so doing the Company was able to
maintain the momentum of the roll-out of its business development strategy, particularly by executing the successful
drilling operations in Morocco, without any dilution of its equity in its portfolio of assets. This has been achieved
without entering into any debt arrangements and without taking on any onerous liabilities that cannot be funded by
cash on the Company’s balance sheet.
At a corporate level the Board was refreshed and the Company’s operating and gas marketing experience was further
enhanced with the appointment of Mr. Lonny Baumgardner as Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Ronald Pilbeam resigned
from the Board.
As I write, the business outlook for the Company for the coming year is positive, attributable to a sustained rise in
commodity prices due to supply constraints and geopolitical tensions in Europe. There is a growing acceptance of gas
as a “greener” fossil fuel to provide Security of Energy Supply and to underpin the Energy Transition to help
decarbonise the energy sector by replacing more carbon-intensive coal and oil. Gas can also work in tandem with
Green Hydrogen projects to help roll-out the Green Hydrogen Economy. The further maturing of the Company’s
business development strategy focussed on gas, gas storage and sequestrating anthropogenic CO2, where
commercially viable, dictates that our projects are well-placed to attract finance and project partners in 2022 by
demonstrating their relevance to the Energy Transition.
I should like to thank our shareholders for their continued support and patience over the year. I expect the coming
year once again to be both a busy one and an exciting one for our investors.
Paul Griffiths
Executive Chairman
28 June 2022
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Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
Strategy
The Company’s core strategy is to focus on an accelerated Energy Transformation Scenario to greener energy based
on expanding the pragmatic role of gas as a “sustainable” source of energy, collaboration with renewable energy
project developers, and utilisation of existing infrastructure to determine a common route to achieve a timely and
socially just energy transition.
The Board believes that the Company’s medium-term future relies on focussing on gas as being the flexible energy
source to replace coal and oil as a fuel for power generation to help de-carbonise the energy sector, thereby reducing
CO2 emissions as gas by comparison is less CO2 pollutant.
Reducing current high levels of CO2 emissions by replacing carbon-intensive fuels in the jurisdictions chosen by the
Company to apply its business development strategy is a realistically achievable near-term target. The Company has
assembled material and influential equity positions in a portfolio of assets combining existing gas discoveries and
new gas prospects adjacent to infrastructure owners seeking new opportunities to utilise spare capacity. CO2
sequestration forms a key element of the business development strategy with production opportunities for enhanced
“greener” oil providing the commercial model for CO2 sequestration and a socially just and equitable protective
umbrella for local communities and economies largely dependent on the oil and gas sector for their immediate
livelihoods.
The Company’s business plan is being executed to minimise where possible capital expenditures through:
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prudent application of its accumulated operational experience in Trinidad in existing mature oil fields
for a share of CO2 EOR production profits to offset against the cost of CO2 sequestration whilst
campaigning also for the development of a platform for trading carbon credits;
leveraging with third parties our management’s gas experience, industry relationships and the
Company’s
infrastructure to validate our commercial
understanding of the gas marketing potential and the potential of our exploration and appraisal assets
to potential third parties seeking exposure to such assets and operational expertise;
licence positions around gas-gathering
through providing a commercial, technical and engineering framework for gas-focussed M & A
transactions and farmouts to defray CAPEX for subsequent appraisal drilling/development.
Geological risk mitigation has been enacted through screening suitable projects for the Company’s portfolio using
management’s extensive and relevant industry experience. Farm-out transaction risk is being addressed by improving
development economics and lowering commercial risk by assembling projects close to infrastructure and in areas
where there is a high demand for indigenous gas to improve security of energy supply and reduce CO2 emissions
from more carbon-intensive energy sources.
The Company’s strategy recognises our opportunities for becoming an innovative catalyst for collaborative symbiotic
relationships with the renewable energy and gas storage sectors that accelerates energy transition whilst maintaining
and enhancing security of energy supply that protects against the “economic shock” of accelerated Energy
Transformation. Combining gas production with gas and hydrogen storage capacity and providing back-up for
interruptible wind power together with subsurface CO2 sequestration in former oil and gas reservoirs provides the
commercial and financing structure for green energy hubs around existing under-utilised infrastructure.
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Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
Group Strategic Report
The directors have voluntarily disclosed the Group Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2021 although
this is not required under Jersey regulations.
Principal activity
The Group was formed for the purpose of acquiring assets consistent with the Company’s business development
strategy. These may comprise businesses, import licences for LNG, material ground floor equity positions in
principally gas licences, or the targeting of companies that have operations in the oil and gas exploration and
production sector consistent with the Company’s business development strategy. It will then look to develop and
expand such assets where there is an opportunity for reducing CO2 emissions within the framework of commercially
viable and value-enhancing operations. The Group seeks to develop and provide sources of greener energy that can
contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and to accelerating energy transition to de-carbonise the energy sector.
Fair review of the business
Morocco
As a consequence of the COVID pandemic the original term of the Initial Period of the Guercif Petroleum Agreement
was extended by one year to 18 September 2022 without any additional liabilities being incurred.
Despite some remaining COVID restrictions, the Star Valley rig commenced drilling the MOU-1 well on schedule on
20th June 2021 and the rig was released on 4th July 2021 with rig demobilisation completed by 7TH July 2021.
Drilling time totalled 15.18 days.
The well encountered a number of encouraging formation gas shows at 605 metres, 769 metres, 833 metres, 850.5
metres, 872 metres and 1,236 metres TVD KB validating the pre-drill rationale for evaluating for the first time the
northwest part of the Guercif Basin in what was interpreted to be an extension of the gas-producing Rharb Basin to
the west. Dry thermogenic gas shows over a gross interval of 626 metres confirmed the gas-generating potential of
this newly defined area of exploration interest.
95/8” casing point was set at 724 metres TVD MD. Wireline logs were run below this interval over a gross section of
779 metres. Preliminary conventional log interpretation and the presence of gas shows confirmed the presence of
the pre-drill primary target (“TGB-2”) at 1,236 metres TVD MD, correlating very closely with the pre-drill depth
prognosis. The primary target was found to be substantially over-pressured relative to targets at similar depths in
the Rharb Basin. As a result the drilling mud weight was increased by 20% to maintain hole stability. Mud weights
were 25% higher than in the GRF-1 well drilled in 1972 1.25 kms. to the southeast of the MOU-1 location. Significantly
this confirmed that MOU-1 had tested a separately sealed primary TGB-2 target not present in GRF-1.
The entire prospective section equivalent to the interval containing the gas-producing “Hoot” and “Guebbas” sands
of the Rharb Basin and the gas sands encountered in Anchois-1 and the Anchois-2 appraisal well in the offshore has
been penetrated by MOU-1 and wireline logs over this interval were acquired. To maintain stable borehole conditions
over the primary target the well was completed for rigless testing with 41/2” casing set from 729 metres to 1,503
metres TVD MD.
Final drilling costs, including mobilisation and demobilisation for a single well drilling programme, were
approximately US$3.617 million (versus the pre-drill AFE of US$3.43 million), inclusive of approximately US$0.417
million mobilisation and demobilisation costs and approximately US$0.25 million VAT to be reclaimed in the future.
Well completion costs for rigless testing were approximately US$0.257 million.
Post-well reservoir characterisation by Houston-based NuTech interpreted a gross TGB-2 interval between 1,226.5
and 1,300 metres TVD MD with 12 metres of net potential gas pay, with a maximum porosity of 29% in one sand and
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Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
a corresponding maximum gas saturation of 70%. Five separate zones within this interval have been selected for
perforating during rigless testing in 2022.
Post-well seismic studies have confirmed that the primary TGB-2 target in MOU-1 encountered at 1,236 metres TVD
MD correlated precisely with the pre-drill seismic amplitude anomaly which was the rationale for the MOU-1 well
location.
Seismic re-mapping incorporating the TGB-2 drilling results indicate that the gas-bearing TGB-2 seismic amplitude
anomaly extends over an area of over 30 km2 forming a potential over-pressured stratigraphic trap within which
fault-bounded structural closures also exist (as tested and proven by MOU-1).
Initial post-well geological studies and integration of seismic information has defined the TGB-2 stratigraphic trap as
a potential submarine fan and channel system with seismic characteristics and geometries analogous to those hosting
the Anchois-1 gas discovery in the offshore, albeit on a much larger scale covering up to five times the area straddled
by the Anchois-1 and Anchois-2 wells. The MOU-1 well post-mortem reveals that the well tested only the very distal
lateral edge of the TBG-2 submarine fan with the main axis of reservoir development being potentially developed 6.5
kms. to the east of MOU-1.
SLR Consulting Ireland Ltd. (“SLR”) produced a Competent Persons Report in 2020 giving the gross Best Estimate
Prospective Resources for the “MOU-4 Prospect” (now defined as theTGB-2 submarine fan after the evaluation of
the MOU-1 drilling results) as 393 BCF (295 BCF net attributable to Predator’s 75% interest) based on a conservative
66% gas recovery over 13 years is. SLR indicate a High Estimate of 708 BCF net attributable to Predator’s 75% interest
based on a higher GIIP estimate for thicker reservoirs. Following the MOU-1 well results estimates of resources
remain unchanged but emphasis with SLR is now on re-categorising these Prospective Resources as Contingent
Resources.
Additional drilling locations were developed, MOU-4 and MOU-5, to step out and appraise the TGB 2 submarine fan
in an area where the maximum development of reservoir quality sands is believed to be potentially developed to
validate the SLR High Estimate of 708 BCF net attributable to Predator’s 75% interest.
An Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”) was commenced for three possible well locations in addition to two
other potential existing well locations on the TGB-2 submarine fan approved under the existing EIA for MOU-1.
MOU-1 encountered the same volcanic horizons at the base of the TGB-2 sequence that were penetrated in GRF-1
in 1972, 1.25 kms. southeast of MOU-1. However the TGB-2 interval above the volcanics was significantly thickened
in MOU-1 relative to GRF-1 where the TGB-2 interval was not deposited in a structurally high setting. MOU-1
therefore established for the first time in the Guercif Basin the importance of faulting to create the unstable
conditions necessary for the development of submarine fans with the formation of both stratigraphic and fault-
bounded traps sealed by over-pressured, rapidly deposited, deepwater claystones.
Quotes for desktop studies including 2D seismic reprocessing and biostratigraphy, sedimentology and geochemical
analysis of MOU-1 well cuttings were requested during the latter part of the period under review. The search for
long-lead drilling items, including casing and wellheads, was initiated.
Regional geological studies and seismic remapping of the entire Guercif licence area of 7,269 kms2 is underway to
incorporate the results of MOU-1. Focus is on the northwest part of the Guercif licence area east of MOU-1 to
evaluate the potential of the Lower Jurassic northwest of the TRF-1x well, which encountered 18 metres of reservoir
beneath dry gas shows. TRF-1x was drilled off-structure. This north-western area is interpreted as being favourably
sited for dry gas migration from the generating basin proven by the MOU-1 well results. An MOU-NE prospective trap
has been outlined over a preliminary area of 102 km2 for further evaluation as a potential drilling target in 2022.
During the period under review SLR Consulting (Ireland) Ltd completed an independent study for the Company of
scoping capital and operating costs for a CNG development option utilising potential gas produced at Guercif. The
model assumed a scoping gas delivery profile of 10 mm cfgpd (3.65 BCF of gas annually) trucked to industrial
customers and to the end of existing gas pipelines in the Rharb Basin. The preferred site of a CNG facility at the
proposed MOU-4 well location is only 1.5 kilometres from the highway running westwards and connecting with
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Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
Morocco’s most significant industrial centres. Trucks would run on CNG rather than diesel fuel. Start-up CNG costs
net to the Company (75%) facilities CAPEX estimates are US$12.21 million and net (75%) CNG operating costs are
estimated at US$2.09/mcf. Costs exclude drilling costs and potential requirement for booster compression later in
field life. At an average gas sales price of US$11/mcf to the Moroccan industrial market the commercial model for
CNG gas sales is attractive.
Development and operating costs and gas prices are based on 2021 data.
Trinidad
Phase 3 of the of the Inniss-Trinity Pilot CO2 EOR project commenced in the period under review. The planned
operations were in accordance with the Company’s Project Proposal PRD25092019 submitted by the Operator (FRAM
Exploration Trinidad Ltd. or “FRAM”) of the Inniss-Trinity Incremental Production Services Contract, or “IPSC”, as a
consequence of which Heritage Petroleum Trinidad Ltd., the licence holder, granted FRAM a two-year extension to
the IPSC and the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries approved the commissioning of the CO2 EOR facilities at
Inniss-Trinity.
It was planned for CO2 to be injected into the AT-13 well continuously over a period of up to 275 days during which
time production rates would be recorded at AT-5X.
It became apparent very quickly that the AT-13 well was not suitable for CO2 injection at higher pressures and
regulatory approval was sought and subsequently granted for CO2 injection to return to the original 2020 CO2
injector well AT-5X. AT-12, defined in the submitted Proposal PRD25092019 as a production well and included in the
AT-4 Block Pilot CO2 EOR Project, remained available for continuous production. It was determined that additional
wells within the AT-4 Block would be surveyed and investigated for potential workovers and the return to production.
AT-6, AT-7 and AT-10 were considered for the restoration of production and IN-6 was evaluated as a candidate for
perforating in the unperforated Herrera #2 Sand.
From April 2021 469 metric tonnes of CO2 were injected through AT-5X. Operations were limited to daylight hours
due to best practice HSE restrictions for handling CO2 at a time of COVID restrictions.
Curtailing injected daily CO2 volumes and restricting injection pressures had a beneficial effect on the rate of
reservoir pressure build-up whilst establishing a preferred orientation and pattern for accelerated CO2 migration
move-out routes. Of five wells where pressure data could be interpreted, two were broadly in line with pre-injection
forecasts whereas three showed accelerated reservoir pressure build-up relative to the pre-injection estimates. In
the most notable case one well reached a static bottom hole pressure of 1,089 psi on 9 June 2021, whereas the pre-
injection forecast estimated that this pressure was only to be achieved over four months later.
Changes in the ultimate ownership of FRAM Exploration Trinidad Ltd. (“FRAM”) completed in 2020 resulted in the
parent company of FRAM unilaterally terminating the Inniss-Trinity CO2 EOR project with only 24 hours’ notice in
July 2021 without prior consultation with the Company or the regulatory authorities.
The Company decided that it would be prudent under these circumstances to accept the request from the Operator,
for the avoidance of doubt not the regulatory authorities, to decommission its CO2 EOR facilities at Inniss-Trinity and
remove the equipment to a place of safe and secure storage at no significant financial liability to the Company.
The Company decided to begin the process of exploring with FRAM a mutually beneficial resolution of the issues
relating to consequential losses potentially suffered by the Company as a result of FRAM’s breach of the terms of the
Inniss-Trinity Well Participation Agreement and for FRAM’s failure to repay the Loan advanced to FRAM repayable
out of profits arising from the sale of CO2 EOR enhanced oil production during 2020 and 2021.
The premature termination of the Inniss-Trinity CO2 EOR project was not based on any technical or commercial
criteria and was not countenanced by the regulatory authorities in Trinidad. The Company’s Project Proposal
PRD25092019 for CO2 EOR in the Inniss-Trinity field was approved by Heritage Petroleum Trinidad Ltd., the licence
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Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
holder, and the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries. The Project Proposal estimated that 859,000 barrels of CO2
EOR oil resources could eventually be recovered in the AT-4 Block governed by the Well Participation Agreement.
Rising oil prices and the commercial data gathered from the Inniss-Trinity Pilot CO2 EOR Project combine to indicate
that a significant value can be potentially attached to the remaining CO2 EOR resources in the AT-4 Block.
The focus of the settlement negotiations with FRAM will be on how to unlock the AT-4 Block CO2 EOR potential for
FRAM, with the Company providing advisory services and any surplus CO2 EOR supply, in return for the Company
acquiring one of Challenger Energy Group Plc’s subsidiary companies in Trinidad with assets potentially suited to
applying CO2 EOR.
The encouraging results from the Phase 3 CO2 injection in the first half of 2021 provide valuable technical and
commercial validation for the design and resulting effectiveness of CO2 EOR projects for geologically similar mature
producing fields onshore Trinidad.
As a consequence the Company were able to execute a Heads of Agreement with Lease Operators Ltd. (“LOL”), a
private Trinidadian company with 1,800 bopd production in 2021 onshore Trinidad, to provide for LOL and the
Company to work together to develop and execute a CO2 EOR project for the producing PS-1 field onshore Trinidad.
LOL is applying for a Certificate of Environmental Clearance from the Environmental Management Authority in
Trinidad for CO2 EOR operations using some data and an example template provided by the Company.
Discussions are continuing to create a jointly-owned in-country Special Purpose Vehicle to develop CO2 EOR projects
based on prioritising the technical suitability of a number of onshore producing fields.
Rising oil prices combined with the Company’s “Proof of Concept” for CO2 EOR and CO2 sequestration in Trinidad
has created a much more attractive commercial case for expanding CO2 EOR for “greener” oil production at a time
of rising energy costs and demand and an awareness of the absolute requirement for an Energy Transition if the level
of global CO2 emissions is to be reduced in an orderly structured mannered.
Ireland
During the period under review the Company changed the name of its subsidiary Predator LNG Ireland Ltd. to Mag
Mell Energy Ireland Ltd., a name from Irish mythology that reflects the ethos behind the move to offshore LNG
facilities below the horizon that can contribute with very much reduced environmental impact to security of energy
supply during the Energy Transition.
In June a submission was made to the Draft Cork County Council Development Plan detailing the Mag Mell Floating
Storage and Regasification Liquefied Natural Gas Project (“FSRUP” and LNG”) and the potential benefits for the
industries and communities of Cork, which historically has been the hub of Irish indigenous gas production. The vital
role this project could have in addressing security of energy supply during the Energy Transition was also outlined in
the Company’s published document for the purpose of facilitating informed public consultation.
At the same time the Company made a submission to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
in respect of the Public Consultation on the Marine Protected Area (“MPA”) Advisory Group’s Report entitled
“Expanding Ireland’s Marine Protected Area Network.”
The steps taken are to ensure that the Mag Mell FSRUP LNG was fully in the public domain ahead of a planned
meeting later in the year of the Oireachtas Committee on the Environment to examine energy security, LNG and
power usage by data centres.
Partnership building has been a key objective of the Company. The establishment of a FSRUP technical and
commercial solution with Hoegh LNG specific to the environment and conditions of the Celtic Sea offshore Ireland is
a significant tool to use to meet conditions for regulatory approvals and to develop partnerships to attract project
finance to allow a Financial Investment Decision to be made. The Company negotiated a Memorandum of
Understanding (“MOU”) with a significant downstream marketing entity to work together to determine the potential
market for FSRUP gas and to assess the potential to market gas from seasonal storage operations. The objective is to
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Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
optimise the technical specifications of the FSRUP and gas storage facilities for gas send-out to meet periods of high
demand and high gas prices.
At the request of the Geoscience Regulation Office (“GSRO”) section of the Department of the Environment, Climate
and Communications the Company provided information on its proposed work programme for its application for a
successor authorisation (a “Standard Exploration Licence”) to Licensing Option 16/30 (“Ram Head”). The proposed
work programme focusses initially on the appraisal of the undeveloped Ardmore gas field within the Ram Head area
of application for a successor authorisation as a potential gas storage facility for seasonal summer gas imported
through the Company’s proposed Mag Mell FSRUP LNG.
The Ardmore field was previously discovered by Marathon Oil in the 1970’s but not developed after testing gas at a
rate of 8 mm cfgpd. The discovery well 49/14-1 was drilled at the gas-heavy oil contact which impacted gas flow
rates. Scoping storage capacity is targeted at 12 BCF with a maximum send-out rate of 80 mm cfgpd subject tp the
completion of a work programme executed following the potential award of a successor authorisation.
In 1998 RDS Resources independently assessed the Ardmore gas field as being capable of being developed by two
wells, which based on P50 gas-in-place of 148 BCF, gave P50 gas resources of 47.4 BCF and P10 gas resources of 77.3
BCF using a 30 mm cfgpd initial production profile.
For gas storage operations 4 to 5 production/injector wells would be required but development costs could be
potentially financed by the blow-down of gas to create the gas storage capacity.
The much deeper Jurassic gas reservoirs discovered by Marathon Oil in 1984/5 have the potential to develop a larger
gas storage facility in the future should the Ardmore gas field be successfully developed for gas storage operations.
Gas storage is a critical element of security of energy supply.
The application for a successor authorisation to Licensing Option 16/26 (“Corrib South”) is still under consideration
by the GSRO.
Financial review
The Company reported an operating loss for the period to 31 December 2021 of £1,398,802 (restated £1,589,070 for
the period to 31 December 2020). The decrease in operating loss is mostly attributable to the reduction of finance
costs compared to the previous year.
Administrative expenses for the period to 31 December 2021 were £1,398,821 (restated £1,363,711 for the period
to 31 December 2020) and include £99,900 (restated £101,973 for the period to 31 December 2020) fair value
adjustment to share options and warrants, which take into account the cancellation of Ron Pilbeam share options
at the time of his resignation. Executive directors’ fees have increased to £229,165 (£161,000 for the period to 31
December 2020) as a result of the significant increase in the Company’s corporate activities in the period to 31
December 2021 to maintain business growth and the further development of ESG credentials to attract future green
energy investors.
The Company is finishing the reporting period with cash reserves of £1,523,035 (£1,325,751) for the period to 31
December 2020) and restricted cash of USD1,500,000 (USD1,500,000 for the period ended 31 December 2020) in the
form of the security deposit for the Guercif Bank Guarantee in favour of ONHYM. The balance outstanding of the
loan by the Company to FRAM Exploration Trinidad Ltd. for the investment in the Pilot CO2 EOR Project was £591,065
(£468,000 for the period to 31 December 2020) at the end of the period.
During the period to 31 December 2021, we have completed three over-subscribed Placings to raise £4,585,000
(before expenses). As a result of these transactions 53,000,000 new shares have been issued and the issued share
capital increased to 292,946,267 by the end of the period to 31 December 2021. This figure included the exercise of
267,750 existing warrants at £0.028. 1,020,00 new warrants exercisable at £0.105 before 12 March 2025 and 600,000
new warrants exercisable at £0.150 before 18 June 2025 were issued.2,000,000 existing warrants exercisable at £0.12
had their original expiry date of 15 February 2021 extended to 15 February 2022. 2,053,678 existing warrants
exercisable at £0.028 had their original expiry date of 24 May 2021 extended to 24 May 2022. The one-year
9
Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
extensions requested by the warrant holders to reflect the fact that drilling operations were delayed by one year due
to the COVID pandemic were approved by the Board. By extending the warrants expiry date, the Group had to assess
the impact of the extensions on the warrant’s initial fair value assumptions. An expense of £24,366 has been
recognised in respect of the fair value of the warrants as detailed in note 20.
The Company appointed advisers in respect of seeking admission of its shares to trading on the AIM market, which
potentially provides more flexibility for high growth companies. AIM was at the time believed to represent a market
potentially better suited both to the mature level of development of the Company’s Energy Transition portfolio of
projects across upstream and downstream sectors and for developing M & A activity.
Placing funds were to provide the working capital to fully fund the Company’s planned operations in Morocco and
Trinidad following the delays caused by the COVID pandemic.
As a result of the transactions successfully concluded during the period under review, the Company is well-
capitalised, free of debt and is in a position to deploy prudent levels of administrative and capital expenditures
focussed on future drilling activities in Morocco. Prudent levels of administrative and operating expenditures are
necessary to maintain the acceleration of the Company’s long-established business development strategy to a
greener energy business. This is based on expanding the pragmatic role of gas as a “sustainable” source of energy for
reducing CO2 emissions, future collaboration with renewable energy project developers, and utilisation of existing
infrastructure to determine a common route to achieve a timely and socially just energy transition. Attracting
investment in the energy sector will now inevitably require being able to show a practical commitment to the
requirement for sustainability and the Company must therefore ensure that its level of spending is adequate for this
purpose to maintain its competitive advantage.
COVID-19
The Company has taken all commensurate steps to minimise unnecessary capital expenditures and operating costs
whilst COVID-19 restrictions may continue to impact the industry’s business operations worldwide. It is likely that
international travel restrictions will relax in 2022 but accessing essential oil field personnel may still present a
logistical challenge as the demand for service personnel begins to outstrip the pool of personnel resources available
due to contraction of the industry during COVID-19 restrictions and the impact of climate change concerns on the
fossil fuel industry. The Company believes that this is manageable in its case and should not pose a significant
impediment to executing its planned operations during 2022.
Maintaining adequate cash reserves and maintaining a high impact risk-reward proposition in Morocco for our
shareholders, together with applying prudent and responsible management to our mature portfolio of separate and
diverse businesses focussed on climate change awareness and reducing CO2 emissions, has been essential for
navigating the Company through the COVID-19 pandemic and a contraction in some sectors of the fossil fuel industry
to maintain potential for business growth and an appreciation in shareholder value.
Brexit
The longer-term outcome to the completion of Brexit in 2021 may still pose new challenges in terms of creating
continuing instability in the financial and currency markets, increasing bureaucracy for importing oil field equipment
and services from the EU, and in creating conditions liable to weaken investor sentiment and decision-making
processes. The Company has some protection in that it does not operate in the UK and is currently not generating
production revenues. The Company seeks to focus on the potential to generate revenues in United States Dollars,
which has traditionally been a more stable currency for business. Accordingly, the Company always maintains its cash
reserves in a variety of currencies including United States Dollars, United Kingdom Pounds and Moroccan Dirhams to
reflect the principal currencies in which its costs are incurred.
10
Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
Board changes
Lonny Baumgardner was appointed as Chief Operating Officer on 12 July 2021.
Lonny is a petroleum engineer by training and has 30 years of experience within oil and gas operations, over 25 years
of which has been internationally across all aspects of upstream operations in numerous locations including several
years based in Morocco, Egypt, Tanzania, Australia, Saudi Arabia (with Saudi Aramco), Canada, and the USA (with
ExxonMobil).
Lonny has a proven track record in managing multifaceted operations across joint ventures, government agencies,
geographic challenges and multicultural differences, to ensure business needs are achieved.
He has been highly successful operating within small to medium-sized exploration and production companies at
Board level delivering value to shareholders by applying a dynamic and effective management style to daily and
longer-term strategic requirements. Lonny will have a strong focus on delivering business goals for Predator capable
of creating long-term value.
Most recently, since 2015, Lonny has been Country Manager and General Director for SDX Energy Inc, Morocco and
London. He is highly experienced in the upstream and downstream gas sector in the Rharb Basin and is therefore in
a position to apply his experience to further develop from the positive results achieved through the drilling of the
MOU-1 well in the Guercif Basin.
On 28 July 2021 Ronald Pilbeam stepped down from the Board restoring the balance of the Board from the
governance perspective.
ESG metrics
ESG is fundamental to the growth of our business and is based on both expanding the pragmatic role of gas as a
“sustainable” source of energy for reducing CO2 emissions, future collaboration with renewable energy project
developers, and the utilisation of existing infrastructure and subsurface reservoirs for cost-effective CO2
sequestration. Through this strategy we can determine a common route to achieve a timely and socially just, fair and
equitable energy transition.
Currently 100% of our assets are focussed on either gas, which has a much lower carbon intensity compared to oil,
or “greener” oil, where sequestration of anthropogenic CO2 can be shown to be safe and effective for reducing CO2
emissions from industrial plants currently venting CO2 into the atmosphere.
Morocco and Trinidad
Up to 33% of current CO2 emissions generated by that part of the Moroccan industry that uses fuel oil could be saved
by switching to cleaner natural gas. From 2017 to 2020 cumulative tonnes of carbon saved by the current end users
of gas versus imported fuel oil, representing less than 20% of the easily accessible imported fuel oil industrial market
suitable for conversion to natural gas, was approximately 200,000 metric tonnes. There is significant scope to
increase the carbon saved by expansion of the gas market in Morocco. The Company successfully injected 468 metric
tonnes of anthropogenic CO2 in Trinidad in the first half of 2021 despite operating constraints imposed by prevailing
COVID HSE restrictions in place at the time.
Although further CO2 injection and sequestration was prevented by the premature and unforeseen shut-down of
the Inniss-Trinity CO2 EOR Pilot Project by the operator (FRAM) of the Incremental Production Services Contract,
without prior consultation with either the regulatory authorities or the Company, “Proof of Concept” has been
established by the Company.
Current efforts to grow the gas market in Morocco have been hampered by lack of sufficient indigenous gas
resources. The Company’s drilling programme in Morocco is targeting material gas resources that could potentially
transform the Moroccan gas market in a success case. The conservative option being progressed initially by the
Company is to develop compressed natural gas for the industrial market. The anticipated dry gas from the Moroccan
reservoirs targeted for drilling will require minimal processing creating the potential for a low carbon intensity
operation forecast to be in the order of 2.2 kg CO2e /boe.
11
Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
The discovery of gas in MOU-1 during the year was an important step towards implementing our ESG strategy which
is designed to support the Energy Transition.
The Company’s medium-term development options for larger gas finds include gas-to-power to replace coal burned
in Morocco’s existing coal-fired power stations. Approximately 85% of Morocco’s power generation (approximately
4,800 MW) is from carbon intensive coal and oil, which contributed materially to Morocco’s CO2 emissions of
1.68tCO2/capita in 2018. Switching to sustainable gas is estimated to cut annual CO2 emissions by up to 49%, which
would be a significant near-term contribution to decarbonising the energy sector in Morocco.
During June and early July 2021 Predator Gas Ventures Ltd. prepared the site for and drilled the MOU-1 exploration
well approximately 10 kilometres northwest of the city of Guercif. This was the Company’s first ever field operation
in Morocco.
Site preparation included significantly improving minor roads and tracks for the benefit of local communities and
restoring the well site to a very high standard (see below).
Total cost of the MOU-1 site works and road improvements was 1,257,000 dirhams of which approximately
200,000 dirhams is estimated to be attributable to road improvements and site restoration to a high standard.
Catering and accommodation for the drilling personnel and the logistical support services was based at the Atlas
Hotel in Guercif City. The total value of this contract was 989,100 dirhams. An estimated 100,000 dirhams was
attributable to upgrades made to the Atlas Hotel accommodation in respect of the kitchen areas and the restroom
facilities. These upgrades raised the standard of the accommodation to a level suitable to potentially attract
additional business, including potential tourists en route to other areas.
Ireland
The Company’s ESG strategy for Ireland is focussed on developing an offshore LNG import facility with reduced
ecological impact compared to onshore LNG terminals and wind farms. The ESG rationale is that such a facility, which
is not unique to most of the countries in the EU, would result in security and diversity of energy supply, which is in
the public interest as defined by current regulatory definitions and in the context of the energy transition.
Through the optionality of replacing 250 to 275mm cfgpd of imported gas throughput via Ireland’s gas interconnector
with the UK, ESG transparency is being enhanced and CO2 emissions potentially reduced. The Floating Storage and
Regasification Unit (“FSRU”) proposed for Ireland by the Company will operate with the minimum possible ecological
and environmental footprint, reducing and potentially eliminating CO2 emissions from its operation. The FSRUs will
be supplied with LNG feedstock only from transparent sources not linked to shale gas or fracking operations. The
12
Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
origin of gas currently transported through the UK interconnector to Ireland cannot be established as clearly from an
ESG perspective.
ESG performance criteria
Whilst investing in projects that contribute to reducing CO2 emissions in the countries identified by the Company as
having maximum impact per capita, there are other performance metrics that need to be adhered to as follows:
• Where practical and pragmatic use renewable energy (particularly solar) to power operations
-
-
Reduce carbon-intensive air travel by substituting virtual meetings aided by real-time Vsat transmission
of data and drone and camera technology for site inspections and directing operations
Promote remote access working from home to minimise carbon footprint with the virtual office concept
• Where operating in onshore areas, including agricultural lands
Ecological impact must be low – all produced water is evaporated and/or treated before disposal offsite
-
- No water discharges or oil spills from operations
-
Community liaison enacted to maintain local support and understanding for those impacted by the
Company’s operations
- Utilise local services wherever practical and pragmatic to support local economies
• An ESG Board committee will oversee drilling operations in Morocco in 2022 to ensure ESG policy is being
adhered to with
-
Increased focus on social elements
•
Sustainability Accounting Standards Board disclosure included in FY reporting
Future developments
The Company’s CO2 sequestration experience in Trinidad, management’s extensive 40 years of experience and
understanding of the gas sector, including transport infrastructure and gas storage potential, and its ESG focussed
portfolio of gas projects, creates the opportunity for it to be a leading motivator and innovative catalyst in the energy
transition through working with others to develop greener energy hubs in the jurisdictions where it operates. This
would integrate energy sourced from interruptible renewables and from gas with the capability for subsurface CO2
sequestration and gas storage (including hydrogen) in reservoirs understood by the Company. The ability to use its
inexpensive gas production for on-site micro-power generation to provide electricity to supply interruptible power
to wind farms and cheap electricity for hydrogen plants that can generate clean fuel for local industries is a near-
term viable solution for security and diversity of greener energy supply. CO2 generated by operations could be
combined with hydrogen for Methanisation and re-use in micro gas-fired power generation thereby forming a
“closed loop” for CO2 emissions.
Post period events
13 January 2022
The Company announced a Corporate Update indicating the completion by SLR Consulting (Ireland) Ltd. (“SLR”) of a
Competent Persons Report (“CPR”). The CPR comprises of an independent re-assessment and valuation of the
“Guercif MOU-4 Prospect” incorporating the positive MOU-1 drilling results.
As a consequence, the CPR has moved the pre-drill Prospective Resources to Contingent Resources and defines the
Best Estimate of 295 BCF net to the Company’s 75% interest to be “potentially recoverable from a known
accumulation by the application of a development project”. The CPR concludes that “based on the potential size of
the MOU-4 structure, the project is likely to be commercially viable”.
13
Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
31 January 2022
The Company awarded 7,855,486 share options to Lonny Baumgardner (Chief Operating Officer) and 1,000,000 share
options to Louis Castro (Non-executive Director).
The options are exercisable at 5.66 pence per share and will vest after 6 months.
8 March 2022
The Company announced a Corporate Update confirming that the Company had negotiated a Memorandum of
Understanding (“MOU”) with a significant downstream marketing entity to work together to determine the potential
market for FSRU gas and to assess the potential to market gas from seasonal storage operations in Ireland.
In Morocco Confidentiality Agreements had been entered into with several companies to evaluate the exploration,
appraisal and development opportunities in the area covered by the Guercif Petroleum Agreement.
The Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed MOU-4, MOU-5 and MOU-NE well locations had been
approved by the regulatory authorities.
Reprocessing of 250 kilometres of 2D seismic was being progressed.
In Trinidad the Company had successfully completed the decommissioning of its CO2 EOR surface facilities at Inniss-
Trinity and had recovered its downhole equipment for safe off-site storage.
Continuing progress had been made with Lease Operators Ltd ("LOL") for a new CO2 EOR joint development project
for the PS-1 Block field. LOL was making progress towards the award of a Certificate of Environmental Clearance and
initial potential CO2 injection and production wells had been reviewed.
The Company had taken a strategic decision to add green hydrogen (from the electrolysis of water) to its business
development plans. A Confidentiality Agreement had been executed with an entity focussed on green hydrogen to
evaluate a possible acquisition of a controlling interest in that entity to develop green hydrogen (electrolysis of
water) and green methanol (using anthropogenic CO2 emissions) projects.
The Company appointed Peterhouse Capital Ltd. as Financial Advisor.
The Company decided to suspend the potential AIM Admission process which was deemed not to be in the best
interests of its shareholders at this time of volatility in the financial markets.
The Warrant Instruments between Novum Securities Ltd and Predator Oil & Gas Holdings plc were amended as
follows:
1) dated 15 February 2019 granting the right to subscribe in cash for 2,000,000 ordinary shares exercisable at
a price per share equal to the subscription price (12p per share) is being amended to allow the exercise
date of the warrants to be extended by one year to the fourth anniversary of the date of the Warrant
Instrument.
2) dated 24 May 2018 granting the right to subscribe in cash for 2,053,678 ordinary shares exercisable at a
price per share equal to the subscription price (2.8p per share) is being amended to allow the exercise
date of the warrants to be extended by one year to the fifth anniversary of the date of the Warrant
Instrument; and
the Warrant Instrument between Optiva Securities Ltd and Predator Oil & Gas Holdings plc were also amended as
follows:
3) dated 24 May 2018 granting the right to subscribe in cash for 160,714 ordinary shares exercisable at a
price per share equal to the subscription price (2.8p per share) is being amended to allow the exercise
14
Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
date of the warrants to be extended by one year to the fifth anniversary of the date of the Warrant
Instrument.
The Company also announced that Dr. Steve Staley was stepping down from the Board to pursue other interests.
A company update note had been produced by Novum Securities and is available at www.predatoroilandgas.com.
17th March 2022
The Company announced that it had conditionally placed 11,500,000 new ordinary shares of no par value in the
Company (the "Placing Shares") at a placing price of 9 pence each (the “Placing Price”) to raise £1.035 million before
expenses (the “Placing”).
The Placing was significantly oversubscribed and utilised 5,000,000 million shares of the Company’s existing
headroom shares (“First Tranche Shares”) and 6,500,000 of the Company’s additional available headroom shares
after 27 March 2022 (“Second Tranche Shares”) under the Financial Conduct Authority restrictions for companies on
the Official List (standard listing segment) of the London Stock Exchange’s main market for listed securities.
Lonny Baumgardner, an executive director of the Company, has participated in the Placing for Ordinary Shares for a
value of £50,000 at the Placing Price. This participation is equivalent to 4.83% of the Placing.
The Placing would allow an option on the Star Valley Rig 101 to be secured, two well pads to be constructed upon
receipt of all regulatory and environmental approvals; and to address the increased costs of long-lead items required
for the proposed 2022 drilling programme caused by political tensions in Eastern Europe.
25th March 2022
Further to the Company’s announcement of 17 March 2022, the new First Tranche Shares, being 5,000,000 Ordinary
Shares of no par value, were admitted to listing on the Official List (standard listing segment) and to trading on the
London Stock Exchange’s main market for listed securities (“Admission“) effective at 8.00.
Following Admission, the total number of voting rights in the Company is therefore 297,946,267.
31st March 2022
Further to the Company’s announcement of 17 March 2022, the new Second Tranche Shares, being 6,500,000
Ordinary Shares of no par value, were admitted to listing on the Official List (standard listing segment) and to trading
on the London Stock Exchange’s main market for listed securities (“Admission“)..
Lonny Baumgardner, Chief Operating Officer, agreed to subscribe for 555,600 new ordinary shares, representing a
subscription of £50,000.
In connection with the fundraising, 690,000 warrants, exercisable at 9p per new ordinary share with a 3 year expiry,
will be issued to Novum Securities Limited or their nominees.
Following Admission, the total number of voting rights in the Company was 304,446,267.
1st April 2022
The Company announced that its registered office address had changed to:
3rd Floor
IFC5
Castle Street
St. Helier
Jersey JE2 3BY
15
Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
and that, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Mag Mell Energy Ireland Ltd. (“Mag Mell”), it was a Gold Sponsor of
Ireland’s National Energy Summit at Croke Park, Dublin on 26th April 2022 and that its CEO was presenting and
discussing in a panel session with Eirgrid and the Economic and Social Research Institute “Coming together to plan,
build, operate and support the development of the country’s chief renewable energy resources”.
12th May 2022
The Company announced an Operations Update.
In Morocco it had identified sources for long lead items for drilling and was progressing purchase orders for four
well heads.
Final written approval for the Environmental Impact Assessment for the MOU-4, MOU-5 and MOU-NE proposed
drilling locations had been received.
The civil works contract to build the first of the three well locations has been awarded to Skayavers Sarl.
An exclusive option on the in-country Star Valley drilling rig has been secured as previously negotiated and
announced for the MOU-1 drilling contract.
Initial results of the seismic reprocessing by DUG Geophysical of 278 kms. of 2D seismic data in the area to be
tested by MOU-4 and MOU-5 supported the presence of two potential additional shallower gas targets for the
MOU-5 well.
Analysis of the MOU-1 well cuttings had begun with the laboratory work being carried out by Petrostrat
(biostratigraphy, sequence stratigraphy and QEMSCAN), Rockwash (sedimentology) and APT (geochemical source
rock and maturity analysis).
The MOU-NE drilling lead had now been mapped at the base of the forecast reservoir sequence with a structural
closure covering 102 km².
Two primary candidates for a potential farmin to the Guercif Licence have been chosen from the initial responses
to a targeted marketing exercise by the Company.
In Ireland, on 1st April 2022 the Company was sent correspondence from the Geoscience Regulation Office (“GSRO”)
of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (“DECC”) stating that prior to concluding its
assessment of the Company’s applications for successor authorisations to the Corrib South Licensing Option 16/26
and Licensing Option 16/30 Ram Head, the GSRO required one additional piece of supporting information. The DECC
confirmed that it was not seeking any information in addition to that requested above. The information was relayed
to the GSRO and an acknowledgement receipt was received by the Company on 19th April 2022.
In Trinidad, a proposal to FRAM Exploration Trinidad Ltd. (“FRAM”), parent company Challenger Energy Group plc,
was made based on its assessment of the value in the prematurely terminated Inniss-Trinity CO2 EOR project that is
defined in the Inniss-Trinity Well Participation Agreement and subsequent amendments thereof.
The terms proposed by the Company are as follows:
•
60 day period for legal due diligence to complete any potential transaction
• Asset swap to terminate the Inniss-Trinity Well Participation Agreement with FRAM
reflecting mutually agreed values for the assets being swapped and with any adjustment in respective
values for either or both parties being achieved by a sliding scale royalty
• Upon completion of any transaction the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Predator Oil & Gas
Trinidad Ltd., to provide CO2 EOR Advisory Services, and access to any surplus liquid CO2 supply not
required by the Company, for the potential development of new pilot CO2 EOR projects if required by
FRAM’s parent company.
16
Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
In respect of Green Hydrogen, the Company would commission an independent valuation of the green hydrogen
company targeted for a possible acquisition and, subject to the results of the independent valuation, would provide
initially an investment for shares not exceeding £50,000 in the target company, subject to due diligence, to provide
additional working capital to develop an opportunity for green hydrogen in Romania.
The Company announced directorate changes with Mr. Louis Castro stepping down from the Board to pursue other
interests and Mr. Tom Evans and Mr. Alistair Jury being appointed as Non-executive Directors.
A proposal would be put to the Board that Paul Griffiths, currently Chief Executive Officer, should move to Executive
Chairman, and that Lonny Baumgardner, currently Chief Operating Officer, should move to Managing Director.
Governance would be maintained by the Board resolving that the two Non-executive Directors would have the
casting vote on all decisions and resolutions of the Board.
7 June 2022
The Company announced an update on the Company’s position with regard to the loan receivable (the “FRAM
Loan”) from FRAM Exploration Trinidad Ltd. (“FRAM”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Challenger Energy Group Plc
(“Challenger”), in respect of the Inniss-Trinity CO2 EOR Project (the “CO2 EOR Project”). The CO2 EOR Project was
prematurely and unilaterally terminated by Challenger on 1 August 2021.
In the absence of receiving a response to the Company’s correspondence to Challenger dated 23 March 2022 and
in the light of FRAM and Challenger refusal in writing to comply with a request for information from the Company
via its auditors that was necessary for its financial reporting of the FRAM Loan, the Company has elected to initiate
a litigation process.
The scope of the litigation process involves the Company seeking recompense in relation to the following matters:
1. The FRAM Loan outstanding to the Company of £591,065 as of 31 December 2021.
2. The Company is seeking full repayment of its project costs (the “Project Costs”) invested in the CO2 EOR
Project under the terms of the Inniss-Trinity Well Participation Agreement (the “WPA”), which remains in
place.
Under the WPA the Company has invested the minimum required commitment of US$1,500,000 (inclusive
of the outstanding FRAM Loan).
3. The Company is seeking substantial consequential losses from Challenger under the WPA and arising from
Challenger’s failure to facilitate the execution of Phase 3 of the CO2 EOR Project as defined in the
approved Inniss-Trinity CO2 EOR Project Proposal PRD25092019.
Based on an average WTI spot price of US$100, the Company is attributing an undiscounted value to the
potential 853,000 barrels of oil resources in the AT-4 Block to have potentially been developed under
Phase 3 of the CO2 EOR Project of US$30/barrel. The Company therefore determines that the potential
claim for estimated consequential losses against Challenger, based on 50% of net profits under the WPA,
could be up to US$12,800,000 but may be revised upwards depending on forward oil price projections.
4. Phase 4 of the approved Inniss-Trinity CO2 EOR Project Proposal PRD25092019 allows for the application
of the CO2 EOR Pilot learnings to be applied within new areas of the Inniss-Trinity field for upscaling CO2
EOR.
The SLR Consulting Ireland Ltd independent Competent Persons Report for the Inniss-Trinity field
published 19 February 2020 gives Best Estimate recoverable CO2 EOR resources for the entire Inniss-
Trinity field of 6.8 million barrels.
Based on 50% of net profits under the WPA and US$30/barrel this would amount potentially to estimated
undiscounted consequential losses of up to US$102 million but may be revised upwards depending on
forward oil price projections.
17
Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
Summary
During the period under review, the Company has successfully overcome challenges posed by COVID to achieve key
operational objectives within our strict budget guidelines.
De-risking the gas potential of the Guercif Basin after 35 years without drilling activity, has set up a timely opportunity
to appraise, develop and deliver gas to the Moroccan gas market on very favourable commercial terms and with
manageable capital requirements for a Company with our current market capitalisation. Partnering with downstream
off-takers of gas and peer companies seeking exposure to gas prospects connected to European infrastructure is a
sensible solution to reducing our financial requirements for developing our CNG business model. This is the overriding
objective of the Company in 2022.
In Trinidad we are firmly established as the country’s only CO2 EOR services provider following the technical and
operational success of the Inniss-Trinity pilot CO2 EOR project and the important lessons that have been learnt. The
establishment by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago of the Steering Committee for Carbon Capture and CO2
EOR supports our efforts to partner with indigenous, well-financed, onshore producers to provide ESG support and
credentials through CO2 sequestration and to provide secondary recovery technology, expertise and experience to
increase profits from mature fields. Our services will need to be funded by the producers with profit sharing
thereafter to be negotiated.
In Ireland we have an environmentally aware technical and commercial solution to Ireland’s lack of security and
diversity of gas supply. We are making excellent progress with regard to the hugely important public consultation
process. Regulators are aware of what the Mag Mell FSRU project has to offer Ireland. Sentiment is being forced to
adapt to the realities of the Energy Transition and the volatility in energy markets. The Oireachtas Committee on the
Environment met to examine Ireland’s energy security, LNG and power usage by data centres. The requirement for
gas in Ireland is a necessity for years to come and the Company is well-positioned to seek partnerships with
indigenous companies in the Irish energy sector where our assets, expertise and specific Irish offshore experience
can be traded for a strong balance sheet that allows us to close out opportunities with multi-nationals to develop
our niche position in Ireland. This position has been nurtured through unfashionable times to a point where the
“Energy Crisis” makes gas fashionable again.
During the period under review we have taken the opportunity, when possible and advisable to do so, to raise funds
in the public markets. This is necessary for us to maintain our projects in good standing and to strengthen our hand
in commercial negotiations with much larger potential partners. We have three exciting projects on three continents,
managed by a small team of experienced professionals. On 31 December 2021 the Company was trading at a 99.44%
premium to its original IPO share price despite COVID, Brexit, financial market volatility and after investing in value-
creating projects and operations.
On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank our shareholders for their patience and continued support of the
Company through what has been a unique period dominated by COVID and now the emerging “Energy Crisis”. We
look forward over the next 12 months to continue to make positive progress in further maturing and monetising the
Company’s assets.
Lonny Baumgardner
Managing Director
28 June 2022
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Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
Key Performance Indicators
At this stage in the Group’s development, the Directors do not consider that standard industry key performance
indicators are relevant. The Group cannot currently estimate whether during 2021 it has accumulated cumulative
enhanced oil production from its initial pilot CO2 EOR activities in the Inniss-Trinity field onshore Trinidad due to the
premature unilateral termination of the project by the operator of the Inniss-Trinity Incremental Productions Services
Contract FRAM Exploration Trinidad Ltd. (“FRAM”). 2,928 barrels of enhanced oil production was reported by the
Group in 2020. The Group does not expect to report any further profits from the project. The realization of potential
2020 profits will depend on a mutually agreed settlement between the Company and FRAM in accordance with the
terms of the Inniss-Trinity Well Participation Agreement and its subsequent amendments. The main KPI is therefore
considered to be the conservation and prudent deployment of cash and the contribution to reducing CO2 emissions
whilst the Group continues to undertake appropriate exploration activity as described as follows:
•
•
Improving ESG and Sustainability in relation to the Group’s operations
The Group has sequestrated 468 metric tonnes (468,000 kg) of anthropogenic CO2 that would otherwise
had been vented into the atmosphere from one of Trinidad’s several ammonia plants.
Expand total prospective, probable and proven resources and reserves.
These measure our ability to increase pre-drill prospective resources, discover and develop reserves,
including through the acquisition of new licences or assets.
During the year under review the exploration well MOU-1 in Guercif was successfully completed for rigless
testing at a later date. Drilling results confirmed that the independently audited prospective pre-drill gas
resources for the primary Tertiary reservoirs in the Guercif Licence remained as stated in the 2020 Annual
Report.
• Develop oil and gas projects which will result in positive cash flow within a short time horizon.
This measures our ability to assist the internal funding of projects with medium term time horizons, as
demonstrated by our proposed Compressed Natural Gas development option for future discovered gas in
Guercif to support early monetisation of gas and to significantly reduce the quantum of development capital
required.
•
Enter into value adding joint venture and farm-out transactions.
This measures our ability to mitigate risk, share capital expenditure with partners and assist in meeting
licence commitments.
This objective is as yet only partially realised with the entering into of a confidentiality agreement with a
specialist FSRU vessel owner to work together to develop an offshore LNG import facility solution for Ireland.
Financing of the project would be largely provided by the FSRU owner if an FID decision were to be reached.
The Company has also executed an agreement with a downstream company in the gas marketing sector in
Ireland to work together to assess the size of the potential domestic market and export market to the United
Kingdom for the proposed FSRU LNG import facility. This will include the market requirements for accessing
gas storage capacity.
In Trinidad the Company is working under a Heads of Agreement with Lease Operators Ltd. to develop a
new CO2 EOR Project for an area of the producing PS-1 onshore field.
•
Secure funding that minimises, as far as market conditions allow, shareholder dilution, cognisant of the
potential for a judicious level of debt funding. This measures our ability to enhance shareholder value whilst
securing the means to grow the business without unduly increasing risk.
No debt has been incurred during the reporting year and an adequate quantum of equity funding has been
secured to maintain sufficient working capital as we transition to a revenue-generating Group through a
potential period of rising commodity prices and the diminishing impact of COVID-19 restrictions.
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Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
Shareholders’ interests are best protected by establishing sufficient liquidity to support going concern
criteria during periods of volatile global market conditions.
•
The rate of utilisation of the Group’s cash resources. This measures our ability to plan expenditure and
conserve cash to ensure a going concern and is addressed by reducing corporate costs and operating costs
whenever and wherever prudent to do so, without impacting the timely execution of the Group’s business
development strategy, and by not entering into any discretionary new commitments and liabilities.
The Group has successfully achieved its performance indicator during the reporting year by increasing liquidity,
generating a new pilot CO2 EOR project in Trinidad, and successfully drilling and completing the MOU-1 well in
Morocco without incurring any new financial liabilities and within budget forecasts.
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Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
Group structure and list of assets
21
Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
Description of assets
Onshore Trinidad- Inniss-Trinity CO2 sequestration funded by enhanced oil recovery
Background to the Inniss-Trinity field and CO2 EOR project
The producing Inniss-Trinity oil field (“Inniss-Trinity”) is located in the Southern Basin within onshore Trinidad’s
largest oil province, approximately 10 km southeast of the Barrackpore-Penal oil field and approximately 75 km south
of the capital Port of Spain.
The Inniss-Trinity Licence is held by the State company Heritage Oil Trinidad Ltd (“Heritage”), formerly Petrotrin, and
covers an area of 23.35 km².
It is operated under an Incremental Production Services Contract (“IPSC”) by FRAM Exploration Trinidad Ltd.
(“FRAM”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Challenger Energy Group Plc after the acquisition of Columbus Energy
Resources Plc during 2020. The term of the IPSC was extended to 31 December 2021 as a result of the Company’s
pilot carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery (“CO2 EOR”) project, which provided the work programme for FRAM to
extend further the IPSC. The outstanding FRAM drilling commitment of 7 wells was replaced by the Company’s CO2
EOR Pilot Project, giving the Company substantial negotiating leverage as the IPSC was dependent on the Company’s
exclusive provision of CO2 EOR services.
Operational results
Positive results from the implementation of Phase 3 of the pilot CO2 EOR during the year under review were achieved
by reducing injected CO2 volumes and restricting injection pressures. This had a beneficial effect on the rate of
reservoir pressure build-up whilst establishing a preferred orientation and pattern for accelerated CO2 migration
routes. 469 metric tonnes of CO2 were injected from April to June. Of five wells where pressure data could be
interpreted, two were broadly in line with pre-injection forecasts whereas three showed accelerated reservoir
pressure build-up relative to the pre-injection estimates. In the most notable case one well reached a static bottom
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Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
hole pressure of 1,089 psi on 9 June 2021, whereas the pre-injection forecast estimated that this pressure was only
to be achieved over four months later.
Despite COVID operating restrictions bottom hole pressure was building up faster than forecast in a number of wells
Operational results established “Proof of Concept” for successful initiation and development of CO2 EOR projects
onshore Trinidad.
Commercial arrangements with FRAM and Massy Gas Products Trinidad Ltd
Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Predator Oil & Gas Trinidad Ltd (“POGT”), the Company currently holds an
interest in an enduring Well Participation Agreement (“WPA”) signed with FRAM on 17 November 2017 and relating
to the Company’s entitlement to profits derived from its investment in the producing Inniss-Trinity field.
The IPSC allows for FRAM to invest in Inniss-Trinity by satisfying certain annual infill drilling commitments during the
life of the IPSC. In return, FRAM receives 100% of the benefits of all incremental production achieved through the
investment relative to the base line production established for the field prior to the investment being made. FRAM’s
net incremental production revenues are after deduction of operating costs and certain royalties and taxes. Historical
tax losses accumulated within FRAM are available for offset against Petroleum Profits Tax on operating profits. There
is a 20% investment credit for capital items purchased for CO2 EOR operations which can be offset against 18%
Supplemental Petroleum Profit Tax (“SPPT”) where applied when the price of West Texas Intermediate crude is
between US$50.01/bbl and US$90.00/bbl. During the year SPPT for CO2 EOR operations was reduced to 14.4% and
the threshold for paying SPPT was raised to a WTI spot price of US$75. The relief granted for off-setting historical
cumulative tax losses against operating profits was restricted to 75% of operating profits. This was mainly directed
at the capital-intensive LNG industry.
Under the WPA, POGTL is entitled to a portion of all profits generated from incremental enhanced oil production
attributable to CO2 EOR operations under the same commercial terms pertaining to the IPSC as are currently
applicable to FRAM. Under the specific commercial terms of the WPA negotiated by POGT with FRAM, POGT has
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Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
capped operating costs at US$10/bbl and will also benefit from off-setting FRAM’s cumulative tax losses against 50%
PPT. POGT is not a partner in the IPSC and therefore has no exposure to any of the FRAM commitments and liabilities
relating to the IPSC. POGT will receive 100% of all operating profits until payback of its agreed investment of US$1.5
million in CO2 EOR operations. Thereafter after-tax operating profits will be split 50:50 between POGT and FRAM.
Under the WPA, POGT also had an option up to 30 September 2020 to acquire FRAM for an agreed sum of US$4.2
million.
In 2020 POGT reached its agreed investment of US$1.5 million in the CO2 EOR pilot project in Inniss-Trinity so
satisfying the terms of the WPA.
To further the initiation and continuance of CO2 EOR operations in Inniss-Trinity, a Heads of Agreement for CO2 Gas
Sales (“CO2 HOA”) was entered into with the only in-country CO2 supplier, Massy Gas Products Trinidad Ltd.
(“Massy”), of surplus liquid anthropogenic CO2, currently collected from one of Trinidad’s several ammonia plants
that presently vent CO2 to the atmosphere. The CO2 HOA is based on a minimum scoping daily delivery of up to 60
Mt CO2 if required, depending on surplus quantities available. Supplemental Agreement No.8 dated 17 May 2021
extended the Exclusivity Period given under the terms of the CO2 HOA until 31 March 2023.
Changes in the ultimate ownership of FRAM Exploration Trinidad Ltd. (“FRAM”) completed in 2020 resulted in the
parent company of FRAM unilaterally terminating the Inniss-Trinity CO2 EOR project without prior consultation with
the Company.
Under such circumstances the Company decided to decommission its CO2 EOR facilities at Inniss-Trinity and remove
the equipment to a place of safe and secure storage.
At the end of the year under review the Company believes that the WPA remains legally binding on FRAM Exploration
Trinidad Ltd. pending a settlement in the Company’s favour of certain outstanding commercial matters that will be
the subject of negotiation.
Forward plan
The Company will seek redress from FRAM for breach of the terms of the Inniss-Trinity WPA and for failure to repay
the Loan advanced to FRAM repayable out of profits arising from the sale of CO2 EOR enhanced oil production during
2020 and 2021. The Company has a reasonable expectation that an amicable settlement of the dispute will be
achieved in 2022 which will facilitate the Company establishing its in-country CO2 EOR services Special Purpose
Vehicle (“SPV”) using its subsidiary Predator Oil & Gas Trinidad Ltd. and based on its CO2 EOR “Proof of Concept”.
New CO2 EOR projects are currently being pursued by the Company that may resulting in the provision of advisory
services and in addition potential assets suitable for CO2 EOR over which the Company will have full unfettered title
may be incorporated into the SPV. However, there is no guarantee that this objective will be successfully completed
as it will be subject to concluding commercial negotiations and agreements and the granting of regulatory consents.
Onshore Morocco – Guercif Petroleum Agreement
Background to the Guercif Project
The Guercif Petroleum Agreement (“Guercif PA”), comprising the Guercif Permits I, II, III and IV located in the Guercif
Basin in northern Morocco, covers an area of 7,269 km². It lies approximately 250 km due east of and on trend with
the geologically coeval Rharb Basin, where shallow commercial gas production has been established by SDX Energy
Plc and its predecessor Circle Oil for several years. Guercif also lies approximately 180 km due north-west of Tendrara,
where deep gas is currently being appraised and potentially developed by Sound Energy Plc. During the year under
review ConocoPhillips were awarded contiguous licences adjoining the Company’s acreage in the Guercif Basin (see
map below).
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Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
Gas infrastructure Northern Morocco
Predator Gas Ventures Ltd. licence position in Morocco
The Guercif licence area straddles the Maghreb gas pipeline to Europe, which also serves Morocco’s current inventory
of gas-fired power plants. It is therefore well-positioned relative to infrastructure for the potential early monetisation
of yet to be discovered gas.
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Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
Through its wholly owned subsidiary Predator Gas Ventures Ltd. (“PGVL”), the Company holds a 75% working interest
in and is the operator of the Guercif PA. ONHYM, the State oil company, holds 25% and is carried through exploration,
but funds its pro-rata share of all costs upon a Declaration of Commerciality. ONHYM is owned by the Moroccan
government and is involved in oil and gas exploration, appraisal, development and production within Morocco. In
addition to mining activities, ONHYM is the regulatory authority for all oil and gas licences.
The Guercif PA is for 8 years and is split into an Initial Period of 30 months, commencing on 19th March 2019; a First
Extension Period of 36 months duration; and a Second Extension Period also of 30 months. After each Licence Period
there is an opportunity to withdraw from the Licence, without entering the next Licence Period.
During the year a one year extension to the Initial Period of the Guercif Petroleum Agreement was granted as a
consequence of the restrictions that resulted from the COVID pandemic.
In the Initial Period the work programme comprises 250 kilometres of 2D seismic reprocessing and AVO analysis and
the drilling of one exploration well to a minimum depth of 2,000 metres or to the top of the Jurassic, whichever
occurs first. Desk-top geological and gas marketing studies will also be carried out. The Minimum Exploration
Commitment is US$3,458,000.
Fiscal terms and commercial opportunity
The fiscal terms in Morocco, which are some of the best in the World, are restricted to a 5% State royalty for gas,
applicable after the first 10.6 BCF of net production to the operator, and corporation tax charged at 31%. However,
there is a 10-year “holiday” before corporation tax will be charged and any unused tax losses can be offset against
the tax due. There are no signature bonuses but production bonuses in the form of cash payments exist with a
maximum one-off payment of US$5,000,000 on production greater than 30,000 BOE/day. A commercial discovery
bonus of US$1,000,000 is also payable. Significantly each individual gas field can be fiscally ring-fenced under the
terms of an application for an Exploitation Concession. Award of an Exploitation Concession is not dependent upon
fulfilling the work programme for the exploration phases of the Guercif PA.
Gas prices for producers in Morocco are currently higher than UK National Balancing Point (“NBP”) prices for
domestic delivery. The highest prices are paid by industrial users, substituting for expensive carbon intensive fuel oil
imports, and ranged from US$ 10 – 12/mcf during 2020. It is this market that the Company will initially target with
trucked Compressed Natural Gas (“CNG”), which by substitution of more carbon intensive imported fuel oil will
potentially reduce CO2 emissions by up to 33%.
The Company’s previous independent Competent Persons Report (“CPR”), re-published in February 2020, indicated
Best Estimate and High Estimate recoverable gross prospective gas resources for only two prospects in the area
defined by the Guercif PA in the range 632 to 1,257 BCF respectively. These are for a Tertiary Prospect, now defined
as the “MOU-2 Prospect”, and a Triassic prospect with reservoir objectives equivalent to the TAGI of the Tendrara
appraised gas discoveries and the producing Meskala gas field. During the year under review an additional Tertiary
gas prospect was matured, defined as the “MOU-4 Prospect”. The results of a CPR by SLR Consulting (Ireland) Ltd
were announced in December. Best Estimate and High Estimate recoverable gross prospective gas resources for only
the MOU-4 Prospect were in the range 393 to 944 BCF respectively, reflecting a 92% increase in gross prospective
Best Estimate Tertiary gas resources.
History of exploration in Guercif
Guercif has been very lightly explored with only 4 deep exploration wells drilled by Elf in 1972 (GRF-1), Phillips in
1979 (TAF-1X), ONAREP (the forerunner of ONHYM) in 1985 and 1986 (MSD-1 and KDH-1) and 2 shallow stratigraphic
wells drilled by BRPM for coal exploration in the 1950s.
TransAtlantic re-entered, logged and tested the MSD-1 well, originally drilled in 1985, in 2008 but the logging and
testing failed to establish the presence of hydrocarbons in the Jurassic.
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Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
The seismic inventory includes 3,291 kilometres of 2D seismic data acquired between 1968 and 2003, including a
new 300-kilometre ONAREP 2D seismic survey acquired in 2003, which were reprocessed in 2006 by TransAtlantic
when Pre-Stack Time Migration was applied for the first time to the seismic inventory. TransAtlantic also acquired
an aeromagnetic and aerogravity survey in 2006, comprising 10,000 line kilometres.
Historical exploration focus was entirely on the Jurassic and was completed before the shift in emphasis took place
that resulted in shallow (Tertiary) gas production in the Rharb Basin and successful deep (Triassic) gas appraisal
drilling at Tendrara.
In this context therefore Guercif has never attracted new exploration to evaluate the Tertiary targets encountered
in the gas producing Rharb Basin and the offshore gas discovery well Anchois-1. New academic research (Capella et.
al. 2017) confirmed for the first time the geological continuity of the section containing the producing Miocene
(equivalent to the Tortonian Hoot and Guebbas formations) gas reservoirs in Rharb Basin with geological outcrops in
the Guercif Basin.
MOU-1 well results
The MOU-1 exploration well, successfully drilled and completed for rigless testing during the year, evaluated the
north-western part of the Guercif Basin in a sub-basin that had never been previously drilled.
Star Valley Rig 101 on location at MOU-1 well site
The well confirmed the pre-drill geological prognosis and the correlation of the primary reservoir target with a seismic
amplitude anomaly.
Post-well seismic analysis indicated that the seismic amplitude anomaly intersected in the well is interpreted as
correlating with a seismic amplitude-supported submarine fan complex covering an area of approximately 32 km².
MOU-1 tested the basinward pinch-out of one of several secondary channels on the flanks of the main channel axis.
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Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
Location of MOU-1 relative to the seismic amplitude-supported TGB-2 submarine fan and proposed follow up wells
The section penetrated was significantly over-pressured compared to the offset well GRF-1 and to other Rharb Basin
wells, supporting the sealing integrity of the overlying deep water claystones.
Multiple formation gas shows contained traces of heavier gases in the primary reservoir section to validate the
vertical migration pathway for dry gas from deeply buried source rocks into the shallow reservoir targets.
MOU-1 therefore proved the presence of an active petroleum system to de-risk for follow-up drilling multiple gas
targets within the north-western part of the Guercif Basin.
Building on the de-risking by MOU-1 of the pre-drill prospective gas basin, potential drilling opportunities are being
developed for the older Jurassic reservoir targets penetrated in an offset well TAF-1X drilled off-structure in 1979.
Preliminary seismic mapping has identified a structure (MOU-NE) for drilling covering 102 km² that is interpreted by
the Company as forming a carbonate bank on a significant basement high (see below).
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Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
Forward Work Programme
Preparations for commencing MOU-4 and MOU-5 well operations in 2022 will be progressed.
Rigless testing will be performed for MOU-1 at the same time drilling crews and services are mobilised for MOU-4
and MOU-5.
Subject to drilling results and testing, an early gas development for the Compressed Natural Gas market will be
progressed.
For this substantive proposed work programme and in order to maintain the option to accelerate a development
option, potential project partners may be approached to fund a disproportionate share of project costs.
Offshore Ireland – Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (“FSRU”)
Mag Mell Energy Ireland Ltd is creating an ambitious liquid natural gas floating storage and regasification project for
the Celtic Sea with the potential to include strategic gas storage.
The project provides a unique and secure essential energy supply to Ireland in the transition period from fossil fuel
to green energy.
Located beyond the horizon the floating gas units are not visible from land and are designed to be user, consumer
and environmentally friendly.
The proposed storage facilities can be used to store natural gas, hydrogen or be used for CO2 sequestration.
What is LNG?
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is natural, odourless, nontoxic and non-corrosive gas that has been cooled down to
liquid form to ensure safe storage and transport.
What is a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU)?
After transportation to its required destination of consumption, liquefied natural gas (LNG) needs to be brought
back to its gas state (Natural gas is cooled to approximately -160°C at the source of production to reduce its volume
down to 1/600 for better transportation efficiency).
The FSRU receives, stores and warms up LNG for regasification and sends it out as high-pressure gas according to
the customer's demand.
What will the Mag Mell look like?
Providing a bridge during the energy supply transition period over the next decade, LNG Floating Storage and
Regasification units will act just like a land-based LNG terminal. Located out at sea, beyond the horizon, some 50km
offshore in the vicinity of the existing (now decommissioned) Kinsale Platform, the FSRU will be completely invisible
from land.
In addition to transporting LNG, the FRSU will have the on board capability to vaporise LNG and deliver natural gas
through the existing Kinsale Head Gas Field subsea pipeline and existing connection to the GNI grid entry point
onshore at Inch.
It is envisaged that the proposed FSRU will be permanently moored to a subsea buoy system anchored offshore. The
buoy system will be used as both the mooring mechanism for the FSRU and the conduit through which natural gas
will be delivered to the subsea pipeline.
The design for the project has focused on ensuring minimal impact on the environment relative to other energy infrastructure
projects and reducing CO2 emissions. Compared to any other energy supply solution the environmental impact of this
operational arrangement is minimal.
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Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
How does it work?
An FSRU vessel with mooring and loading system
Source: APL Offshore
The FSRU collects its cargo at a foreign port via a port jetty facility or offshore LNG carrier located outside Ireland’s
territorial waters via flexible cryogenic hoses, in accordance with established Ship-to-Ship (STS) LNG transfer
protocols.
Two special purpose FSRU vessels designed for Celtic Sea weather and mooring conditions will shuttle between the
LNG collection point and the offshore site for regassification and injection into the subsea end of the existing
Kinsale gas pipeline to shore. This maintains maximum deliverability of gas at peak times to ensure a secure supply
of gas to the local market.
The FSRU can receive and deliver full or partial loads in order to meet the required needs of the market at any
given time subject to commercial arrangements.
The regasification (warming) of LNG continues uninterrupted at the mooring site,
Two submerged subsea buoy systems will provide mooring points and gas connections through which natural gas
will then be delivered to the subsea pipeline.
The use of two buoys accommodates the two FSRU vessels to maintain continuous gas production into the pipeline.
The submerged buoys are anchored to the seabed and pulled into and secured in a mating cone into the FSRU LNG
vessel. When disconnected the buoys drop clear of the FSRU LNG vessels and float submerged approximately 30-50
meters below sea level.
By using the existing pipeline, terminal and entry point the Mag Mell project’s environmental impact will be
minimal.
The Mag Mell project is key to Ireland’s transition to greener energy.
LNG provides a substitution for carbon-intensive fuels- an energy option to exercise now
LNG is a bridging fuel; its use will be reduced and the energy supply diversified
The Mag Mell project offers near term and safe solution to Ireland’s energy requirements and security of supply, all year
round
It will deliver energy independence for Ireland and provide a backup for renewables when the Eirgrid capacity is not
met by renewables
LNG is competitively priced amidst rising energy costs
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Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
The Mag Mell project is committed to delivering on the Irish Government’s Climate Action Plan objectives
Using existing infrastructure to accelerate the energy transition, Mag Mell provides energy with a low
environmental footprint
In alignment with the Irish government’s policy pledge not to allow the import of LNG produced from shale gas, the Mag Mell
project will source LNG from a transparent certified origin where there is no reliance on fracked gas feedstock.
Working in collaboration the Mag Mell project will create opportunities for CO2 and hydrogen storage
The Mag Mell Project can satisfy 43.4% of Severe Peak Day 2027/28 gas demand
Maintenance of energy security for Ireland within this transition period depends on the provision of a project such as Mag
Mell, providing security of supply for the national network.
Offshore Ireland – Applications for successor authorisations to Licensing Option 16/26 (“Corrib South”) and 16/30
(“Ram Head”)
Location maps Ram Head and Corrib South (Source: Gas Networks Ireland Network Development Plan 2020)
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Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
All information required by the Geoscience Regulation Office of the Department of the Environment, Climate and
Communications required to complete their assessment of the Company’s applications for successor authorisations
to Licensing Option 16/26 (“Corrib South”) and 16/30 (“Ram Head”) was provided during the year.
The Ram Head licensing option area contains the Ardmore gas field previously discovered by Marathon Oil in the
1970’s but not developed after testing gas at a rate of 8 mm cfgpd.
In 1998 RDS Resources independently assessed the Ardmore gas field as being capable of being developed by two
wells, which based on P50 gas-in-place of 148 BCF, gave P50 gas resources of 47.4 BCF and P10 gas resources of 77.3
BCF based on a 30 mm cfgpd initial production profile.
The Company is of the view that the Ardmore gas field, pending further technical evaluation if the application for a
successor authorisation is successful, is potentially suitable for the development of a gas storage facility.
Forward Work Programme
The Company will continue with the public consultation process related to applying for Marine Area Consent for the
FSRU project as part of conforming to new regulations put in place to replace some of the complicated existing
regulations that do not allow for security of energy supply to be an important consideration.
The purpose of these submissions will be to demonstrate that the FSRU LNG project can be considered to be very
much in the public interest in the context of security of energy supply.
Dialogue will be maintained with the regulatory authorities regarding the applications for successor authorisations
to the Corrib South and Ram Head licensing options.
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Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
Principal risks and uncertainties
Exploration industry risks
Oil and gas drilling and operations is a speculative activity and involves numerous risks and substantial and uncertain
costs that could adversely affect the Group.
Mitigation:Where possible the Board aims to build a diversified portfolio of assets so that an adverse outcome is
mitigated by the prospects of favourable outcomes
Oil and gas exploration and development activities are dependent on the availability of skilled personnel, drilling and
related equipment in the particular areas where such activities will be conducted. Demand for such personnel or
equipment, or access restrictions may affect the availability to the Group, particularly relevant when taking into
consideration the global impact of COVID-19 and the increased demand for services and personnel during the early
stages of post-COVID global economic recovery.
Mitigation: Management through many years of experience has a network of independent contractors with skilled
personnel and equipment which it can access
Oil and gas prices are highly volatile, and lower oil and gas prices will negatively affect the Group’s financial position,
capital expenditures and results of operations.
Mitigation: By balancing projects with near-term cash inflow prospects with projects that require long-term funding
the risk is mitigated. Planning includes simulation of downside risk scenarios.
Reserve and resource data and estimated discounted future net cash flows are estimates based on assumptions that
may be inaccurate and on existing economic and operating conditions that may change in the future.
Mitigation: The Group has considerable experience in project evaluation. It may resort from time to time to
independent expert consultants to verify assumptions. The Group focusses on projects that require relatively low
capital investment but can potentially generate very high rates of return as a means of mitigating against reduction
in discounted future net profits.
The Group is dependent on the successful development of its oil and gas assets.
Mitigation: The Group has diversified its profile away from regular oil and gas exploration by undertaking a CO2 EOR
project and progressing an FSRU LNG project in Ireland.
The principal sub-surface geological risks that have been identified specific to the Group’s portfolio are as follows:
Risk 1:
In the immediate area of focus for drilling in Morocco, the 2D seismic database is sparse and the quality and
completeness of the well logs in old offset wells pertinent to understanding the geology of the previously drilled GRF-
1 and MSD-1 wells is poor.
Risk 2: MOU-1 provides evidence of over-pressuring of some potential reservoirs which will have to be taken into
consideration for the purposes of safe well planning.
Risk 3: The existing sparse 2D seismic data demonstrate the presence of seismic amplitude anomalies. There is a
risk that these may not be related to the presence of gas reservoirs or the presence of gas in commercial quantities.
The size of the potential gas-generating source kitchen is unknown and therefore there is a risk that traps may not
be efficiently filled to spill. In such circumstances gas resources could be significantly reduced.
Mitigation: Extensive use of offset well data for the geologically analogous, gas-producing Rharb Basin and
information from the Anchois-1 Tertiary gas discovery in the offshore is used to improve the overall knowledge base.
Presence of gas in MOU-1 in the pre-drill section correlating with the mapped seismic amplitude anomaly has
addressed this risk. Rigless testing of MOU-1 can potentially eliminate this risk.
Independent consultants are used to help validate geological and seismic interpretations.
Risk 4: Forecast maximum production rates for CO2 EOR rely on modelled calculations and actual pilot CO2 EOR
oil flow rates and have not been tested yet by continuous CO2 EOR operations. The pilot CO2 EOR operations have
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Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
so far calibrated the desktop production forecasts in line with anticipated rates, however there is no guarantee
that production will increase exponentially in line with these predictions as more CO2 is injected over time. The
technical and commercial success of CO2 EOR projects is dependent therefore on a comparison of the actual
operational results versus the pre-injection desktop forecasts. This applies to all future CO2 EOR projects being
considered by the Company.
Mitigation: The Company may use its “Proof of Concept” achieved through the operational results of the Inniss-
Trinity Pilot CO2 EOR Project, and its CO2 EOR services and exclusivity over surplus liquid CO2 supply to acquire
producing assets at attractive prices where some initial primary oil production can be achieved through low cost
well workovers.
Risk 5: The volumes of CO2 required to be injected to increase reservoir pressure from currently low levels in
onshore Trinidad’s mature producing oil fields in order to enhance oil production are estimated using reservoir
models. These models will assume limited vertical and lateral communication of reservoir sand intervals controlled
by faulting and intervening vertical seals. If this is not the case then significantly more CO2 may be required to
increase reservoir pressure and potentially enhance oil production should CO2 escape into other geological
formations or adjacent fault compartments. Results to date of the Inniss-Trinity pilot CO2 EOR project confirm limited
lateral and vertical communication across potentially sealing faults. However there is no guarantee that this situation
will be maintained as reservoir pressure increases with continuous CO2 injection or will be relevant to all of Trinidad’s
onshore oil fields.
Risk 6: The volume of CO2 to be injected is also estimated on the basis of the remaining volume of oil in place in
the reservoirs using historical estimates made by other operators. If this volume has been under-estimated, then the
volume of CO2 required for injection will be larger and the commerciality of the project may therefore be impacted.
Mitigation: All modelling of analytical data is reviewed and evaluated by the relevant technical teams in Heritage and
the MEEI as part of the regulatory approval process. Satellite communications to give real-time data logging and
operational management to allow the Group’s management remote-control monitoring of operational procedures
to intervene if required to vary the volume of CO2 being injected and the injection pressure.
Political risks
All of the Group’s operations are located in a foreign jurisdiction. As a result, the Group is subject to political,
economic and other uncertainties, including but not limited to, changes in policies or the personnel administering
them, terrorism, nationalisation, appropriation of property without fair compensation, cancellation or modification
of contract rights, foreign exchange restrictions, currency fluctuations, export quotas, royalty and tax increases and
other risks arising out of foreign governmental sovereignty over the areas in which these operations are conducted,
as well as risks of loss due to civil strife, acts of war, guerrilla activities and insurrection.
Mitigation: The Group only conducts operations in those countries with a stable political environment and which
have established acceptable oil and gas codes. The Company adheres to all local laws and pays heed to local customs.
Corporate risk
Risk: The Group’s success depends upon skilled management as well as technical and administrative back-up. The
loss of service of critical members of the Group’s team could have an adverse effect on the business.
The Group is dependent on the executive Directors to identify potential business and acquisition opportunities in
Trinidad, Morocco and Ireland and to oversee and execute its oil and gas operations. The loss of services of the
executive Directors could materially adversely affect it.
Mitigation: The Group periodically reviews the compensation and contract terms of its consultants and service
providers to ensure that they are competitive, but subject to the working capital available to the Group from time to
time.
34
Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
The executive Directors are material shareholders in the Group and committed to developing shareholder value.
Financial and liquidity risks
The Group’s business involves significant, but moderate by comparison with the oil and gas sector in general, capital
expenditure and given the current liquidity position of the Group as at the date of this report the Group will require
additional funding to meet all of its future work programmes if the business of the Group is to grow. There is no
guarantee that such additional funding will be available on acceptable terms at the relevant time.
Mitigation: Management has demonstrated and continues to demonstrate an ability to raise funds. Through timely
and regular cash flow projections pro-active action is capable of being taken to pre-empt cash deficits. Such actions
may include farm-outs, debt-financing and equity fund raises
Instability in the global financial system may have impacts on the Group’s liquidity and financial condition that
currently cannot be predicted.
Mitigation: Pre-emptive cut back of new potential licence commitments; careful financial planning, currency hedging
and economic evaluation of opportunities with simulation of risks mitigate against these risks. The Directors also
maintain tight budgetry and financial controls to ensure cash is spent in the most efficient manner.
Foreign exchange risks
The Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency
transactions, primarily with respect to the Moroccan Dirham, Trinidadian dollar, Euro and US Dollar.
Risks to exchange movements are mitigated by minimising the amount of funds held overseas. All treasury matters
are handled centrally in Jersey. All requests for funds from overseas operations are reviewed and authorised by Board
members. The Group endeavours to reduce its exposure to foreign currencies by holding cash balances in the
currency of intended expenditure and recognises the profits and losses resulting from currency fluctuations as and
when they arise.
As the Group may undertake some project activity offshore Ireland under the terms of agreements with the Irish
regulatory authorities, the Directors currently anticipate that the impact on the business of the UK’s exit from the
European Union will be limited to the effects of potential increased foreign exchange fluctuations. As a result of these
fluctuations, it is expected that the reported results of the Group may decline in the short- to medium-term.
However, the Directors do not expect there to be any significant lasting impact. The Group does not anticipate any
long-lasting impact on accessing overseas services and importing equipment, although due to increased regulatory
processing in such cases, project timelines may be negatively impacted.
Liquidity risks
The Group’s liquidity risk is currently considered to be insignificant and not material.
The Group does not enter into binding commitments for exploration expenditure unless supported by adequate cash
reserves and working capital. Cash forecasts are updated continuously, and contingencies are allowed for. The
financial exposure of the Group will reduce as it is the intention of the directors to partner with third parties at the
appropriate time in the appraisal and development cycle. The Group structure facilitates investment in individual
projects at the subsidiary company level. The after-tax project economics for the Group’s portfolio of projects are
very robust and support the potential payment of royalties and dividends to a company wishing to buy equity in a
specific project or projects. The Directors believe that the ability to monetise parts of its portfolio of projects to
improve liquidity is viable given the pivotal market position the Group has established in the jurisdictions within
which it operates in respect of developing CO2 EOR and CO2 sequestration, a Compressed Natural Gas market and
an LNG import option where currently no competitors exist in these sectors in the aforementioned jurisdictions.
35
Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
Environmental risks
The Group is subject to various environmental risks and governmental regulations and future regulations will become
more stringent.
Mitigation: The Group is aware of these risks before it undertakes licence commitments and periodically re-evaluates
these risks
Climate change and climate change legislation and regulatory initiatives could result in increased operating and
capital costs to address reducing CO2 emissions, delays to regulatory and environmental approvals and decreased
demand for, in particular, oil. In addition, investor and lender decision-making criteria are becoming increasingly
dominated by climate change awareness and consequently loss of sentiment for financing the fossil fuel sector. As a
result, it will become increasingly difficult to raise equity and debt finance for traditional oil and gas activities.
Mitigation: The Group’s strategy has always been since IPO in May 2018 to focus primarily on gas, which is currently
being considered as “sustainable” by the EU and suited therefore to accessing green finance, and CO2 sequestration
to support “greener” oil production. By focusing on jurisdictions where there is a need to reduce high levels of CO2
emissions from ammonia plants, imported fuel oil and coal- and oil-fired power stations by substituting for gas and
enacting CO2 sequestration, the Group is demonstrating its commitment to ESG and sustainability necessary to
attract responsible financing of its activities. The Group has positioned itself in the energy transition space with the
intention of building local green energy hubs based on a symbiotic relationship working in tandem between natural
gas, CO2 sequestration, hydrogen production and storage and renewable energy to provide security of affordable
energy supply and to support and protect local communities through the “economic shock” of the energy transition
process.
Insurance risks
Oil and gas operations are subject to various operating and other casualty risks that could result in liability exposure.
Mitigation: The Group comprehensively surveys its exposure to these kinds of risks and considers taking either an
appropriate level of insurance cover or self-insuring where judicious.
The Group may not have enough insurance to cover all of its risks. COVID-19 will increase insurance costs.
Mitigation: A judicious quantum of self-insurance may need to be resorted to in these circumstances but currently
the Group has access to appropriate levels of insurance both at the corporate level and for its operations.
Continuing Coronavirus Risk
The global public health emergency caused by the spread of the coronavirus during the year under review is now
well documented. This has pervasively impacted negatively global economies; financial and equity markets, including
pension funds; forex exchange rates; oil and gas commodity prices, caused by collapsing demand, particularly from
the aviation industry, and storage capacity being over-saturated; and general investor and debt-financing sentiment.
Divergent variants of coronavirus will create a significant public health risk for the foreseeable future and vaccination
programmes will continually require monitoring and updating.
The principal risks identified are:
Risk 1: Suspension of international travel between many different jurisdictions which impact the Group’s field
operations insofar as specialised drilling engineers and technicians are unable to be despatched from overseas to
operate, install or repair key pieces of equipment necessary, in particular, for the conduct of safe drilling operations.
A further consequence is the inability (or a delay) to mobilise drilling services and equipment from overseas that may
not be available in the country of the Group’s operations.
36
Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
The potential introduction of new coronavirus travel restrictions cannot be ruled out but the timing of any such
moves is not predictable due to varying rates of the spread of coronavirus throughout the pandemic.
Mitigation: The Star Valley drilling rig is currently stacked securely in Morocco west of Guercif at no cost to the Group.
No commitments to rig mobilisation and an enactment of a drilling contract will be made without approval of the
public health authorities if and when required. The Group maintains a close dialogue with drilling services providers
to determine which services remain in-country, and also the rig contractor, to ensure the Group is “drill-ready”.
Risk 2: Restricted ability to operate in-country activities such as drilling and site construction due to local restrictions
on travel and enforceable social distancing measures.
Mitigation: Trained in-country personnel are available as a result of the Company’s Inniss-Trinity pilot CO2 EOR
project to ensure continuity of CO2 EOR operations within the framework of HSE public health restrictions if and
when enabled by the Trinidadian government from time to time. CO2 EOR is seen as an essential industry. Secure
satellite communications linked to a datalogger allow the Group’s management real-time remote control monitoring
of operational CO2 injection parameters and procedures.
Risk 3: Supply chain issues caused by equipment not being available for purchase or delayed by customs if imported
from overseas.
Mitigation: CO2 EOR spares and equipment are in a secure warehouse and yard in Trinidad to cover immediate
requirements. Drilling inventory for Guercif also remains accessible for purchase by the Group, at the appropriate
time.
Risk 4: Collapsing oil and gas commodity prices caused by global economic slowdown, over-supply, falling demand
and storage filled to capacity.
Mitigation: Project economics for CO2 EOR operations in Trinidad have been stress-tested at WTI US$25/barrel and
are marginally commercial based on Trinidad’s requirement for domestic oil production to replace imports. Robust
and commercially viable project economics for Guercif have also been re-run at much lower gas prices, under-cutting
lower imported fuel oil prices, with a Compressed Natural Gas development scenario that fast-tracks an initial
development of a gas discovery to the captive Casablanca industrial market that currently relies on less efficient fuel
oil imports.
The Group’s business development strategy is focussed on niche local energy markets where pricing of and demand
for oil and gas is not as severely impacted by the global supply and demand dynamics.
Risk 5: Insufficient liquidity and working capital, under-capitalisation, lack of revenue, contractual liabilities and
unfulfilled work commitment obligations.
Mitigation: During the period to 31 December 2021 the Group has completed three over-subscribed Placings to raise
£4.585 million (before expenses). The Group has sufficient liquidity and working capital over the next 12 months to
weather any additional impact from a resurgence of the coronavirus pandemic and any resulting volatility in the
financial, equity and commodity markets.
A contingency to shut down any projects would be maintained to avoid any loss-making business activities.
No new financial commitments or work programme liabilities will be entered into. The existing drilling proposals for
the Guercif PA are planned, subject to further funding and/or farmout, to be executed in 2022 but can be delayed
until 2023 should a resurgence of coronavirus or global financial market conditions dictate that preservation of
working capital were to become an overriding priority. Releasing US$ 1.5 million of the Guercif PA bank guarantee in
favour of ONHYM is a strategic objective of the Group should working capital become too constrained. Under the
Guercif PA the Group has until the 18 September 2022 to complete all its work commitments, including desktop
37
Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
studies, for the Initial Period of the Guercif PA. The Group has sought from and been granted by ONHYM a one-year
extension of the Initial Exploration Period of the Guercif PA to 18 September 2022 on the basis that the coronavirus
emergency is a Force Majeure event.
The Group will maintain a “drill-ready” status in Morocco, and only enter into financial liabilities that can be funded
from the available working capital, farmouts and/or additional financing in the equity markets.. The Group will use
its discretion to choose when to enact a new Guercif drilling programme in the context of first re-assessing market
sentiment and market conditions and management’s opinion as to prudent use of available working capital.
The Company is debt-free.
Risk 6: Inability to access the capital markets for equity finance or the lending market for debt finance.
Mitigation: The Group’s CO2 EOR operations in Trinidad were commissioned prior to the coronavirus emergency.
The initial CO2 injection phase and monitoring of reservoir pressure build-up and enhanced oil production was
commenced and successfully and safely completed on time during the coronavirus pandemic consistent with the
Group’s pre-coronavirus project schedule. The Group completed its MOU-1 well in Morocco during 2021 and
suspended the well for future rigless testing. The Group is well-capitalised and is positioned for near to medium term
cash flow from operations. The Group has no immediate requirement to access the capital or lending markets over
the next 12 months to execute its near-term committed work programmes. The Group will always remain open to
accessing additional equity funds if it can be shown that this would further develop the Group’s business and lead to
increased shareholder value without excessive shareholder dilution.
Guercif remains an integral part of the Company’s business development strategy and the value proposition, given
the size of the targets versus the Group’s current market capitalisation and the ability to monetise by capitalising
upon Moroccan industry’s heavy reliance on imported fuel. It remains an important and sustainable driver for share
price performance. Coronavirus has no lasting impact on the fundamentals of the value proposition that Guercif
presents.
The Boards’ view is that the global economy will rebound, and commodity prices will improve once the commodity
over-supply is exhausted. This is already happening. Shut-in production will take longer to be re-established in this
transition period. The equity markets will recover, and the pace of the recovery will accelerate as investor sentiment
returns. There will be a strong appetite for companies with gas assets and with developing ESG and Sustainability
credentials who have weathered the coronavirus storm and that have potential for immediate growth to support
appreciation in share price through contributing to security of energy supply. Many peer companies will be seeking
to re-capitalise quickly as the equity markets improve but will not have gas projects as sufficiently advanced as Guercif
or as commercially attractive in the near-term to promote to attract new investors. The Company has started
discussions with suitable candidates to join us in our various projects at the appropriate time and for a consideration
that reflects the investment made by the Group in its projects, the market opportunity, and the risk versus reward
value proposition.
The Company has developed projects that require a low quantum of capital investment suited to the size of the
market appetite for a small cap company listed on the Standard List segment of the Main Market in London.
Risk 7: Curtailment of expansion of business development activities necessary to support value creation and
shareholder equity values, and reduction in the potential to generate future revenues from such activities.
Mitigation: The Group’s business development strategy continues to be focussed on niche local energy markets
where pricing of and demand for oil and gas is not severely impacted by the global supply and demand dynamics.
Developing new CO2 EOR operations in Trinidad, now that the pilot CO2 EOR project has been de-risked, can be
implemented for very small incremental amounts of capital deployment, inclusive of additional well workovers for
CO2 EOR production, that can potentially be recovered within a few months from incremental production revenues.
38
Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
The Group has also started the process of identifying and evaluating suitable producing assets in Trinidad with
attractive synergies for applying our existing Inniss-Trinity CO2 EOR expertise. The Group has opened a dialogue with
several operators with a view to supplying our CO2 EOR services. Commercial terms that the Group can potentially
negotiate will be driven by the fact that the Group is well-capitalised; has exclusivity over CO2 supply; and most
importantly has developed the template for a viable CO2 EOR project that meets all regulatory and environmental
conditions required for approvals to be granted to execute field operations. The Group also notes that the extension
of existing Incremental Production Services Contracts in Trinidad will now also require a commitment to executing
secondary recovery work programmes (waterflood and CO2 EOR). Historically waterflood has not been very
successfully applied in Trinidad for increasing secondary recovery in mature oil fields where oil gravity and oil viscosity
is high.
This prudent and low cost expansion of the Group’s business development activities. focussed on de-risked CO2 EOR
operating success, can potentially support value creation and shareholder equity values and address any perceived
reduction in the potential to generate future revenues from such activities as a result of the re-emergence of the
coronavirus pandemic.
The Group has successfully progressed and further developed its business strategies during the coronavirus pandemic
and is well-positioned for business growth going forward.
Future developments
The Group’s immediate priority remains to execute further drilling in Guercif in Morocco at the earliest opportunity.
The Group continues to be “drill-ready” with an in-country rig available to it under a rig option agreement with Star
Valley and an approved Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”) for two wells with a further 3 wells the subject a
separate EIA that is work in progress.. New well locations and well budgets have to be approved by its government
partner ONHYM. It is anticipated at present that follow-up drilling operations to MOU-1 will take place during 2022.
The Group has developed an economic model for a nearer term gas monetisation strategy for Guercif that involves
Compressed Natural Gas being transported to the industrial centres of Morocco. The size of the initial gas market is
being assessed and capital and operating costs will be tailored to fit the immediate marketing opportunity. The
Group’s experience and expertise with engineering, costing and developing the CO2 EOR project in Trinidad will be
applied to the CNG project in Morocco. The “drill-ready” status, the ability to monetise gas for relatively low amounts
of capital investment and with low operating costs, tax- and royalty-free production on the first 10.6 BCF of net gas,
and high profit margins based on the high price (US$10 -12/mcf) paid by Moroccan’s industrial gas users will be the
Group’s marketing tools to attract financing and potential joint venture partners, if required, to help fast-track an
early gas development.
The Group’s near-term priority is to focus on developing potential cash flow from CO2 EOR operations onshore
Trinidad where some element of primary production can be added through low cost well-workovers.. The CO2
delivery and injection system is readily accessible and the supply of CO2 is secured until at least 2023. The Inniss-
Trinity pilot CO2 EOR has demonstrated proof of concept. In addition the Company is working on creative solutions
to settle its dispute with FRAM Exploration Trinidad Ltd. (“FRAM”), parent company Challenger Energy Group plc,
based on its assessment of the value in the prematurely terminated Inniss-Trinity CO2 EOR project to the Company
that is defined by the Inniss-Trinity Well Participation Agreement and subsequent amendments thereof. The
Company is seeking to recover US$ 1,500,000 in investment costs and an as yet undetermined amount of profits
from past and future enhanced CO2 EOR oil production revenues via a swap for an asset with attributes suitable for
the application of CO2 EOR operations.
The Group has re-positioned its business strategy for Ireland to focus on offshore regasification of LNG and gas
storage in accordance with EU guidelines for member States. Confidentiality agreements have been signed with the
provider of re-gasification vessels (“FSRU”) and a downstream gas trading company based on the Group’s
presentation of the marketing opportunity for gas in Ireland together with its potential contribution to security and
diversity of energy supply and its ability to provide back-up power at times of peak electricity demand. The Group
39
Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
continues to engage with regulatory authorities and infrastructure owners in Ireland in an application for an LNG
import licence. A technological solution is being matured to supply between 250 and 275 mm to the end of the
Kinsale gas pipeline, subject to regulatory consent. The near-term goal is to further refine this solution and to
demonstrate its ecological and environmental benefits relative to other energy infrastructure projects (including
renewables) in preparation for an application for Marine Area Consent. The Irish regulatory hurdles remain very high
and challenging, but the Group recognises that the Irish government has started a process of public consultation on,
amongst other matters, security of energy supply, thus creating a window of opportunity for the Group to take
advantage of by leveraging its management’s relevant experience, know-how and expertise.
Securing the award of the Group’s Corrib South and Ram Head successor authorisations remain a priority as these
gas assets adjacent to infrastructure can potentially significantly further enhance the enterprise value of the Group’s
portfolio in terms of potential M & A activity.
Liquidity remains a fundamental priority for the Group. The Company’s business assets are commercially robust, well
managed, operated efficiently and have significant growth potential. Market appreciation of management’s business
strategy for developing shareholder value has been demonstrated during the year through the completion of two
over-subscribed Placings to improve liquidity during very difficult and challenging times in the financial and equity
markets.
Sustainability Report
The Group is committed to sustainable development of its gas assets and its CO2 EOR business incorporating
anthropogenic CO2 sequestration.
To sustain our business, we must meet the expectations of our stakeholders and focus on mitigating climate change,
advancing the circular economy so that nothing goes to waste and implementing responsible business practices.
The longer-term ambition is to be a producer of greener energy through the energy transition by developing a
template for local green energy hubs around existing under-utilised infrastructure that combine the best ESG and
Sustainability practices whilst maintaining security of energy supply during the Energy Transition by using gas to help
decarbonize the energy sector by replacing more carbon-intensive oil and coal. Demonstrable CO2 sequestration is
an added advantage of the business strategy that we have adopted. Natural gas in tandem with hydrogen storage
can provide back-up to interruptible power from wind and solar energy to improve resilience of grid supplies and
potential project economics. Expanding our responsible business practices is a key benefit for our people, partners
and the communities that are affected by our supply chain. Security of affordable energy supply and supporting in a
just, fair and equitable manner the energy transition to ameliorate the negative economic impact on local
communities currently dependent on traditional forms of energy is a key objective of the Group. No-one can be left
behind in the Energy Transition.
At the corporate level, since the advent of the Covid-19 emergency in late March 2020 our management operate our
business from home-based locations, thereby reducing the high level of energy consumed by a fixed office location
and eliminating the CO2 emissions footprint left by commuting to work by many forms of transport that emit
pollutant CO2.
The practical and pragmatic ways in which the Group are enacting its climate awareness strategy in the period under
review are described in detail in the section on ESG metrics and Sustainability.
Paul Griffiths
Executive Chairman
28 June 2022
40
Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
Report of the directors
The Directors present their report together with the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December
2021.
The Company’s Ordinary Shares were admitted on 24 May 2018 to a listing on the London Stock Exchange on the
Official List pursuant to Chapters 14 of the Listing Rules, which sets out the requirements for Standard Listings.
Results and dividends
The Directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend (2020: nil).
Directors
The Directors who served during the year and up to the date hereof were as follows:
Paul Griffiths
Lonny Baumgardner
Ron Pilbeam
Steve Staley
Louis Castro
Tom Evans
Alistair Jury
Date of Appointment
21 December 2017
12 July 2021
19 March 2018 (resigned 27 July 2021)
24 May 2018 (resigned 8 March 2022)
13 July 2020
12 May 2022
12 May 2022
Directors Third Party Indemnity Provisions
The Group maintained during the period and to the date of approval of the financial statements, indemnity insurance
for its Directors and Officers against liability in respect of proceedings brought by third parties.
Going Concern
Notwithstanding the operating loss incurred during the period under review and following two successful placings
to raise a total of £4,585,000 before expenses and a further successful placing post the reporting period to raise
£1,035,000 before expenses, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group will not need to raise funds
to continue with its operational commitments and to meet all of its current contractual liabilities for the foreseeable
future.
The two planned major initiatives for 2021 were drilling in Morocco and the continuance of CO2 EOR operations in
Trinidad with enhanced oil production. The well (MOU-1) has been successfully drilled and completed for rigless
testing. The costs for the well are within the pre-drill budget forecasts and no cost overruns are forecast to have
occurred. A negotiation with ONHYM is to take place with respect to the return of US$1,000,000 of the US$1,500,000
Bank Guarantee following rigless testing of MOU-1 in 2022. The Company has included a work programme in the
Going Concern cash flow forecast for seismic reprocessing and desk-top studies to complete the remainder of the
Petroleum Agreement work programme to enable return of US$500,000 of the US$1,500,000 Bank Guarantee.
The Company is planning a discretionary drilling programme in Guercif in 2022 which is subject to funding at the
project level via a farmin or other form of financial arrangement for project equity. If successful, the Company will
enter the next phase of the Guercif Licence at which time the discretionary work programme completed in 2022 will
contribute towards the work programme agreed for the next phase of the Guercif Licence and the Bank Guarantee
may be rolled over too.
41
Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
CO2 EOR operations have not required additional working capital relative to that allowed for in previous budget
estimates. The Operator of the Inniss-Trinity Incremental Production Services Contract (“IPSC”), FRAM, unilaterally
elected to terminate the Inniss-Trinity CO2 EOR Pilot Project without informing the licence holder Heritage
Petroleum Trinidad Ltd. (“Heritage”). As a result, no further funds are being invested in the project and there are no
residual liabilities to be incurred by the Company. The Well Participation Agreement (“WPA”) remains in force with
FRAM and all accrued entitlements due to the Company arising from the WPA currently remain in place, as does the
Loan advanced to FRAM, which is repayable from the profits of the sale of enhanced oil production. It is expected
that a negotiation will ensue with FRAM regarding recovery of the Loan. Until negotiations are concluded with either
a positive or negative outcome and given the uncertain financial status of the parent company of FRAM, the
Directors have made provisions in the Going Concern forecast that the Loan may never be recovered and no profits
from enhanced oil production in Inniss-Trinity will be forthcoming. This provision was only reflected in the Going
Concern forecast to ensure that the Company had sufficient resources to continue operating for the foreseeable
future even on a worst-case scenario. It was decided by the Directors that the loan was not to be provided for until
further discussions are held. In order to potentially recoup some of its investment in the Inniss-Trinity CO2 EOR Pilot
Project, the Company has lodged an expression of interest with the licence holder Heritage to, at its sole discretion,
take over the Inniss-Trinity IPSC should it become available. In addition the Company is preparing a proposal to
FRAM Exploration Trinidad Ltd. to settle the dispute under the WPA through the acquisition of an asset of FRAM by
the Company that can be independently valued to facilitate extinguishing the Loan made to FRAM, recovering the
Company’s project costs and its entitlement under the WPA to revenues from profits of enhanced oil production
arising from the pilot CO2 EOR project. There is however no guarantee that a mutually acceptable agreement will
be negotiated between the Company and FRAM.
For the Going Concern if there were to be a projected working capital shortfall within the next 12 months, then the
directors will institute a programme of cuts to directors’ and consultant’s remuneration and other third-party
corporate costs until such time as US$500,000 of the Guercif Bank Guarantee is returned after delivering to ONHYM
the data from the seismic reprocessing and desk-top studies. This would be extended to include the return of the
US$1,000,000 of the Guercif Bank Guarantee after rigless testing of MOU-1 and delivery of all the well data to
ONHYM. If either or both of these events were delayed then the Directors would seek to raise additional funds in
the equity markets, assuming that no farmout of project equity had occurred by such time as additional working
capital was required.
The Company has no debt.
The Directors do not believe that either a resurgence of COVID or Brexit will adversely influence the Group’s business
development strategy. Operations in Morocco have been maintained this year and in Trinidad throughout the COVID
crisis. Brexit will only create more uncertainty for Ireland’s security of gas supply, thereby enhancing the Company’s
LNG import project for Ireland by creating an alternative source of gas not tied to the UK-Ireland gas transmission
infrastructure.
Relaxation of COVID restrictions is likely to create more opportunities for the Company to divest assets if required
to do so as the appetite for gas assets and ESG credentials increases as a result of the “Energy Crisis” and investors’
concerns regarding aligning investment with ESG credibility.
The directors having made due and careful enquiry, are of the opinion that the Group has adequate working capital
to execute its operational commitments over the next 12 months given that current spending commitments will
prevail. The Group will therefore continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Annual Report and
Financial Statements.
42
Predator Oil and Gas Holdings Plc
For the year ended 31 December 2021
Substantial shareholders
Within 30 days of signing the financial statements, the total number of issued ordinary shares with voting rights in
the Company was 292,946,267. The total number of issued ordinary shares was 292,946,267, following the below
transactions:
1. On 15 March 2021 – Warrant options exercised, for 267,750 ordinary shares
2. On 26 March 2021 - Placing of 5,215,155 ordinary shares
3. On 18 June 2021 - Placing of 21,784,845 ordinary shares
4. On 4 August 2021 - Placing of 26,000,000 ordinary shares
HARGREAVES LANSDOWN (NOMINEES) LIMITED <15942>
THE BANK OF NEW YORK (NOMINEES) LIMITED <672938>
INTERACTIVE INVESTOR SERVICES NOMINEES LIMITED
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