ASX/Media Release

24 December 2009

Rockhopper 1 Exploration Well Update, Bass Basin, Tasmania

Progress and Status

Origin Energy, on behalf of the T/18P Joint Venture, advises that as at 06:00 hours EDT on Thursday 24 December 2009 Rockhopper 1 is at 2,753m and currently performing a wiper trip prior to drilling ahead in the 8 ½” hole section. During the week 788m of 8 ½” hole was drilled.

Well type and location

Rockhopper 1 is an exploration well located in exploration permit T/18P, operated by Origin some 38km west of the Yolla gas field and approximately 10km north-north-east of Trefoil 1.

Rockhopper 1 is a deviated well. The final surface location is:

Latitude: 39° 47’ 34.1828” S
Longitude: 145° 26’ 21.4660” E

Planned total depth of the well is 3,487mRT (3,140m TVDSS). The primary objectives are the Paleocene sandstones within the Eastern View Coal Measures.

T/18P Participating Interests
Origin Energy Resources Ltd* 39.0% (Operator)
AWE Limited 47.5%
CalEnergy Gas (Australia) Ltd 8.5%
Innamincka Petroleum Ltd 5.0%

* a wholly owned subsidiary of Origin Energy Limited

For further information please contact:

Investors
Chris Giaouris
Manager, Investor Communications
Origin Energy
Phone: +61 2 8345 5556

Media
Tim Scot
Group Manager, Media and Reporting
Origin Energy
Phone: +61 2 8345 5306


Map of Bass basin showing exploration permit T/18P


About Origin Energy
Origin Energy is Australasia's leading integrated energy company focused on gas and oil exploration and production, power generation and energy retailing.

Listed in the ASX top 20 the company has approximately 4,000 employees, is a leading producer of gas in eastern Australia, is the largest owner and developer of gas-fired electricity generation in Australia and is a leading wholesaler and retailer of energy. The company services more than 3.5 million electricity, natural gas and LPG customers across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. Origin's strategic positioning and portfolio of assets provide flexibility, stability and significant opportunities for growth in the ever changing energy industry. Through Australia Pacific LNG, its 50:50 incorporated joint venture with ConocoPhillips, Origin is developing Australia's largest CSG to LNG project based on Australia's largest CSG reserves base.

In New Zealand, Origin is the major shareholder in Contact Energy, the country's leading integrated energy company, operating geothermal, thermal and hydro generation facilities and servicing electricity, gas and LPG customers across both the North and South islands. Origin also operates several oil and gas projects in New Zealand and is one of the largest holders of petroleum exploration acreage in the country.

Origin has a strong focus on ensuring the sustainability of its operations, is the largest green energy retailer in Australia and has significant investments in renewable energy technologies.

For more information go to www.originenergy.com.au

 
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