What remains in the country?

After the Molln discovery: what happens now with the gas

The gas discovery was made shortly before the drill had to give way to nature, at least until the fall.

(Bild: Jack Haijes)

Hoped for and feared: In Molln in Upper Austria, there is a breakthrough at a depth of 1500 meters - and a "historic gas discovery" according to the company behind it. A local inspection and what the gas drilling boss has to say about the next drilling site and how much of the extracted gas is likely to remain in Austria.

We drive into the Jaidhaus, a valley head of the Krummen Steyerling. Pure nature as far as the eye can see. About twelve kilometers from Molln, we come across a "restricted zone". Natural gas is being drilled here on an area of around 8000 square meters. On Sunday evening, the exploration company ADX announces that gas has been found - at a depth of around 1500 meters.

ADX CEO Ian Tchacos spoke of a "historic find" and a "gas resource" that "needs to be tapped for Austria". It is hoped that 24 billion cubic meters of gas will be found - three times the amount that Austria consumes each year.

Despite the criticism to which the Australian company ADX has been subjected since drilling began around two months ago, the "crown" is being received with open hands. There are no restrictions, we are allowed to take photos and even take aerial shots with a drone. And Tim Stoll, the Operations Manager, and ADX boss Alain Reingruber (see interview below), are happy to provide us with information.