Origin Energy Limited (Origin), as operator of the BassGas Joint Venture, today announced that Seadrill Australia Pte Ltd (Seadrill) has been contracted to provide the drilling rig for the project's upcoming work program in Bass Strait's Yolla gas field.

The West Telesto drilling rig is expected to be mobilised during the 2014/15 Australian summer to drill the Yolla-5 and Yolla-6 wells as part of the Yolla Mid Life Enhancement project's second stage. The West Telesto is a three-leg jack-up rig that will cantilever over the Yolla platform during the drilling campaign.

The drilling of Yolla-5 and Yolla-6, along with the installation of associated flow lines and other works, will support the maintenance of gas production from the Yolla field.

BassGas Joint Venture:

Origin Energy Limited (Operator)*: 42.50%
AWE Limited (through subsidiaries): 46.25%
Toyota Tsusho Gas E&P Trefoil Pty Ltd: 11.25%

*Through its wholly owned subsidiaries

For further information please contact:

Media
Stephen Ellaway
Senior Manager, External Affairs
Ph: +61 2 9375 5834
Mobile: +61 417 851 287

Investors
Peter Rice
Group Manager, Capital Markets
Ph: +61 2 8345 5308
Mobile: +61 417 230 306

About Origin Energy

Origin Energy (ASX: ORG) is the leading Australian integrated energy company focused on gas and oil exploration and production, power generation and energy retailing. A member of the S&P/ASX 20 Index, the company has more than 6,000 employees and is a leading producer of gas in eastern Australia. Origin is Australia's largest energy retailer servicing 4.3 million electricity, natural gas and LPG customer accounts and has the country's largest and one of the most flexible generation portfolios with approximately 6,010 MW of capacity, through either owned generation or contracted rights. Origin's strategic positioning and portfolio of assets provide flexibility, stability and significant opportunities for growth across the energy industry. Through Australia Pacific LNG, its incorporated joint venture with ConocoPhillips and Sinopec, Origin is developing one of Australia's largest CSG to LNG projects based on Australia's largest 2P CSG reserves base.

In New Zealand, Origin is the major shareholder in Contact Energy, a 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.

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