Beetaloo Energy (ASX:BTL) - Nears First Gas as AI Data Centre Demand Builds

Interview with Alex Underwood, Managing Director, Beetaloo EnergyOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/empire-energy-asxeeg-racing-to-unlock-vast-australian-shale-gas-resource-4901Recording date: 7th August 2026Beetaloo Energy Australia, formerly Empire Energy Group, is moving toward a crucial milestone in the development of the Northern Territory’s Beetaloo Basin, with first gas from its Carpentaria pilot now targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026. The updated schedule is later than the company’s previously indicated 2025 timeframe, reflecting construction and commissioning realities rather than a change in the project’s resource base or contracted sales position.Three wells have been connected to a pilot pad located approximately five kilometres from the Carpentaria gas plant, whose construction and flowline installation are largely complete. The project is supported by a binding 10-year gas sales agreement with the Northern Territory Government. The contract provides fixed-price revenue with a consumer price index-linked escalator, giving Beetaloo visibility over near-term cash flows. Initial supply is expected to reach 10 terajoules per day, potentially increasing by another 15 terajoules per day once pipeline-flow infrastructure is upgraded.The company reports approximately A$125 million in available liquidity, divided roughly between cash and undrawn facilities, including Macquarie Bank funding for the gas plant. Management says this provides sufficient funding through first gas without an immediate need for further equity.However, well economics remain dependent on substantial cost reductions. Recent wells cost more than A$50 million each, partly because of Australia’s remote logistics and high transport costs. Beetaloo expects year-round drilling and stimulation to eventually halve well costs, supporting targeted internal rates of return of 30% to 50%.A separate growth opportunity comes from a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Halliburton for Beetaloo Digital, a proposed AI data centre near Darwin. Halliburton would contribute power-generation expertise, while Beetaloo’s role would remain focused on supplying gas rather than owning or operating the facility.Longer term, demand could come from Northern Territory industry, east-coast gas shortages and LNG exports. Nevertheless, the investment case remains exposed to first-gas delays, high initial well costs, third-party pipeline investment and the uncommitted status of the data-centre proposal.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/empire-energy-groupSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com