Alaska Approved Two New Paxton Pad Wells
The state cleared Hilcorp to expand drilling operations at a site located four miles northeast of Ninilchik.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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The Alaska Division of Oil and Gas has approved Hilcorp Alaska's plan to drill two additional grassroots wells, Paxton 16 and Paxton 17, at the existing Paxton Pad. These wells will integrate with the operator's current infrastructure within the Ninilchik unit.
Why it matters
The expansion signals continued investment in the Kenai Peninsula’s energy infrastructure by the unit operator. This follows the state's prior approval of the Paxton 14 and 15 wells earlier this year.
State regulators approved two new wells at the Paxton Pad, bringing the site's total approved projects to four this year. This follows the January 27 authorization of the Paxton 14 and 15 wells.
The players
Hilcorp Alaska
An energy company that operates the Ninilchik unit and manages production assets across Alaska.
Alaska Division of Oil and Gas
The state regulatory agency responsible for managing and approving oil and gas development plans.
The details
The project requires the installation of comprehensive onsite infrastructure to support the new wells. This includes gas flowlines, electrical instrumentation, line heaters, separators, and compressors located on privately owned surface and subsurface land.
Timeline
January 27: The state previously approved the Paxton 14 and 15 wells.
September 28, 2026: The Alaska Division of Oil and Gas approved the plan for the Paxton 16 and 17 wells.
Market Landscape
This development follows the established regulatory framework for expanding production within existing lease units on the Kenai Peninsula. The project aligns with ongoing infrastructure investment patterns overseen by Alaska's Oil and Gas Leasing and Development regulations.
Operators in the Kenai Peninsula should note the expansion of site infrastructure including compressors and separators. Reviewing local development trends can assist in anticipating supply chain and service demand in the region.
The takeaway
The Paxton Pad expansion highlights the continued operational growth of existing units in Alaska. Owners should monitor state regulatory filings for future capacity announcements as these projects advance toward the construction phase.
Further reading
For more on the regional energy sector, explore Oil and Gas.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Drilling Contractor.
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