Major discoveries and successful drilling operations make Namibia one of the world’s most significant offshore frontiers.
by Blue Africa News
A recent successful drilling operation is a timely reminder that Namibia is not about to lose its Africa’s oil and gas exploration ‘hotspot’ moniker any time soon, despite a dip in interest following its Orange Basin discovery. After making international headlines following the first drilling strikes, interest seemed to wane when it became apparent that the resources were located in the deep ocean and spread over a wide territory.
However, those challenges seem to have attracted some hardy players who are seeing success with their test drilling programs.
With its carbon resources estimated at 11 billion barrels of oil and 2.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, the country is said to have sufficient quantities of hydrocarbon reserves to turn it into a hub of upstream oil and gas exploration activities. The Orange Basin also extends beyond Namibia’s borders into South African territory.
Recently, BW Energy announced the completion of drilling operations on the Kharas-1 appraisal well in the Kudu license area, which is in the northern Orange sub-basin.
“Kharas-1 achieved its technical objective of testing multiple targets within a single penetration and delivered valuable geological, geochemical and petrophysical data,” said Carl Arnet, BW Energy CEO.
According to Arnet, the results also confirmed for the first time, the presence of liquid hydrocarbons within the Kudu block, contributing to “our understanding of the broader petroleum system.”
The next step for the company is to focus on higher-value targets.
“The reservoir complexity necessitates further appraisal to assess its potential. Our forward program will focus on further high value targets based on the presence of liquid hydrocarbons, as well as gas and the learnings from Kharas-1A,” added the BW Energy CEO.
The breakthrough was achieved after BW Energy’s efforts reached a total depth of 5,100m and intersected multiple reservoir intervals, with the well set to be plugged, and abandoned in line with the planned program.
Completion of drilling operations come on the backdrop of reports that two major oil companies, TotalEnergies and Chevron, are the front-runners in the auction for a 40% operating stake in Namibia’s Mopane discovery, also in the northern Orange Basin.
The Mopane offshore field is currently operated by Portuguese energy giant, GALP. It has an estimated reserve of at least 10 billion barrels of oil.
According to Reuters, the company is seeking to sell half of its 80% stake to a company that would become its operator, with the end of 2025 being set as the deadline to announce the winner.
Exxon, Petrobras and Shell were among the over 10 companies that had expressed interest in the Mopane project. However, Exxon withdrew in June, while Petrobras said it had been outbid by Total.
Oliver Ochieng, Blue Africa News