Angola strikes major offshore gas discovery in landmark exploration success

Azule Energy has confirmed a significant offshore gas discovery off Angola’s coast, following the successful drilling of the Gajajeira-01 well, the country’s first exploration well dedicated solely to gas.

• The well, located in the Lower Congo Basin, reveals over one trillion cubic feet of gas reserves.
• This marks Angola's first dedicated natural gas exploration success, bolstering confidence in the basin's potential.
• The discovery aligns with Angola's Gas Master Plan, aiming to expand gas production and contribute to the national energy mix.

The discovery, announced on Friday, July 12, by Angola’s National Oil and Gas Agency (ANGP), was made in Block 1/14, located in the Lower Congo Basin as per Reuters

According to ANGP, the well encountered gas and condensate-bearing rock. Preliminary estimates suggest that the field may hold more than one trillion cubic feet of gas and up to 100 million barrels of associated condensate.

Major project partners

Azule Energy, a partnership between BP and Eni, operates the block with a 35% stake. Other partners in the consortium include Equinor, which holds 30%; Angola’s state-owned Sonangol E&P, with 25%; and privately held Angolan company Acrep S.A., which holds the remaining 10%.

In a joint statement, Azule Energy CEO Adriano Mongini said, “This is a landmark moment for gas exploration in Angola. The Gajajeira-01 well is the first dedicated gas exploration in the country, and its success reinforces our confidence in the potential of the Lower Congo Basin.”

Angola charts path to gas development

The successful drilling of the Gajajeira-01 well marks a significant milestone in Angola’s exploration efforts and, according to Azule, strengthens confidence in the broader gas potential of the region.

With Angola recently identified by the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) as a rising hub in Africa's energy transition, the discovery adds further momentum to the country's growing strategic importance in the sector.

This discovery builds on a decade-long effort that began with the launch of the Angola LNG plant in Soyo in 2013, aimed at reducing flaring and monetizing associated gas from offshore oil fields.

Recent developments such as the Sanha Lean Gas Connection and the Quiluma–Maboqueiro project are key milestones in Angola’s Gas Master Plan, which targets a 25% share of natural gas in the national energy mix by 2025.

The plan also aims to attract billions in investment, expand domestic power and industrial capacity, and strengthen Angola’s role as a regional gas exporter. The Gajajeira-01 breakthrough signals both progress and momentum in achieving those goals.

Fathia Olasupo

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