Angola Marks Major Milestones in Gas Exploration, Training, and Oil Production Expansion

(3 Minutes Read) A significant announcement was made by the National Agency of Petroleum, Gas, and Biofuels (ANPG) and Azule Energy, revealing a promising natural gas discovery offshore Angola. The gas was found in the Gajajeira-01 exploration well, located in Block 1/14 in the Lower Congo Basin. This block is operated by Azule Energy, which holds a 35% stake, in collaboration with Equinor (30%), Sonangol E&P (25%), and Acrep S.A. (10%). According to the ANPG’s official statement, the Gajajeira-01 well was drilled on April 1 at a water depth of 95 meters and approximately 60 kilometers from the coast. The well encountered sandstone formations containing both gas and condensate in the Lower Oligocene zone, specifically the LO100 target. Early analysis and fluid sampling show the presence of several reservoirs with good flow characteristics. Preliminary estimates suggest the gas reserves could surpass 1 trillion cubic feet, with up to 100 million barrels of condensate associated with the find. The discovery not only confirms the existence of a hydrocarbon system in this area but also presents new exploration opportunities for the region. Azule Energy and its partners will now assess the full potential of the find and explore the best strategies for future development. Adriano Mongini, CEO of Azule Energy, hailed the discovery as a "landmark moment for gas exploration" in Angola, emphasizing its significance as the country's first well dedicated exclusively to gas exploration. He stated that the result enhances confidence in the untapped potential of the Lower Congo Basin and aligns with Angola’s broader energy goals focused on sustainability and security. Paulino Jerónimo, Chairman of ANPG, described the discovery as a strong motivator in the agency's mission to attract further private investment in Angola’s natural gas sector. He highlighted its importance in expanding energy access, supporting domestic consumption, and boosting key industries such as petrochemicals and fertilizer production. The ANPG also stressed that the initial section of the well was safely drilled using advanced reservoir assessment tools to ensure operational safety and optimize data collection. Drilling continues, with the next target set at the LO300 interval within the Lower Oligocene layer. In another significant development, Angola inaugurated a new Training Center for Drilling, Completion, and Well Control last Friday in Luanda. The center, affiliated with the National Petroleum Institute (INP), was inaugurated by Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, and Minister of Public Administration, Labor, and Social Security, Teresa Dias. The training center, built to international standards, is expected to strengthen the technical capacity of Angola's oil and gas workforce. It will train up to 800 professionals annually, offering modern educational tools such as virtual reality (VR) simulations that provide immersive training experiences for both conventional and subsea rig operations. Additionally, the facility is equipped with a certified simulation laboratory that meets global standards set by the International Well Control Forum (IWCF) and the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC). This allows the center to independently evaluate, certify, and validate drilling and well control competencies. Minister Azevedo affirmed the government's ongoing commitment to leveraging every barrel of oil for economic diversification and social development. Minister Dias emphasized the role of the training center in promoting employability and strengthening technical education. Joaquim Alegria, Director-General of INP, praised the center’s ability to retain certification within Angola—previously only possible abroad—saving costs and supporting the local workforce. He noted that the center is now equipped to train and certify professionals across multiple drilling rig roles. Another achievement from last week was the extension of the production period in Block 15. ANPG and its partners—ExxonMobil (operator), Azule Energy, Equinor, and Sonangol—signed an addendum to the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) on Thursday. The revised agreement will extend production from 2032 to 2037, accompanied by an investment increase of approximately USD 3 million. This move is expected to unlock an additional 200 million barrels of oil reserves, significantly boosting Angola’s long-term production capacity. Read Also: https://trendsnafrica.com/5th-angola-oil-gas-conference-bring-45-countries-to-luanda/ These combined developments underscore Angola’s commitment to advancing its energy sector, not only through significant exploration and production efforts but also by investing in education and workforce development to ensure sustainable growth and energy security.