Azule Energy has made a significant gas discovery offshore Angola with its Gajajeira-01 exploration well in Block 1/14, situated approximately 60 km off the coast in the Lower Congo Basin. Drilled in water depths of 95 meters and spudded on April 1, the well targeted the Lower Oligocene sandstone formations and revealed promising results. According to preliminary assessments, the discovery holds over one trillion cubic feet (TCF) of natural gas and up to 100 million barrels of associated condensates.
Wireline logs and fluid samples indicate more than 30 meters of net gas pay with good reservoir properties and fluid mobility. This marks Angola’s first exploration well drilled exclusively for natural gas and confirms the presence of a working hydrocarbon system in the offshore basin.
Consortium Backing and Strategic Energy Vision
The Gajajeira-01 discovery is operated by Azule Energy with a 35% stake, alongside partners Equinor (30%), Sonangol E&P (25%), and Acrep S.A. (10%). Azule Energy itself is a joint venture between BP and Eni, making this find a collaborative success among global energy players.
ANPG (Angola’s National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency) Chairman Paulino Jerónimo hailed the discovery as a major milestone, stating it reinforces the country’s strategy to attract private investment and advance domestic energy solutions. “This is a motivating factor in our ongoing efforts to develop and monetize natural gas,” he said. Azule Energy CEO Adriano Mongini echoed this sentiment, describing the find as a “landmark moment” in Angola’s energy evolution.
The discovery aligns well with Angola’s broader energy ambitions, including expansion into petrochemicals, fertilizers, and increasing the domestic use of natural gas. It also comes at a time when Angola is asserting greater independence in energy policymaking following its 2023 exit from OPEC.
Future Outlook and National Impact
This discovery is expected to play a pivotal role in the implementation of Angola’s Gas Master Plan, which aims to elevate the role of gas in the national energy mix to 25% by 2025. The country has been steadily building momentum in gas development with infrastructure like the Angola LNG plant in Soyo and recent projects such as the Sanha Lean Gas Connection and the Quiluma-Maboqueiro development.
Next steps for Azule Energy and its partners include continued drilling to reach deeper reservoirs, further reservoir analysis, and formulation of development strategies. The consortium is evaluating whether to prioritize domestic consumption, industrial applications, or LNG export potential.
As drilling operations continue, the Gajajeira-01 well positions Angola not only as an oil-rich nation but now also as a rising player in global gas markets, potentially unlocking new revenue streams and strengthening energy security for the region.
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