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Galp-led discovery in the Orange Basin reveals light oil and gas condensate in high-quality reservoirs, consolidating Namibia as one of the largest emerging oil and gas hubs in the world.
Namibia is capturing the world’s attention with yet another major new discovery of light oil and gas condensate. The Portuguese oil and gas company Galp is responsible for the new discovery, which found promising reserves during its exploration campaign in the PEL 83 license, off the coast of Namibia. The region, known as the Orange Basin, is establishing itself as one of the most promising spots for oil and gas exploration on the planet. But what makes this discovery so special?
Galp's role in the Orange Basin
The PEL 83 license, located north of other areas with large discoveries, such as Shell's PEL 39 and TotalEnergies' PEL 56, has shown a enormous potential. Recently, the Santorini drillship, operated by Saipem, encountered light oil and gas condensate in high-quality sands in the Mopane-2A well. This operation is part of a program that includes drilling up to four wells.
In addition to avoiding additional mobilization and demobilization costs, the continued use of the drillship has allowed Galp to maintain an intense exploration pace. This commitment highlights the growing interest in the Orange Basin, especially with previous discoveries in the region.
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Details of new discoveries
The AVO-3 and AVO-4 reservoirs stood out for the quality of their sands and the presence of hydrocarbons. With good porosity and permeability, these reservoirs present high pressures and fluidity, in addition to minimal concentrations of CO2 and no presence of H2S. This means that the hydrocarbons found have ideal characteristics for commercial production.
Another encouraging fact is that no contact with water was detected, which reinforces the potential of these reserves. Now, Galp and its partners – NAMCOR and Custos – are working on analyzing the data to better understand the Mopane complex and determine the commercial viability of exploration.
A look at the Orange Basin
The Orange Basin has been the focus of numerous global companies due to its recent discoveries. Wells such as Graff-1, La Rona-1, Jonker-1 and Venus-1 have shown that the region has significant oil and gas reserves. With this new discovery by Galp, Namibia reaffirms its role as a new rising energy power.
The interest in the Orange Basin is not by chance. The region combines favorable geological factors, growing infrastructure and a regulatory environment that encourages exploration. This attracts investment from major players, consolidating Namibia as a strategic hub.
Next steps for Galp and partners
With drilling at Mopane-3X scheduled for early 2025, Galp continues its exploration campaign focusing on two new prospects, AVO-10 and AVO-13. In addition, a high-density 3D seismic campaign is underway to better map the area.
These initiatives not only strengthen the potential of the Mopane complex, but also open the door to future investment. Namibia, once seen as a territory with low geological risk and high cost, is now considered one of the most promising regions in the world for oil and gas.
Global impact of the new discovery
The new discovery in Namibia is not only important for the country, but also for the global energy market. With demand for hydrocarbons still high, discoveries like this help ensure energy security in a world transitioning to cleaner sources.
For Namibia, the economic impact could be transformative. Successful exploration could create jobs, attract foreign investment and transform local infrastructure. It is as if Namibia is digging into a treasure chest, the fruits of which could benefit the entire nation.
Namibia is in the center of attention with another great discovery of light oil and gas condensate, reinforcing its role in the global energy market. Galp, together with its partners, continues to explore the potential of the Orange Basin, promising a bright future for the country and the oil and gas sector. This new discovery is more than a milestone – it is a symbol of the growth and opportunities that Namibia has to offer the world.
The Pelotas basin also needs to be explored.