The National Agency for Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG), ExxonMobil Angola and the Angola Block 15 partners have announced a new discovery at the Bavuca South-1 exploration well
The discovery is a part of the Angola Block 15 redevelopment project, which is expected to deliver around 40,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) to help offset natural production declines. This is the 18th discovery in Angola Block 15, first in nearly 20 years. The well encountered 30 m(98 ft) of high-quality, hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone. It is located approximately 365 kms northwest off the coast of Luanda and was drilled in 1,100 m (3,608 ft) of water by the Valaris DS-9 rig.
"ExxonMobil is optimising this resource and delivering value to the people and government of Angola, our Block 15 partners and our shareholders," said Liam Mallon, president of ExxonMobil Upstream Company. "Our development strategy continues to deliver, providing affordable energy to meet increasing global demand while reducing emissions. In Angola, we have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 74% since 2016."
As the Block’s operator, ExxonMobil is leading the installation of new technology and a multi-year drilling programme.
There have been 17 previous discoveries on Block 15: Hungo, Kissanje, Marimba and Dikanza in 1998; Chocalho and Xikomba in 1999; Mondo, Saxi and Batuque in 2000; Mbulumbumba, Vicango and Mavacola in 2001; Reco Reco in 2002, and Clochas, Kakocha, Tchihumba and Bavuca in 2003.
ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration Angola (Block 15) is the operator of Block 15 and holds a 36% interest. BP Exploration (Angola) holds 24%, ENI Angola Exploration holds 18%, Equinor Angola Block 15 holds 12% and Sonangol P&P holds 10%. The National Agency for Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG) is the Block 15 Concessionaire.
