Azule Energy, the joint venture equally owned by bp Plc and Eni SpA, has reported a significant gas discovery at its Gajajeira-01 exploration well, located offshore Angola in the Lower Congo Basin. The announcement marks a major step forward for Angola’s natural gas ambitions and energy diversification strategy.
The well, drilled in partnership with the National Agency of Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG) and the Block 1/14 Contractor Group comprising Azule Energy (35%), Equinor (30%), Sonangol E&P (25%), and Acrep S.A. (10%) was spudded on 1 April 2025 in 95 metres of water, around 60 kilometres off the coast. It encountered multiple gas- and condensate-bearing sandstone layers within the Lower Oligocene formation, specifically the LO100 target.
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Analysis
Preliminary analysis and fluid sampling indicate strong reservoir quality and good fluid mobility. Early estimates suggest the site holds more than 1 trillion cubic feet of gas and up to 100 million barrels of condensate, positioning it as a potentially transformative asset for Angola’s gas sector.
“This is a breakthrough for Angola’s energy sector,” said Adriano Mongini, CEO of Azule Energy. “Gajajeira-01 is the country’s first dedicated gas exploration well, and its success strengthens our belief in the untapped potential of the Lower Congo Basin.”
The drilling campaign is ongoing, with operations now targeting a deeper reservoir known as LO300. Safety and precision have been prioritised throughout the project, with cutting-edge formation evaluation tools deployed to guide decision-making.
Paulino Jerónimo, Chair of ANPG, underscored the strategic value of the discovery. “These results underscore the importance of natural gas in supporting Angola’s energy security, industrial growth, and long-term economic resilience,” he said. “We continue to encourage private sector involvement to help realise the full value of these resources.”
Azule Energy, which produces more than 200,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, also holds exploration assets in Namibia’s Orange Basin and is actively expanding its regional footprint. The company will continue to assess the full scope of the Gajajeira-01 discovery in collaboration with its block partners to chart a suitable development path.
