BW Energy, the Norway-based listed energy company, has announced the successful completion of drilling operations on the Kharas-1 appraisal well in the Kudu licence area offshore Namibia, marking a significant step in the company’s ongoing exploration efforts in the region.
The well was drilled to a total depth of 5,100 metres and intersected several reservoir intervals. According to BW Energy, the well will now be plugged and abandoned in line with the approved drilling programme.
During drilling, several shallow turbidite reservoirs showing indications of dry gas were encountered. Reservoir properties from these intervals, along with data gathered from the recovered whole core, are currently undergoing evaluation.
More notably, the deeper section of the well revealed the presence of hydrocarbons within a fractured volcaniclastic reservoir. BW Energy says this confirms a working petroleum system in the Kudu block, with early indications pointing to condensate and/or light oil.
Further laboratory analysis is underway to determine the extent of the system, reservoir characteristics, and future appraisal options.
Commenting on the results, BW Energy CEO Carl Arnet said the Kharas-1 well met its primary technical objectives.
“Kharas-1 achieved its technical objective of testing multiple targets within a single penetration and delivered valuable geological, geochemical and petrophysical data. The results also confirm, for the first time, the presence of liquid hydrocarbons within the Kudu block and contribute to our understanding of the broader petroleum system,” Arnet stated.
He emphasised that while the findings are encouraging, the complexity of the reservoir system will require further appraisal to determine commercial viability.
“The reservoir complexity necessitates further appraisal to assess its potential. Our forward programme will focus on further high-value targets based on the presence of liquid hydrocarbons, as well as gas and the learnings from Kharas-1,” he added.
The Kharas-1 results are expected to play an important role in shaping BW Energy’s next phase of exploration within the Kudu licence area, where the company aims to unlock both gas and liquids potential in one of Namibia’s emerging offshore energy frontiers.
Discover more from Energy News Africa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.