Angola's Gajajeira-01 Gas Discovery
Angola's landmark Gajajeira-01 gas discovery, led by Azule Energy (BP-Eni JV)
A Landmark for Energy Strategy and Industrial Growth
Ashley Johnson | July 16, 2025
Historic Gas Discovery: Azule Energy (BP-Eni JV) announced a significant natural gas discovery at the Gajajeira-01 well, Angola's first well drilled exclusively for gas.
Substantial Resources: Preliminary estimates suggest over 1 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas and up to 100 million barrels of associated condensate.
Aligned with National Plan: The discovery directly supports Angola's new National Gas Master Plan (NGMP), adopted in April 2025.
Boost for Industrialization: The NGMP aims to use gas for power generation and develop Angola's petrochemical and fertilizer industries.
Revitalizing Energy Sector: This find is crucial for diversifying Angola's energy mix and revitalizing its overall energy sector.
Angola has marked a historic milestone in its energy sector with the announcement of a significant natural gas discovery at the Gajajeira-01 exploration well, located in Block 1/14 offshore in the Lower Congo Basin. This is a pivotal moment as it represents Angola's first well drilled exclusively for gas exploration, signaling a strategic shift to harness its vast gas resources.
The Discovery Details: The Gajajeira-01 well, spudded on April 1, 2025, at a water depth of 95 meters and approximately 60 kilometers off the Angolan coast, was drilled by Azule Energy, a 50:50 joint venture between international energy majors BP and Eni. The exploration encountered promising gas- and condensate-bearing sandstones in one of the Lower Oligocene targets (LO100).
Preliminary assessments are highly encouraging, suggesting that gas volumes in place could exceed 1 trillion cubic feet (Tcf), with up to 100 million barrels of associated condensate. These results confirm the presence of a working hydrocarbon system and open new exploration opportunities in the Lower Congo Basin, an area previously underexplored for gas. Drilling operations are still ongoing, with the next target being the last Lower Oligocene interval, LO300.
Strategic Significance for Angola: This landmark discovery aligns directly with Angola's newly adopted National Gas Master Plan (NGMP), formally approved in April 2025. The NGMP is a comprehensive, 30-year strategy designed to:
Structure a Domestic Gas Industry: Move beyond associated gas (gas produced alongside oil) to dedicated gas exploration and production.
Enhance Energy Security: Increase gas's share in the national energy mix to 25% in the short term, up from the current 7-10%.
Reduce Flaring: Monetize gas resources that were previously often flared.
Boost Industrialization: Provide a stable and abundant supply of gas for power generation, and crucially, for the development of petrochemical and fertilizer industries within Angola. This is seen as vital for strengthening domestic consumption and reducing reliance on imports.
Attract Investment: The NGMP aims to attract over $30 billion in investment and deliver more than $150 billion in economic benefits by providing a clear investment framework and outlining opportunities across the gas value chain.
Paulino Jerónimo, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Angola's National Agency of Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG), emphasized that "These new discoveries are a motivating factor in our ongoing efforts to attract private investment in the sector for the development and monetization of natural gas. It is an important resource for strengthening access to energy resources and domestic consumption, in addition to its significant role in boosting the petrochemical industry and fertilizer production in our country."
Adriano Mongini, CEO of Azule Energy, echoed this sentiment, stating, "This is a landmark moment for gas exploration in Angola. Gajajeira-01 is the country's first dedicated gas exploration well, and its success reinforces our confidence in the potential of the Lower Congo Basin. We are proud to contribute to Angola's long-term energy development with a focus on sustainability and energy security."
Key Partners in Block 1/14: The Block 1/14 consortium includes:
Azule Energy (Operator): 35%
Equinor: 30%
Sonangol E&P (Angola's state-owned oil company): 25%
Acrep S.A. (Angola-based private firm): 10%
Future Outlook: While Angola has historically been a significant oil producer, with crude output declining in recent years due to underinvestment, this gas discovery comes at a critical time to revitalize its energy sector. The success of Gajajeira-01 further strengthens Angola's position as a key player in West Africa's energy landscape, particularly as European markets seek diversified and secure gas supplies. Azule Energy will continue to assess the full potential of the discovery and collaborate with its partners to determine the optimal development strategy.
