BW Energy has announced plans to drill a new gas well offshore Namibia within its Petroleum Production License 003 (PPL 003) between September and October 2025. This marks a significant step forward for the long-delayed Kudu gas project. Manfriedt Muundjua, Deputy General Manager of BW Kudu, made the announcement during the Namibia International Energy Conference, highlighting the company’s renewed efforts to develop Namibia’s offshore hydrocarbon resources.
The drilling campaign is part of a larger exploration strategy aimed at improving the project's economic prospects. Muundjua confirmed that essential drilling equipment has already been secured, with delivery expected by June 2025. A second well is planned for early 2026, demonstrating BW Energy’s systematic approach to resource assessment and development.
Muundjua emphasized that “the Kudu gas field remains a cornerstone of Namibia’s energy future.” He noted that existing infrastructure, supported by proven reserves of 1.3 trillion cubic feet (tcf), provides a solid foundation. However, expanding the resource base is crucial to meet increasing domestic and regional energy needs. Over the past two years, BW Energy’s geologists have re-evaluated the 5,000-square-kilometer license area using advanced 3D seismic data acquired in 2023. This technology has allowed for detailed mapping of subsurface structures, reducing exploration risks and improving targeting accuracy.
Once dormant for decades due to technical and economic hurdles, the Kudu project has regained momentum under BW Energy’s leadership. The company, which acquired a 56% operating stake in 2022, aims to develop the field into a regional gas hub for power generation. The plan includes fueling a 420 MW power plant that could supply electricity to Namibia and neighboring countries, supporting the country’s efforts to diversify its energy sources and cut reliance on imports.
Muundjua highlighted the broader socio-economic benefits, stating that successful development could position Namibia as a key energy player in the region while helping to address ongoing power shortages. “This isn’t just about extraction—it’s about creating sustainable value through infrastructure, jobs, and energy security,” he said.
The 2025–2026 drilling campaign is a critical test for the project’s future viability. If additional reserves are confirmed, BW Energy may accelerate final investment decisions (FID), enabling the earliest possible production by the late 2020s. The initiative aligns with global energy trends, as natural gas is increasingly seen as a transitional fuel in the shift toward renewable energy sources.
Following major oil discoveries by TotalEnergies and Shell, Namibia’s energy sector is attracting strong international interest. BW Energy’s progress at Kudu underscores Namibia’s emerging status as a hydrocarbon prospect. With equipment on the way and schedules in place, stakeholders eagerly await the next chapter in unlocking Namibia’s offshore gas potential.