Mubadala Energy confirms second consecutive significant gas discovery in Indonesia’s South Andaman

Abu Dhabi-headquartered Mubadala Energy on Monday announced a second major Indonesia gas find that positions South Andaman as one of the world’s most important plays for the commodity.

The international energy company - operator of the South Andaman Gross Split PSC - has now made back-to-back “game-changing” discoveries with potential for more than 2 TCF of gas-in-place.

Huge potential

This latest substantial gas discovery is from the Tangkulo-1 exploration well, drilled in South Andaman, about 65km offshore North Sumatra. It marks the second deep water well operated by Mubadala Energy. 

Tangkulo-1 was drilled to a depth of 3,400m in 1,200m water depth, just a few months after a major discovery at the Layaran-1 well.

The company said the Tangkulo-1 well encountered 80m of gas column in a good quality Oligocene sandstone reservoir, confirmed through an extensive data gathering campaign that included obtaining a full core of 72m, wireline logging, sidewall core, pressure and fluid sampling. 

Confirmed find

Utilising a new drill stem test (DST) design, the well successfully flowed 47 mmscf/d of excellent gas quality, and 1,300 barrels of condensate, the firm revealed. Although testing was constrained by testing facilities, estimated well capacity is 80-100mmscf/d and at least 2,000 barrels of condensate.

Mansoor Mohammed Al Hamed, Mubadala Energy CEO, commented: “When added to our recent success at Layaran-1, this game-changing discovery promises to transform Indonesia’s and Southeast Asia’s energy landscape and demonstrates that South Andaman is one of the world’s most exciting energy plays.”

Mubadala is regions major player

Al Hamed continued: “By working with partners and harnessing our world class technical capabilities, I am confident we can realise the full potential of this block, in line with our commitment to support the government’s ambitious development timeframes.

“This news also strengthens our ability to play a proactive role in the energy transition through our gas-biased strategy.”

With an 80% working interest in South Andaman, Mubadala Energy is the largest net acreage holder in the area. 

Great track record

Tangkulo-1 is an important pillar in the cluster’s development story, in line with UAE company’s gas-biased strategy.

The discovery unlocks further potential in the southern part of the block and indicates an additional multi-TCF of prospective gas resource in nearby structures.

Together with Layaran-1, Mubadala Energy said the Tangkulo-1 discovery added material contingent volume and provided a platform for the company’s continued organic growth in the region through additional exploration and appraisal activities.