Angola is known as Africa’s second largest oil producer. Recently, the National Agency for Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels, ExxonMobil Angola and the Angola Block 15 partners announced a new discovery at the Bavuca South-1 exploration well.

The well happened upon 98 feet of high quality hydrocarbon bearing sandstone. This is located approximately 365 kilometers Northwest off the coast of Luanda and was drilled in 3,608 feet of water by the Valaris DS-9 rig.

The president of ExxonMobil, Liam Mallon said “ExxonMobil is optimizing this resource and delivering value to the people and government of Angola, our Block 15 partners and our shareholders. Our development strategy continues to deliver, providing affordable energy to meet increasing global demand while reducing emissions. In Angola, we have reduced greenhouse emissions by 74% since 2016”.

ExxonMobil is leading the installation of new technology and a multi-year drilling program aimed at producing approximately 40,000 barrels per day, although the Bavuca South-1 well is part of the Angola Block 15 redevelopment project. This new development will aid to offset natural production declines.

In nearly 20 years there have been up to 18 discovery on Block 15; Hungo, Kissanje, Marimba and Dikanza in 1998; Chocalho and Xikomba in 1999; Mondo, Saxi and Batuque in 2000; Mbulumbumba, Vicango and Mavacola in 2001; Reco Reco in 2002; and Clochas, Kakocha, Tchihumba and Bavuca in 2003.