Total discovers second significant gas reserve in SA waters

Total has made a significant gas condensate discovery on the Brulpadda prospects, located in the Outeniqua Basin, 175km off the south coast of SA. Picture: SUPPLIED

Some experts have estimated that the find could bring a R1-trillion boost to the SA economy over the next 20 years

Total has announced its second significant gas discovery off the coast of SA, this time at its Luiperd well.

Having drilled to a depth of 3,400m in the Outeniqua basin, 175km off the southern Coast of SA, the French multinational on Wednesday said it had encountered 73m of net gas condensate.

The well will soon be tested to assess the dynamic reservoir characteristics and deliverability, the company said.

The Luiperd well is adjacent to Total’s Brulpadda well, where the first gas find was discovered in early 2019. Some experts have estimated that the find could bring a R1-trillion boost to the SA economy over the next 20 years.

“We are very pleased with this second discovery and its very encouraging results, which prove the world-class nature of this offshore gas play,” said Arnaud Breuillac, president of exploration and production at Total. “With this discovery and the successful seismic acquisitions, Total and its partners have acquired important data on the Paddavissie fairway, which will help to progress development studies and engage with SA authorities regarding the possible conditions of the gas commercialisation.”

The Block 11B/12B in which both the Luiperd and Brulpadda wells are located covers an area of 19,000km2, with water depths ranging from 200m-1,800m. It is operated by Total with a 45% working interest, alongside Qatar Petroleum (25%), CNR international (20%) and Main Street, an SA consortium (10%).