Energy giant Mubadala Energy has made a significant natural gas discovery in Indonesia, potentially transforming the Southeast Asian nation's energy landscape. The discovery was made at the Tangkulo-1 well, located in the South Andaman Block, around 65 kilometers offshore North Sumatra. This marks Mubadala Energy's second successful gas well in the region, following the Layaran-1 discovery in late 2023.
The Tangkulo-1 well was drilled to a depth of 3, 400 meters in over 1, 200 meters of water. Analysis of the well revealed an 80-meter column of natural gas within a high-quality Oligocene sandstone reservoir. Mubadala Energy confirmed the find through extensive data collection, including core samples, wireline logging, and pressure and fluid sampling.
While the well's full potential is yet to be determined, Mubadala Energy estimates that it could produce between 80 and 100 million cubic feet per day (mmscf/d) of natural gas, along with over 2, 000 barrels of condensate per day. This significant discovery, coupled with the Layaran-1 find, suggests that the South Andaman Block holds vast natural gas reserves. Mubadala Energy plans to conduct further exploration and appraisal activities to determine the full extent of the resource.
Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest economy, has traditionally relied on coal for power generation. However, the country is increasingly looking to diversify its energy mix and transition towards cleaner-burning fuels. Natural gas is seen as a key bridge fuel in this transition, as it burns more cleanly than coal while still providing a reliable and efficient energy source.
The discovery by Mubadala Energy is a major boost for Indonesia's energy security. The newfound resources could help the country reduce its reliance on imported fuels and meet its growing domestic energy demand. Additionally, the development of the South Andaman Block has the potential to create significant economic opportunities, attracting investments and creating jobs in the oil and gas sector.
The windfall from natural gas could also be used to fund Indonesia's renewable energy ambitions. The country has set ambitious goals for increasing its renewable energy capacity in the coming years, and the revenue generated from natural gas exports could help finance these initiatives.
Mubadala Energy's discovery is not only positive news for Indonesia but for the entire Southeast Asian region. The increased availability of natural gas could spur economic growth across the region and contribute to a more stable and secure energy future for Southeast Asia.