BW Energy has unveiled plans to drill a new gas well at its Petroleum Production License 003 (PPL 003) offshore Namibia between September and October 2025, marking a pivotal step in advancing the long-awaited Kudu gas project. The announcement, made by Manfriedt Muundjua, Deputy General Manager of BW Kudu, during the Namibia International Energy Conference, signals the company’s intensified efforts to unlock the full potential of Namibia’s offshore hydrocarbon resources.
The upcoming drilling campaign forms part of a multi-phase exploration strategy designed to bolster the Kudu gas project’s commercial viability. Muundjua confirmed that critical drilling equipment has already been secured, with delivery anticipated by June 2025, ensuring operational readiness. A second well is scheduled for early 2026, reflecting BW Energy’s commitment to systematic resource evaluation and development.
“The Kudu gas field remains a cornerstone of Namibia’s energy future,” Muundjua stated. “Our existing gas-to-power infrastructure, anchored by proven reserves of 1.3 trillion cubic feet (tcf), provides a strong foundation. However, expanding this resource base is essential to meet growing domestic and regional energy demands.” He revealed that BW Energy’s geologists have spent the past two years reassessing the license area—spanning 5,000 square kilometers—to identify untapped reservoirs, leveraging cutting-edge 3D seismic data acquired in 2023. This advanced dataset has enabled precise mapping of subsurface structures, reducing exploration risks and enhancing targeting accuracy.
The Kudu project, dormant for decades due to technical and economic challenges, has regained momentum under BW Energy’s stewardship. The company, which acquired a 56% operating stake in 2022, aims to transform the field into a hub for gas-fired power generation, aligning with Namibia’s goals to diversify its energy mix and reduce reliance on imports. The gas-to-power initiative envisions channeling reserves to a 420 MW power plant, potentially supplying electricity to Namibia’s grid and neighboring markets.
Muundjua emphasized the project’s broader socioeconomic implications, noting that successful development could position Namibia as a regional energy player while addressing chronic 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 represents a critical litmus test for the project’s scalability. If additional reserves are confirmed, BW Energy could fast-track final investment decisions (FID), paving the way for first gas by the late 2020s. The initiative also aligns with global energy trends, as natural gas gains recognition as a transitional fuel amid the shift toward renewables.
As Namibia’s energy sector attracts unprecedented interest following major oil discoveries by TotalEnergies and Shell, BW Energy’s progress at Kudu underscores the nation’s emergence as a hydrocarbon hotspot. With equipment en route and timelines set, stakeholders await the next chapter in Namibia’s quest to harness its offshore riches.