Petroleum commissioner Maggy Shino says Namibia expects five wells to be drilled in 2024 offshore in the Orange Basin.
Speaking at the Africa Energy Week in Cape Town on 18 October, Shino says preparations and logistics are underway for drilling new wells.
“Total’s Deepsea Mira rig departed from Bergen, Norway, at the beginning of April 2023, and it is expected to reach Namibia on November 15.
“This rig is an enhanced and extended CS 60 E harsh environment design semi-submersible delivered by Hyundai Heavy in South Korea,” Shino says.
According to Shino, Namibia is committed to exploring oil and gas resources while concurrently developing renewable energy sources in light of the ongoing energy transition.
“We have a basket full of resources, and the focus remains on safeguarding the environment,” she says.
Shino mentions that Namibia plans include the implementation of gas-to-power projects and the establishment of a petrochemical industry.
She also says Namibia wants to produce blue hydrogen and fertilizer to bolster the agricultural sector while contributing more megawatts to the Southern African Power Pool.
“We are open for business,” Shino says.