The Mopane-3X Discovery: A Game-Changer for Namibia’s Energy Future
Portuguese energy giant Galp has struck light oil and gas condensate in its fifth well, Mopane-3X, as part of its second exploration and appraisal program in Namibia’s Orange Basin. This latest find, located in the Petroleum Exploration License 83 (PEL 83) blocks 2813A and 2814B, solidifies the region’s reputation as one of the most promising oil and gas frontiers on the planet.
Galp, operating with an 80% stake alongside partners Custos Energy and Namibia’s National Petroleum Corporation (NAMCOR), has been drilling in the Mopane complex since early 2025. The Mopane-3X well, spudded on January 2, 2025, targeted two stacked prospects—AVO-10 and AVO-13—and a deeper sand layer in the southeast region of the complex. Preliminary data reveals significant light oil and gas-condensate columns across AVO-10, with additional light oil found in AVO-13 and the deeper sand.
Why the Orange Basin is the New Energy El Dorado
The Orange Basin is quickly becoming a magnet for global energy players. With discoveries by TotalEnergies, Chevron, Shell, and Woodside already under its belt, the region is now firmly on the map as a hydrocarbon powerhouse. Custos Energy’s Chairman and CEO, Knowledge Katti, describes the Mopane complex as a “world-class asset” with multi-phase potential, underscoring the basin’s immense scale and quality.
What makes this discovery even more exciting is the reservoir quality. Initial measurements show high porosity, permeability, and pressure, with low oil viscosity and minimal concentrations of CO2 and H2S. These factors not only make extraction more efficient but also reduce environmental risks, a critical consideration in today’s energy landscape.
What’s Next for Galp and the Orange Basin?
Galp’s latest findings have exceeded expectations, with pressures and results higher than initially estimated. This opens the door for further exploration and appraisal opportunities in the southeast region of the Mopane complex. The company is now integrating the collected data into its reservoir model to plan future activities, including a proprietary 3D seismic acquisition campaign set to wrap up in Q1 2025.
The Mopane-3X well is just 18 kilometers from the Mopane-1X exploration well, drilled in November 2023, and follows a series of successful wells drilled throughout 2024. With Saipem’s Santorini drillship gearing up for the next phase of the campaign, the Orange Basin is poised to become a cornerstone of global energy production.
