Tanzania announces 223 bcf gas find in Mtwara
Energy Minister Juma Homera announced the discovery at the Kasa-1X ST2 well, adding to domestic supply.
Tanzania has announced the discovery of an estimated 223 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas at the Kasa-1X ST2 well in Mtwara's Mnazi Bay area. Energy Minister Juma Homera made the announcement on October 27, following a three-well campaign by the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation and French operator Maurel & Prom (M&P). The government stated the find will add to domestic gas supply.
The 223 Bcf figure is an early estimate from the Kasa-1X ST2 well and should not yet be treated as a certified recoverable reserve, according to Homera. M&P, which operates the block with a 60 per cent interest, estimated gas volumes at approximately 200 Bcf gross in an October 22 technical update. The ministry had previously signalled the discovery on October 18, stating that drilling of two development and one exploration well had been completed.
The Kasa exploration well is envisaged to begin production as early as November, with an expected gross potential of 50 million cubic feet a day. This find is significant as Mnazi Bay is one of Tanzania's two producing gas fields, alongside Songo Songo. Gas from Mnazi Bay is used for power generation, industry, transport, and households.
Why it mattersThe discovery of natural gas will strengthen gas availability for power generation, industry, transport, and households in Tanzania.