Latest news with #PanoroEnergy
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Panoro Energy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Outline Infrastructure-Led Exploration at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025
John Hamilton, CEO of independent exploration and production company Panoro Energy, has joined the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 conference - taking place September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town - to discuss strategies for advancing exploration in Africa. With stakes in various strategic blocks in Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, South Africa and Tunisia, the company is well-positioned to share insights into West and Central Africa's upstream landscape. Panoro Energy kicked off 2025 with an oil discovery at the Bourdon prospect on the Dussafu block, situated offshore Gabon. The well encountered approximately 34 m of net oil play in a 45 m oil column in the Gamba reservoir, with an appraisal well side-track confirming an additional 11 m of net oil play. Representing the largest hydrocarbon column found to date at Dussafu, the discovery supports estimates of around 56 million barrels of oil in place. Of this, 25 million barrels are considered recoverable. At AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, Hamilton is expected to share insight into this discovery and its impact on the broader oil and gas landscape in Gabon. AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit for more information about this exciting event. Beyond Gabon, Panoro Energy has stakes in the Ceiba field and Okume Complex, situated in Equatorial Guinea's Block G. In 2024, Block G operator Trident Energy – alongside its partners Panoro Energy, Kosmos Energy and GEPetrol – brought online the C-45 infill well at the Ceiba field. The well came online in October and was the first of two infill wells drilled a the Ceiba field and Okume Complex. The second well, OF-19, was drilled during the same period. The drilling program aligns with efforts by the block partners to unlock greater value from Equatorial Guinea's mid-life assets. Meanwhile, Panoro Energy is also striving to develop Africa's natural gas reserves. The company was awarded a 100% interest in Technical Cooperation Permit (TCP) 218 in South Africa, situated in the onshore northern Free State province. TCP 218 lies in the prospective Northern Karoo Basin, which boasts a proven natural gas and helium system. The asset is also situated in close proximity to the producing Virginia gas field. In 2024, Panoro Energy applied to secure an exploration right for helium and natural gas in the Karoo Basin. The application involves a three-year exploration work program and builds on preliminary studies conducted as part of the technical cooperation permit granted in 2022. The Karoo Basin boasts some of the world's highest concentrations of helium ever recorded, and with a proven gas system, holds significant potential for gas discoveries. During AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, Hamilton is expected to provide an update on ongoing exploration and production campaigns across the continent. Through his participation in panel discussions, Hamilton is set to share insight into various key topics, including the role independent exploration and production companies play in Africa; strategies for unlocking frontier basins such as Karoo; and the value of partnerships in monetizing the continent's oil and gas resources. 'With interests in various strategic blocks in West and Central Africa, Panoro Energy is targeting greater production through infrastructure-led exploration. Working closely with national oil companies and international operators, the company continues to unlock significant value from offshore oil and gas assets. The company is a strong example of the role independent exploration and production firms play in Africa,' states Tomás Gerbasio, VP Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Zawya
23-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
GEPetrol Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 as Equatorial Guinea Accelerates Upstream Revival
Bienvenido Nguema Envo, CEO of Equatorial Guinea's national oil company GEPetrol, has been confirmed as a speaker at African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. His participation comes at a pivotal moment for Equatorial Guinea as the country undertakes bold steps to revitalize its oil and gas industry, attract new investment and strengthen energy security across West Africa. Under Nguema Envo's leadership, GEPetrol is executing a robust development strategy that includes new production sharing contracts (PSCs), the relaunch of exploration and drilling activities, and a transformative field redevelopment program. His participation at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 is expected to spotlight these initiatives, while sharing insight into the role GEPetrol is playing in shaping the next phase of growth for Equatorial Guinea's energy sector. AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit for more information about this exciting event. Among the highlights of GEPetrol's recent activities is the company's strategic partnership with independent exploration and production company Panoro Energy for Block EG-23, a highly prospective offshore asset north of Bioko Island. Under the PSC, Panoro Energy now holds an 80% participating interest and operatorship of Block EG-23, while GEPetrol holds the remaining 20%. With estimated resources of 104 billion barrels of oil and condensate and 215 billion cubic feet of gas, the block has already yielded multiple discoveries and is a focal point of renewed exploration. The collaboration aligns with Equatorial Guinea's infrastructure-led approach to boosting upstream development. In addition, GEPetrol and energy major Chevron signed PSCs last year for Blocks EG-06 and EG-11, both located near the prolific Zafiro field. These deepwater blocks are viewed as central to reversing national production declines and unlocking new discoveries. The agreements come as part of Equatorial Guinea's broader effort to incentivize exploration in underdeveloped acreage and fast-track resource monetization. GEPetrol recently assumed operatorship of the Zafiro field – Equatorial Guinea's largest oil asset – following energy major ExxonMobil's exit. A multi-phase redevelopment plan is underway, with the company targeting increased production and operational optimization. A recent $350 million technical services contract awarded to international service provider Petrofac represents a key milestone in the redevelopment of the field as well as GEPetrol's transformation into a globally competitive upstream operator. 'Bienvenido Nguema Envo's participation at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 reinforces the strategic repositioning of GEPetrol as a driving force in Equatorial Guinea's energy resurgence. As the country advances major offshore projects, redevelops legacy fields and positions itself as a regional gas hub, Nguema Envo's leadership and vision are key to unlocking investment and production growth,' states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. With 1.1 billion barrels of proven crude oil reserves and 1.7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, Equatorial Guinea's energy potential remains significant. Nguema Envo's engagement at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 will provide a high-level view of GEPetrol's future-forward strategy, ongoing partnerships and the country's broader energy transformation. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Zawya
17-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Equatorial Guinea Relaunches Open-Door Licensing Process in Houston, Texas, Paving the Way for Major 2025/2026 Licensing Round
Equatorial Guinea has officially relaunched its open-door licensing process for 2025, setting the stage for a major licensing round at the end of 2025 or early 2026. This move marks a strategic shift toward prioritizing licensing and exploration, with a strong focus on regulatory competitiveness, tax incentives and data transparency. These developments will take center stage at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies, taking place in Cape Town on September 29-October 3, where the 'Invest in African Energies: Equatorial Guinea' session will provide a platform for global investors to engage with the country's evolving energy strategy. Equatorial Guinea's Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, Antonio Oburu Ondo, outlined the country's comprehensive exploration strategy at CERAWeek in Houston last week, aimed at boosting hydrocarbon production, attracting investment, addressing declining output and enhancing competitiveness. Fiscal reforms include reducing corporate tax from 35% to 25%, dividends tax from 25% to 10%, and withholding tax from 6.25% to 3% for residents (or from 15% to 10% for non-residents). The country's open-door policy enables international oil and gas companies to apply for licenses through a streamlined process involving direct negotiation with the state. The government's aggressive promotion policy has already yielded results, with seven new production-sharing contracts awarded in record time. These include blocks EG-31 and EG-18 to Africa Oil Corp, blocks EG-11 and EG-06 to Chevron, blocks EG-23 and EG-01 to Panoro Energy and Block EG-08 to Antler Global. The next licensing round will be underpinned by a new competitive tax law, a strengthened hydrocarbons law and the launch of a multi-client 3D seismic acquisition initiative – all aimed at boosting investor confidence and accelerating exploration. The new multi-client 3D seismic acquisition and reprocessing of legacy data is set to launch by year-end, ensuring that investors have access to high-quality geological insights. This initiative will be highlighted at AEW 2025, where industry leaders will explore how enhanced data-sharing and transparency can drive exploration success across Africa. These efforts directly support an intensified focus on drilling, with all the country's operators having either executed in-field or exploration drilling campaigns in 2024 or planning to do so between 2025 and 2027, according to Minister Oburu Ondo. Equatorial Guinea's Gas Mega Hub initiative remains a key pillar of its energy strategy, with ongoing collaborations with Cameroon on the Yoyo-Yolanda fields and Nigeria on the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project to monetize and process gas at the onshore Punta Europa facilities. The country is advancing multi-phase initiatives including the Alen Gas Monetization Project (580 BCF), Alba Tail Gas Monetization Project (825 BCF) and Aseng Gas Monetization Project (~1 TCF) to strengthen its position as a regional gas powerhouse. The government is also making strides in climate initiatives, working to reposition Equatorial Guinea as a leader in gas and transitional energy while establishing carbon credit ventures through international collaborations. As Africa works to attract investment to transform its energy sector, Equatorial Guinea's strategic reforms provide a model for other nations, demonstrating how regulatory competitiveness, investor-friendly policies and a robust licensing framework can drive long-term success. AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit for more information about this exciting event. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Zawya
06-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
GEPetrol Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Speak at Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 as Equatorial Guinea Advances Oil Production Revitalization
Bienvenido Nguema Envo, CEO of Equatorial Guinea's national oil company (NOC) GEPetrol, is confirmed as a speaker at the Invest in African Energy 2025 Forum in Paris. Nguema Envo will offer insights into Equatorial Guinea's strategic initiatives aimed at revitalizing the country's oil production and expanding its energy sector. GEPetrol is advancing several key exploration and development initiatives, with a focus on offshore fields and attracting new investments through recently signed PSCs. In November, GEPetrol partnered with Panoro Energy to sign a PSC for Block EG-23, marking Panoro's second operated asset in the country. Previously operated by Marathon Oil, the block has seen 19 wells drilled and is estimated to contain 104 million barrels of oil and condensate, along with 215 billion cubic feet of gas. During the initial three-year term, the partners will concentrate on subsurface studies to assess the block's prospectivity, with the option to extend for an additional two years to drill an exploration well. IAE 2025 ( is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@ The NOC is focused on boosting production capacity through the development of key assets, including the Zafiro field and Ceiba and Okume Complez. The Zafiro field, Equatorial Guinea's largest, is at the heart of revitalization efforts following GEPetrol's takeover of operatorship from ExxonMobil in June 2024. That same month, GEPetrol signed two PSCs with Chevron for offshore Blocks EG-06 and EG-11. Located near the producing Block B, these highly prospective assets are expected to reinvigorate the country's exploration and production activities. The agreements include comprehensive development plans that outline minimum investments, exploration programs, sustainability initiatives and state benefits, representing a strategic move to counter the recent decline in oil output caused by aging fields and underinvestment in untapped resources. As these initiatives progress, GEPetrol aims to solidify Equatorial Guinea's position as one of Africa's leading oil producers while driving output growth. The company's focus on enhancing operational efficiency, leveraging advanced technologies and attracting new investment will be crucial in unlocking the full potential of the country's hydrocarbon resources. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
Zawya
27-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
BW Energy Joins Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Amid Record Dussafu Output, Namibia Exploration Progress
Jérôme Bertheau, Executive Vice President – Global Projects at BW Energy, will speak at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Forum, set to take place May 13-14 in Paris. Bertheau's participation underscores the company's commitment to advancing Africa's energy sector through innovative developments and strategic investments. BW Energy is making significant strides in Africa's energy landscape, particularly in Gabon, where the company is enhancing production at the Dussafu field through advanced recovery techniques. Last October, the company signed PSCs for the Niosi Marin and Guduma Marin offshore exploration blocks in partnership with Panoro Energy and VAALCO Energy. These agreements include drilling one well in the Niosi Marin block during the exploration phase, alongside plans for a 3D seismic acquisition campaign. BW Energy aims to complete the first phase of Hibiscus and Ruche development and bring production to a nameplate capacity of 40,000 barrels per day. IAE 2025 ( is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@ In addition to its activities in Gabon, BW Energy is making progress in Namibia with plans to drill a well on the Kharas prospect offshore, northwest of the Kudu Formation. The company has secured long-lead items and is in discussions with other operators for rig capacity, with drilling expected to begin in the second half of 2025. Furthermore, BW Energy has completed the processing of a PSDM 3D dataset over the offshore Kudu gas field and is advancing its development planning for the proposed Kudu gas-to-power project. The company is also progressing its Maromba oilfield development in Brazil, with a final investment decision expected in early 2025. Bertheau's participation at IAE 2025 highlights BW Energy's commitment to innovation and its focus on maximizing the value of its African assets while promoting local content and sustainable development. The company's involvement underscores its position as a leading energy player, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships to drive growth across its portfolio. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
