In this exclusive interview, The Energy Circle by IN-VR spoke with Andy Butler, CEO of SundaGas, about the company’s plans to fast-track the Chuditch gas field, its close collaboration with Timor-Leste’s authorities, and the growing investor confidence in the country’s energy sector.
Q1. What’s SundaGas’ strategic priority in Timor-Leste for the coming years?
A: For SundaGas, the priority remains the expedited appraisal and development of the offshore gas field Chuditch, that we operate in partnership with TIMOR GAP. Our studies to date have fundamentally upgraded the understanding of the field, which was discovered in 1998 by Shell. Until we had completed a very extensive seismic reprocessing project, imaging of the field in the subsurface was very poor and it was impossible to generate an accurate assessment of the likely gas resources present or plan where to drill future wells for further data collection and development planning. Since that work and a host of other technical studies were successfully completed, our efforts have been to prepare the drilling of a critical appraisal well to open the door for fast-track development. We had hoped to drill during 2025, but the well is now planned for early 2026. In parallel, we are liaising closely with the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (MPRM) regarding the shape of future gas development at Chuditch, with an aim to deliver gas via the infrastructure that MPRM is looking to put in place by the very early 2030s.
Q2. How do you assess Timor-Leste’s investment climate for gas development?
A: Gas development is often challenging, particularly where there is limited existing export infrastructure. However, the Timor-Leste government’s drive to expedite development of the nation’s resources creates a strong alignment that underpins the investment case for projects like Chuditch. This is exemplified by the increasing role of TIMOR GAP in all offshore gas projects, including its increased participation in Chuditch.
Q3: How are you collaborating with national authorities and companies?
A: Since establishing a business in Timor-Leste in 2018 and later signing our Production Sharing Contract, SundaGas has had a close relationship with all of the relevant authorities in Timor-Leste, especially MPRM, regulator (Autoridade Nacional do Petróleo or ANP) and our state-owned joint venture partner, TIMOR GAP. We share a common goal to see the expedited development of Chuditch gas resources and also broader Timorese participation in the energy industry through local content goals and initiatives.
Q4: What milestones are you aiming to showcase during the Forum?
A: I look forward to giving updates on our progress with Chuditch and how it fits into a broader plan for the offshore gas resources of Timor-Leste. I’ll also showcase some of our CSR and local content initiatives. More generally, I anticipate good discussions at the Forum around broader industry development and how SundaGas can contribute to the national goals.
Q5: What is your key message to global gas investors?
A: Come to Timor-Leste! Rarely will you find an operating environment where government support for the development of resources is so strong and such close alignment can be achieved. With material projects to be delivered and attractive fiscal terms, there’s good business to be done here for the benefit of all national and commercial stakeholders.
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