Sunda Energy clears environmental hurdle for Chuditch-2 appraisal well

(WO) - Sunda Energy Plc has received an environmental license to drill the Chuditch-2 appraisal well within the TL-SO-19-16 Production Sharing Contract offshore Timor-Leste, clearing a key regulatory milestone ahead of drilling preparations.

The license was issued March 9 by Timor-Leste’s upstream regulator, Autoridade Nacional do Petróleo (ANP), following submission and approval of the project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP). The Category A environmental license is valid through March 2028 and includes conditions such as submission of a waste management plan prior to operations and completion of a post-drilling environmental survey.

Chuditch-2 is planned as an appraisal well targeting the Chuditch gas discovery in the offshore PSC area operated by Sunda Energy’s wholly owned subsidiary, SundaGas Banda Unipessoal, Lda. The company said the approval follows an extended period of environmental studies, regulatory consultations and technical reviews with ANP.

“Award of the Environmental Licence for Chuditch-2 is a major milestone in our drilling preparations and the result of extensive survey work, studies and planning,” said CEO Andy Butler. “We appreciate the strong collaboration with ANP in preparing the Environmental Impact Statement and Environmental Management Plan.”

Sunda Energy said additional updates on operational preparations and drilling plans will be provided as the project advances.