UK-Based Sunda Energy Submits Drafts for Environmental Impact Assessment in Timor-Leste Gas Field

UK-based and AIM-listed Sunda Energy, formerly known as Baron Oil, has taken a significant step forward in its plans for drilling at a gas field off the coast of Timor-Leste, Southeast Asia. The company’s subsidiary, SundaGas Banda Unipessoal, has submitted drafts for public consultation of the environmental impact statement (EIS) and environmental management plan (EMP) for the planned appraisal well.

The appraisal well, named Chuditch-2, is part of Timor-Leste production sharing contract TL-SO-19-16. SundaGas submitted the drafts to the Timor-Leste regulator, Autoridade Nacional do Petróleo (ANP), on April 11, kicking off the public consultation process.

According to Sunda Energy, the draft EIS and EMP incorporate the results of an environmental baseline survey conducted at the drilling location. The company emphasized the importance of engaging with the public through various media channels in Timor-Leste.

The drilling of the Chuditch-2 well is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2025, following a change in the timeline due to delays in drilling activities by other operators using the same rig. Sunda Energy had previously announced a non-binding letter of intent with a drilling contractor for a definitive jack-up rig contract.

SundaGas Banda Unipessoal holds a 60% interest in the Chuditch PSC, with the remaining 40% held by a subsidiary of the Timor-Leste state oil company, Timor Gap. The gas field, covering approximately 3,571 square kilometers with water depths of 50-100 meters, includes the Chuditch-1 gas discovery made by Shell in 1998.

The Chuditch-2 appraisal well will be located 5.1 kilometers from the original drilling site, at a water depth of 68 meters.