Morocco’s Gas Potential Heats Up as Chariot Commences Drilling in Larache
The hunt for natural gas off the coast of Morocco is heating up, with UK-based Chariot Limited announcing the start of drilling operations at the Anchois-3 well. This exciting development, located within the Anchois gas field off the coast of Larache, signals a significant step towards unlocking Morocco’s energy potential.
Chariot anticipates the drilling process, undertaken by the Stena Forth drillship, to take approximately two months. This crucial phase will allow the company to evaluate the resource potential across various zones believed to hold substantial gas reserves.
The Anchois gas field has already generated significant interest, with previous assessments indicating a potential resource of over 1 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of gas. This latest drilling campaign aims to further refine these estimates and confirm the commercial viability of this valuable resource.
Morocco’s pursuit of energy independence has been a key driver in recent years, with the country actively exploring various renewable and non-renewable energy sources. The development of the Anchois gas field could significantly contribute to this goal, reducing reliance on imports and potentially positioning Morocco as a regional energy player.
The success of this drilling campaign could have far-reaching implications, attracting further investment in Morocco’s energy sector and bolstering the country’s economic growth. As the world transitions towards cleaner energy sources, natural gas is increasingly seen as a crucial bridge fuel, making discoveries like Anchois even more significant.
The coming months will be crucial for Chariot and for Morocco’s energy future. The results of the Anchois-3 well drilling will provide valuable insights into the true potential of this offshore gas field and its role in shaping Morocco’s energy landscape.
Morocco’s Gas Potential: Chariot Kicks Off Drilling Operations in Larache
British energy company, Chariot, has commenced drilling operations at the Anchois-3 well, signaling a significant step towards unlocking Morocco’s offshore gas potential. Located off the coast of Larache, the Anchois gas field is a focal point for the nation’s energy aspirations.
The Anchois-3 well, also known as Anchois-East, is expected to be drilled over a two-month period. This exploration endeavor aims to evaluate the gas resources in various zones within the Lixus Offshore license area. Chariot holds a 30% stake in this license, partnering with Israeli company Energean (45%) and Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM) (25%).
The Stena Forth drillship, a key player in offshore drilling projects globally, has arrived on site to undertake the operation. The primary targets for this drilling campaign are the deeper “Anchois North Flank” and the “Anchois Footwall” reservoirs. These reservoirs are estimated to hold significant gas reserves:
Anchois North Flank: Estimated at 213 billion cubic feet of natural gas.
Anchois Footwall: Estimated at 170 billion cubic feet of natural gas.
In addition to these targets, the drilling will also assess gas sands with a potential resource of 637 billion cubic feet. This combined exploration effort underscores the substantial gas potential of the Anchois field, potentially exceeding 1 trillion cubic feet.
This ambitious project has attracted significant investment. In July, Chariot secured £6.1 million (approximately $7.8 million) in funding to support the drilling operations. This financial backing highlights the confidence in the project’s potential to contribute significantly to Morocco’s energy landscape.
Chariot’s CEO, Adonis Pouroulis, expressed optimism about the project, stating, “We believe the prospect inventory and the primary well targets have significant resource potential and value, which could add materially to the resource base…and, in the success case, look forward to moving towards a Final Investment Decision as soon as possible.”
This initiative aligns with Morocco’s broader energy strategy, which emphasizes natural gas as a key component in its decarbonization efforts. The country aims to reduce its reliance on energy imports and transition towards a more sustainable energy mix.
Chariot’s commitment to Morocco extends beyond the Anchois project. In June, the company signed an agreement with Vivo Energy to utilize future natural gas production from its “Loukos” license, also located offshore Morocco. This partnership aims to supply gas to the domestic industrial sector and establish a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) venture to meet the growing energy demands of Moroccan industries.
The Anchois-3 drilling operation marks a pivotal moment in Morocco’s journey towards energy independence and a cleaner energy future. The success of this project could unlock significant economic benefits for the country and position Morocco as a key player in the regional gas market.
