SOUTH SUDAN – South Sudan is preparing to restart production in various oil fields, including Block 5A operated by Sudd Petroleum Operating Company.
Sudd Petroleum Oil Company (SPOC) has proactively started corporate social responsibility activities for local communities surrounding Block 5A in the Tharjath field, which it operates.
Block 5A is located in the Muglad-Sudd Rift Basin on the same geological trend as the Greater Nile Oil Project in Sudan. It has a production capacity of 80,000 BPD of high-quality Nile blend.
The Block – which had a 10% production cap enforced by Sudan – has the potential to produce up to 15,000 barrels per day (BPD), according to an agreement signed between Sudan and South Sudan in 2018.
Production in Block 5A began in 2006 at 40,000 BPD and peaked at 54,000 BPD in 2009. By 2014, however, production was reduced significantly to 4,500 BPD, eventually ceasing entirely.
The potential resumption of Block 5A comes during a time of peace in the country, as H.E. the Minister of Petroleum Awow Daniel Chuang strives to create a conducive environment for investors.
To further attract investment into the country’s energy sector, Juba will host the third edition of South Sudan Oil & Power 2019, produced by Africa Oil & Power and in partnership and with the endorsement of the Ministry of Petroleum of South Sudan on October 29-30, 2019 at the Crown Hotel.
“As we work towards replenishing our reserves, we want to invite investors to participate in the bidding and licensing round 2020.
“We intend to announce the tendering round for a comprehensive environmental audit – the first of its kind in South Sudan,” Minister Awow Daniel Chuang stated.
“We are going to have a comprehensive environmental audit, which needs to be done through an international tender – in line with our policy of promoting transparency,” he said.
“We welcome all international oil players to come to South Sudan and join SSOP 2019 in Juba.
“The business environment is very conducive as we continue to implement the peace agreement because peace is going to add a lot of energy to the economic sector of South Sudan.
“We want to use this forum to teach investors about business opportunities in oil and gas in South Sudan.”
Work includes the provision of treated water supply, as well as the provision of medical supplies, which currently benefits an estimated 5,000 people in the area.
The South Sudanese government has been in talks with SPOC to re-open the block since 2016 by consulting with companies and deploying extra security at the Tharjath field.