Songo Songo gas well repair to boost daily production, supply

By Guardian Reporter , The Guardian

Published at 01:35 PM Oct 28 2024

Photo: Guardian Reporter

Charles Sangweni, Director General of the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (wearing a black shirt) during a special visit to the Songo Songo Block in Lindi Region, where the renovation work on the natural gas production well is ongoing.

THE ongoing refurbishment of a natural gas well at Songo Songo block in Lindi Region is expected to boost production by approximately 20 million cubic feet per day.

According to authorities, the well (SS7) undergoing refurbishment, encountered technical challenges that led to a temporary suspension of gas production.

Charles Sangweni, Director General of the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) announced at the weekend during a visit to Songo Songo block to oversee progress of the renovation.

He said the refurbishment project is projected to cost around $20 million (54bn/-) and is expected to be completed by early November 2024.

“Timely completion is crucial due to increasing energy demands in the country. Once the refurbishment is completed, the block can generate up to 100 megawatts of electricity,” he said.

Sangweni said in the first quarter of the 2024/25 financial year, the average natural gas production from Songo Songo block reached approximately 86 million cubic feet per day, indicating a robust demand for natural gas.

He said the development is particularly promising for Tanzania’s energy sector, which strives to enhance electricity generation capacity amid growing demand.

Appearance of well number 7, which is being renovated at the Songo Songo Block. The renovation will enable an increase in natural gas production by approximately 20 million cubic feet per day.

He noted that natural gas production from Songo Songo block began in 2004, with the primary goal of supporting electricity generation.

The block has been instrumental in meeting the country’s energy needs, especially as Tanzania continues to expand its industrial base and improve access to electricity for its population. Currently, the Songo Songo block comprises six operational wells namely SS3, SS5, SS9, SS10, SS11 and SS12.

“The expected increase in production from well SS7 will not only enhance energy supply but is also anticipated to have a positive ripple effect on the economy, potentially attracting further investments in the energy sector,” he said.

Additionally, the refurbishment aims to improve the overall operational efficiency of the Songo Songo block, addressing previous technical challenges and ensuring a more reliable production process.

“This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to sustainable energy development and its strategic role in fostering economic growth through enhanced energy supply,” he said.