After an extensive review process and regulatory consultations, Timor-Leste’s National Petroleum Authority (ANP) granted the Category A Environmental License to SundaGas, a subsidiary of Sunda Energy Plc (SNDA), for the drilling of the Chuditch-2 appraisal well. This approval represents a key step for the company in its energy expansion strategy in Southeast Asia.
The environmental license allows work to move forward on drilling in the offshore block TL-SO-19-16, where the Chuditch-2 well is located. SundaGas is the operator of the production sharing contract (PSC) and plans to begin technical operations after meeting certain requirements set by the authorities.
Environmental review completed
The approval comes after the company submitted the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the Environmental Management Plan (EMP). Both documents were assessed by the ANP’s technical committee and ultimately ratified by Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources. As a result, the Environmental License was granted on March 9, 2026 and is valid until March 9, 2028.
Conditions for drilling
Among the conditions set out in the environmental license are:
- Submission of a waste management plan prior to the start of operations.
- Conducting a post-drilling environmental study.
These guidelines reflect the country’s regulatory commitment to the sustainable management of its energy resources.
Company statements
Sunda Energy’s CEO, Dr. Andy Butler, highlighted the technical and collaborative work involved in obtaining this authorization:
“The granting of the Environmental License for Chuditch-2 is a crucial step in our drilling preparations and is the result of extensive work on studies, reviews, and planning together with the ANP.”
A strategic project for the region
Chuditch-2 is part of a high-potential gas asset located in deep waters, about 185 km south of Timor-Leste. The block is strategically positioned near existing processing infrastructure in Indonesia and northern Australia, which could facilitate its future regional commercialization.
Future outlook
With the environmental license in hand, Sunda Energy is preparing for the next operational steps, including logistics and mobilization to drill Chuditch-2. The company has indicated it will provide further updates as the project’s technical schedule progresses.
Source: Sunda Energy