Casablanca – Sound Energy, a British oil and gas exploration company, has announced significant progress toward the long-term production of natural gas at its Tendrara field in eastern Morocco. The company recently completed reconditioning work on its TE-6 and TE-7 wells, key developments that pave the way for the commencement of gas production in the coming months.
The Tendrara field, which spans approximately 23,000 square kilometers, is a major asset in Morocco’s growing energy landscape. With an estimated 10.67 billion cubic meters of natural gas, the field has the potential to play a vital role in meeting the country’s energy demands. Sound Energy confirmed that the Star Valley Rig 101 drilling platform, which had been central to operations at both wells, has been safely demobilized, marking the completion of drilling operations.
Preparations for long-term gas production
The company’s statement outlined that the recent maintenance work on the TE-6 and TE-7 wells included replacing key components such as the tubing head at TE-7 and installing corrosion-resistant pipes, ensuring the integrity of the wells for long-term production. The next step will be directing gas output to a micro-liquefied natural gas (micro-LNG) plant, currently under construction at the site. This plant will process, liquefy, and store the gas for distribution to Moroccan industries, with initial production targets set at 100 million cubic meters of LNG per year starting mid-2025.
Strategic acquisitions and investments
The development of the Tendrara field has gained further momentum through the involvement of the Moroccan mining group, Managem. The group recently acquired a 55% stake in the Tendrara field, following its purchase of Sound Energy Morocco East Limited (SEME) in a deal worth approximately $12 million. The acquisition, completed after a competitive bidding process open to international investors, is part of Managem’s broader strategy to invest in low-carbon energy solutions.
Sound Energy PLC is also expected to contribute $24.5 million in financing for the second phase of the project. Upon completion of this acquisition, the ownership of the Tendrara project will be distributed among Managem (55%), Sound Energy Meridja Ltd (20%), and the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), which retains a 25% share.
A safe and successful operation
Sound Energy expressed satisfaction with the progress made, emphasizing that all operations were conducted safely and without incident. The company credited the dedication and professionalism of its teams at Bedrock Drilling Ltd, its contractors, and its suppliers, as well as the ongoing support from ONHYM.
By advancing through key technical milestones and forging strong partnerships, Sound Energy is now well-positioned to begin gas production at the Tendrara field, a development that could bolster Morocco’s industrial energy supply and contribute to the country’s energy security.
As the Tendrara field moves closer to full-scale production, it stands as a testament to the growing importance of natural gas in Morocco’s energy strategy, offering new opportunities for industrial growth and low-carbon energy transition.
