French Independent Perenco Drilling Successful Horizontal Oil & Gas Wells into a Cretaceous Reservoir in Chad with Chinese Drilling Rig and Growing Production in Central Africa: Production in Chad Exceeding Estimates

      French independent oil & gas producer Perenco is finding drilling success in its fields in Chad in North Central Africa, as well as in Central Africa. The company recently added 7000 Bbls per day from eight horizontal wells targeting an Upper Cretaceous reservoir in its Badila and Mangara fields in Chad. This brings its total production in the country to 18,000 Bbls per day, surpassing its target of 16,000 Bbls per day.  The drilling also included three water disposal wells and one appraisal well for a total of twelve wells drilled. They also installed four gas turbines for on-site power generation and upgraded facilities for higher oil output. The rig, owned and operated by China's Great Wall Drilling Company (GWDC), is expected to move on to its Krim development in the Doba Basin, operated by Perenco subsidiary PetroChad Mangara (PCM), to drill an eight-well program. PCM is also using associated gas from its operations to supply electricity to Moundou, Chad’s second-largest city, providing energy to roughly 100,000 people.

     Perenco’s Central African projects include its Kombi 2 offshore platform in waters off the Republic of Congo. According to Oil Price US:

“Perenco’s Congo-Brazzaville portfolio contributed 75,000 boe/d to the company’s output last year, supported by strong performance at the Emeraude and PNGF Sud fields and new permits including Ikalou, Mwafi, Awa, Foukanda, and Djambala.”

     The company hopes to lead the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in realizing its goal of producing 500,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2030. This project also includes deploying gas turbines for power. They are investing $200 million in the country.

     Perenco’s total gross global output is about 500,000 Bbls per day, utilizing a team of 8500, in 12 countries, onshore and offshore. 

    

 

    

 

References:

 

Perenco surges past production targets with new wells in Chad. Charles Kennedy. Oil Price US. December 3, 2025. Perenco surges past production targets with new wells in Chad

Perenco boosts oil output from legacy field in central Africa: Development drilling at mature Badila oilfield in Chad drives up production. Iain Esau. Africa Correspondent/London. Upstream. December 1, 2025. Perenco boosts oil output from legacy field in central Africa | Upstream

Perenco Congo launches new development phase with Kombi 2 platform. Perenco. June 12, 2025. Perenco-Congo-launches-new-development-phase-with-Kombi-2-platform-Congo.pdf