Government of Timor-Leste

Today, October 22^nd, 2024, Agio Pereira, Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Interlocutor in the Greater Sunrise discussions, met at the Government Palace with representatives of the Japanese oil company INPEX to continue the strategic dialogue on the development of the Greater Sunrise project and the opportunities for development on the South Coast of Timor-Leste. Chris Wilson, INPEX's Executive Vice President of Operations; Yosuke Ueda, INPEX's representative in Timor-Leste; and Brodie Ryota Sugai, Business Development Consultant, attended the meeting. 

This was the third meeting between Minister Agio Pereira and INPEX, following meetings held in Dili in June and Darwin in July this year. The meetings aimed to explore possible partnerships in developing energy infrastructure in Timor-Leste, including the potential of Greater Sunrise.

INPEX, which holds a 9.6 percent stake in the Bayu-Undan Joint Venture, officially opened its office in Timor-Leste last June, demonstrating its willingness to expand its regional activities. Recognised as Japan's largest oil and gas exploration and production company, INPEX has extensive experience in the global energy sector, with investments in several nations, including Indonesia and Australia. 

During the meeting, INPEX presented proposals to support the development of Greater Sunrise, including solutions for the transport and distribution of gas. These initiatives aim to promote energy and industrial development in Timor-Leste, establishing new economic and employment opportunities for the population.

Minister Agio Pereira emphasised the importance of maintaining these discussions and exploring all the possibilities to help Timor-Leste make the most of its natural resources to boost economic growth and job creation.

Since April, Wood Australia has been conducting a conceptual study on developing the Greater Sunrise gas fields. This study aims to identify the best options for developing, processing and commercialising the extracted gas and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The Greater Sunrise gas fields are 140 kilometres south of the Timor-Leste coast. The consortium responsible for developing the Greater Sunrise fields (Sunrise Joint Venture) comprises TIMOR GAP, which holds 56.6 percent, Woodside, with 33.44 percent, and Osaka Gas Australia, with 10 percent.

The development of Greater Sunrise and the connection of the pipeline to Timor-Leste's south coast are national priorities essential for the country's future economic growth and development. The Government will continue to evaluate the best strategies to develop the project, ensuring that it moves forward sustainably and brings significant benefits to the nation and the region.