Timor-Leste President advocates for Greater Sunrise gas project

Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta has described the development of the Greater Sunrise gas fields in the Timor Sea as an economic imperative. Following a working visit to Australia, Ramos-Horta stated that the project is essential for job creation, stimulating the national economy, and securing the country's financial future, particularly following the commercial closure of the Bayu-Undan gas field last year.

The President expressed cautious optimism regarding negotiations with Australia and Woodside Energy, the Australian company operating the development. He indicated that fundamental regulatory agreements, including the Petroleum Mining Code, the Production Sharing Contract, and the Fiscal Regime, are expected to be signed soon following technical negotiations concluded in September.

During a summit in Perth, Ramos-Horta also addressed the energy transition, calling on international partners to make clean energy and technology more affordable for developing nations. He emphasized that for Timor-Leste, the transition must balance poverty reduction with environmental protection to ensure human dignity and economic independence.