HONIARA, 10 July 2025 (TATOLI) — The governments of Timor-Leste and Australia have reaffirmed their joint commitment to advancing the Greater Sunrise gas field—an economically strategic project aimed at driving long-term growth and improving the livelihoods of the people.
“Politically, the Government’s program has been carefully designed—not only in terms of ongoing and upcoming negotiations, but also in establishing the key conditions needed to attract major future investments,” Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Francisco da Costa Monteiro, said during an exclusive interview with TATOLI on the sidelines of the g7+ mission in the Solomon Islands, held at the Heritage Hotel.
He explained that infrastructure developments such as the Suai Supply Base and the planned road connecting Zumalai to Natarbora are not isolated efforts, but integral components of the broader South Coast Development Plan, known as the Tasi Mane project. This initiative, he noted, is intended to lay the foundation for downstream industrial activities, including the development of Greater Sunrise.
Minister Monteiro acknowledged that negotiations had temporarily slowed in recent months due to Australia’s national elections. However, he said the process has regained momentum following the re-election of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the continued role of Minister for Resources Madeleine King—a long-time supporter of Timor-Leste with deep understanding of the bilateral relationship.
In a recent online meeting with the Australian side, he said both parties discussed ways to accelerate negotiations—particularly on legal and contractual matters—and to fast-track the finalization of the Greater Sunrise development concept.
He further noted that both governments welcomed the recent completion of the Greater Sunrise Concept Select Study and are now preparing to deploy technical teams to finalize the necessary legal frameworks and contractual arrangements.
In a significant move last year to bolster bilateral cooperation and support sustainable development, The Hon Madeleine King MP, Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia met with Timor-Leste’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Francisco da Costa Monteiro, to discuss the advancement of the Greater Sunrise project.
The Ministers reiterated their support for the ongoing talks between their officials and the Sunrise Joint Venture on finalising the Petroleum Mining Code; Fiscal Regime; and Production Sharing Contracts for Greater Sunrise project.
The Ministers continued their commitment to the mutually beneficial and commercially viable development of the Greater Sunrise project.
An independent study conducted by international consultancy Wood between April and November 2024 confirmed that developing Greater Sunrise on Timorese soil is both technically feasible and economically viable. The report also highlighted the project’s potential to deliver substantial social and economic benefits to the country.
The Timorese government continues to prioritize the development of the Greater Sunrise gas field, located approximately 140 kilometers south of the Timor-Leste coast. The project is operated by the Sunrise Joint Venture, comprising TIMOR GAP (56.6%), Woodside (33.44%), and Osaka Gas Australia (10%).
Considered a key driver of Timor-Leste’s long-term economic strategy, the Greater Sunrise development is also poised to enhance bilateral relations with Australia through continued partnership in energy development.
Journalist: Cidalia Fátima
Editor: Filomeno Martins
