TotalEnergies eyes 7 exploration wells in S. Africa

TotalEnergies is seeking approval to drill up to seven exploration wells in the southern part of its Deep Water Orange Basin (DWOB) block off the west coast of South Africa, as per documents from SLR showed on Tuesday.

Shell and other oil companies are also interested in this area due to recent discoveries in the Orange Basin, which could lead to more findings further south.

TotalEnergies EP South Africa is exploring a new area in the deep waters of DWOB, located 200 kilometres from shore between Port Nolloth and Saldanha Bay. The company has received authorisation to search for oil and gas in the northern part of DWOB in 2023.

“TEEPSA now wants to explore for oil and gas in a new area of interest within the southern part of the licence block,” a document from SLR environmental consultancy showed.

SLR, an independent environmental consultancy, has been tasked with conducting an environmental impact assessment as part of the regulatory process required for TotalEnergies to begin exploration activities.

The area of interest for TotalEnergies, which recently gave up interests in other offshore blocks in South Africa, covers nearly 15,000 km2. TotalEnergies did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment.

Offshore exploration in South Africa has faced obstacles due to legal challenges from environmental activists who oppose fossil fuels and worry about the impact on fishing communities.

Attribution: Reuters

Subediting: M. S. Salama