TotalEnergies SE is preparing to launch a new offshore drilling campaign in South Africa’s Deep Western Orange Basin, a region that extends into waters where Namibia has made major oil discoveries.
According to SLR Consulting, which is conducting an independent environmental assessment, the company’s South African unit plans to drill up to seven wells about 211 kilometres (131 miles) off the coast of Saldanha Bay.
A draft assessment has been released for public comment until September 10, Bloomberg reported.
Chief Executive Officer Patrick Pouyanné said during an earnings call last month that drilling in South African prospects is expected to begin next year.
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Shell Plc also plans to drill up to five wells within the Northern Cape Ultra Deep license block off South Africa’s coast, according to a notice by SLR last year.
In recent years, environmental groups have successfully challenged several offshore exploration projects in South African courts.
The new plans by TotalEnergies and Shell come as both companies ramp up exploration following major 2022 discoveries across the maritime border in Namibia, which have turned the area into one of Africa’s most promising oil frontiers.
South Africa has yet to produce oil, but energy companies estimate the country holds around 2.6 billion barrels in reserves.
Some of the most promising areas include the Orange Basin, Luderitz, Kavango, and Walvis basins. Projections suggest South Africa could begin producing oil by 2030.
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Image Credit: Oil Price
