French Energy Major Awaits Permits for Exploration Across Four Blocks
French energy giant TotalEnergies is preparing to launch drilling operations in South Africa’s offshore waters next year, pending regulatory approvals, according to Senior Vice President for Africa, Mike Sangster.
Speaking at an industry conference on Tuesday, Sangster revealed the company’s timeline for exploring its portfolio of four offshore blocks in the region. “We are hoping to drill in South Africa next year, once we get permits,” Sangster told attendees.
The announcement signals TotalEnergies’ continued commitment to exploring Africa’s offshore potential, following its significant discoveries in Namibian waters. South Africa’s offshore basins share geological similarities with Namibia’s Orange Basin, where major discoveries have sparked intense interest from international energy companies.
Industry analysts note that successful exploration in South African waters could transform the country’s energy outlook and provide much-needed domestic resources to a nation heavily dependent on energy imports. TotalEnergies’ expertise in deepwater exploration and development positions it as a key player in unlocking South Africa’s offshore potential.
The timeline for the drilling campaign will depend on South Africa’s permitting process, which requires thorough environmental impact assessments and regulatory approvals before exploration activities can commence. TotalEnergies’ four blocks represent a substantial exploration opportunity in a region that remains largely underexplored despite its promising geology.
Source: reuters.com
