The French oil and gas corporation, TotalEnergies, is engaged in strategic talks with its South African partners and the government to develop a plan for the rapid development of the company’s gas finds in the country.

In 2019, TotalEnergies made a significant discovery in Lower Cretaceous reservoirs on the Brulpadda project on Block 11B/12B, revealing 57 metres of net gas condensate pay. The French major is eager to speed up the exploitation of this oil and gas discovery, and it is collaborating with its partners to determine the best course of action.

Despite heavy ocean currents, the business was able to start drilling. The next step is the Final Investment Decision, which the French conglomerate is anxious to complete as soon as possible so that construction may begin.

Africa Oil Corp, the Canadian-based project partner, intends to see Block 11B/12B developed in stages, with initial production expected in 2027.

The project will help South Africa’s energy transition efforts by expanding gas participation in the country’s energy mix and increasing fuel production capacity. It would also provide gas to the state-owned oil company PetroSA’s 45,000 barrel per day refinery in Mossel Bay, which will process the gas for both liquid and electricity uses.