TotalEnergies Secures Exploration Permit Off Congo Coast

TotalEnergies has secured a new exploration permit off Congo’s coast, partnering with QatarEnergy and state-owned SNPC.

French energy giant TotalEnergies has been awarded a new exploration permit for the Nzombo area off the coast of the Republic of Congo, the company announced on Monday. The site lies close to the firm’s existing Moho production facilities, where it already has significant offshore operations.

Under the agreement, TotalEnergies will operate the Nzombo block with a 50% stake. QatarEnergy will hold a 35% interest, while Congo’s state-owned Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC) will retain the remaining share.

Covering 1,000 square kilometres and located about 100 kilometres off Pointe-Noire, the Nzombo block is regarded as a high-potential asset. “This award strengthens our portfolio of high-impact prospects,” said Kevin McLachlan, TotalEnergies’ senior vice-president for exploration.

The company confirmed that the work programme includes drilling one exploration well, scheduled to begin before the end of 2025.

TotalEnergies currently produces around 65,000 barrels of oil per day in the Republic of Congo, largely from offshore wells. SNPC also holds a 15% stake in the Moho production facilities, according to the company’s website.

The development further consolidates TotalEnergies’ presence in Central Africa, where it has been a key partner in the country’s oil industry for decades.