Eni Launches Second Phase of Oil and Gas Development in Côte d’Ivoire
Italy’s energy giant Eni has kicked off production from the second stage of its oil and gas development off the coast of Côte d’Ivoire, marking the largest discovery in the country and the first net-zero upstream project in Africa in terms of Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Further expansion is also on the horizon as Eni looks to add a third chapter to its Baleine story.
Eni, the company behind the Baleine and Calao discoveries in Côte d’Ivoire, has successfully launched Baleine Phase 2 on December 28, 2024, just a year after the start-up of Baleine Phase 1. This move is expected to boost production levels to 60,000 barrels of oil per day and 70 million cubic feet of associated gas, equivalent to 2 million cubic meters.
The deployment of the floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) Petrojarl Kong alongside the floating storage and offloading (FSO) Yamoussoukro will facilitate oil exports and supply 100% of processed gas to meet local energy demands. This development solidifies Côte d’Ivoire’s position as a key player in the global energy landscape.
Chris Brett, President of Altera Infrastructure Production, emphasized the significance of this milestone and Altera’s commitment to contributing to the region’s industry growth from its operational base in Abidjan.
Altera Infrastructure secured 15-year contracts in October 2023 to redeploy the FPSO Voyageur Spirit (now Petrojarl Kong) and the Nordic Brasilia shuttle tanker (now FSO Yamoussoukro) for the Baleine Phase 2 project, showcasing Eni’s efficient time-to-market strategy.
Eni’s Baleine project stands out as the first net-zero emission upstream project in Africa, achieved through advanced technologies and collaborative initiatives with Ivorian ministries. The project’s FID was made in December 2022, with Phase 2 activities running parallel to Phase 1 and now set for further expansion with Phase 3.
With a focus on sustainability and carbon neutrality, Eni’s investments in Côte d’Ivoire aim to enhance production capacity and strengthen strategic partnerships in the region. The recent Calao discovery and planned investments of over $15 billion signal a significant boost to the country’s oil production capabilities.
Eni’s presence extends to other African countries like Congo, where progress is underway to bring a new floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) unit online by the fourth quarter of 2025. The company’s recent contracts for offshore exploration blocks in Côte d’Ivoire further underscore its commitment to expanding operations in the region.