South African Court Overturns Environmental Authorisation for TotalEnergies Offshore Drilling

A recent ruling by a South African court has overturned an environmental authorisation granted to French energy giant TotalEnergies for offshore drilling. The approval for exploratory operations in Block 5/6/7 off Cape Town, which was issued in 2023, has been reviewed and “set aside” by the country’s High Court. The block is jointly owned by PetroSA, TotalEnergies, and Shell.

Environmental lobby groups, including Green Connection, raised concerns about the potential harm to marine life posed by the drilling program. They argued that crucial information, such as oil spill and blowout contingency plans, was not made public until after approval, depriving local communities of the opportunity to provide input.

Natural Justice, a group of environmental lawyers, emphasized the importance of companies following due process before being cleared for oil exploration in South Africa. The court’s ruling affirms the need for proper scrutiny of the impacts of oil and gas activities on the country’s people and resources.

While TotalEnergies maintains that the joint venture complied with all local regulations, including those related to environmental and social concerns, the company has been given a lifeline by the courts. The judge ruled that TotalEnergies could reapply for authorisation after conducting public consultations.

Overall, the case highlights the significance of transparency and public participation in decision-making processes related to oil and gas exploration. It also underscores the role of the judiciary in ensuring that environmental concerns are adequately addressed and that the interests of local communities are safeguarded.