Africa’s First Emission-Free Oil Production: Eni Launches Operations in Côte d’Ivoire’s Baleine Field

Africa’s First Emission-Free Oil Production: Eni Launches Operations in Côte d’Ivoire’s Baleine Field

(IN BRIEF) Eni has initiated oil and gas production from the Baleine Field off the coast of Côte d’Ivoire, less than two years after its discovery in September 2021. This marks Africa’s first Scope 1 and 2 emissions-free production project. The Baleine Field is the largest hydrocarbon discovery in the Ivorian basin. The phased development approach with partner Petroci has enabled swift progress. The initial phase employs the upgraded Baleine FPSO to handle up to 15,000 bbl/d of oil and 25 Mscf/d of gas. Subsequent phases aim to raise production significantly. The emissions-reducing project aligns with Eni’s commitment to sustainable development in the region.

(PRESS RELEASE) SAN DONATO MILANESE (MILAN), 28-Aug-2023 — /EuropaWire/ —  Eni S.p.A. (BIT: ENI), an Italian multinational energy company with focus on innovation, efficiency and accessibility for all, announces that it has achieved a significant milestone by initiating oil and gas production from the Baleine Field, situated offshore Côte d’Ivoire. This remarkable achievement follows the field’s discovery in September 2021 and the Final Investment Decision less than a year and a half ago. Notably, this project marks the pioneering emission-free Scope 1 and 2 production endeavor in Africa.

The Baleine Field stands as the largest hydrocarbon discovery in the Ivorian sedimentary basin. Eni’s phased development approach, in conjunction with partner Petroci, facilitated an impressive time-to-market for this project. The initial phase involves production through the Baleine Floating Production Storage and Offloading unit (FPSO), which has been refurbished and upgraded to handle up to 15,000 bbl/d of oil and around 25 Mscf/d of associated gas. Phase 2 is anticipated to commence by the end of 2024, raising field production to 50,000 bbl/d of oil and roughly 70 Mscf/d of associated gas. The third phase envisions further elevation, targeting a field production capacity of 150,000 bbl/d of oil and 200 Mscf/d of gas.

A newly constructed pipeline will convey all gas production from the Baleine Field to shore in subsequent development phases. This strategic move will enable Côte d’Ivoire to meet domestic electricity demands, extend energy access, and bolster its role as a regional energy hub, benefitting neighboring nations.

Embracing cutting-edge technologies to minimize emissions, the project compensates residual emissions through local initiatives. Eni’s stove distribution program, set to reach over a million people within the next six years, eliminates wood and coal usage for cooking. Moreover, Eni has initiated studies for Nature-Based Solutions projects covering 380,000 hectares of protected forests.

Eni’s CEO, Claudio Descalzi, remarked, “The first oil from Baleine is a milestone in Eni’s operations. Stemming from an extraordinary exploration success, we have achieved an industry-leading time-to-market of under 2 years from the declaration of commercial discovery. This outcome expresses the core principles of our strategy, encompassing Africa’s pioneering net-zero project, accelerated development, local gas supply, and the promotion of a just transition”.

In alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Eni has launched several projects in Côte d’Ivoire. These include school refurbishments, teacher training workshops, and a partnership with the Institut National Polytechnique Houphouët Boigny for energy sector training. Healthcare services have been enhanced in 20 clinics across vulnerable areas, and vocational integration projects in the energy, automotive, and textile sectors have been initiated, benefiting around 450 youths.

Eni’s legacy in Côte d’Ivoire, dating back to the 1960s, has been revitalized with ongoing ventures, including the CI-101 and CI-802 blocks – extending to the Baleine field – as well as four other deep-water Ivorian blocks: CI-205, CI-501, CI-401, and CI-801, all executed alongside partner Petroci Holding. This milestone underscores Eni’s commitment to sustainable development and innovative energy solutions in the region.

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SOURCE: Eni S.p.A.