South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment has given its nod to TotalEnergies for offshore drilling operations targeting natural gas and oil reserves. This decision comes following the dismissal of an appeal by various individuals and interest groups who had raised concerns about the project.
The rejected appeal aimed to stop TotalEnergies from proceeding with drilling in Block 5/6/7, located off the Cape coast. It was part of a series of efforts to impede energy companies exploring the southern African offshore region.
The appeal sought to persuade Environment Minister Barbara Creecy to overturn the environmental authorization granted to TotalEnergies by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy earlier in April. Concerns cited ranged from potential marine noise and oil spill risks to climate change and alleged deficiencies in public consultation.
However, Barbara Creecy, acting as the appellate authority, dismissed these concerns in a detailed 144-page ruling, asserting, “I am satisfied that noise and light impacts have been adequately assessed and mitigated to minimize their effect on the environment. Consequently, this ground of appeal is dismissed.”
Spanning an expansive 10,000 square kilometers, the offshore area in question lies between Cape Town and Cape Agulhas, with its closest point approximately 60 kilometers from the coast and extending to 170 kilometers at its farthest. Water depths for drilling activities range from 700 to 3,200 meters.
TotalEnergies has outlined plans to conduct exploration through up to five drilling wells. This approval signifies a significant step forward in South Africa’s pursuit of utilizing its offshore energy resources, offering the potential for substantial economic advantages.
As energy companies continue to address environmental concerns while striving for energy independence, this decision highlights the delicate balance between economic development and environmental responsibility in the region. South Africa’s support for TotalEnergies’ offshore drilling initiatives underscores its dedication to energy exploration, even in the face of opposition, and opens doors to potential discoveries in the near future.
Photo Source: Google
By: Montel Kamau
Serrari Financial Analyst
3rd October, 2023
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