Eni has commenced production from Phase 2 of the Baleine field off the coast of Côte d’Ivoire in a major milestone for energy development in the country. This milestone pushes production up to 60,000 barrels of oil per day and 70 million cubic feet of associated gas.
Under Phase 2 development, Eni installed the Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading Unit known as Petrojarl Kong, and the Floating Storage and Offloading Unit referred to as Yamoussoukro.These units will export oil, while processed gas will supply Côte d’Ivoire’s local energy needs through the Phase 1 pipeline.
Baleine Field: A Boost for Côte d’Ivoire’s Energy Security
This step cements Côte d’Ivoire’s status as a leading energy player in the global scene. The project boosts oil production but also brings more significant benefits in enhancing energy security for the country through supplies to critical local demand. With Phase 2 completion, Eni has ensured Côte d’Ivoire’s further strengthened position in energy independence and its increased access to energy nationally.
Baleine Phase 2 is also a testament to Eni’s efficiency: refurbished offshore units to reduce costs and footprints.
Sustainability and Carbon Neutrality in Africa
Baleine is indeed the first net-zero emissions upstream project in Africa; the operations will be subject to state-of-the-art technologies in order to make carbon footprints as lean as possible. Eni has developed several innovative projects in collaboration with Ivorian ministries to make this project sustainable for the long term.Some of these include a clean cooking program that provides improved cookstoves to local communities. The program has reached over 575,000 people in vulnerable areas. The project also supports the protection and restoration of 14 classified forests in Côte d’Ivoire, which supports carbon neutrality.
The development includes community initiatives in vocational training, education, health, and economic diversification, boosting Eni’s positive impact in Côte d’Ivoire.
Also read: Eni Partners with Côte d’Ivoire to Launch Forest Preservation and Restoration Project
Eni has been undertaking production in Côte d’Ivoire since the year 2015 up to date, producing a number of 22 000 barrels of oil equivalent in the day. It operates 10 deepwater blocks in a joint venture with Petroci Holding. The blocks cover CI-101, CI-205, CI-401, CI-501, CI-801, CI-802, CI-504, CI-526, CI-706, and CI-708.
Baleine Phase 3 is scheduled to come in production. With an assumed average production, Eni production volumes would thus be 150,000 barrels per day, that shall put in historic terms mark an important step for the country toward regional energy hubs and at long term underlines further Petroci Holding cooperation.