Baleine: A Strategic Turning Point for Ivorian Energy
On December 28, 2024, Eni took a decisive step in the energy development of Côte d'Ivoire with the official announcement of the launch of phase 2 of the Baleine project. This offshore field, a true gem of the Ivorian oil industry, now sees its production increased to 60,000 barrels of oil per day and 70 million cubic feet of associated gas (approximately 2 million cubic meters). This ramp-up strengthens Côte d'Ivoire's position among the major energy players in Africa and beyond.
The Baleine field stands out as the first net-zero upstream project in Africa, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to nearly zero levels. This achievement is made possible through the adoption of advanced technologies and innovative environmental initiatives, carried out in close collaboration with Ivorian authorities.
Key initiatives include: (i) the distribution of locally produced improved cookstoves, which have benefited over 575,000 vulnerable people, thus helping to reduce firewood consumption; (ii) the preservation and restoration of 14 classified forests, a true lever for the carbon neutrality of the operation. These actions give the Baleine project a strategic and responsible dimension, positioning Côte d'Ivoire as a model of sustainable development in the global energy industry.
Since its establishment in 2015, Eni has invested in the exploration of 10 deepwater blocks in partnership with Petroci Holding. Today, with a solid production of 22,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, the company has considerable ambitions.
Phase 3 of the Baleine project, currently under evaluation, promises to elevate production to unprecedented heights:
- 150,000 barrels of oil per day;
- 200 million cubic feet of associated gas.
This expansion would place Côte d'Ivoire at the heart of the regional energy landscape, reinforcing its role as an essential hub in West Africa. Beyond the numbers, the Baleine project embodies a unique opportunity for the Ivorian economy. It is part of a dynamic of economic diversification and inclusive development. Eni's initiatives, ranging from vocational training to the improvement of local infrastructure, reaffirm the positive impact of this resource on the economic and social fabric of the country.
Eni and Côte d'Ivoire thus demonstrate that technical excellence can be accompanied by a strong environmental and societal commitment. Baleine stands as a cornerstone of Ivorian energy strategy, consolidating the country's international influence and shaping the contours of a sustainable energy future.
Source: MMPE Press Release, MEPD Web Portal Editorial
