Italian energy giant Eni and its partners approved a final investment decision for the third phase of the Baleine offshore oil and gas project, a move expected to sharply increase hydrocarbon production in Ivory Coast
The decision was announced during a ceremony in Abidjan attended by the Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, along with representatives from state-owned Petroci and commodities trader Vitol.
The Baleine Phase 3 development will raise oil production from 60,000 barrels per day to 150,000 barrels per day, while natural gas output will increase from 80 million cubic feet per day to 200 million cubic feet per day, according to the companies.
Eni described Baleine as the largest hydrocarbon discovery ever made in the country.
“Baleine is a testament to Eni’s exploration and production model, built on excellence in exploration activities, the ability to develop projects through a fast-track and phased approach, and a consistent commitment to sustainability, in continuous dialogue with the host country,” Eni Chief Executive Officer Claudio Descalzi said in a statement.
Descalzi said the project would strengthen energy security, support local economic development and contribute to a lower-carbon energy future.
Eni said all gas produced from the project will be supplied to the domestic market to help meet Côte d’Ivoire’s growing energy demand, expand electricity generation and support industrial development.
The company has operated in Côte d’Ivoire since 2015 and previously announced the Baleine and Calao offshore discoveries, which have helped boost interest in the country’s offshore energy sector.
Côte d’Ivoire has sought to position itself as an emerging energy hub in West Africa as governments across the region push to increase oil and gas production while also expanding access to electricity and industrial infrastructure.
