TotalEnergies is preparing to start a major offshore drilling effort off South Africa’s coast, targeting promising oil reserves in a basin that gained attention after notable discoveries in neighboring Namibia. The company’s local branch aims to drill up to seven wells in the Deep Western Orange Basin, about 211 kilometers from Saldanha Bay.

An independent environmental consultancy, SLR Consulting, has made available a draft environmental assessment for public review until September 10. TotalEnergies’ CEO, Patrick Pouyanne, mentioned in a recent earnings call that drilling activities could begin next year.

The area has become a key focus for exploration following successful finds across the maritime border in Namibia in 2022. Rival oil major Shell is also moving forward with plans to drill up to five wells in South Africa’s Northern Cape Ultra Deep license block, having received environmental approval in June.

However, offshore exploration efforts in South Africa have faced legal pushback from environmental groups, which have managed to block some operations in recent years.

With TotalEnergies and Shell ramping up their offshore projects, the region is shaping up as a promising new area for oil exploration and production in Africa.