Eni Initiates Oil and Gas Production from Baleine Field Offshore Côte d’Ivoire

Eni has commenced the extraction of oil and gas from the Baleine Field situated in the offshore waters of Côte d’Ivoire. This significant achievement has been realized in under two years since the initial discovery in September 2021, and in less than a year and a half after the Final Investment Decision was made. Notably, this venture represents Africa’s inaugural emissions-free production project for Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Baleine Field presently stands as the largest hydrocarbon find within the Ivorian sedimentary basin.

The accelerated time-to-market was facilitated through Eni’s strategic phased development approach, a hallmark of recent projects, with close collaboration from partner Petroci. In its initial phase, production is being carried out via the Baleine FPSO, a refurbished and enhanced Floating Production Storage and Offloading unit designed to accommodate up to 15,000 bbl/d of oil and roughly 25 Mscf/d of associated gas. The commencement of Phase 2 is anticipated by the conclusion of 2024 and is set to elevate field production to 50,000 bbl/d of oil and around 70 Mscf/d of associated gas. The third developmental phase has aspirations to further raise field production to an impressive 150,000 bbl/d of oil and 200 Mscf/d of gas. In this development stage and those that follow, the complete gas output from the Baleine Field will be transported onshore through a newly constructed pipeline. This strategic infrastructure will empower the nation to fulfill its domestic electricity requirements, enhance energy accessibility, and solidify its position as a regional energy hub for neighboring nations.