TotalEnergies, along with its partners, has signed an Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement (EPSA) with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM) of the Sultanate of Oman in the onshore Block 11
The first stage of the EPSA activities will see seismic acquisition in late 2022, with a first exploration well planned to be drilled in 2023.
Laurent Vivier, senior vice president Middle East and North Africa, Exploration and Production at TotaleEnergies, said, “Our recent activities in Oman are a demonstration of TotalEnergies’ strategy of transformation into a multi-energy company. Today’s entry into the Block 11 gives us the opportunity to unlock additional potential to meet domestic and export gas demand.”
TotalEnergies will hold a 22.5% interest in the block, OQ 10% and Shell, with its 67.5% interest, will be the operator of the project. Block 11 contains undeveloped discoveries and exploration potential for all parties involved.
“It strengthens our strategic relationship with the Sultanate of Oman, as illustrated last December by our entry into the neighbouring Block 10 gas concession, and the start of construction last July of 17MW peak-solar photovoltaic systems providing power to a desalination plant.” Vivier continued.
Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, minister of energy and minerals in Oman, said, “There is a continuous focus in MEM on enhancing the natural gas reserves of the Sultanate of Oman through exploration and appraisal activities undertaken by several companies in the country. This agreement strengthens the strategic relations with partners in the sector such as Shell, TotalEnergies, OQ and others to ensure Oman’s security and attract more foreign investment, adding the highest value to the local supply chain.”
