Cote d'Ivoire Enhances Oil and Gas Production with Baleine Phase 2

Synopsis

Cote d'Ivoire's oil and gas output is poised to rise significantly, reaching up to 85,000 barrels per day following the successful initiation of phase 2 of the Baleine field. This development marks a critical step in the country's efforts to strengthen its energy sector.

Key Takeaways

Projected increase in oil production to 75,000-85,000 barrels/day.
Natural gas output expected to reach 80-85 million cubic feet/day.
Phase 2 production began on December 28.
Insights from phases 1 and 2 will guide future developments.
Phase 3 could elevate total output to 150,000 barrels/day.

Abidjan, Jan 16 (NationPress) Cote d'Ivoire is set to boost its oil and gas production, anticipating an increase to between 75,000 and 85,000 barrels of crude oil per day, up from the current 30,000 barrels per day. This surge follows the successful launch of production in phase 2 of the Baleine field, according to the government.

Amadou Coulibaly, the government spokesperson, revealed after a cabinet meeting in Abidjan that the combined output from phases 1 and 2 of the Baleine project is projected to hit 75,000 to 85,000 barrels of crude oil and 80 to 85 million cubic feet of natural gas.

On December 28, ENI from Italy, along with its local partner PETROCI, began production in phase 2 of the Baleine field located offshore Cote d'Ivoire. This came after the initial phase commenced in August 2023, which produced 22,000 barrels of crude oil per day and 10 million cubic feet of natural gas.

The anticipated crude oil output from phase 2 is expected to range between 50,000 and 60,000 barrels per day, surpassing the originally planned 35,000 barrels by 43% to 72%. In terms of natural gas, production is projected to be between 50 and 60 million cubic feet per day, exceeding earlier forecasts of 40 million, marking an increase of 25% to 50%.

Coulibaly noted that the experiences gained from phases 1 and 2 will inform further studies for phase 3, with a final investment decision expected by the end of 2025. The anticipated output from phase 3 aims to elevate total production from the Baleine field to 150,000 barrels of crude oil daily and 200 million cubic feet of natural gas, as reported by Xinhua.

Coulibaly emphasized that this significant development underscores Cote d'Ivoire's dedication to reinforcing the extractive and energy resources sector as a cornerstone for enduring and sustainable growth.

The Baleine field is estimated to possess a total production capacity of 2.5 billion barrels of oil and nearly 3,300 billion cubic feet of associated gas.