Eni today successfully started production from Phase 2 of the Baleine field, marking a crucial step forward in the development of the Ivorian offshore. With this new stage, production will reach 60,000 barrels of oil per day and 70 million cubic feet of associated gas, equivalent to 2 million cubic metres.
Phase 2 of the project is based on the deployment of the Petrojarl Kong Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit and the Yamoussoukro Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) unit. These infrastructures will play a key role in oil exports. In addition, all the gas processed will be used to meet local energy demand, thanks to the connection with the pipeline built during Phase 1.
This achievement further strengthens Côte d'Ivoire's position on the global energy scene while increasing access to energy for the local population. The Baleine project demonstrates Eni's commitment to supporting the country's energy and economic development.
Phase 2 illustrates Eni's excellent mastery of time-to-market. The final investment decision was taken in December 2022, followed by the start-up of Phase 1 in August 2023. At the same time, Phase 2 activities were carried out on schedule and safely, thanks in particular to the refurbishment and re-use of key units.
The Baleine field is the first upstream project in Africa to achieve zero net emissions (Scope 1 and 2). This achievement is based on the adoption of advanced technologies and innovative initiatives carried out in collaboration with Ivorian ministries. These initiatives include :
- A programme for the distribution of improved stoves, based on local production, which has already benefited more than 575,000 people in vulnerable situations.
- An ambitious project to protect and restore 14 classified forests, contributing to carbon neutrality.
- A series of initiatives focusing on vocational training, education, health and economic diversification.
Eni has been present in Côte d'Ivoire since 2015, with current production of 22,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. The company operates ten blocks in Côte d'Ivoire's deep waters, in partnership with Petroci Holding.
With the start-up of Phase 2 and the study of Phase 3, total production is expected to reach 150,000 barrels of oil per day and 200 million cubic feet of associated gas. These ambitions consolidate Côte d'Ivoire's position as a regional energy hub and strengthen the strategic collaboration between Eni and its local partners.
With this project, Eni continues to redefine the standards of the energy industry in Africa, while paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future for Côte d'Ivoire and its people.