South Africa Approves TotalEnergies' Offshore Drilling Project despite Controversies

South Africa has given the green light to TotalEnergies, permitting the French energy company to conduct offshore drilling for natural gas and oil along the Cape Coast. The decision by the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment dismisses an appeal filed by several individuals and environmental advocacy groups aiming to halt the operation.

The appeal aimed to persuade Environment Minister Barbara Creecy to reverse the environmental authentication previously provided by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy in April. Their concerns revolved around issues associated with marine noise, the risk of oil spills, climate change implications and criticism for inadequate public consultation.

However, these concerns were dismissed by Minister Creecy in an elaborate 144-page ruling dated on 24th September. She stated that the effects of noise and light have been properly assessed and mitigated to ensure minimal impact on the environment.

The area earmarked for this drilling project is an expansive 10,000 square kilometres, located offshore between Cape Town and Cape Agulhas. Ranging between 60 to 170 kilometers away from the nearest coastline point, the water depths in the delimited area vary from 700 to 3,200 meters. As part of the project, TotalEnergies has planned to drill up to five exploration wells.