TotalEnergies Bids Farewell to South African Gas Projects amid Economic and Environmental Scrutiny

TotalEnergies, the French oil giant, has decided to cease its involvement in two offshore South African gas projects, specifically in blocks 5/6/7 and 11B/12B, the latter of which held promising discoveries made in 2019 and 2020. These gas finds were once hailed as potential saviors for the beleaguered PetroSA's gas-to-liquids plant in Mossel Bay, expected to reimagine South Africa's energy landscape. However, TotalEnergies cites that despite these discoveries, the development proved too challenging and not economically viable within the South African market.

The departure of TotalEnergies has stirred discussions amongst industry experts and lobbyists, leading to an uncritical representation of the event's implications in the news. Commentary tends to amplify the voices of entities like the African Energy Chamber, pro-oil analysts, and financial stakeholders, all sharing a vested interest in the proliferation of offshore oil and gas prospects. Their perspective has painted a rosy picture of economic booms and an abundant supply of 'clean' energy, scantily addressing the concerns raised by environmental justice groups. These narratives have tumultuously positioned these conservation-oriented bodies as obstructive, rather than as watchdogs advocating for the constitutional rights of South Africans in the face of impending environmental risks.

As TotalEnergies withdraws, surprisingly, there is little mention of the technical and logistical challenges that marred the projects, including the formidable depths and harsh marine conditions surrounding the discoveries. There is, notably, an absence of discourse over the potential environmental impact these energy ventures might inflict, particularly relating to South Africa's greenhouse gas emissions and international climate commitments.

Most glaring is the oversight of climate change consequences—an existential crisis characterized by extreme weather events that remain unacknowledged in light of these fossil fuel ventures. The local media have not traversed the path that connects the dots between new oil and gas extraction and the dire scientific warnings about escalating global warming.

Consequently, there is an unfulfilled need for an alternative narrative in South African journalism—one that not only underlines the environmental stakes but also ponders the socioeconomic misfortunes fossil fuel dependencies have wrought in nations like Nigeria and Angola, where riches have engendered corruption and inequity. Additionally, the unfortunate turn of events in Mozambique, where supposed "game-changing" gas wealth has failed to uplift the population, presents a cautionary tale.

As TotalEnergies makes its exit, could it be that South Africa stands at the precipice of an opportunity? An opportunity to break free from the ensnaring legacy of fossil fuels, to bypass the corruption so often associated with these industries, and to pursue a genuinely sustainable and equitable future for all its citizens. It is time for the media and experts somberly to consider whether this parting might herald a cleaner, more responsible energy trajectory for the nation and its people.