The National Agency of Petroleum, Gas, and Biofuels (ANPG) has signed an agreement to assess the potential of free areas in Block 17/06 and Block 32/21.
The agreement, signed on Friday, the 14th, involves TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil, marking a renewed effort to explore Angola’s fossil fuel resources.
The signing ceremony was attended by ANPG Chairman Paulino Jerónimo, TotalEnergies’ General Director Martin Deffontaines, and ExxonMobil’s General Director Katrina Fisher.
Jerónimo emphasized the agency’s commitment to fostering Angola’s oil sector:
“It is the government’s policy to attract investment, and our role is to facilitate the process. We are returning to drill in the Cretaceous formation.
About eight years ago, we drilled the Dalia Deep well with positive results. Now, we are prepared to evaluate the deeper parts of these blocks.
We have always demonstrated our willingness to facilitate exploration, and we will continue to do so,” he stated.
Deffontaines expressed confidence in the project, highlighting the infrastructure in place:
“With six FPSOs operating in Blocks 17 and 32, we have the facilities needed to bring new barrels online. This agreement enables us to quickly identify and drill new targets.
Alongside ExxonMobil and with support from the Angolan state, we have made history in deepwater production.
Given our expertise, knowledge of the area, and strong collaboration, I am confident that TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil are well-positioned to usher in a new era of oil production in Angola.”
Fisher echoed this optimism, praising Angola’s business environment and reaffirming ExxonMobil’s long-term commitment:
“Angola remains a key strategic country in our portfolio. We are proud to be part of this agreement, which reflects our continued investment in the country, where we have operated for over 30 years.
We look forward to expanding our collaboration and pursuing new opportunities while supporting the shared goal of sustaining and increasing oil production.”
The agreement was also attended by ANPG administrators, TotalEnergies’ senior vice president of exploration, and other senior leaders from ANPG, TotalEnergies, and ExxonMobil.
If the study proves successful, the agreement will lead to concession contracts for the free areas of these blocks, benefiting the Angolan state and its oil industry.
