TotalEnergies Takes Over Operatorship of Mopane Oil Discovery in Namibia, Targets Drilling From 2026
TotalEnergies has signed an agreement with Galp to assume operatorship of Namibia’s offshore Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) 83, which contains the Mopane oil discovery.
Under the terms of the agreement, the partners will implement a defined exploration and appraisal program over the next two years, including the drilling of three wells.
The first well is planned for 2026, as the partners work to further delineate the resource and progress Mopane toward development.
In parallel, TotalEnergies continues to advance the Venus oil discovery in the neighboring PEL 56 license, where it already serves as operator. The company is progressing technical, regulatory, and commercial studies with the objective of reaching a potential final investment decision (FID) for Venus in 2026.
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies, said the company welcomes Galp’s decision to appoint it as operator of PEL 83.
He noted that the appointment reflects TotalEnergies’ proven track record in deepwater exploration and operations, as well as its long-term confidence in Namibia’s offshore oil potential.
Pouyanné added that TotalEnergies will apply its operatorship expertise to advance both the Venus and Mopane projects in a responsible and commercially robust manner, while delivering sustainable value for Namibia and project partners.
The transaction remains subject to approvals from Namibian authorities and the relevant joint venture partners and is expected to close in 2026. Upon completion, TotalEnergies will operate three offshore licenses in Namibia.
Under the PEL 83 license, TotalEnergies will hold a 40 percent operated interest, alongside Galp with an equal 40 percent stake. Namcor and Custos will each retain a 10 percent interest.
In the PEL 56 license, TotalEnergies will hold a 35.25 percent operated interest, matched by QatarEnergy. Galp and Namcor will each hold 10 percent, while Impact will retain a 9.5 percent interest.
For the PEL 91 license, TotalEnergies will operate with a 33.085 percent interest. QatarEnergy will hold 33.025 percent, Namcor 15 percent, Galp 9.39 percent, and Impact 9.5 percent.
TotalEnergies has been active in Namibia since 1964 and currently employs approximately 55 people in the country. The company is the fourth-largest fuel retailer nationwide, operating 43 service stations.
In line with its integrated energy strategy, TotalEnergies is also evaluating opportunities in low-carbon and renewable energy projects across Namibia.
