TotalEnergies to Begin Offshore Drilling in South Africa by 2026, Pending Approval

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French energy giant TotalEnergies has announced plans to initiate offshore drilling operations in South Africa starting in 2026, contingent upon receiving the necessary regulatory approvals. This development marks a pivotal moment in South Africa’s ongoing efforts to bolster its domestic oil and gas exploration sector and reduce dependence on imported energy.

The announcement was made by Mike Sangster, TotalEnergies’ Senior Vice President for Africa, during an industry conference held on Tuesday. Sangster emphasised the company’s commitment to the region, revealing that TotalEnergies currently holds exploration rights to four offshore blocks in South African waters. The planned drilling campaign is seen as a strategic move to unlock potential hydrocarbon resources that could significantly improve South Africa’s energy security.

“If successful, this initiative could not only enhance domestic energy production but also attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth,” Sangster noted.

TotalEnergies has already made notable progress in South African offshore exploration. Among its key discoveries are the Brulpadda and Luiperd gas fields, both situated in the Outeniqua Basin near Mossel Bay. These fields are regarded as some of the most promising offshore hydrocarbon finds in the region.

However, the energy giant recently dealt a setback to South Africa’s energy aspirations by withdrawing from Block 11B/12B—the country’s most resource-rich offshore gas concession. The decision was driven by concerns over the block’s economic viability, casting uncertainty over the feasibility of large-scale gas production in the near term.

TotalEnergies has maintained a presence in South Africa since 1954 and has been involved across the entire oil and gas value chain, from upstream exploration to downstream retail and refining. Despite this long-standing engagement, energy companies operating in South Africa face increasing challenges.

These include protracted regulatory processes, opposition from environmental advocacy groups, and technical difficulties associated with offshore operations in the harsh conditions of the Southern Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Collectively, these issues have tempered investor enthusiasm for the country’s offshore energy prospects.

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As TotalEnergies looks ahead to its 2026 drilling campaign, industry observers will be watching closely to see how regulatory authorities respond and whether the endeavour can overcome the structural and environmental hurdles that have hampered past projects. If successful, the initiative could represent a turning point for South Africa’s offshore energy future.