Eni buys share in block offshore South Africa

Eni has concluded an agreement with Sasol Petroleum International, the upstream O&G subsidiary of Sasol Limited, to acquire a 40% interest and Operatorship in the Exploration Right permit 236 (ER236) in South Africa.

The permit grants the right to explore for hydrocarbons on a wide offshore unexplored area of 82,000 sqkm on South Africa’s east coast (Durban and Zululand basins), Kwazulu-Natal province. The permit was granted to Sasol by the South African regulator Petroleum Agency of South Africa (PASA) in late 2013.

The agreement, which is subject to Government approval, reinforces Eni’s position on the East Africa coast, where Eni is already present with exploration activities in Mozambique and in Kenya.

The Farm-in agreement forms part of a wider cooperation between Sasol and Eni in Southern Africa and other areas, mainly focused on maximizing opportunities in the gas value chain.

“The establishment of our partnership with Eni in respect of our offshore South African interests complements Sasol’s strategy to develop sustainable energy solutions, which will serve to ensure all-important economic growth and development in southern Africa and the broader region. In addition, accelerated exploration activity, as represented by ER236, will have many positive benefits for South Africa and the broader region, in terms of energy security and increasing levels of international investment,” said David Constable, Chief Executive Officer, Sasol Limited.