TotalEnergies, Shell and OQ sign gas exploration deal for onshore Block 11 in Oman

TotalEnergies, along with its partners Shell and OQ, have signed an Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement (EPSA) with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM) of the Sultanate of Oman in the onshore Block 11.

The first stage of the EPSA activities will see seismic acquisition in late 2022, with a first exploration well planned to be drilled in 2023, the French energy major said in a statement. TotalEnergies will hold a 22.5% interest in the block, OQ 10% and Shell with a 67.5% stake will be the operator. Block 11 contains undeveloped discoveries and exploration potential.

“Our recent activities in Oman are a demonstration of TotalEnergies’ strategy of transformation into a multi-energy company. Today’s entry into the Block 11 gives us the opportunity to unlock additional potential to meet domestic and export gas demand. It strengthens our strategic relationship with the Sultanate of Oman, as illustrated last December by our entry into the neighbouring Block 10 gas concession, and the start of construction last July of 17-megawattpeak solar photovoltaic systems providing power to a desalination plant”, Laurent Vivier, Senior Vice President Middle East and North Africa, Exploration and Production, at TotalEnergies, said in a statement.

Oman’s Minister of Energy and Minerals Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi said the ministry was focused on “enhancing the natural gas reserves of the Sultanate of Oman through exploration and appraisal activities undertaken by several companies in the country”.

“This agreement strengthens the strategic relations with partners in the sector such as Shell, TotalEnergies, OQ and others to ensure Oman’s energy security and attract more foreign investment, adding the highest value to the local supply chain,” he said.