Latest news with #GalpEnergia
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Eco (Atlantic) Oil and Gas Ltd. Announces Exploration Right & 75% Interest in Block 1
Eco Atlantic Secures Exploration Right and Transfer of 75% Interest in Block 1 - South Africa's Orange Basin TORONTO, ON / / June 4, 2025 / Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd. (AIM:ECO)(TSXV:EOG), a leading independent oil and gas exploration company focused on the Atlantic Margin, is pleased to announce that, further to the Farm-In Agreement announced on 5 June 2024, formal approval has been received from the South Africa Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources for both the Exploration Right and Section 11 transfer. Accordingly, Eco has now secured a 75% Working Interest and full Operatorship of Block 1 offshore South Africa - one of the most strategically positioned assets in the highly prospective Orange Basin. The Section 11 approval was the final condition precedent to establishing full legal transfer of Eco's working interest in Block 1 from Tosaco Energy (Proprietary) Limited ("Tosaco"), and the associated milestone payment has been made by Eco. This acquisition, completed through Eco's wholly owned subsidiary Azinam South Africa Limited ("Azinam"), significantly expands the Company's Southern African Orange Basin footprint and positions it as a key Operator at the forefront of one of the world's most active and hydrocarbon-rich basins. The remaining 25% interest is held by Tosaco. Block 1, which spans a vast 19,929km², straddles the border between South Africa and Namibia - directly adjacent to recent world-class discoveries by Galp Energia (Mopane), Shell (Graff, La Rona), TotalEnergies (Venus), Rhino Resources (Capricornus-1X), and the legacy Kudu Gas Field. The block offers full margin transect coverage from the shoreline to deepwater (shore to 263km offshore, in water depths up to 1,000m), encompassing both shallow and deepwater exploration potential. As previously announced, Eco has already acquired and is analyzing an extensive and high-quality dataset, including both 2D and 3D seismic surveys and regional well logs. The block includes the historic Soekor AF-1 gas discovery, which tested at 32.4 MMscfd, and Soekor AE-1, which encountered oil and gas shows which provides clear evidence of an active petroleum system. The Company anticipates launching a formal farm-out process in respect of its interest in Block 1 in August 2025, with respect to which further updates will be provided in due course. Block Summary: Area: 19,929km² offshore South Africa Location: Strategically positioned on the South Africa-Namibia maritime border Extent: From shoreline to ~263km offshore, covering the full margin transect Geological Scope: Broad spectrum of shallow and deepwater oil and gas prospects Water Depths: Shallow shelf to deepwater environments up to 1,000 meters Proven Petroleum System: Adjacent and geologically analogous to multiple recent discoveries: Galp Energia - Mopane, Shell - Graff and La Rona, TotalEnergies - Venus, Rhino Resources - Capricornus-1X (light oil), Historic Soekor Discoveries - AF-1 (32.4 MMscfd gas test) and AE-1 (oil and gas shows), Kudu Gas Field Eco Atlantic remains committed to disciplined, value-driven exploration. With a strong technical foundation, entrepreneurial execution, and an unwavering focus on high-impact opportunities, it continues to position itself as a trusted partner in unlocking frontier basins and delivering long-term shareholder value. The Company has established itself well in Namibia with four Blocks currently being reviewed by international players to farm-in and has a near term drilling opportunity in Guyana that it is currently negotiating with partners to participate in the block. Gil Holzman, Co-Founder and CEO of Eco Atlantic, commented: "As the Orange Basin continues to demonstrate its world-class hydrocarbon proof and potential, Eco's executive team has worked relentlessly over the past 18 months to secure a premier asset on the South African side of the basin. With the successful approval and execution of the Exploration Right and 75% Working Interest award, we are proud to have secured one of the largest and prospective blocks in the entire basin with a known hydrocarbon footprint - Block 1 - located directly on the South Africa-Namibia maritime border. Block 1 adds to our portfolio in the Orange basin which also includes Block 3B/4B operated by TotalEnergies. "We are grateful for the productive collaboration with the Government of South Africa and its key agencies, particularly our valued partners at the Petroleum Agency South Africa ("PASA"). I was honoured to attend the signing ceremony yesterday at PASA's offices in Cape Town. This milestone reflects the dedication and strategic focus of our leadership team in securing an asset with existing hydrocarbon evidence and significant upside potential and aligning with our strategy to partner directly with governments to secure agreements in high potential secure jurisdictions and to lay groundwork for future partnerships. "Our technical team has already begun analysing the extensive, high-quality 2D and 3D seismic, and well logs data, which materially accelerates our path to drilling while reducing early-stage exploration costs and timelines. The block's prior discoveries, including tested gas flows and oil shows, confirm the presence of an active petroleum system. "Initial interpretation is underway, and we are in the process of delineating early leads to develop the exploration strategy. We are already seeing significant inbound interests from international oil companies and mid-tier partners. As a result, we anticipate launching a formal farm-out process in August with further updates to follow in due course." ENDS For more information, please visit or contact the following. Eco Atlantic Oil and Gas c/o Celicourt +44 (0) 20 8434 2754 Gil Holzman, Chief Executive OfficerColin Kinley, Chief Operating OfficerAlice Carroll, Head of Corporate Sustainability Strand Hanson (Financial & Nominated Adviser) +44 (0) 20 7409 3494 James HarrisJames Bellman Berenberg (Broker) +44 (0) 20 3207 7800 Matthew ArmittCiaran WalshDetlir Elezi Celicourt (PR) +44 (0) 20 7770 6424 Mark AntelmeJimmy LeaCharles Denley-Myerson About Eco Atlantic: Eco Atlantic is a TSX-V and AIM-quoted Atlantic Margin-focused oil and gas exploration company with offshore license interests in Guyana, Namibia, and South Africa. Eco aims to deliver material value for its stakeholders through its role in the energy transition to explore for low carbon intensity oil and gas in stable emerging markets close to infrastructure. Offshore Guyana, in the proven Guyana-Suriname Basin, the Company operates a 100% Working Interest in the 1,354 km2 Orinduik Block. In Namibia, the Company holds Operatorship and an 85% Working Interest in four offshore Petroleum Licences: PELs: 97, 98, 99, and 100, representing a combined area of 28,593 km2 in the Walvis Basin. Offshore South Africa, Eco holds a 5.25% Working Interest in Block 3B/4B and a 75% Operated Interest in Block 1, in the Orange Basin, totalling approximately 37,510km2. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this document contains forward-looking information and statements including, without limitation, management's business strategy, and management's assessment of future plans and operations. Such forward-looking statements or information are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future, including successful negotiation of farm-in agreement, results of exploration as proposed or at all. Forward-looking statements or information typically contain statements with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "propose", "project", "potential" or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding future performance and outlook. Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of such information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them as actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties identified under the headings "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated July 29, 2024 and other disclosure documents available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, except as required by law. The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 as it forms part of United Kingdom domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended by virtue of the Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@ or visit SOURCE: Eco (Atlantic) Oil and Gas Ltd. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
TimesLIVE
29-04-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Portugal's Galp seeks Namibia oil and gas partner
Portugal's Galp Energia has resumed talks with potential partners as it seeks to develop a discovery in Namibia, the company said on Monday after reporting a 29% drop in adjusted first-quarter core profit. In February, Galp said it had found a significant presence of light oil and gas condensate in a fifth well in the Mopane field offshore of Namibia. Co-CEO Maria Joao Carioca said the well "unlocked a new exciting area within Mopane" and Galp will advance on feasibility studies "in the coming months". At the same time, it is seeking to sell part of its 80% stake in Mopane's Petroleum Exploration Licence 83 to a player who would become its operator. "A partnership is our natural and preferred next step. We are re-engaging with interested parties we have had conversations with before and data is now being shared with them," Carioca told a conference call with analysts. Also on Monday, Galp reported first-quarter adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation fell to €669m (R14.15bn), hit by falling oil output and lower refining margins, but slightly above an average of €666m (R14.09bn) expected by 17 analysts.
Zawya
28-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Time for Namibia and Oil Companies to Act on Fiscal Stability and Fast Track Oil Discoveries to Final Investment Decision (FID) (By NJ Ayuk)
By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber ( The world is watching Namibia. To be more specific, the energy world is watching. This was evident at the recently concluded Namibian Internation Energy Conference. Ever since oil and gas majors, Rhino Resources, Galp Energia, Shell and TotalEnergies announced massive hydrocarbon discoveries in Namibia's offshore Orange Basin, interest in additional exploration in the Southern African country has been intense. And so has curiosity about how quickly Rhino Resources, Galp Energia, and TotalEnergies, and their partners will be able to finalize their petroleum contracts with Namibia and move on to final investment decision that leads to production. Will their negotiations stall, as we're seeing all too often in African nations, or will the process move forward smoothly? One of the reasons the Orange Basin finds were so exciting — in addition to sheer size, with as much as three billion barrels of oil combined — was the fact that Namibian exploration efforts up to then had been fairly disappointing. Only about 15 wells had been drilled before Rhino Resources Capricornus 1-X, Galp Energia Mopane, Shell's Graff-1 well and TotalEnergies' Venus 1-X find, and none of those earlier efforts yielded commercial quantities of oil or gas. That means the Orange Basin discoveries represent Namibia's first chance to show oil and gas companies what they can expect after announcing discoveries there. Now is the time for Namibia's leadership to show it respects the billions of dollars companies spend on oil and gas production. One of the most practical ways for Namibia to do that is to update its petroleum contracts: They need language that protects oil and gas companies' investments. Namibia's contracts should include what's known as a fiscal stability clause, which would clearly state that if Namibia were to make legislative or regulatory changes — such as new tax requirements — the energy companies signing the contract would be protected from negative economic impacts. Depending on the language of the clause— also known as an 'economic rebalancing' or 'equalization clause' — contracting companies might be exempt from new tax codes or compensated to make up for legislation that adds to their expenses such as new labor or environmental laws. What matters is, in the end, the companies' return on investment would not be impacted by changes that occurred after their deal was finalized. For Namibia, a newcomer to oil and gas deals, adding a fiscal stability clause to petroleum contracts will be key to retaining the energy industry's intense interest. This Clause Carries a Lot of Weight Guaranteeing oil and gas companies' investments is hardly a new or radical measure. Fiscal stability clauses are common practice and in place in such countries as Guyana, Mozambique, Mexico, and Angola. While I cannot produce a study that proves that these countries have attracted more investment as a result of their clauses, I do know this: When a developing country fails to offer the clauses, they're giving oil and gas companies reason to limit investments there. In a recent paper on financial stability clauses, international consulting company Deloitte commented on the clauses' value. 'Stabilisation clauses enhance certainty and predictability which are key ingredients for the success of long term investment projects,' the report states. 'Petroleum exploitation is capital intensive and recouping the investment takes much longer than most sectors. Any subsequent changes in the laws of the host state may significantly alter the economics of the economics of a project.' For international oil companies (IOCs), investing in a country without a fiscal stability clause is quite a gamble in an already risky industry. I realize that Namibia has already taken measures to ensure an enabling environment for upstream activity, including making updates to its tax laws, and I applaud those actions. Namibia's legal framework and oil and gas code, in general, are considered investor-friendly. But guaranteeing companies' investments is a critical next step. Time is Precious Not only does Namibia need to add a fiscal stability clause to its petroleum agreements, it needs to do it now. It must also be done alongside local content legislation. Otherwise, there is a possibility that the issue of financial risk will come up during contract negotiations with BW Kudu, Rhino Resources, Galp Energia, and TotalEnergies, and their partners. And that, in turn, could lead to costly project delays, a topic the African Energy Chamber addresses extensively in its soon-to-be-released 'The State of African Energy Report.' I encourage Namibian authorities to learn from the delays that have taken place in Mozambique's offshore Rovuma Basin. Natural gas discoveries totaling as much as 17 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) were announced in the early to mid-2010s, but Mozambique's negotiations with operators, including Italian energy major Eni and U.S. firm Anadarko, have dragged on for years. As a result, the only project to be completed so far is the Coral Sul floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) project, fed by Coral Field. The FLNG saw a final investment decision (FID) in mid-2017, followed by construction getting underway in 2018 and the project shipping its first cargo in November 2022. This is a positive step, but imagine the economic and energy security benefits Mozambique's natural gas could have yielded without such extensive delays. Then there's the example of the massive oil discoveries made by Tullow Oil in Uganda and Ghana, announced about three months apart from one another in 2006 and 2007. Tullow Oil began producing oil from its Jubilee Field discovery in Ghana in 2010. Contrast that with Tullow's Lake Albert Rift Basin discovery in Uganda. After more than a decade of disputes with the government and no progress, Tullow sold all of its Ugandan assets to Total (now TotalEnergies) in 2020. In 2021, TotalEnergies concluded final agreements to launch Lake Albert resources development, including the Tilenga and Kingfisher upstream oil projects and the construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) in Uganda and Tanzania. TotalEnergies continues to move these projects forward in collaboration with China National Offshore Oil Corporation and Uganda National Oil Company. Unfortunately, climate concerns and net-zero emissions aspirations have made driving oil and gas projects forward considerably more challenging than it was in 2006. TotalEnergies is under heavy pressure from environmental activities to abandon its plans for oil production and the pipeline. They have courageously pushed forward and we must applaud them. Soon Uganda will be an oil producer. So Much to Gain Not only will a fiscal stability clause in Namibian petroleum agreements help prevent delays, acting decisively to protect companies' investments will also position Namibia for more exploration. The Orange Basin is one of several Namibian locations of interest to IOCs. Eco Atlantic's Osprey exploration campaign in Block 2012A of the Walvis Basin, for example, was described as one of Africa's most promising high-impact wells. Meanwhile, Global Petroleum, Namcor, and Aloe Investments are expected to begin exploration in Block 2011A of the Walvis Basin this year. BW Energy is set to drill for more gas on its Petroleum Production License 003 that could lead to developing the Kudu Gas discoveries. Chevron Namibia Exploration Limited continuous to pursue its prospect portfolio offshore Namibia. There is potential for exploration wells to be drilled in Petroleum Exploration License 82 in the Walvis Basin. Namibia's offshore Luderitz Basin and Namib Basin, along with the onshore Owambo and Karoo basins, offer great potential as well. But, again, interest could dry up quickly if companies begin to perceive Namibia as a risky country for investments. I personally don't think so and certainly the African Energy Chamber does not think Namibia is a risky place for investment. Calls for Change The African Energy Chamber is not the first to urge Namibia to take steps to guarantee oil and gas companies' investments. This topic came up in 2020, before the large Orange Basin discoveries. Uaapi Utjavari, then chairperson of the Namibia Petroleum Operators Association (NAMPOA), wrote to Namibian Minister of Mines and Energy Tom Alweendo to describe the role that fiscal guarantee clauses could play in supporting ongoing investment in Namibian's fledgling oil and gas sector. NAMPOA recommended a legal/fiscal/commercial framework that balanced the needs of the country and investors. 'There is a fundamental need for a stable and sustainable business environment so the country and the investors are able to plan ahead and rely on terms agreed upon,' Utjavari wrote. 'An economic rebalancing provision provides appropriate security around economic terms, which are critical for large-scale multi-billion dollars project investment/bankability, while not infringing the host country's sovereignty and are a common feature in many petroleum contracts globally.' The recommendations NAMPOA made in 2020 still make sense for Namibia today. The African Energy Chamber would like to see Namibia reap all of the benefits its natural resources can offer, from increased energy security to industrialization and economic growth. Namibia can do that — if it shows a watching energy industry that the country is committed to helping companies realize a reasonable return on their investments. Adding a fiscal stability clause to its contracts is the right move. I encourage Namibia to act now. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Reuters
25-03-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Portugal's Galp confident it will find alternative markets if US tariffs bite
SINES, Portugal, March 25 (Reuters) - Portuguese oil company Galp Energia's ( opens new tab gasoline exports to the United States could be curtailed if U.S. President Donald Trump imposes tariffs on European goods, but the company is confident it can find alternative destinations. Executive Board member Ronald Doesburg, who is in charge of industrial assets, told Reuters on Tuesday that if U.S. demand for gasoline drops as a result of higher prices stemming from the proposed 25% tariffs, Galp will be able to deal with it. Galp's only refinery in Sines usually produces about 2 million metric tons of gasoline per year, of which between 1.2 million and 1.5 million tons are exported to the United States. The remainder is taken by the Portuguese market. Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on all European goods, raising the risk of a trade war that could prove damaging for export-oriented European companies. "The energy market is global, gasoline streams are global, and hence our gasoline production will have sufficient flexibility to find its way to different markets," Doesburg said. Tariffs would have an impact, "but it's an impact that will be managed ... We will look at our options", he said, adding that Galp has handled trade-related disruptions in the past and that Sines could be realigned towards different types of products, depending on prices and demand. SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL In the meantime, Galp continues its shift towards greener fuels and expects to start producing biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel from waste, such as used cooking oil, by mid-2026 at a unit it is building at its refinery, said Galp's head of hydrogen, Sergio Machado. The 400 million euro ($432 million) Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) plant, a 75% to 25% joint venture with Japan's Mitsui (8031.T), opens new tab, will have annual production capacity of 270,000 tons and will be using green hydrogen from a 100 megawatt electrolyser that will cost 250 million euros. "Our expectation is to have both units in production by mid-2026 and to reach cruising speed shortly thereafter," Machado said.
Zawya
12-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
African Energy Chamber (AEC) Supports Namibia International Energy Conference 2025 as Platform for Driving Projects Forward
As Namibia progresses towards becoming a regional energy hub, it is crucial to ensure that local industries and communities benefit from the development of world-class hydrocarbons discoveries being made in the country's on- and offshore basins. By focusing on the strategic use of its abundant oil, gas and renewable resources to attract global investment, Namibia stands on the precipice of rapid socioeconomic development. As such, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) ( – the voice of the African energy sector – is proud to support the 7th edition of the Namibia International Energy Conference (NEIC), which will take place from April 23-25, 2025, in Windhoek. Convened by strategic advisory firm RichAfrica Consultancy – under the auspices of CEO Selma Shimutwikeni – and endorsed by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, this flagship event gathers global and local energy leaders, investors, service companies and financial institutions under the theme, Leading the Way: Becoming an Energy Hub with In-Country Value. As part of its efforts to promote sustainable growth, the conference will explore and unlock dynamic opportunities for partnership and investment aimed at expanding infrastructure, building local content, improving access to finance and enhancing regulatory frameworks. Namibia's Oil Boom Well on track to become a major playing in the African oil and gas landscape in the coming years, Namibia strives to begin oil production by 2029, with potential advancements in the Mopane field set to accelerate this timeline. Having witnessed a string of oil discoveries in the Orange Basin since 2022, Namibia's oil play has attracted interest from energy supermajors TotalEnergies and Shell and energy corporation Galp Energia. One the back of discoveries such as the Graff-1X, Venus-1X, Jonker-1X, Lesedi-1X and Mopane-1X, over 11 billion barrels of oil have been discovered in the country so far. This month, Galp Energia discovered a new hydrocarbon column of light oil at the Mopane-1A well, which is situated in offshore PEL 83. The discovery identified gas condensate with a thin net play in the AVO-3 reservoir and light oil in the AVO-4 reservoir. Both reservoirs indicate good quality sands with high porosities and permeabilities, as well as high pressures and low fluid viscosities. Galp Energia, along with its partners Namibian national oil company Namcor and exploration company Custos, will continue to integrate acquired data from the well to allow a better understanding of the complex. Concurrently, Galp Energia will continue to assess the commerciality of the discoveries. As part of the exploration and appraisal campaign, oilfield services company Saipem's Santorini drillship will proceed to the Mopane-3X well location, where it will target the AVO-10 and AVO-13 reservoirs. Empowering Namibians, Fostering Economic Sovereignty In a strategic move for the industry, Namibia's cabinet recently approved the National Upstream Local Content Policy, which is set to play a crucial role in reducing the country's dependence on foreign expertise by focusing on the development of local capacity building. Aimed at strengthening economic sovereignty and empowering Namibians within the country's oil and gas industry, the policy marks a turning point for the country as it targets first oil production within four years. It is clear that the policy is designed to balance the interests of local stakeholders with the need of international oil companies, a model that other African nations can look to for guidance. With its recent surge of major discoveries, the government has recognized the urgency of maximizing the involvement of local businesses, labor and resources in the country's oil and gas sector. As such, the National Upstream Petroleum Local Content Policy aims to create a globally competitive supply chain while promoting sustainable development, energy independence and technological expertise within the country. This policy addresses the unique challenges faced by Namibia's upstream petroleum sector, which is capital-intensive, technologically driven and reliant on high-risk investments over long periods. What to Expect at NIEC 2025 Delegates participating at NIEC 2025 will witness and participate in insightful discussions on Namibia's latest offshore discoveries, upcoming exploration campaigns, energy security, power industry growth, infrastructure development, renewable project rollout and green hydrogen initiatives. NIEC 2025 will also explore the nexus of Namibia's energy sector and critical minerals industry, and its role in driving broader economic and industrial development. The conference will feature an interactive exhibition where companies can showcase cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions that are shaping Namibia's energy future, with a focus on power access, environmental stewardship and sustainability. Convening leading industry experts, investors and decision makers, NIEC 2025 will provide the premier platform for fostering strategic partnerships to accelerate Namibia's progress towards becoming a regional energy hub. As part of its 7th edition, the conference also features the Future Energy Leaders Initiative, which aims to drive youth participation in Namibia's energy industry and provides young professionals with opportunities for access, mentorship and skills development. 'Under the visionary leadership of Selma Shimutwikeni and RichAfrica Consultancy, NIEC 2025 plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Namibia's energy sector. This event provides a vital platform for fostering global partnerships and local empowerment. As Namibia continues to evolve into a regional energy hub, NIEC 2025 stands as a cornerstone for achieving the country's ambitious goals of sustainable energy development and economic transformation,' states AEC Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
