With the Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM) of the Sultanate of Oman, TotalEnergies and its partners have signed an exploration and production sharing agreement (EPSA) for Block 11 onshore. Seismic data will be acquired as part of the EPSA activities’ first phase in late 2022, and a first exploration well is expected to be drilled in 2023.

In the block, TotalEnergies will own a 22.5% stake, OQ 10%, and Shell 67.5%, making it the operator. Block 11 has potential for research and untapped finds.

“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,” said Laurent Vivier, Senior Vice President Middle East and North Africa, Exploration and Production, at TotalEnergies.

Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals in Oman said: “There is a continuous focus in MEM 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.”