TotalEnergies' Strategic Expansion in Congo's Offshore Oil Potential: Assessing the Nzombo Permit as a Catalyst for Near-Term Growth

TotalEnergies’ recent award of the Nzombo exploration permit in the Republic of the Congo marks a pivotal step in its strategy to leverage offshore synergies and accelerate production growth. The 1,000-square-kilometer permit, situated 100 kilometers off the coast of Pointe-Noire, is strategically adjacent to the company’s existing Moho production facilities, which currently contribute 140,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd)—over half of the country’s total output [1]. With an exploration well slated to spud before the end of 2025, the Nzombo Permit aligns with TotalEnergies’ broader ambition to expand its high-impact exploration portfolio while optimizing costs through shared infrastructure [2].

Operational Synergies: Moho as a Foundation for Nzombo Success

The Moho field, operated by TotalEnergies EP Congo, serves as a critical backbone for the Nzombo initiative. The company’s 63.5% stake in Moho—bolstered by a 2024 acquisition of an additional 10% interest from Trident Energy—has enabled a $600 million investment plan to deepen production at the Moho Nord field [3]. This investment includes ongoing drilling activities, with two wells completed and a third currently in progress, alongside plans for a fourth well. The Moho field’s two Floating Production Units (FPU)—Alima and Likouf—already produce 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d), demonstrating the scalability of deepwater operations in the region [4].

The proximity of the Nzombo Permit to Moho facilities creates a natural corridor for shared infrastructure, logistics, and technical expertise. For instance, the use of existing subsea pipelines, processing platforms, and workforce training programs could significantly reduce the capital and operational costs associated with Nzombo’s exploration. This synergy mirrors TotalEnergies’ approach in other deepwater projects, where leveraging mature assets accelerates the commercialization of new discoveries [5].

Near-Term Production Growth and Strategic Priorities

TotalEnergies’ 2025 production guidance underscores the company’s confidence in its Congo operations. The firm projects hydrocarbon production growth of over 3% in 2025, driven by the ramp-up of projects like Brazil’s Mero-4 and Nigeria’s Akpo West, as well as the anticipated contributions from the Nzombo Permit [6]. While specific production figures for Nzombo remain undisclosed, the company’s broader 5% energy production growth target for 2025—including a 20% increase in electricity output—highlights its commitment to diversifying energy sources while maintaining oil and gas leadership [7].

The Nzombo Permit’s potential is further amplified by TotalEnergies’ $500 million investment in new wells across the Republic of the Congo in 2025. This funding, combined with the company’s focus on low-cost, low-emission assets, positions it to capitalize on the country’s goal of increasing oil production to 500,000 bpd by 2030 [8]. Environmental considerations, such as TotalEnergies’ zero routine flaring policy and reinjection of produced water, also align with global decarbonization trends, mitigating regulatory and reputational risks [9].

Conclusion: A Strategic Bet on Deepwater Synergies

TotalEnergies’ expansion in the Republic of the Congo exemplifies its ability to transform regional exploration into scalable production through strategic synergies. The Nzombo Permit, while still in its early stages, represents a calculated move to capitalize on existing Moho infrastructure, reduce exploration risks, and align with Congo’s energy ambitions. As the company drills its first well in late 2025, investors should monitor production data from the Moho Nord field and the success of the Marine XX permit appraisal, which could unlock further value in the region.

Source:
[1] TotalEnergies is Awarded a New Exploration Permit, [https://totalenergies.com/news/press-releases/republic-congo-totalenergies-awarded-new-exploration-permit]
[2] TotalEnergies Increases Its Interest in Giant Field Moho and Divests Two Mature Assets, [https://totalenergies.com/news/press-releases/republic-congo-totalenergies-increases-its-interest-giant-field-moho-and]
[3] TotalEnergies to Invest $600M in Republic of Congo's Exploration Production Sector, [https://worldoil.com/news/2024/5/23/totalenergies-to-invest-600-million-in-republic-of-congo-s-exploration-production-sector]
[4] Moho Nord: An Industrial and Human Challenge in the Republic of the Congo, [https://totalenergies.com/company/projects/oil/moho-nord-offshore-republic-congo]
[5] TotalEnergies - The Shareholders' Newsletter #76 Spring 2025, [https://journal-des-actionnaires.totalenergies.com/76-en/doc/article/5/]
[6] TotalEnergies Continues Oil and Gas Production Through 2030, [https://energynews.pro/en/totalenergies-continues-oil-and-gas-production-through-2030/]
[7] TotalEnergies' Q2 2025 Hydrocarbon Outlook, [https://www.ainvest.com/news/totalenergies-q2-2025-hydrocarbon-outlook-navigating-growth-and-volatility-2507101050bb0de0b4dbe4fa/]
[8] Congo Grants SNPC License to Explore Nzombo Deepwater Area, [https://energycapitalpower.com/congo-grants-snpc-license-to-explore-nzombo-deepwater-area/]
[9] Environmental and Social Impact Assessments, [https://totalenergies.com/info/environnemental-and-social-impact-assessments]