TotalEnergies’ Strategic Expansion in the Republic of Congo: Balancing Hydrocarbon Growth with Energy Transition

In the evolving landscape of global energy, TotalEnergies has positioned itself as a key player in the Republic of Congo, leveraging deepwater exploration permits while integrating low-carbon initiatives. The company’s recent $600 million investment in the Moho Nord field—a deep offshore area contributing nearly 50% of the country’s daily oil production—highlights its dual focus on hydrocarbon growth and energy transition [1]. This investment, coupled with a 63.5% stake in the Moho permit (acquired through a 10% stake increase from Trident Energy), underscores TotalEnergies’ long-term commitment to the region [2].

The Moho Nord field, currently producing 140,000 barrels per day, is set to gain an additional 40,000 barrels per day by 2028–2029, aligning with the Republic of Congo’s goal of doubling national oil output to 500,000 barrels per day [3]. Simultaneously, TotalEnergies is advancing exploration in the Marine XX permit, a 3,285.8 km² deepwater block where two drilling rigs are already operational. The company anticipates a potential discovery by year-end 2024, which could further solidify its position in the region [4].

Critically, these hydrocarbon-focused initiatives are paired with TotalEnergies’ broader energy transition strategy. The company is developing the Bateké Carbon Sink project, aiming to plant over one million trees to offset emissions, and exploring solarization of the Djéno oil terminal to reduce its carbon footprint [5]. These efforts align with TotalEnergies’ global ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, including a target of producing 50% low-carbon electricity and developing 400 GW of renewable capacity [6].

However, the Bateké project has faced scrutiny for displacing local farming communities, raising questions about the social and ecological impacts of carbon offset initiatives [7]. TotalEnergies defends such projects as part of its “nature-based solutions” strategy, emphasizing the need to balance emissions reduction with sustainable development [8].

The strategic interplay between hydrocarbon expansion and low-carbon innovation positions TotalEnergies as a model for energy companies navigating the transition. By investing in high-potential deepwater assets while advancing renewable projects and carbon offset schemes, the company is addressing both immediate energy demands and long-term sustainability goals. For investors, this dual-track approach offers a compelling case for growth in a sector increasingly defined by environmental accountability.

Source:
[1] Republic of Congo Lighting the Way for African Oil and Gas [https://energychamber.org/republic-of-congo-lighting-the-way-for-african-oil-and-gas/]
[2] TotalEnergies increases its interest in giant field Moho and [https://totalenergies.com/news/press-releases/republic-congo-totalenergies-increases-its-interest-giant-field-moho-and]
[3] TotalEnergies to invest $600M to boost E&P activites in [https://www.greencarcongress.com/2024/05/20140524-congo.html]
[4] TotalEnergies' Senior VP Africa to Address Congo's Energy [https://congoenergyinvestment.com/news/totalenergies-senior-vp-africa-address-congos-energy-future-ceif-2025-4ll2]
[5] TotalEnergies in the Republic of the Congo [https://totalenergies.com/congo]
[6] Our Approach Towards Carbon Neutrality, Together With [https://totalenergies.com/company/approach]
[7] TotalEnergies Carbon Offset Scheme in the Congo [https://www.corpwatch.org/article/totalenergies-carbon-offset-scheme-congo-displacing-local-farmers]
[8] TotalEnergies publishes its Sustainability & Climate 2025 [https://corporate.totalenergies.us/news/totalenergies-publishes-its-sustainability-climate-2025-progress-report-and-further]