TotalEnergies’ Strategic Expansion in the Republic of Congo: Leveraging Deepwater Exploration and Energy Transition Synergies in Africa’s Oil and Gas Sector

TotalEnergies’ strategic expansion in the Republic of Congo represents a compelling investment case at the intersection of deepwater hydrocarbon development and energy transition initiatives. The company’s $600 million investment in the Moho Nord field—a joint venture with Trident Energy and SNPC—has positioned it as the leading operator in the country’s offshore sector, with combined production from Moho Nord and Moho-Bilondo fields accounting for over 50% of Congo’s total oil output (140,000 barrels per day) [1]. This deepwater expertise is further reinforced by plans to deploy two drilling rigs in 2024 for the Marine XX permit, signaling confidence in new discoveries and production growth [5].

The investment case is strengthened by TotalEnergies’ dual focus on hydrocarbon expansion and decarbonization. While the Moho Nord field remains a core asset, the company is aligning its operations with its 2050 carbon-neutral goals through methane reduction targets and renewable energy projects. For instance, the solarization of the Djéno oil terminal aims to reduce the facility’s carbon footprint, while the Bateké Carbon Sink project—despite recent setbacks—demonstrates a commitment to nature-based solutions [3]. However, the stalled progress of the Bateké project, with only 12.5% of planned trees planted as of 2025, raises questions about the scalability of such initiatives in the face of local opposition and logistical challenges [1].

The company’s strategy reflects a pragmatic approach to energy transition: leveraging low-cost, low-emission fossil fuel projects to meet global energy demand while investing $5 billion in low-carbon initiatives [4]. This balance is critical in Africa, where energy access remains a priority. TotalEnergies’ $500 million investment in new offshore oil extraction in Congo underscores its confidence in the region’s hydrocarbon potential, even as it faces scrutiny over the Bateké project’s social and ecological impacts [2].

For investors, the synergy between deepwater exploration and energy transition efforts creates a resilient portfolio. The Moho Nord expansion, with its 40,000 bpd production boost, ensures short-to-midterm returns, while renewable projects like the Djéno terminal solarization position TotalEnergies to meet evolving regulatory and market demands. However, risks such as project delays, community resistance, and the volatility of carbon offset markets must be carefully managed.

In conclusion, TotalEnergies’ strategic expansion in the Republic of Congo exemplifies a forward-looking approach to energy investment. By combining deepwater expertise with targeted decarbonization, the company is navigating the dual imperatives of energy security and sustainability—a model that could redefine Africa’s role in the global energy transition.

Source:
[1] Moho Nord: An Industrial and Human Challenge in the Republic of the Congo, [https://totalenergies.com/company/projects/oil/moho-nord-offshore-republic-congo]
[2] TotalEnergies abandons its carbon plantations in the Republic of Congo, [https://reddmonitor.substack.com/p/totalenergies-abandons-its-carbon]
[3] TotalEnergies in the Republic of the Congo, [https://totalenergies.com/congo]
[4] Inside TotalEnergies' 2025 Sustainability & Climate Report, [https://sustainabilitymag.com/articles/inside-totalenergies-2025-sustainability-climate-report]