Trident Energy to Boost Congo’s Oil Production Amidst Strategic Expansion
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Trident Energy – a deepwater exploration and production company focusing on mid-life assets - is expediting the development of its FLNG project in the Republic of Congo, targeting commissioning of the facility within three years, according to Jean-Michel Jacoulot, CEO, Trident Energy ML.
In an exclusive interview with Energy Capital & Power, during the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF), Jacoulot said the aim is to contribute to Congo’s target of increasing production to 500,000 bpd.
What makes Congo an attractive market for Trident Energy ML, and how does it align with the company’s overall growth strategy?
Congo is a highly welcoming destination for us, offering a strong opportunity to deploy our technology, enhance production and unlock potential. What sets the country apart is the stability of its fiscal terms and the constructive, open dialogue we can have with the government. Our goal is to contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic growth and support the Ministry’s fiscal ambitions.
What initiatives are in place to maximize the value of your Congolese assets?
We are preparing to launch activities aimed at increasing production in the Nkossa permit, a legacy asset acquired from Chevron and TotalEnergies. We are also developing a plan to enhance output at our Lianzi asset, a deepwater field located between Angola and Congo. We are advancing a major gas project, the Nkossa Gas Project, where we have identified substantial gas potential which we will sanction through an FLNG. We also aim to be an active and value-adding partner, contributing innovative ideas and supporting ongoing development at the TotalEnergies-operated Moho field project where we hold a 21.5% interest.
With increasing emphasis on decarbonization and local value addition, how is Trident integrating these priorities into its existing operations in Congo and Africa?
We made a commitment to reduce carbon intensity by 50% by 2030. We are investing a lot in reducing gas flaring in Equatorial Guinea. In Congo, we have the FLNG project and we are investing in local content development to make a positive impact to the environment, local economy and communities.
What is your growth strategy for the African market in terms of production targets and revenue generation? Which key markets are you focusing on to expand your African portfolio?
Last year, we undertook a deepwater exploration project in our operated field in Equatorial Guinea, and we are now preparing for a new drilling campaign over the next three years. We take an opportunistic approach, exploring potential prospects from Angola through the West African coast.