By: Amadi Vincent Uzoma
Angola has reached a significant milestone with TotalEnergies and its partners on Block 20/11 making a final investment decision (FID) to develop the Cameia and Golfinho fields, marking the commencement of the $6 billion Kaminho deepwater project in the Kwanza Basin. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) applauds the partners for this achievement and believes that this project will establish a high benchmark for deepwater developments in Angola and beyond.
TotalEnergies is leading the development of Block 20/11 with a 40% stake, alongside Petronas with 40% and Sonangol with 20%. Positioned 100km off the Angolan coast in water depths of 1,700 meters, the project includes a Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) unit capable of processing 70,000 barrels per day (bpd). The FPSO will be linked to a subsea production network, with an estimated involvement of over 10 million man-hours predominantly focused on offshore activities. Production is scheduled to commence by 2028 following the FID.
Angola aims to sustain oil production at 1.1 million bpd by 2027 and then enhance it to two million bpd. The Kaminho project is crucial in meeting these production targets while generating employment opportunities and supporting economic development. Serving as the initial venture in the maritime zone of the Kwanza Basin, the Kaminho project signifies a new chapter in oil exploration and aligns with Angola’s strategy to reinforce its position as a significant player in the African oil and gas sector.
For TotalEnergies, reaching the FID underscores the company’s dedication to developing offshore oil and gas resources in Angola, where it has a longstanding presence of over 70 years. The Kaminho project strengthens this partnership and showcases TotalEnergies’ proficiency in advancing cost-effective, environmentally conscious oil and gas projects in Africa.
On the other hand, the project marks Sonangol’s emergence as a key participant in the Angolan oil and gas upstream market after its transition from a national oil company to an operator. Sonangol’s collaboration with TotalEnergies on the Kaminho project signifies its expertise and strategic role in the development of large-scale oil and gas initiatives.
NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC, commends the efforts of TotalEnergies and the partners on Block 20/11 for their progress towards enhancing oil production in Angola and addressing energy challenges. The AEC acknowledges the significance of the Cameia and Golfinho fields in solidifying Angola’s status as a prominent global producer.
In parallel with the FID announcement, TotalEnergies and Sonangol EP have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to drive decarbonization efforts in the oil and gas industry, laying the groundwork for low-carbon developments in Angola. The collaboration will involve joint research and development activities with a focus on emissions reduction and promoting renewable energy projects. The research teams of TotalEnergies and Sonangol EP will collaborate on establishing and enhancing laboratories, backed by initiatives to boost expertise in geology and electrification.
President João Lourenço and oil minister Diamantino Azevedo’s reforms in Angola have been effective in reducing risks, streamlining processes, and attracting investments. Achieving the FID while participating in decarbonization initiatives highlights TotalEnergies and Sonangol’s commitment to developing environmentally sustainable oil and gas projects in Angola. This approach aligns with Africa’s need to exploit its resources while embracing low-carbon technologies and fostering a just energy transition.
