- The Green Connection welcomes TotalEnergies’ recent announcement to abandon two of the four blocks it has exploration and production rights to, in South Africa.
- The eco-justice organisation’s Advocacy Officer, Lisa Makaula says that Total’s decision to withdraw from block 11B/12B (off the south coast), as well as block 5/6/7 (off the West Coast), are significant victories for the socioeconomic and environmental rights of coastal communities and the planet.
Makaula says, “Offshore oil and gas activities can threaten marine biodiversity, disrupt the livelihoods of coastal communities and contribute to the ongoing climate crisis. The potential for devastating oil spills and the long-term impact of seismic surveys on marine life, coupled with the ripple effect this could have on coastal livelihoods and cultural heritage, is why we continue advocating for sustainable projects that benefit our environment and communities.”
“As South Africans suffer the intensifying impacts of climate change, we must recognise that we are at the point where exploring, innovating and investing in renewable energy is crucial. This is why we are hopeful that the partial exit of this legacy fossil fuel polluter might lead to a more positive shift towards a just energy transition. But while we hope, we also continue our work with communities – such as the small-scale fishers in Port Nolloth in Northern Cape – who continue to oppose Total’s other offshore oil and gas applications and proposals that are still in the pipeline,” she says.
The Department of Minerals and Petroleum Resources has responded to the news by expressing their confidence that a suitable investor will come on board and “be able to monetise” gas discoveries off the south coast of South Africa.
“The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) notes TotalEnergies’ announcement to exit from offshore blocks 11B/12B and 5/6/7. We are confident that a suitable investor will come on board and be able to monetise the gas discoveries.
“The department remains committed to the exploration of the country’s oil and gas resources and will intensify engagements with key role players to ensure the development and sustainability of the sector,” the department said in a statement.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
