Eni: We are taking you to the waters of the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of Côte d’Ivoire, to share our latest discovery: Calao South. The Calao Channel complex, with estimated volumes of up to 140 billion cubic metres of gas and 450 million barrels of condensate, includes the Calao and Calao South discoveries, representing the second largest find in the country after Ballerina.
Calao and Baleine: new horizons for energy security
Calao South is a key milestone in positioning Côte d’Ivoire as a regional energy hub.
In March 2024, we announced the discovery named Calao in Block CI-205, approximately 45 kilometres offshore. Preliminary assessments of Calao, based on Cenomanian-age gas and condensates, indicated potential resources of between 1 and 1.5 billion barrels of oil equivalent: today, the high potential of the basin and Eni’s consolidated presence in the country stand confirmed.
Associated gas from Baleine has strengthened Côte d’Ivoire’s energy self-sufficiency, providing a tangible boost to the development of the domestic market. Calao’s vast resources now create the conditions to further consolidate the country’s strategic role within the West African energy landscape.
Baleine: technological excellence
With the goal of achieving Net Zero (Scope 1 and 2) for an upstream project, we have implemented the best available technologies for Baleine since the development phase, maximizing efficiency and reducing GHG emissions. For instance, Phases 1 and 2 involved repurposing existing floating units, upgrading them with advanced technology to ensure an accelerated start-up while optimizing costs, timelines, and material usage.
Our presence in Côte d’Ivoire
Eni has been present in the country’s upstream sector since 2015 and, in 2023, launched agri-feedstock production for biorefining.
We are developing an agri-feestock chain to produce vegetable oils for our biorefineries to generate HVO biofuels. Under an agreement with the Federation of Hevea Producers, oil is extracted from rubber tree seeds, a residue that would otherwise go to waste. In recognition of its sustainability, this production has received the prestigious ISCC-EU certification, one of Europe’s leading sustainability schemes.
Just Transition initiatives
As in every country where we operate, we maintain a constant dialogue and collaboration with local institutions and companies. This approach is central to our identity and includes our partner, Petroci Holding.
In line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we promote energy access by developing the country’s energy resources and implement dedicated education and health projects in collaboration with local authorities and internationally recognised NGOs