ATLANTA, GEORGIA (By Chad Archey, Energy Analytics Institute, 3.Jul.2025, Words: 518) — The president of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) Alassane Ouattara, met with Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi to converse about the progress of the main energy and sustainability projects launched by Eni in the African country, as well as future perspectives for collaboration.
The meeting placed special emphasis on the strategic role of natural gas in the country’s energy access, Eni announced on 3 Jul. 2025 in an official statement
With a total production of Phase 1 and 2 of more than 62,000 barrels per day (b/d)of oil and over 75 million cubic feet of gas per day (MMcf/d), which is set to rise up to 150,000 b/d and 200 MMcf/d with the start-up of Phase 3, the Baleine project is a key pillar in meeting domestic energy demand. The gas production plateau, estimated at around 12 years, ensures significant continuity over time. Indeed, 100% of the gas produced is used to supply Côte d’Ivoire’s domestic market, significantly supporting the country’s energy security and promoting national industrial growth, the Italian company said.
“The entire gas chain contributes to ensuring reliable, sustainable and clean access to energy, reducing dependence on imports and strengthening Côte d’Ivoire’s energy autonomy. This strategic approach is part of a broader framework of sustainable development and energy transition, of which the Baleine project is a model of excellence in the African scenario, being the first net-zero emission upstream development on the continent,” Eni said in the statement.
The discussion also touched on the importance of the Calao discovery made in Mar. 2024, which confirmed the potential of the Ivorian offshore basin. This discovery, once developed, could bring gas production up to 500 MMcf/d, helping to strengthen Côte d’Ivoire’s role as an energy-exporting country in the region. The signing of four new exploration contracts in Nov. 2024 underlines the importance of the area and Eni’s willingness to continue investing in the country, with a long-term approach.
Another key theme was the development of local supply chains for the production of sustainable agricultural raw materials for biorefining. Just recently, Eni exported the first cargo of Hevea oil to Enilive’s biorefineries, while in May 2025 the company signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Agriculture to foster the growth of a strong supply chain in the sector, exploiting the full potential of Hevea residues within a circular economy framework.
Descalzi also discussed the recent progress of the decarbonization projects promoted by Eni, including the Clean Cooking program, which has already reached more than 700,000 people in vulnerable conditions, with a target of 2.5 million by 2030, and the initiative to protect and restore 14 classified forests in the country, with direct benefits for more than 300,000 citizens.
Eni has been present in Côte d’Ivoire since 2015 and has made the 2 largest discoveries in the country, Baleine and Calao. The company is committed to energy production and sustainable development through projects in the branches of education, training, health and economic diversification.
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By Chad Archey reporting from Atlanta. © 2025 Energy Analytics Institute (EAI). All Rights Reserved.
