TotalEnergies Discovers Hydrocarbons on Congo’s Moho License
TotalEnergies EP Congo, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, has announced a significant hydrocarbon discovery on the Moho license, located offshore the Republic of the Congo. The discovery follows the successful drilling of the MHNM-6 NFW exploration well, which specifically targeted the promising Moho G geological structure. This development reinforces TotalEnergies’ strategic position in the region and highlights the continued potential of offshore exploration in West and Central Africa.
The MHNM-6 NFW well encountered a substantial hydrocarbon column measuring approximately 160 meters within high-quality Albian reservoirs. These reservoirs are known for their favorable porosity and permeability characteristics, which are essential for efficient hydrocarbon production. The presence of such a thick hydrocarbon column indicates a strong accumulation and suggests the potential for commercially viable extraction. In addition to confirming the presence of hydrocarbons, the drilling campaign included an extensive program of data acquisition and fluid sampling. This information will be instrumental in refining the subsurface geological model, assessing reservoir performance, and guiding future development plans.
The Moho G discovery is particularly noteworthy when considered alongside a previous discovery on the nearby Moho F structure. Together, these two finds are estimated to contain recoverable resources approaching 100 million barrels. This combined resource base significantly enhances the overall value of the Moho license and provides a solid foundation for future production growth in the area. The proximity of these discoveries to each other also opens up opportunities for integrated development, optimizing both capital expenditure and operational efficiency.
A key advantage of the Moho G discovery lies in its location near existing production infrastructure. TotalEnergies plans to develop the new resources through a tie-back strategy, connecting the newly discovered reservoirs to the already operational Moho facilities. This approach allows for a shorter development cycle compared to standalone projects, as it leverages existing platforms, pipelines, and processing units. By minimizing the need for new infrastructure, the company can significantly reduce both costs and environmental impact while accelerating the timeline to first production.
Nicola Mavilla, Senior Vice-President Exploration at TotalEnergies, emphasized the strategic importance of this discovery. He noted that the proximity to existing infrastructure enables a cost-effective and efficient development pathway. By capitalizing on its technical expertise and established offshore capabilities, TotalEnergies is well-positioned to transform this discovery into a value-generating asset. The company’s ability to integrate new resources into its existing operations underscores its commitment to maximizing returns while maintaining operational excellence.
The Moho license is operated by TotalEnergies EP Congo, which holds a 63.5% participating interest. The project is conducted in partnership with Trident Energy, which owns a 21.5% stake, and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC), which holds the remaining 15%. This collaborative structure reflects a balanced partnership between an international energy major, an independent oil company, and the national oil entity, ensuring both technical expertise and alignment with national energy objectives.
The existing Moho development is already a major offshore production hub. It includes two Floating Production Units (FPUs), Alima and Likouf, which together deliver a current output of approximately 90,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (kboe/d) on a 100% basis. These facilities are designed to process, store, and offload hydrocarbons, providing the necessary infrastructure to support ongoing and future production activities. The integration of the Moho G and Moho F discoveries into this system is expected to further enhance production levels and extend the operational lifespan of the field.
From a broader perspective, this discovery highlights the continued relevance of offshore oil and gas exploration in meeting global energy demand. While the energy transition is driving increased investment in renewable energy sources, hydrocarbons remain a critical component of the global energy mix. Discoveries such as Moho G demonstrate that significant resources are still being identified, particularly in underexplored or technically challenging regions. For countries like the Republic of the Congo, such developments play a vital role in supporting economic growth, generating government revenues, and strengthening energy security.
Moreover, the tie-back development model adopted by TotalEnergies aligns with industry trends toward more efficient and lower-cost project execution. By utilizing existing infrastructure, companies can reduce capital intensity and improve project economics, even in a volatile commodity price environment. This approach also contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to greenfield developments, as it avoids the need for extensive new construction and associated energy consumption.
The success of the MHNM-6 NFW well also underscores the importance of advanced exploration technologies and data-driven decision-making. Modern seismic imaging, reservoir modeling, and drilling techniques have significantly improved the industry’s ability to identify and evaluate hydrocarbon prospects. TotalEnergies’ investment in these capabilities has enabled it to unlock new resources and optimize the development of existing assets.
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