On May 27, 2026, the Ivorian government officially approved the Baleine Phase 3 expansion project, a major offshore oil and gas development operated by Eni. The project is expected to increase production from the current 60,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 200,000 bpd by 2027, according to official statements.
The Baleine field, discovered in 2021, is located approximately 60 kilometers off the coast of Côte d'Ivoire. Phase 3 involves the installation of a new floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel and additional subsea infrastructure. Eni has committed to a net-zero emissions target for the project, utilizing carbon capture and storage technologies.
The total investment for Phase 3 is estimated at $10 billion, making it one of the largest energy investments in West Africa. The Ivorian government expects the project to significantly boost national revenues and create thousands of local jobs during construction and operation.
Environmental groups have raised concerns about the impact of expanded fossil fuel production on climate goals, but Eni and the government emphasize the use of advanced technology to minimize emissions. The project is part of Côte d'Ivoire's strategy to become a regional energy hub.
