A South African court has revoked TotalEnergies SE’s environmental authorization for an offshore oil exploration block along the country’s west coast, citing major flaws in the approval process.
The Western Cape High Court found that the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for Block 5/6/7 failed to meet legal standards, overlooking key environmental risks, not complying with certain legal requirements, and falling short on public participation, according to environmental group Green Connection, one of the case’s plaintiffs.
The ruling means Total must restart the approval process if it wants to proceed, including conducting a new EIA and ensuring meaningful public input.
The decision marks another win for environmental activists, who in recent years have repeatedly used the courts to block offshore oil and gas projects in South African waters.
Total and Shell have been increasing their focus on South Africa following significant oil and gas finds in neighboring Namibia in 2022, which have turned the broader region into a new exploration hotspot. Despite the setback, the court’s order allows Total to reapply for authorization under stricter procedural compliance.
