Chariot Limited, a London-listed energy company specializing in low-carbon solutions on the African continent, is consolidating its presence in Morocco. The group has officially taken over the full operation of the offshore Lixus and Rissana licenses, marking a new phase in the development of the Anchois gas field.
A rise in Moroccan waters
This operation results from the withdrawal of Energean plc, which previously held an indirect stake through its subsidiary. Now, Chariot holds 75% of the rights to the two licenses, in partnership with the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), which retains a 25% share. This realignment gives Chariot a central role in the exploitation of gas resources off the coast of the Kingdom.
The Anchois project, a cornerstone of Chariot’s strategy
At the heart of this setup is the Anchois deposit, located within the Lixus perimeter, which remains the most promising asset. Three drillings have been conducted there, the most recent – Anchois-3 – completed in September 2024. Although this well did not increase the volumes enough to revise the initial project upwards, it nonetheless confirmed the presence of quality gas reservoirs in the evaluated areas. Chariot now intends to adjust its development approach based on proven resources, in close consultation with ONHYM.
Encouraging prospects in a favorable environment
For Chariot’s CEO, Adonis Pouroulis, this operator takeover represents a major opportunity. He emphasizes the strategic value of the recovered licenses, both offshore and onshore, and reaffirms the group’s commitment to advancing the Anchois project. The engineering work already completed, the regulatory approvals obtained, as well as ongoing discussions around financing and gas sales contracts, provide a solid foundation for the future.
Morocco, a promising market for natural gas
The group highlights several factors that enhance the attractiveness of the Moroccan market: a growing domestic demand, a favorable tax regime, and constant institutional support, particularly from the Ministry of Energy Transition. In this context, Chariot aims to play a driving role in strengthening the country’s energy security.
Diversification towards hydrogen and green energies
Beyond gas, Chariot is continuing its diversification into renewable energies and green hydrogen. In Mauritania, the company is involved in the Nour project, a 10 GW program carried out with TEH2, the subsidiary of TotalEnergies. Similar initiatives are being studied in Morocco, reinforcing the group’s positioning as a committed player in the energy transition in Africa.
With Le Matin