French Finance Minister Roland Lescure called a draft law proposing to allow offshore oil and gas exploration in its overseas territories "anachronistic" during a debate in the country's Senate on Thursday. In a world first, France banned new oil and gas exploration and production licenses in 2017, hoping other nations would follow suit. S.
liquefied natural gas have led senators to reconsider developing domestic resources. The government is not favourable to this proposal ... If we start drilling now, France will lose all international credibility regarding its climate commitments.
France produces onshore oil, mostly in the Paris region, which covers just 1% of its annual consumption and must cease by 2040 under current laws. Recent major discoveries in independent Guyana and Suriname — neighbours of French Guiana in South America — have reignited local interest in potential oil and gas findings. The draft law would allow exploration in French territories such as French Guiana, New Caledonia, and Polynesia.
This move could potentially impact the country's ability to meet its climate goals, as it would require significant changes to its energy policies. The French government has been under pressure from some senators to reconsider its stance on offshore oil and gas exploration. Despite this, Lescure expressed strong opposition to the proposal, citing concerns over the potential environmental impacts of drilling in sensitive ecosystems.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether France will ultimately adopt the draft law and allow offshore oil and gas exploration in its overseas territories.
The French government's decision on this matter could have significant implications for the country's energy security and climate goals. It is essential that any decisions made take into account both economic and environmental considerations.
