The prospect of reopening several oil wells in eastern France has reignited the debate on hydrocarbon exploitation in the country. In the Grand Est region, the company SPPE is studying the resumption of operations at two wells located in the Marne and Aube departments, with a restart planned for 2027.
The project concerns the Saint-Just-Sauvage concession, which covers approximately 105,7 km². Estimates suggest the site could produce around 546,000 barrels of oil, or nearly 74,000 tonnes of crude. Before any final decision is made, the project must still be reviewed by the Environmental Authority.
The operation is still authorized until 2040.
The 2017 French hydrocarbons law prohibits the granting of new exploration permits, but it allows existing concessions to continue operating until their expiry. However, oil and gas production in the country must cease by 2040 at the latest.
Even if some sites could be restarted, French oil production remains very marginal. It represents approximately 1% of national consumption, meaning that France remains largely dependent on imports to meet its energy needs.
