TotalEnergies-led group completed US$15M payment to Guyana in December for Block S4

Jan. 23 (oilnow.gy) A consortium led by TotalEnergies completed payment of a US$15 million signing bonus to Guyana in December for offshore exploration rights to Block S4, according to a report published in the December 30 Official Gazette.

The group, which includes QatarEnergy and Petronas, secured Block S4 in Guyana’s first offshore licensing round, which closed in 2023.

The Gazette report shows that on November 21, 2025, Petronas paid US$3.75 million, reflecting its 25% participating interest. On December 1, TotalEnergies paid US$6 million for its 40% stake, followed by QatarEnergy’s US$5.25 million payment on December 3 for its 35% interest, bringing the total to US$15 million. 

The payment represents the first signing bonus for an offshore block to be deposited into Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund since the fund was legislated and established.

The consortium plans to conduct a US$25 million 3D seismic survey offshore Guyana in August 2026, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The agency has said an environmental impact assessment is not required for the permitting process, though the survey has not yet received final approval and remains under review.

The proposed seismic campaign would cover about 2,000 square kilometers in shallow waters roughly 40 kilometers offshore, at depths of 20 to 30 metres. TotalEnergies Guyana, the operator, said the data will be processed using current seismic imaging technology to evaluate subsurface structures and identify prospects for possible exploration drilling. Block S4 spans 1,788 square kilometers.

Separately, Guyana awarded offshore Block S7 to Cybele Energy in December. The company is expected to pay a US$17 million signing bonus this year.