The proposed project to drill several new oil wells is located in the Arcachon Basin area. The concession, held by the Canadian company Vermilion Energy, is valid until 2035 and currently includes around fifty wells producing approximately 1,500 barrels per day. According to various administrative sources, the public inquiry recently issued a favorable opinion, though local authorities have not yet approved the request. Several institutional representatives are closely monitoring the situation due to the legislative precedent that mandates the gradual cessation of hydrocarbon extraction by 2040.
Government Positions
Minister of Ecological Transition, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, has expressed her opposition to extending oil drilling in this area. This position contrasts with that of her predecessor, Christophe Béchu, who believed that local production was preferable to oil imports. Interministerial meetings are scheduled to resolve the issue, but no final decision has been communicated as of yet. Observers note that France’s energy strategy must consider reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
The commune of La Teste-de-Buch, where the concession is located, has also suffered from significant forest fires in the past. According to the prefecture, any decision allowing further drilling must take into account environmental risks and the security of installations. Several protests against the project have been held, attracting varying numbers of participants. In each rally, demonstrators voiced their concerns about continuing fossil fuel extraction in the region.
Reactions and Issues
The local representative of the state clarified that the opinion of the investigating commissioner did not constitute a final decision. Authorities remain cautious, as the law passed in 2017 calls for the gradual cessation of hydrocarbon extraction to limit its use in the future. Several players in the oil industry, however, argue that domestic production would contribute to securing supply. Other experts remind that the entire sector remains subject to constant regulatory changes.
Local collectives contest the economic viability of these additional wells, stressing the need to assess their environmental and local economic impact. Supporters of the project argue that existing production can be optimized without causing major consequences. The question of renewing or extending the concessions thus sparks a broader debate, as national energy policy tends to favor other forms of production. The prefect of Gironde has not set a timeline for the next steps.
