Chinese investment targets $53 million West African gas asset

At a Glance

• Fuhai Energy acquires 40% of EG-08 offshore gas block, funding 95% of Barracuda well costs.
• Barracuda prospect holds an estimated 900 billion cubic feet of gas, with high probability of success.
• Deal reduces Europa Oil & Gas’ capital exposure and accelerates 2026 drilling plans.

A Chinese energy investor is stepping into offshore West Africa with a $53 million commitment, highlighting steady Asian interest in gas projects tied to existing export infrastructure as countries look for reliable, cleaner-burning fuel supplies. 

The investment comes as global gas markets remain shaped by energy security concerns, tight supply in some regions and the need to replace more carbon-intensive fuels.

For investors, assets close to producing fields and processing facilities offer a clearer path from discovery to cash flow. 

Equatorial Guinea, one of West Africa’s longest-producing gas hubs, fits that profile.

The country already exports liquefied natural gas and has infrastructure in place, lowering development costs and shortening timelines for new projects. 

For smaller explorers, partnerships with well-funded backers have become essential.

Rising drilling costs and tighter capital markets have made carried deals increasingly attractive, allowing projects to move ahead without stretching balance sheets.

Deal structure and funding support 

Fuhai (Beijing) Energy, a wholly owned unit of privately held Fuhai Group New Energy Holding, has agreed to acquire a 40% interest in the EG-08 production-sharing contract offshore Equatorial Guinea, according to Europa Oil & Gas. 

Under the agreement, Fuhai will fund 95% of the Barracuda exploration well, with its contribution capped at $53 million.

The structure sharply reduces Europa’s near-term spending while keeping the project on track for drilling in the second half of 2026. If a commercial discovery is made, Fuhai can recover its carried costs.

Asset location and outlook 

Europa describes the EG-08 block as an infrastructure-led opportunity in a proven gas basin.

The licence sits just north of Chevron’s Alen and Aseng fields and near several other discoveries, a factor that lowers geological and development risk. 

The Barracuda prospect is estimated to hold nearly 900 billion cubic feet of gas before drilling and is assessed to have a high chance of success for an offshore target. 

After completion, Antler Global, Europa’s associated company, will retain a 40% operating interest, matched by Fuhai, while state-owned GEPetrol will hold the remaining 20%. 

Chief Executive William Holland said the agreement follows three years of technical work and partner talks, positioning Europa to move quickly once approvals are in place.

The company said engineering and procurement work is underway, with 2026 set to be a defining year for both the project and Equatorial Guinea’s gas ambitions.