Summary:

On 2 February 2026, multiple media outlets reported that gas producer Energean is assessing potential entry into the BirAllah gas field in Mauritania and the Yakaar-Teranga field in Senegal, amid withdrawals and operational challenges faced by established international energy companies. 

According to the reports, Mauritania’s offshore BirAllah field, discovered in 2019, has struggled to attract long-term operators after TotalEnergies abandoned the project in the second half of 2025, citing concerns over project size, complexity, and commercial viability. The Mauritanian government had previously reclaimed operating rights from BP in April 2024 and has since been seeking a new partner capable of advancing the development. 

Energean, which is listed in London and Tel Aviv, is reportedly considering a lower-cost development model focused on supplying domestic power generation rather than large-scale LNG exports.  

Outlook: 

Energean’s interest in the BirAllah gas field underscores Mauritania’s continued appeal to foreign investors, reflecting the perceived value of its offshore resources. The field remains significant in scale, indicating potential for domestic energy supply and regional market engagement.  

However, the withdrawal of certain international operators highlights the technical complexity and operational uncertainties that any operator could face, showing that while interest persists, challenges remain substantial.  

The situation illustrates the ongoing balance between opportunity and risk in Mauritania’s gas sector, which continues to attract attention from companies monitoring the region. The government is likely to continue emphasizing investor protections and assurances, given its reliance on the sector to support economic development and regional energy positioning. 

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