Zenith Energy, founded in 2007, and listed in Canada in 2008 on the Toronto Stock Venture (TSX Venture Exhange), has a history of acquisitions within the energy production sector. The Company’s core business includes gas-to-electricity and solar operations, early-stage uranium exploration in Italy, and oil production in the United States. Zenith is also engaged in two arbitrations against the Tunisian Government. The first concerns contractual dispute under the International Chamber of Commerce (“ICC”) in Paris. The second arbitration is brought under the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (“ICSID”) in Washington and addresses broader claims of treaty violations.
Pressmeddelanden
Solar, Uranium and Arbitration Define Zenith’s 2026 Outlook
Zenith Energy (“Zenith” or “the Company”) has a proven track record of well-timed acquisitions at attractive valuations, demonstrated by the acquisition of oil assets in Tunisia during the COVID-19 period and the subsequent strategic shift toward Italian power generation. The core business is supported by a rapidly scaling renewables platform, where Zenith controls a regionally diversified 110.5 MWp solar development pipeline, complemented by strategically positioned uranium projects in Lombardy and profitable gas-to-electricity operations in Italy. The Company’s most significant potential value catalyst remains the ongoing ICSID arbitration under the UK–Tunisia investment treaty, where Zenith is pursuing an upwardly revised claim of USD 573m in damages. Analysis of comparable treaty arbitration outcomes indicates a high likelihood of success. Analyst Group estimates that a probability-weighted cash injection of USD 134m, combined with a sum-of-the-parts valuation of Zenith’s core operations, including uranium projects, at USD 112m, supports a potential value of NOK 3.8 per share in a Base scenario.
- Scaling Italian Solar Platform to 110.5 MWp
During 2025, Zenith has continued executing on its Italian solar strategy and now controls a 110.5 MWp development pipeline, including several projects with integrated BESS capacity, surpassing its previously communicated 100 MWp target. The recently completed independent valuation of the portfolio reinforces its commercial quality as projects advance toward RTB. A central value driver is Zenith’s strategy to divest select RTB and development-stage assets to crystallize near-term profits while reinvesting proceeds into continued pipeline expansion and maturation.
- Strategic Entry into Uranium
Zenith has initiated a strategically important entry into the uranium sector through regional acceptance of two exploration-permit applications in Lombardy, covering Italy’s only known historic uranium deposits, Val Vedello and Novazza. Based on historic AGIP Nucleare data, the Company refers to a combined exploration target of approximately 15 Mlbs U₃O₈ with average grades between 0.07–0.10%, levels generally regarded as attractive in an international context. We consider the uranium portfolio to represent a strong value driver, with a conceptual gross in-situ metal value exceeding USD 1bn.
- ICSID Claim Remains a Central Catalyst
The ICSID arbitration under the UK–Tunisia BIT remains fully intact, with an increased claim of USD 573m, final written submissions filed in September 2025, and hearings scheduled for April 2026. Analyst Group estimates a 68 % probability of a favorable outcome in the ICSID arbitration based on precedent and case specifics. In parallel, the Company has secured a USD 9.7m award in ICC-1 and obtained admission of its ICC-2 annulment application before the Swiss Federal Supreme Court. Together with the expanding solar and uranium platforms, these proceedings provide substantial optionality and strengthen Zenith’s underlying operational value.
8.5
Värdedrivare
4.5
Historisk lönsamhet
8.2
Ledning & Styrelse
8.0
Riskprofil
Samtliga analyser av bolag från och med år 2020 betygssätts utifrån ett nytt betygssystem - Värdedrivare, Historisk Lönsamhet och Ledning & Styrelse sträcker sig från 1 till 10, där 10 är högsta betyg. Riskprofil sträcker sig från 1 till 10, där 10 är att anse som högst risk. Aktieanalyser av bolag publicerade innan 2020 har betygssatts utifrån en annan modell.
Legal Setback in ICC-2, While Strong Core Business and ICSID Arbitration Carry Upside
Zenith Energy (“Zenith” or “the Company”) has a long history of well-timed acquisitions at attractive valuations, demonstrated by the acquisition of oil assets in Tunisia during the COVID-19 period. The core business remains resilient through energy production in Italy, where the Company has been present since 2010 with a profitable gas and electricity production and where it has accelerated its acquisition strategy and recently completed its largest solar energy transaction to date, resulting in a diversified solar asset portfolio of 58.5 MWp. Italy’s favorable energy price environment, driven by high dependency on imports, provides a structural benefit to the Company. Despite the legal setback in ICC-2, the ongoing and broader claim in the ICSID arbitration remains fully intact, with Zenith pursuing USD 503m under the UK–Tunisia investment treaty. Statistical analysis of previous arbitration outcomes indicates a strong likelihood of success. With an estimated cash injection of USD 110.5 million, based on a probability-weighted approach, and core operations valued at USD 47m applying a discounted cash flow (DCF) methodology, this supports a potential present value of NOK 3.2 per share in a Base scenario.
- Dismissal of Zenith’s ICC-2 Claim
During July 2025, the Arbitral Tribunal issued a decision rejecting the entirety of the claims presented by CNAOG. The dismissal of Zenith’s ICC-2 claim has contributed to increased financial constraints in the near to mid term and has underscored the complexity and unpredictability of international arbitration processes involving sovereign counterparties. Analyst Group has fully excluded the value of ICC-2 from the valuation following the rejection, but continues to monitor the process related to the Company’s intention to submit an annulment application before the Swiss Federal Supreme Court, where the Company has referenced documented procedural irregularities during the arbitration process.
- The Largest Claim ICSID Remains Fully Intact
Zenith’s ICSID arbitration, in which the Company is pursuing USD 503 million under the UK–Tunisia investment treaty, remains fully intact despite the setback in ICC-2. The ICSID claim is by far the largest and most significant of the three proceedings, where the Company now is intensifying both legal and strategic focus on the ICSID process. Final submissions are due in September 2025, with hearings scheduled for the second quarter of 2026.
- Strong Core Business and Attractive Risk–Reward Profile
Zenith has maintained a high pace of acquisitions during year 2025 and has already built a diversified portfolio of 58.5 MWp in solar assets, which together significantly strengthen the core business operations, supporting our expectation that the total portfolio exceeds 100 MWp before the end of year 2025. Following the dismissal of ICC-2, which represented both a legal and financial setback, financial projections have been revised, while focus has shifted to the fully intact ICSID arbitration, where a strong legal position supported by data and precedent underpins an attractive risk–reward profile ahead of final hearings and an expected year 2026 decision.
9
Värdedrivare
4
Historisk lönsamhet
8
Ledning & Styrelse
9
Riskprofil
Samtliga analyser av bolag från och med år 2020 betygssätts utifrån ett nytt betygssystem - Värdedrivare, Historisk Lönsamhet och Ledning & Styrelse sträcker sig från 1 till 10, där 10 är högsta betyg. Riskprofil sträcker sig från 1 till 10, där 10 är att anse som högst risk. Aktieanalyser av bolag publicerade innan 2020 har betygssatts utifrån en annan modell.
Foundation for Favorable Outcomes in Arbitrations and Expansion
Zenith Energy (“Zenith” or “the Company”) has a long history of well-timed acquisitions at attractive valuations, demonstrated by acquisitions of oil assets in Tunisia during COVID-19. The Company relies on two key pillars: electricity production in Italy, a country with favorable high energy prices due to its high dependence on imports, benefiting Zenith as a domestic producer with scale-up potential. Secondly, ongoing claims in two separate arbitrations at ICC and ICSID, related to the Company’s Tunisian operations during 2021–2022, where statistical analysis of past arbitration outcomes supports a strong probability of success. With an estimated cash injection of USD 143.7m in year 2026, based on a probability-weighted approach, and core operations valued at USD 12.3m applying a DCF methodology, this justifies a potential present value of NOK 3.4 per share in a Base scenario.
- High Probability of Favorable Ruling in ICC and ICSID
Analyst Group estimates a 71% probability of a favorable outcome for Zenith in the ongoing ICC and ICSID arbitrations, whether through direct victory or settlement. This assessment is supported by the strength of Zenith’s case, with an already secured favorable arbitration court ruling under the International Chamber of Commerce (“ICC”) 1 in 2024, which presents clear evidence of obstructive treatment, and statistical data on arbitration outcomes in Africa for arbitration court cases. Based on these factors, Analyst Group anticipates that Zenith could recover up to USD 143.7m by 2026 after tax, potentially enabling the Company to distribute an extraordinary dividend to its shareholders and expand its core operations.
- Exposure to Italian Electricity Market
Zenith capitalizes on Italy’s elevated domestic electricity prices through two cash-generative segments, gas-to-electricity and solar, expected to deliver an estimated free cash flow (FCF) of USD 2.3m in 2028. Italy’s reliance on natural gas for ~44% of electricity generation, coupled with a surge in its domestic consumption-to-domestic production ratio from 9x to 21x between 2013 and 2023, has amplified local electricity prices. The situation was further intensified after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which forced Italy to shift to longer, costlier import routes, such as via Qatar, benefiting domestic producers like Zenith.
- Leadership With Proven Track Record
Zenith’s leadership has consistently demonstrated exceptional timing in acquisitions, securing Tunisian assets during the COVID-19 period when oil prices were low, with acquisitions made at a fraction of its subsequent valuation by third-party experts. Similarly, the Company acquired gas assets in Italy ahead of the energy crisis, which later drove up electricity prices. This strong track record is expected to fuel future growth by expanding existing profitable gas- and solar operations in Italy and exploring new high-return opportunities, supported by anticipated funds from the arbitration outcome.
9
Värdedrivare
4
Historisk lönsamhet
9
Ledning & Styrelse
8
Riskprofil
Samtliga analyser av bolag från och med år 2020 betygssätts utifrån ett nytt betygssystem - Värdedrivare, Historisk Lönsamhet och Ledning & Styrelse sträcker sig från 1 till 10, där 10 är högsta betyg. Riskprofil sträcker sig från 1 till 10, där 10 är att anse som högst risk. Aktieanalyser av bolag publicerade innan 2020 har betygssatts utifrån en annan modell.
Analytikerkommentarer
Comment on Zenith’s Update on Tunisia’s Recognition of Crude Oil Ownership
2026-04-14
Zenith Energy Ltd. (”Zenith” or the ”Company”) announced on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, that the Republic of Tunisia formally has recognized that the Robbana and El Bibane production concessions are held by Zenith’s wholly owned subsidiary, Ecumed Petroleum Tunisia Ltd. (”EPT”), and has confirmed in writing that approximately 3,987 barrels of oil produced from the concessions are fully owned by EPT. These volumes correspond to oil produced since 2022 that remained unsold due to repeated obstructions by Tunisian authorities. At an illustrative oil price of USD 100 per barrel, the recognized inventory has an estimated gross value of approximately USD 0.4m, while an additional approximately 8,000 barrels remain stored at Robbana, representing an estimated gross value of approximately USD 0.8m on the same pricing basis, totaling USD 1.2,. The Company also disclosed that the Robbana concession has been subject to extensive vandalism and theft, rendering the site entirely non-operational for a period of at least one year, with critical equipment stolen or destroyed and a significant rehabilitation program required before operations can resume.
Analyst Group’s View on the Tunisian Developments and ICSID Implications
In Analyst Group’s view, Tunisia’s formal written recognition of EPT’s ownership of both the concessions and the associated crude oil inventory represents the most legally significant development to arise within the Tunisian situation since the filing of the ICSID claim. The timing, in the immediate lead-up to the ICSID final hearing scheduled for April 20, 2026, is particularly noteworthy: it constitutes a formal admission by the respondent state that directly validates the ownership and entitlement claims consistently advanced by Zenith’s subsidiaries, and materially strengthens the evidentiary foundation of the ICSID case on a central factual question.
This development must be understood in the context of the pattern documented over recent years. Since 2022, Tunisian authorities have repeatedly obstructed EPT’s ability to sell oil from Robbana and El Bibane, while the Company has continued to bear all associated costs for salaries, environmental compliance, and technical maintenance, estimated cumulatively at approximately USD 2m. The unauthorized sale of 3,987 barrels via MARETAP, with no proceeds remitted to EPT, was a concrete illustration of value being systematically removed from Zenith’s assets. Tunisia’s subsequent formal acknowledgment that this same oil was owned by EPT effectively confirms the unauthorized nature of the earlier transaction and reinforces the core claim of expropriation and denial of fair treatment under the UK-Tunisia Bilateral Investment Treaty.
The disclosure of extensive vandalism and theft at Robbana adds a further and serious dimension of documented damage. The scale and nature of the destruction, which has rendered the concession entirely non-operational for at least one year and necessitates a full rehabilitation program, raise questions regarding the circumstances under which such damage occurred, particularly when considered alongside the broader pattern of conduct directed at Zenith’s Tunisian assets. In Analyst Group’s assessment, the combination of a respondent state formally recognizing ownership of a concession while that same concession has simultaneously been subjected to infrastructure destruction that eliminates its productive capacity presents a particularly compelling factual record for the claimants ahead of the final hearing. While the direct financial impact of the crude oil volumes involved remain modest in the context of Zenith’s USD 572.65m ICSID claim, the evidentiary weight of these developments extends well beyond their immediate monetary value.
Analyst Group has estimated a 68% probability of a favorable outcome in the ICSID arbitration based on precedent and the legal circumstances of the case. Today’s developments do not alter that estimate, but in Analyst Group’s view they meaningfully strengthen the qualitative position of the claimants ahead of the final hearing. Taken together with Tunisia’s failure to engage substantively with the ICC-2 annulment application before the Swiss Federal Supreme Court, and its pattern of procedural non-compliance across multiple jurisdictions, the update further reinforces the narrative of systematic obstruction that forms a central pillar of the ICSID submissions.
Background
Robbana and El Bibane are mature oil production concessions in Tunisia held 100% by EPT, a fully owned subsidiary of Zenith. In early 2024, EPT was ordered by the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy to transfer crude to MARETAP on alleged safety grounds, despite a prior inspection confirming the integrity of storage facilities. The 3,987 barrels moved to MARETAP were subsequently sold by ETAP without authorization and with no proceeds allocated to EPT. MARETAP is a 50/50 joint venture between EPZ (a wholly owned Zenith subsidiary) and ETAP. These developments form part of the broader pattern of disputes currently being pursued through ICSID arbitration, with the final hearing scheduled for April 20, 2026, where Zenith’s subsidiaries are claiming USD 572.65m in damages under the UK-Tunisia Bilateral Investment Treaty.
Conclusion
Analyst Group views Tunisia’s formal recognition of EPT’s ownership of the concessions and associated crude oil inventory as a significant and positive development for Zenith’s legal position ahead of the ICSID final hearing. The written confirmation directly supports the factual basis of the claimants’ submissions and, when considered alongside the documented unauthorized sale of crude, the cumulative pattern of operational obstruction, and the extensive destruction of infrastructure at Robbana under circumstances that warrant scrutiny, presents the ICSID tribunal with a strengthened evidentiary record. The legal and procedural significance of a respondent state formally conceding ownership on a contested factual point in the weeks preceding a final hearing should not be underestimated. Analyst Group’s 68% probability estimate for the ICSID arbitration, based on precedent and legal circumstances, is unchanged, and today’s developments meaningfully strengthen the qualitative position of the claimants as they enter the final hearing.
Comment on Zenith’s Increase in Solar Development Pipeline to 173.5 MWp and Update on Italian Electricity Production
2026-03-23
Zenith Energy Ltd. (”Zenith” or the ”Company”) announced on Friday, March 20, 2026, that the Company has acquired an additional agrivoltaic development project with an expected installed capacity of approximately 10 MWp, located in the Lazio region of Italy (”Rieti-2”). The total consideration amounts to EUR 1,020,000, payable upon securing all required permits and achieving Ready-to-Build (”RtB”) status. Following the acquisition, Zenith’s solar development pipeline has increased to approximately 173.5 MWp, all secured in less than 12 months, representing approximately 87% of the Company’s stated 200 MWp target by the end of 2026. The Company also provided an update on electricity production at the Torrente Cigno concession, with gross revenues expected to reach approximately EUR 370t for the first quarter of 2026. On March 23, 2026, Zenith further announced that construction of its 7 MWp Under Construction Portfolio (”UCP”) in Puglia is now scheduled to commence in early July 2026, with grid connectivity fully secured and construction financing covering 85% of total land acquisition and construction costs confirmed as fully arranged.
Conclusion
The pace of portfolio expansion during the opening months of 2026 has been a defining feature of Zenith’s investment case, with the solar pipeline expanding from 110.5 MWp to 173.5 MWp since December 2025 alone, supported by a high cadence of disciplined, milestone-contingent acquisitions across multiple Italian regions. The expected near-term surpassing of the 200 MWp target and the announcement of a new, more ambitious growth objective signal that Zenith is entering a new phase of its development, with the scale and commercial potential of the solar platform continuing to expand. The confirmation that the 7 MWp Puglia UCP is fully financed and scheduled for construction in July 2026, with Zenith’s equity contribution limited to approximately EUR 580,500 against an estimated operational sale value of EUR 9.1m, provides tangible evidence of the capital efficiency and value creation potential embedded in the Company’s solar model. The Torrente Cigno production update further reinforces the attractiveness of the Italian electricity market as the backdrop for Zenith’s accelerated build-out. Beyond solar, the ICSID final hearing scheduled for April 2026 remains the most financially significant catalyst in Zenith’s overall investment case, and Analyst Group views the convergence of these events as an unusually catalyst-rich period for the Company.
Analyst Group’s View on the Acquisition, Pipeline Update and Puglia Construction Milestone
The acquisition of Rieti-2 represents continued execution on Zenith’s solar expansion strategy, bringing the total pipeline to 173.5 MWp in less than 12 months. Notably, Zenith’s CEO, Andrea Cattaneo, has indicated that the Company expects to surpass the 200 MWp target before the end of the first half of 2026, at which point a new and more ambitious target will be communicated. In Analyst Group’s view, this represents a strategically significant signal: the 200 MWp objective, which has served as the defining growth milestone for Zenith’s solar platform, is being repositioned as a near-term floor rather than a long-term ceiling. This implies a material upward revision to the long-term scale of the solar business and supports a more ambitious valuation framework as the pipeline continues to expand. Rieti-2 also strengthens Zenith’s geographic diversification, reinforcing Lazio as the Company’s second regional cluster alongside the approximately 100 MWp Piedmont concentration.
The electricity production update from the Torrente Cigno concession provides a concrete illustration of the revenue dynamics underpinning Zenith’s Italian operations in the current price environment. With average monthly production of approximately 1,000 MWh and Italian wholesale spot prices as measured by the PUN index averaging EUR 132/MWh in January, EUR 114/MWh in February, and tracking approximately EUR 142/MWh in March, the concession is on track to generate gross revenues of approximately EUR 370,000 for the first quarter of 2026. Italy has historically ranked among the highest-priced major wholesale electricity markets in Europe, underpinned by its structural dependence on gas-fired generation and its role as a net electricity importer, and the current geopolitical risk environment has driven prices toward the upper end of the EUR 120–150/MWh range observed year-to-date. This price range directly strengthens the commercial rationale for Zenith’s accelerated solar build-out, as each MWp brought to production generates materially higher revenues than in lower-priced European markets.
The March 23 announcement that the 7 MWp Puglia UCP is now fully financed and scheduled for construction commencement in early July 2026 represents, in Analyst Group’s view, a meaningful de-risking event and the clearest evidence to date of Zenith’s ability to advance projects from development through to execution. Total project costs, comprising land acquisition of EUR 720,000 and expected construction costs of approximately EUR 3.15m, amount to approximately EUR 3.87m, of which Zenith’s equity contribution is limited to 15%, or approximately EUR 580,500, with the remaining 85% covered by external financing. This capital-efficient structure limits near-term capital requirements while enabling the Company to retain full economic exposure to the completed assets. The Company estimates that the UCP will generate approximately 11.2 GWh of electricity per year, based on a southern Italy yield assumption of approximately 1,600 kWh/kWp/year, and projects gross revenues of approximately EUR 1.48m per annum, or approximately EUR 14.8m over the first ten years, based on an implied electricity price of approximately EUR 0.13/kWh. Furthermore, the estimated sale value of the UCP upon completion is approximately EUR 9.1m, equivalent to EUR 1.3m per MWp, which, if realized, would represent a significant multiple on the Company’s initial equity outlay and provide a concrete benchmark for the broader portfolio’s monetization potential. The retention of optionality to either hold the assets for recurring cash flow generation or divest at a premium is consistent with Zenith’s stated dual-track strategy and reinforces the flexibility of the platform.
The pending independent valuation of the full 173.5 MWp portfolio represents the most significant near-term catalyst within the solar segment. Importantly, the valuation will for the first time cover not only RtB value but also the fully operational portfolio value, providing investors with an independent assessment of the long-term earnings potential of the platform as a whole. This is a qualitative step beyond the EUR 27.5m RtB valuation established for the 110.5 MWp portfolio in December 2025, and Analyst Group views the release of this valuation as a potentially material communication event.
Comment on Zenith’s Solar Acquisition and Gas Supply Growth
2026-03-05
Zenith Energy Ltd. (“Zenith” or the “Company”) announced on March 5, 2026, that the Company has acquired an additional photovoltaic development project located in the Puglia region of Italy with an expected installed capacity of approximately 10 MWp. The acquisition forms part of the Company’s broader strategy to expand its Italian solar development pipeline beyond 200 MWp by the end of 2026. The project remains in the development stage and is expected to reach Ready-to-Build (“RTB”) status by February 2027. The agreed consideration for the project amounts to EUR 1.05 m and will only be payable upon the successful completion of the development process and the achievement of RTB status.
Following the acquisition, Zenith’s solar development portfolio has increased to approximately 135.5 MWp across several Italian regions including Piedmont, Lazio, Liguria and Puglia. The Company has also secured land sufficient to accommodate an integrated 4 MW Battery Energy Storage System (“BESS”) at the newly acquired site, which may allow the project to optimize electricity dispatch and enhance grid stability.
In addition to the solar acquisition, Zenith announced the decision to recommence production at the Sant’Andrea gas field in Italy. Once reactivated, the field is expected to produce approximately 40,000 cubic metres of natural gas per month, equivalent to roughly 480,000 cubic metres annually, with production sold through the Italian national grid.
Analyst Group’s View and Conclusion
Analyst Group views the acquisition of the Puglia photovoltaic project as a continued demonstration of Zenith’s ability to expand its Italian solar development pipeline at a rapid pace. The increase of the portfolio to approximately 135.5 MWp represents meaningful progress toward the Company’s stated objective of exceeding 200 MWp by the end of 2026. At the same time, the restart of the Sant’Andrea gas field demonstrates Zenith’s ability to capture value from existing energy infrastructure in response to evolving natural gas and electricity price dynamics in Europe.
Together, these developments reinforce Zenith’s position as a diversified European energy company with exposure to both renewable power generation and natural gas production. In the current market environment, characterized by heightened geopolitical tensions, energy security concerns and volatile commodity prices, such a diversified energy portfolio provides strategic flexibility and exposure to favorable pricing dynamics.
Beyond the operational developments described above, it should also be noted that Zenith is approaching a significant milestone in the ongoing ICSID arbitration against the Republic of Tunisia. The final hearing is scheduled for April 2026, and the Company has recently strengthened its legal team ahead of this stage. With an updated claim amount of approximately USD 572.65 m, the arbitration represents a potentially material financial catalyst. In Analyst Group’s view, the convergence of rising European energy prices, accelerating solar pipeline execution, and the approaching ICSID final hearing in April 2026 represents a set of meaningful near-term catalysts which, together with the Company’s expected operational pipeline during 2026, support an attractive risk-reward profile.
Analyst Group’s View on Solar Pipeline Expansion and Gas Market Positioning
The acquisition of an additional 10 MWp photovoltaic development project in Puglia represents another incremental step in Zenith’s strategy of rapidly expanding its Italian solar platform. Since mid-2025, the Company has systematically built a diversified pipeline of development-stage solar assets across several Italian regions, and the latest acquisition increases the total pipeline capacity to approximately 135.5 MWp. This trajectory reflects a clear strategic objective: to scale the portfolio toward a capacity exceeding 200 MWp by the end of 2026.
From an industry perspective, development-stage solar pipelines represent a key value driver in the renewable energy sector. The intrinsic value of such pipelines typically increases as projects progress through permitting, grid-connection approvals and engineering milestones toward Ready-to-Build status. Zenith’s strategy to selectively monetize certain RTB assets while constructing others internally creates a dual-track value creation model. On one hand, divestments of mature development assets can generate near-term capital inflows and recycle capital into new projects. On the other hand, internally developed projects can generate stable, long-term electricity revenues once operational.
Another relevant feature of the project is the planned integration of a Battery Energy Storage System (“BESS”). Storage solutions are becoming increasingly important within the Italian electricity market, where intraday power prices can fluctuate significantly due to intermittent renewable generation and demand variability. The ability to store electricity during lower-price periods and dispatch it during peak-price hours can improve project economics while also contributing to grid stability. In southern Italy, where solar irradiation levels typically range between 1,800 and 2,000 kWh/m² per year, projects in regions such as Puglia generally benefit from strong production profiles relative to many other European markets.
In parallel with the solar expansion, the decision to recommence production at the Sant’Andrea gas field illustrates Zenith’s opportunistic approach to energy market dynamics. Zenith cites expectations of rising natural gas and electricity prices, driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions, as the primary rationale for recommencing production. European benchmark gas prices (TTF) have risen sharply following the escalation of geopolitical tensions in early March 2026, with prices moving meaningfully above recent trading ranges. The current pricing environment reflects elevated risk premiums associated with supply uncertainty, and several market participants have also highlighted the potential for prices to move materially higher should geopolitical risks escalate further, reinforcing a “higher-for-longer” pricing environment for European gas. In this context, Zenith’s decision to reactivate the Sant’Andrea field appears well-timed.
With an expected production volume of approximately 480,000 cubic metres per year, the Sant’Andrea field represents a relatively modest asset in absolute terms. However, the strategic relevance lies in Zenith’s ability to rapidly reactivate existing production capacity and capture favorable price movements within the Italian gas-to-power market.
Taken together, the combination of solar pipeline expansion and the reactivation of gas production highlights Zenith’s hybrid energy strategy in Italy. The solar portfolio represents a scalable, long-duration growth platform, while the gas-to-electricity segment provides exposure to shorter-term power price dynamics. In Analyst Group’s view, this dual structure allows the Company to both build long-term renewable capacity and remain flexible in responding to cyclical movements in European energy markets.
Comment on Zenith’s Completion of Private Placement
2025-12-08
Zenith Energy Ltd. (“Zenith” or the “Company”) announced on Monday, December 8, 2025, that the Company has completed two parallel private placements in the United Kingdom and Norway, raising gross proceeds of approximately NOK 49m. The financing attracted participation from both new and existing institutional investors and was executed at a 10 % discount in each respective market, resulting in the issuance of 100.9 million new shares.
Analyst Group’s View on the Private Placement
Analyst Group views the successful completion of the NOK 49m private placement as a clear signal of strengthened investor confidence at a strategically important stage of the Company’s development. The capital raise was executed efficiently, with a relatively modest discount considering the size of the issuance and supported by broad institutional participation across two jurisdictions. This demonstrates Zenith’s continued ability to access capital markets and attract long-term institutional investors. While the issuance represents an estimated dilution of approximately 15.5 %, the transaction materially reduces financial risk and increases operational visibility ahead of a catalyst-heavy first half of 2026.
Importantly, the use of proceeds is aligned with the Company’s near-term value catalysts.
- Advancement of Zenith’s uranium exploration permits in Lombardy.
The capital provides the required funding runway to advance the Environmental Impact Assessments and progress the Val Vedello and Novazza permits — Italy’s only documented historical uranium deposits. This enables uninterrupted momentum toward NI 43-101–aligned work programs and the establishment of FEI as a dedicated vehicle for future development optionality.
- Commencement of construction of Zenith’s first solar production assets in Puglia.
Zenith is now fully financed to initiate construction of its first Italian solar plant, marking a transition from development value to recurring cash-flow generation within the Company’s 110.5 MWp pipeline. The financing materially strengthens the outlook for timely project execution and aligns with the Company’s dual-track strategy of combining selective RtB divestments with internal build-out of long-life production assets. The recent independent valuation of the 110.5 MWp development pipeline further underscores the monetizable value of the Company’s solar clusters.
- Legal capacity-building ahead of the ICSID final hearing.
Part of the proceeds will support the expanded legal team appointed earlier this month, ensuring that Zenith enters the April 2026 ICSID hearing well-resourced and without financial constraints. This is particularly important given the updated USD 572.65m claim and the potential financial magnitude associated with the arbitration.
Taken together, the private placement increases Zenith’s strategic flexibility at a time when multiple high-impact catalysts converge: two EIA submissions for the uranium portfolio, the development and construction of solar assets, and the ICSID hearing concerning a USD 572.65m claim. The Company’s statement that no additional equity issuances are anticipated before June 2026 further strengthens the signal effect by reducing near-term dilution risk for investors.
Conclusion
Analyst Group views the NOK 49m private placement as a well-timed and strategically coherent financing event that reinforces Zenith’s position across all three core value pillars: uranium development, solar construction, and the ICSID arbitration. Despite the short-term dilution, the transaction meaningfully de-risks the capital structure and provides clear financial visibility through a transformative first half of 2026. In Analyst Group’s assessment, the successful raise, executed at a modest discount and supported by institutional demand, enhances the Company’s credibility and supports a more robust long-term equity narrative.
Analyst Group Comment on Zenith’s Update on Unauthorised Sale of Tunisian Crude Oil
2025-11-28
Zenith Energy Ltd. (“Zenith” or the “Company”) announced on Thursday, November 27, 2025, that Tunisian state entities have, according to the Company, carried out an unauthorised sale of 3,987 barrels of crude oil produced from the El Bibane concession and transferred to storage at MARETAP. The oil was originally moved in early 2024 after the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy ordered Zenith’s subsidiary Ecumed Petroleum Tunisia Ltd (“EPT”) to empty its tanks at El Bibane for alleged safety reasons, despite a prior inspection confirming the integrity of the storage facilities.
Since 2022, Zenith states that Tunisian authorities have repeatedly obstructed or delayed the sale of oil from the Robbana and El Bibane concessions, preventing EPT from monetizing production and forcing the Company to bear ongoing salaries, environmental compliance and technical upkeep. The total cost of maintaining the assets under these conditions is estimated at approximately USD 2M to date. Total production from the two concessions since 2022 amounts to 11,670 barrels, of which around 8,000 barrels remain in storage at Robbana, representing full on-site storage capacity.
Analyst Group’s View on the Tunisian Developments and Legal Implications
In Analyst Group’s view, the update provides a concrete illustration of how value has been systematically removed from Zenith’s Tunisian assets. Since 2022, EPT has had to fund all salaries, environmental compliance and technical maintenance for Robbana and El Bibane, at an estimated cumulative cost of roughly USD 2M, equivalent to approximately SEK 19M, while at the same time being prevented from selling its oil on normal commercial terms. Put simply, the Company is carrying the costs of the concessions, while Tunisian entities decide if and when the oil can be sold and, in the latest case, keep the entire revenue themselves. Zenith’s decision to keep the assets compliant and maintained, despite this, reflects both its legal obligations on the ground and the need to document ongoing damage and lost revenue as part of its arbitration claims.
Assuming an illustrative oil price assumption of around USD 80 per barrel, the 3,987 barrels reportedly sold without authorization correspond to a revenue equivalent of roughly USD 0.3M, while the full 11,670 barrels produced since 2022 equate to just under USD 1.0M in gross sales value. These amounts are small in the context of Zenith’s overall ICSID claim but are material at asset level and illustrate the erosion of expected economic returns from the Tunisian operations. The Company also notes that production volumes have declined over time and would have been materially higher had EPT been able to sell oil and receive payment on a regular basis, which further underlines the opportunity cost of the current situation.
From a legal standpoint, the events described are consistent with the broader pattern Zenith has invoked in its international arbitration processes: blocked offtake, non-payment for produced oil, and unilateral actions impacting shareholder rights in MARETAP, where Zenith holds 50 %. While this specific incident does not change the formal status of the ICSID or ICC proceedings, it provides an additional, concrete example of the type of behavior the Company argues amounts to expropriation and denial of fair treatment under the UK–Tunisia Bilateral Investment Treaty.
Background
Robbana and El Bibane are mature oil production concessions in Tunisia, held 100 % by EPT, a fully owned subsidiary of Zenith. Since 2022, Zenith reports that Tunisian authorities have repeatedly obstructed crude sales from these assets, resulting in stored volumes, foregone cash flows and an accumulated cost base of roughly USD 2M for staffing, environmental obligations and technical maintenance.
In early 2024, EPT was ordered by the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy to empty storage tanks at El Bibane and transfer all crude to MARETAP on alleged safety grounds, despite a safety inspection on April 1, 2024, having confirmed that the storage facilities did not pose environmental or safety risks. The 3,987 barrels moved to MARETAP were subsequently sold by ETAP without authorization, according to Zenith, and with no proceeds allocated to EPT.
MARETAP is the operating company for the previously terminated Ezzaouia concession and is owned 50/50 by EPZ (a Zenith subsidiary) and ETAP. Zenith has repeatedly stated that MARETAP’s management has failed to provide EPZ with standard financial, operational and corporate information, which the Company considers a serious breach of corporate governance and shareholder rights. These developments form part of the broader pattern of disputes between Zenith and Tunisian state-linked entities, which are currently being pursued through ICSID and ICC arbitration processes.
Valuation range: Bear 1.1 NOK, Base 3.2 NOK, and Bull 5.7 NOK.
Comment on Zenith’s Construction Tender Launch in Puglia
2025-11-21
Zenith Energy Ltd. (“Zenith” or the “Company”) announced on November 20, 2025, that the Company has initiated a formal tender process for the construction of three photovoltaic (“PV”) solar energy projects in the Puglia region of Italy, with a total installed capacity of approximately 7 MWp. The first project, Andria-1 (3 MWp), is classified as Ready-to-Build (“RTB”) and holds all permits required to begin construction immediately. The other two assets, Andria-2 and Barletta-1, are located nearby and remain in the development phase. Both are expected to reach RTB status within approximately four months. Together, these three projects form part of the Company’s previously announced acquisitions in southern Italy and are situated in the Province of Barletta-Andria-Trani.
Zenith also confirmed that it is in advanced negotiations with three financial institutions to secure construction financing covering up to 90 % of the expected capex. The Company anticipates finalizing the loan agreement upon completion of the tender process, with construction across all three assets targeted to begin by June 2026.
Analyst Group’s View on Construction Launch and Execution Strategy
Zenith’s decision to initiate a construction tender for its Puglia assets marks an important step in the Company’s transition from pure development to execution within its Italian solar strategy. The move aligns with Zenith’s stated ambition to construct selected RTB projects for long-term power production while selectively divesting other development assets to realize near-term profits and recycle capital into further growth.
The Puglia portfolio benefits from attractive structural conditions. Solar irradiation in the region typically ranges between 1 800 and 2 000 kWh/m² per year, supporting indicative capacity factors in the 17–20 % range, which compares favorably with many other European markets. The Andria and Barletta sites are located in the Province of Barletta-Andria-Trani, a relatively newly established province that remains less saturated in terms of grid-access demand and project density, and is characterized by flat terrain. These factors can translate into more advantageous grid-connection terms, reduced curtailment risk, and more predictable timelines to commissioning. Zenith also reported that only limited civil works are required on the land parcels, which should help maintain competitive unit construction costs.
On the financing side, the intention to secure up to 90 % of construction costs through bank debt implies a high degree of project leverage, but also reflects lender interest in the quality of the RTB and late-stage development pipeline. Provided that the facility is agreed on commercially reasonable terms, this structure allows Zenith to advance a meaningful share of its 7 MWp Puglia build-out while preserving group liquidity and maintaining flexibility for additional projects. At the same time, execution depends on final loan covenants, interest margins and security requirements, which remain to be confirmed.
The construction of Andria-1, Andria-2 and Barletta-1 represents the Company’s first multi-MW greenfield build-out within its 110.5 MWp Italian solar portfolio. Successful delivery of this initial 7 MWp package would provide concrete proof of execution for Zenith’s broader model: progressing assets from development to RTB, securing project finance, and converting the development pipeline into operating capacity and, where attractive, saleable assets. In Analyst Group’s view, the outcome of this tender, the final bank terms and the ability to start construction by mid-2026 are key indicators of how efficiently Zenith can scale its Italian solar platform in the coming years.
In conclusion, Analyst Group views the construction tender in Puglia as an important operational milestone that begins to translate Zenith’s growing RTB portfolio into tangible, near-term cash generating assets. While the 7 MWp package is relatively small compared with the Company’s total 110.5 MWp pipeline, it is sufficiently scaled to demonstrate EPC execution capability, project bankability and cash-flow potential under the current Italian power-price environment. Upcoming catalysts include the award of the EPC contract, confirmation of final financing terms and the achievement of RTB status for Andria-2 and Barletta-1. In our view, successful and timely delivery of this initial construction phase would not only validate Zenith’s development model, but also create a strong platform for materially accelerating the build-out of the Company’s Italian solar portfolio over 2026 and beyond.
Comment on Zenith’s Strategic Entry into the Uranium Sector and Latest Solar Acquisition
2025-11-18
Zenith Energy Ltd. (“Zenith” or the “Company”) announced on November 11, 2025, that its fully controlled Italian subsidiary, Canoel Italia S.p.A., has formally received confirmation that the Region of Lombardy has accepted two applications for exploration permits (“Permessi di ricerca”) covering Italy’s only known historical uranium deposits: Val Vedello and Novazza. Both projects are located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy.
The assets Val Vedello and Novazza were historically identified and explored by AGIP Nucleare S.p.A. but have remained undeveloped since the 1987 national referendum that suspended nuclear-related activities in Italy. The submission represents a strategic pivot for Zenith, expanding its focus from oil, gas, and solar energy into a critical raw material sector that is increasingly prioritized under both EU and national energy security frameworks.
Zenith Energy announced also on November 17, 2025, that its wholly owned Italian subsidiary, WESOLAR S.R.L., has signed a new agreement to acquire a solar energy development project in the Puglia region of Italy. The acquisition comprises approximately 12 MWp of photovoltaic capacity and an integrated 3 MW battery energy storage system (BESS), located on 15 hectares of flat land. The total transaction value is EUR 1.05 million, including the associated land, and is structured with milestone-based payments contingent on the completion of permitting and grid connection. With this latest acquisition, Zenith’s development portfolio now exceeds 110 MWp, comprising operational, ready-to-build, and development-stage assets, consolidating its presence across Italy’s most attractive solar regions and advancing its strategy to combine short-term development monetisation with long-term energy production revenue.
Analyst Group’s View on the Uranium Strategy and Development Outlook
Zenith’s uranium initiative represents a strategically significant diversification step into the critical raw material sector. From a timing perspective, the strategic relevance of uranium has increased significantly due to Europe’s shift toward energy autonomy, reinforced by the EU Critical Raw Materials Act in 2024.
The Novazza and Val Vedello projects together represent Italy’s only known uranium deposits with published historic exploration data. Based on underground development, surface sampling, and core data compiled during the 1970s and 1980s, Zenith refers to a combined historical exploration target of approximately 15 million pounds (Mlbs) U₃O₈, with reported average grades ranging between 0.07% and 0.10% U₃O₈. The initial work program focuses on validation of historic data and confirmatory sampling. These deposits were never brought into production due to the 1987 referendum outcome, which halted nuclear energy development in Italy. Zenith has stated that future technical studies will be carried out in accordance with international reporting standards, with the Company aiming to obtain a NI 43-101-compliant Mineral Resource Estimate.
Analyst Group highlights that these figures are historical in nature and non-compliant under modern disclosure standards such as NI 43-101 or JORC. Accordingly, a modern Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) remains a critical milestone before definitive valuation assumptions can be made. To illustrate the potential scale, Analyst Group has calculated a theoretical gross in-situ metal value using an assumed uranium price of USD 80/lb U₃O₈. Under this scenario, the combined 15 Mlbs U₃O₈ would imply a gross in-situ value of approximately USD 1.2 billion. It is essential to emphasise that this is a conceptual valuation metric based on total metal content in the ground and does not reflect potential recoverability, operating costs, discounting, or technical constraints. It is not a proxy for net asset value, but a reference point to illustrate the scale of the uranium endowment currently being pursued.
Zenith’s advantage lies in project location: both Novazza and Val Vedello are located in an industrialized region with robust grid access, existing infrastructure, and proximity to Switzerland and Northern Italy’s energy-intensive manufacturing base.
Zenith has announced that the initial three-year exploration phase is expected to be capped at approximately USD 5 million. Funding will be sourced through a combination of internal resources and targeted investments from institutional partners, while the Company is also actively applying for Italian and EU-level co-financing, including public-sector support under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act. This multi-channel funding strategy is consistent with broader policy incentives aimed at bolstering Europe’s domestic supply chains for critical materials.
In terms of comparative context, Zenith’s reported grades of 0.10–0.20% U₃O₈ are favorable relative to peer-stage European projects. District Metals Corp., an active uranium explorer in Sweden, controls the Viken Energy Metals Deposit, which holds an inferred uranium grade of 0.0161% U₃O₈. For perspective, District Metals currently trades at a market value of approximately SEK 1,184M, equivalent to approximately USD 125M. While Viken offers large-scale tonnage, the lower grade contrasts with Zenith’s Lombardy assets, which may offer smaller but higher-grade and potentially economically robust development opportunities, especially if underpinned by modern resource classification, strong infrastructure, and permitting momentum.
History and Resource Potential: Novazza and Val Vedello
The Novazza and Val Vedello uranium projects, historically explored by AGIP Nucleare (a former subsidiary of ENI S.p.A.), represent Italy’s only known uranium deposits. Systematic exploration campaigns were conducted from the 1950s through the 1980s and included underground development, diamond drilling, surface sampling, and tunnel construction.
At Novazza, extensive underground development reached four levels, with over 100 diamond drill holes and more than 6 km of mapped tunnels. Historical reports describe uranium mineralisation across six identified zones, hosted primarily in metasomatized amphibolites and chlorite-rich schists. Surface access is favourable, with road connectivity and nearby electrical infrastructure, while the area benefits from stable topography suitable for low-impact exploration.
Val Vedello, located approximately 70 km north of Novazza, is a smaller but geologically prospective deposit. AGIP exploration identified uranium mineralisation hosted in vein structures and metasomatic rocks, with surface grab samples historically reporting grades up to 0.23% U₃O₈. The site is accessible via historic forestry roads within an alpine setting and lies approximately 25 km from the Swiss border.
Combined, the two projects are estimated to contain a historical exploration target of approximately 15 million pounds (Mlbs) U₃O₈, with average grades ranging between 0.07% and 0.10% U₃O₈. This suggests a significant historical uranium endowment, supported by extensive prior exploration, which is expected to provide a robust foundation for Zenith’s goal of advancing toward an NI 43-101-compliant Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE). While these figures remain non-compliant with current standards, they underscore the strategic potential of the assets. As the only known uranium deposits in Italy, Novazza and Val Vedello represent a rare opportunity in the European uranium landscape. Combined with brownfield infrastructure, prior underground access, and historical geological work, the assets offer a significant first-mover advantage, particularly as the EU accelerates efforts to secure domestic supplies of critical raw materials like uranium.
Regulatory and Project Structuring Milestones
According to the Company, the current priority is the granting of exploration permits (“Permessi di ricerca”) in the Lombardy region. The Company has confirmed that the Region of Lombardy has formally accepted both applications, thereby concluding the initial procedural phase. The remaining regulatory step involves the submission of a Valutazione di Impatto Ambientale (VIA) – Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to Italy’s Ministry for Environment and Energy Security (MASE).
Following submission, the Commissione Tecnica VIA will be formed to assess the EIA documentation in accordance with Italian and EU environmental legislation. This constitutes the final requirement before exploration permits can be officially issued. No drilling or physical exploration activities may be undertaken before this final authorisation is obtained.
In parallel, Zenith is expected to engage independent technical consultants to initiate the preparation of an NI 43-101 or JORC-compliant Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE), contingent on successful permitting and field validation. Specific details regarding capital allocation, joint venture structures, or exploration financing beyond the initial three-year USD 5M budget have not yet been disclosed and will require further clarification as the permitting process advances.
Zenith’s New Solar Acquisition in Puglia and Strategic Milestone
Zenith announced on November 17, 2025, that its wholly owned Italian subsidiary, WESOLAR S.R.L., has signed a new agreement to acquire a solar development project in the Puglia region with a planned capacity of 12 MWp and an integrated Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) of up to 3 MW. The transaction strengthens the Company’s presence in southern Italy and further expands Zenith’s renewable energy portfolio, which now totals 110.5 MWp across key regions such as Puglia, Lazio, and Piedmont. The total consideration amounts to EUR 1.05 million and includes associated land. Payment will be made upon completion of permitting and achievement of Ready-to-Build status. The project is expected to reach RtB within 12–16 months.
With this acquisition, Zenith’s development pipeline now totals 110.5 MWp across multiple key Italian regions, including Puglia, Lazio, and Piedmont. Puglia continues to stand out as one of the most attractive solar geographies in Italy, supported by high solar irradiation levels, flat and well-graded terrain, and favorable grid conditions. The inclusion of BESS infrastructure enables electricity storage and time-shifted dispatch, offering enhanced project economics through peak-hour price arbitrage under Italy’s time-of-use (fasce orarie) tariff system. From a strategic perspective, the acquisition reflects consistent execution on Zenith’s regional clustering strategy and marks a key step beyond the Company’s original 100 MWp development target. As noted in prior communications, Zenith intends to monetise selected RtB projects while advancing others into construction, thereby combining near-term profitability with long-term revenue from production assets.
Summary
Zenith’s uranium initiative marks a transformational development in the Company’s growth strategy. The two projects combine favourable geological characteristics, strategic location, and a substantial historical exploration record, strengthening the outlook for advancing the assets and potentially establishing a key position within Italy’s and Europe’s uranium sector. The formal acceptance of the exploration permit applications by the Region of Lombardy constitutes a significant milestone, even though additional regulatory steps remain. Analyst Group views Zenith’s entry into the uranium market as a high-potential and well-timed strategic move, albeit one that remains contingent on execution and permitting progress. As previously highlighted, based on historical, but non-compliant data under current NI 43-101 standards, the combined exploration target across Val Vedello and Novazza is estimated at approximately 15 million pounds (Mlbs) of U₃O₈. At current spot prices of around USD 80/lb, this would imply a theoretical gross in-situ metal value exceeding USD 1 billion. Although such figures represent an early-stage, conceptual valuation metric, they illustrate the considerable scale of the opportunity underpinning Zenith’s uranium strategy.
The newly announced Puglia acquisition also highlights Zenith’s continued operational execution across its renewable energy division. Analyst Group notes that the Company’s solar development pipeline has now exceeded 110 MWp, supported by favourable site selection, grid access, and diversification across key Italian regions. This momentum strengthens Zenith’s position in the renewable energy sector while complementing its long-term value creation strategy in critical raw materials through its uranium initiative.
Andrea Cattaneo, Chief Executive Officer, commented:
“The acceptance of our two uranium exploration licence applications by the Region of Lombardy marks a highly significant milestone for Zenith. With the Val Vedello and Novazza projects now solely subject to the VIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) process, Zenith has achieved a clear and exclusive pathway toward securing control of Italy’s largest known uranium deposits, historically estimated at approximately 15 million pounds (lbs) of U₃O₈, representing an indicative in-situ metal value exceeding US $1 billion at current prices.
These projects are uniquely advanced, benefiting from extensive underground infrastructure established through historic work undertaken by AGIP Nucleare — the former nuclear division of ENI — under the leadership of Enrico Mattei. This legacy infrastructure provides a substantial strategic advantage, significantly reducing future investment requirements and enabling a rapid pathway to recommence exploration and development.
Preliminary analysis also indicates that the scale of mineralisation may be considerably greater than historical records suggest, with modern exploration technologies offering the potential to materially enhance our understanding of the resources and their economic significance.
Importantly, this Italian-led initiative is not driven by financial speculation, as has often been the case with foreign-listed companies pursuing short-term resource acquisitions. Instead, the Val Vedello and Novazza projects are conceived as strategic, community-rooted, and sustainable development initiatives designed to deliver long-term benefits to all stakeholders — local, regional, and national — while contributing to Europe’s clean-energy transition objectives.
Our immediate priority is the preparation and submission of a high-quality Environmental Impact Assessment (VIA), conducted with the utmost care and full consideration of environmental and community factors. Zenith remains fully committed to transparent engagement and ensuring that stakeholders clearly understand the compelling case for responsible development and the long-term benefits these projects can deliver.
The combination of exceptional historical grades, proven underground access, and alignment with the European Union’s energy-transition objectives provides Zenith with an outstanding foundation for sustainable value creation. We look forward with great enthusiasm to 2026, a year that we expect will deliver definitive developments on multiple fronts for the Company.”
Comment on Zenith’s Legal Decision from the Paris Commercial Court
2025-11-05
Zenith Energy Ltd. (“Zenith” or the “Company”) announced on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, that the Paris Commercial Court has delivered its decision in the longstanding legal claim brought by Zenith’s wholly owned subsidiary, Anglo African Oil & Gas Congo S.A.U. (“AAOGC”), against the French rig contractor SMP Energies (“SMP”) regarding drilling activities in the Tilapia oilfield during 2018–2019.
The Court acknowledged several legal arguments presented by AAOGC but awarded only EUR 160,000 in compensation. At the same time, the Court ruled that a previously contested SMP invoice amounting to approximately EUR 630,000 remains payable due to procedural timing clauses in the contract. The decision is not subject to provisional enforcement, and Zenith has confirmed that an appeal has been initiated through its legal counsel, Charles Russell Speechlys Paris.
Analyst Group’s View on the Paris Court Decision
The original claim was increased to USD 9 million in 2023, reflecting extended operational and commercial damages resulting from SMP’s drilling activities in the Tilapia oilfield. In this context, the Paris Commercial Court’s decision to award only EUR 160,000 (approximately SEK 1.76M) constitutes a limited recovery and should be viewed as a disappointment in relation to the size of the original claim. While the Court acknowledged several of AAOGC’s legal arguments, the compensation awarded does not reflect the magnitude of the alleged damages. Importantly, the case relates to legacy events that predate Zenith’s acquisition of AAOGC in 2020 and is unrelated to the Company’s current operations or management. Since acquiring AAOGC, Zenith has acted to advance the claim, strengthen its legal position through the engagement of Charles Russell Speechlys Paris, and support its arguments with third-party technical expert reports. It is also worth noting that the legal cost of procedures appears to be largely offset by the EUR 30,000 in procedural costs (approximately SEK 330,500) awarded in favor of AAOGC and paid by SMP, following an earlier ruling by the Paris Court of Appeal in 2023. Taken together, the Paris Court’s decision currently has no financial or operational impact on the Company.
While the ruling acknowledged several of AAOGC’s legal arguments, the low compensation and the validation of SMP’s disputed invoice, based on a procedural clause rather than substantive merits, underline the mixed nature of the outcome. However, the Court’s decision is not subject to provisional enforcement, meaning there is no immediate cash outflow for Zenith, and the contested invoice is not payable while the appeal is ongoing.
Analyst Group has not included any financial upside from the SMP litigation in our valuation model. As such, any future positive outcome from the appeal process should be viewed as a legal option, rather than a valuation driver. Given the limited financial scale of the SMP case, especially in comparison to Zenith’s ongoing ICSID arbitration, where the Company is pursuing USD 572.65 million in damages under the UK–Tunisia Bilateral Investment Treaty, we do not consider the outcome of this ruling to materially affect Zenith’s investment case. It is also important to clarify that this case is fully independent of Zenith’s separate arbitration processes under the ICSID and ICC frameworks. These proceedings differ both in jurisdiction and legal substance, and the SMP ruling has no bearing on their trajectory or potential outcomes.
Background
The claim was originally filed in 2019 by AAOG, the previous owner of AAOGC, and relates to operational failures and cost overruns during drilling at Tilapia. Zenith has maintained that AAOGC preserved extensive technical documentation showing that delays and losses were directly linked to rig performance. SMP has been found to have adopted obstructive procedural tactics, including an attempt to delay French proceedings through Congolese litigation — a motion rejected by the Court in 2023, resulting in procedural cost awards in favor of AAOGC.
The Company raised the claim amount to USD 9 million in 2023, citing broader commercial damages due to the loss of production potential from Tilapia. Legal strategy was further strengthened through third-party technical reports and the appointment of new legal counsel.
Analyst Group’s View on Zenith as an Investment
Zenith has a long history of well-timed acquisitions at attractive valuations, as demonstrated by the acquisition of oil assets in Tunisia during the COVID-19 period. Zenith’s core operations remain resilient, supported by profitable gas-to-electricity and solar production in Italy, where Zenith has been active since the year 2010. Following the two most recent acquisitions in Piedmont and Puglia, Zenith’s solar pipeline now totals 98.5 MWp. The Company has communicated its strategy to monetize selected development-stage assets while progressing others to construction. Zenith’s solar projects are strategically located in regions with high solar irradiation and favorable pricing dynamics, supporting attractive revenue-per-MWh and short payback profiles.
Beyond core operations, the Company remains engaged in legal processes that could materially impact long-term valuation. The ICC-1 arbitration concluded successfully in December 2024 with a USD 9.7M award. While ICC-2 resulted in a full dismissal of USD 130M in claims, Zenith has now submitted an annulment application, citing serious procedural irregularities and newly discovered connections between tribunal members and the Tunisian state. The broader and most strategically significant legal process remains the ICSID arbitration, where Zenith is pursuing USD 572.65M in damages under the UK–Tunisia Bilateral Investment Treaty. The case is now entering its final phase, with hearings scheduled for April 2026. This case represents a key binary value driver, and Analyst Group estimates a 68% probability of a favorable outcome based on precedent and legal circumstances.
With a resilient operational base in Italy, a solar pipeline nearing the 100 MWp threshold, and multiple legal processes with embedded optionality, Zenith presents a risk–reward profile where ongoing arbitration and portfolio execution act as significant future value catalysts.
Read the full analysis on Zenith Energy here. The current values of the valuation scenarios are:
Bear 1.1 NOK, Base 3.2 NOK, and Bull 5.7 NOK.
Comment on Zenith’s New Solar Acquisitions and Strategic Update
2025-10-28
Zenith Energy Ltd. (“Zenith” or the “Company”) announced on October 21, 2025, that its wholly owned Italian subsidiary, WESOLAR S.R.L., has signed two new agreements to acquire solar development projects in Piedmont and Puglia, with a combined capacity of 22 MWp. The Piedmont project (18 MWp) is based on agrivoltaic technology and includes land purchase, with a total consideration of EUR 2.1 million. The Puglia project (4 MWp) includes land for Zenith’s second Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and is valued at EUR 440,000. Both transactions are structured with milestone-based payments, conditional upon permitting and grid connection progress.
Following these acquisitions, Zenith’s solar development pipeline now totals 98.5 MWp, comprising operational, ready-to-build, and development-stage assets across Italy’s most solar-favorable regions.
Analyst Group’s View on the Acquisitions and Strategic Outlook
The acquisitions reflect continued execution on Zenith’s regional cluster strategy. The Piedmont asset, located on flat terrain, is expected to benefit from reduced construction costs. The Puglia project, meanwhile, includes BESS infrastructure, allowing for price arbitrage between low-price and peak-price hours, a capability that can enhance per-MWh revenue but comes with higher initial CAPEX. From an energy yield perspective, solar irradiation in Puglia typically ranges from 1,800 to 2,000 kWh/m²/year, compared to approximately 1,600 to 1,750 kWh/m²/year in Piedmont. This supports higher capacity factors and more attractive project economics, especially when combined with storage capabilities. Italy remains one of Europe’s most attractive markets for solar energy development, underpinned by a favorable regulatory framework, a robust grid infrastructure, and high solar irradiation, particularly in southern regions. In addition, Italy has committed to increasing its renewable capacity under the EU’s REPowerEU initiative, offering both policy stability and long-term growth incentives for utility-scale solar projects.
In a Nordic context, particularly compared to Sweden and Norway, Italy offers structurally more favorable conditions for large-scale solar development. While southern Italian regions such as Puglia average between 1,800–2,000 kWh/m²/year in solar irradiation, Nordic markets (such as Norway or Sweden) typically sees only 900–1,100 kWh/m²/year depending on latitude and cloud coverage. This translates into capacity factors of 17–20% in Italy versus 10–12% in Nordic markets, meaning Italian solar assets can generate nearly double the electricity per installed megawatt.
Additionally, market dynamics further differentiate the two. The Italian power market features higher average spot prices and pronounced intraday pricing spreads, particularly in southern zones, which increase the economic rationale for BESS deployment. In contrast, for example, Sweden’s electricity market is characterized by lower volatility, greater seasonal imbalances, and downward pressure on wholesale prices due to a high penetration of hydro and wind. As a result, solar assets in Italy typically reaches higher revenues per MWh and shorter payback periods, especially when enhanced by storage technologies.
While specific transaction terms are not always publicly disclosed, recent indicative transactions support the view that the Italian solar market is both mature and liquid. Ready-to-Build (RTB) projects in regions like Puglia and Sicily have recently transacted in the range of EUR 0.27–0.33 per watt, underscoring strong institutional demand for well-located assets with grid access. Sweden, by comparison, remains a less active secondary market with lower deal volumes and scalability.
Zenith’s development pipeline represents tangible market value, which increases as projects progress toward “Ready-to-Build” (RTB) status. The Company has communicated its intention to divest selected assets to institutional buyers, thereby realising near-term profits while retaining strategic flexibility. This is particularly relevant as Zenith is now nearing its 100 MWp target and is expected to surpass this threshold in the near term and moves beyond its 100 MWp target and into a new growth phase. To support transparency, the Company has commissioned an independent valuation of its development portfolio. Capital for future build-out is expected to be sourced through a combination of non-dilutive project finance from renewable energy lenders and partial sales of development assets. This dual-track approach balances cash flow optimisation with long-term asset ownership and scalability.
In conclusion, Analyst Group views the two acquisitions and updated strategy as reinforcing Zenith’s positioning as a disciplined, opportunity-driven solar developer. The Company’s ability to combine regional clustering, diversified project stages, and new technologies (e.g., BESS) suggests a growing maturity in its execution capabilities and strengthens the investment case ahead of further scale-up in 2026.
Comment on Zenith’s Accepted ICC-2 Annulment Application
2025-10-17
Zenith Energy Ltd. (“Zenith” or the “Company”) announced on Monday, October 14, 2025, that the Swiss Federal Supreme Court in Lausanne has formally accepted the annulment application submitted by its fully owned subsidiary, Canadian North Africa Oil and Gas Limited (“CNAOG”), in relation to the ICC-2 arbitration award. The Company also confirmed payment of the procedural fees amounting to CHF 200,000. The annulment request, filed on September 15, 2025, concerns the complete dismissal of a USD 130 million claim originally filed by CNAOG against the Republic of Tunisia.
The application is based on Swiss arbitration law, which allows for annulment in cases of serious procedural irregularities. Following post-award investigations, Zenith disclosed previously undisclosed connections between the chairman of the arbitral tribunal, Cecilia Carrara, and the lawyers officially representing the Tunisian state. These findings, combined with documented procedural flaws, form the legal foundation of the annulment case.
Analyst Group’s View on the Annulment Application of the ICC-2 Award
The acceptance of Zenith’s annulment application marks a procedural milestone in the Company’s effort to challenge the ICC-2 ruling. While the dismissal of the USD 130M claim initially represented a material legal and financial setback, the admissibility of the application now enables a formal review process, which may result in the case being reheard by a newly constituted tribunal. As previously commented, the basis for the annulment, undisclosed conflicts of interest and due process violations, constitutes serious deviations from international arbitration standards. The Swiss Federal Court applies a narrow scope for annulment, typically focusing only on procedural grounds, but past precedent confirms that conflicts undermining tribunal impartiality are among the strongest legal arguments within that framework.
The case is being led by Charles Russell Speechlys Geneva, with legal counsel Pierre Bydzovsky, who brings experience in complex arbitration matters before Swiss courts. The typical timeframe for a decision ranges between 6–9 months, during which the court will evaluate both procedural irregularities and potential breaches of due process.
While the outcome remains binary, Analyst Group views the acceptance of the application as a positive development that introduces a credible legal path for restoring part or all of the original claim. Should the Court decide in Zenith’s favor, the case may be reheard before a new arbitral panel, potentially unlocking significant legal upside.
Analyst Group’s View on Zenith as an Investment
Zenith has a long history of well-timed acquisitions at attractive valuations, as demonstrated by the acquisition of oil assets in Tunisia during the COVID-19 period. Core operations remain resilient, supported by profitable gas-to-electricity and solar production in Italy, where Zenith has been active since the year 2010. The Company currently holds a diversified solar pipeline totaling 74.5 MWp, and Analyst Group maintains the view that the portfolio will exceed 100 MWp before year-end 2025, supported by ongoing acquisitions.
Beyond core operations, the Company remains engaged in legal processes that could materially impact long-term valuation. The ICC-1 arbitration concluded successfully in December 2024 with a USD 9.7M award. While ICC-2 resulted in a full dismissal of USD 130M in claims, Zenith has now submitted an annulment application, citing serious procedural irregularities and newly discovered connections between tribunal members and the Tunisian state. The broader and most strategically significant legal process remains the ICSID arbitration, where Zenith is pursuing USD 572.65M in damages under the UK–Tunisia Bilateral Investment Treaty. The case is now entering its final phase, with hearings scheduled for April 2026. Analyst Group estimates a 68% probability of a favorable outcome based on historical data and legal precedent.
With a stable operational base in Italy combined with legal arbitration processes that could unlock substantial upside, Zenith presents a risk–reward profile where litigation outcomes may act as significant value catalysts.
Comment on Zenith’s New Solar and Battery Storage Acquisition
2025-10-09
Zenith Energy Ltd. (“Zenith” or the “Company”) announced on Tuesday, October 9, 2025, that its wholly owned Italian subsidiary, WESOLAR S.R.L., has signed an agreement to acquire a new solar energy development project in the Puglia region of Italy. The acquisition includes a planned solar capacity of approximately 10 MWp, alongside two hectares of land allocated for the development of Zenith’s first Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
The project is currently classified as development stage, with a targeted timeline of 12–16 months to reach “Ready-to-Build” status. The total consideration amounts to EUR 875,000, which includes land and is conditional upon successful permitting.
With this addition, Zenith’s total solar portfolio expands to 74.5 MWp, comprising operational, ready-to-build, and development-stage assets across Italy.
Analyst Group’s View on the Puglia Acquisition
Analyst Group views the newly announced Puglia Acquisition as a strategic and forward-looking addition to Zenith’s fast-growing solar development portfolio. With a planned installed capacity of 10 MWp, the project increases Zenith’s total portfolio capacity to 74.5 MWp and strengthens the Company’s regional cluster strategy in Puglia. More notably, this acquisition marks Zenith’s entry into battery energy storage, a move we view as materially enhancing the Company’s commercial positioning in the evolving renewable energy landscape. By deploying a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Zenith aims to capture intraday electricity price spreads in the Italian market, particularly between off-peak and peak tariff periods (so-called fasce orarie di punta), which often exhibit significant volatility. While BESS solutions typically involve higher upfront CAPEX, they are increasingly seen as an important tool for improving project profitability and energy market flexibility.
With this transaction, Zenith now holds three solar projects in Puglia, totaling 19 MWp in installed capacity. Of these, 3 MWp is currently classified as Ready-to-Build, while 16 MWp remains in development stage, underscoring the Company’s long-term commitment to this high-potential region. Zenith’s solar strategy continues to be underpinned by favorable structural conditions, where Puglia remains one of Italy’s most favorable regions for solar development, benefiting from high solar irradiation (GHI) levels of approximately 1,800–2,000 kWh/m²/year. These conditions support higher capacity factors (typically 17–20%), contributing to strong project economics.
In conclusion, based on current assumptions and estimated energy yields, Zenith’s total solar energy portfolio, once operational, is expected to generate annual revenues of approximately EUR 12M. The integration of BESS is expected to enhance revenue per MWh by enabling more strategic timing of energy dispatch. The Puglia acquisition reinforces Zenith’s operational focus on building a scalable and diversified renewable energy portfolio. With 74.5 MWp across multiple stages and regions, the Company continues to demonstrate disciplined execution in line with its communicated growth strategy. Analyst Group maintains the view that Zenith’s solar portfolio will exceed 100 MWp by year-end 2025, assuming continued deal flow and permitting progress.
Analyst Group’s view on Zenith Energy as an investment
Zenith has a long history of well-timed acquisitions at attractive valuations, as demonstrated by the acquisition of oil assets in Tunisia during the COVID-19 period. Core operations remain resilient, supported by profitable gas-to-electricity and solar production in Italy, where Zenith has been active since the year 2010. The Company currently holds a diversified solar pipeline totaling 74.5 MWp, and Analyst Group maintains the view that the portfolio will exceed 100 MWp before year-end 2025, supported by ongoing acquisitions.
Beyond core operations, the Company remains engaged in legal processes that could materially impact long-term valuation. The ICC-1 arbitration concluded successfully in December 2024 with a USD 9.7M award. While ICC-2 resulted in a full dismissal of USD 130M in claims, Zenith has now submitted an annulment application, citing serious procedural irregularities and newly discovered connections between tribunal members and the Tunisian state. The broader and most strategically significant legal process remains the ICSID arbitration, where Zenith is pursuing USD 572.65m in damages under the UK–Tunisia Bilateral Investment Treaty. The case is now entering its final phase, with hearings scheduled for April 2026. Analyst Group estimates a 68% probability of a favorable outcome based on historical data and legal precedent.
With a stable operational base in Italy combined with legal arbitration processes that could unlock substantial upside, Zenith presents a risk–reward profile where litigation outcomes may act as significant value catalysts.
Analyst Group Comment on Zenith’s Final Submission in ICSID Arbitration
2025-09-22
Zenith Energy Ltd. (“Zenith” or the “Company”) announced on Monday, September 22, 2025, that its fully owned UK subsidiaries have filed their final submissions in the ongoing arbitration against the Republic of Tunisia under the rules of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). The arbitration, initiated in June 2023, is grounded in Tunisia’s alleged violations of the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) signed with the United Kingdom in 1989.
In connection with the final submission, Zenith disclosed an upward revision of its total claimed damages, from the previously communicated USD 503M to USD 572.65M. This revaluation reflects communicated additional breaches and extended operational obstructions, assessed by TWCOG LLP, an expert oil & gas arbitration firm, in collaboration with Chapman Petroleum Engineering. The final hearings are expected to take place in April 2026.
Analyst Group’s View on the ICSID Final Submission
The final submission in the ICSID arbitration marks a step in what is the most strategically significant legal process in Zenith’s history. The Company has now completed the written phase of proceedings, having formally quantified its updated claim at USD 572.65M, an increase of approximately 14 % from previously communicated claim. This upward revision materially strengthens the case’s investment relevance and signals legal confidence ahead of the 2026 hearings.
Analyst Group views the increased claim not merely as a legal escalation, but as a refined representation of cumulative damages tied to expropriated assets, unpaid oil deliveries, operational disruptions, and the loss of multi-decade licenses in Sidi El Kilani and Ezzaouia. The fact that the reassessment was conducted by TWCOG LLP, a specialist with over 60 international disputes and 50 expert testimonies, including multiple ICSID cases, adds weight and credibility to the updated valuation. Moreover, TWCOG’s methodology has been corroborated through collaboration with Chapman, Zenith’s longstanding reserves auditor.
The ICSID arbitration stands apart from Zenith’s prior ICC proceedings due to its treaty-based nature under international public law, which typically involves larger claims, sovereign respondents, and stricter procedural frameworks. The involvement of Clay Arbitration and Charles Russell Speechlys (Paris), led by Professor Thomas Clay and Maître Simon Le Wita respectively, provides additional procedural strength. While outcomes in treaty-based arbitrations remain binary in nature, Analyst Group estimates a 68 % probability of a favorable result, based on historical ICSID data and comparative legal precedent.
Analyst Group’s View on Zenith as an Investment
Zenith enters this final phase of the ICSID arbitration at a time when the Company continues to execute on its broader strategic objectives, including:
- A rapidly expanding solar energy portfolio in Italy, now totaling 64.5 MWp, with expectations of surpassing 100 MWp before year-end 2025.
- A profitable core business centered on gas-to-electricity production, providing recurring cash flow to support operations.
- An active secondary legal process via the ICC-2 annulment application, filed with the Swiss Federal Court, which could reopen a dismissed USD 130M claim.
- A recently launched listing on the Spotlight Stock Market in Sweden, aimed at broadening the investor base and enhancing access to Nordic capital markets, with a subscription price of SEK 0.45 per SDR and a subscription period running until 23 September.
Together, these elements supports a attractive risk–reward profile where the core business provides operational resilience, and the ICSID arbitration acts as a substantial upside catalyst.
Analyst Group Comment on Zenith’s Secured Subscription and Guarantee Commitments
2025-09-18
Zenith Energy Ltd. (“Zenith” or the “Company”) announced on Thursday, September 18, 2025, that the Company has secured subscription intentions and guarantee commitments totaling approximately SEK 16.3 million, representing 65.2 % of the ongoing offering of Swedish Depository Receipts (SDRs) in connection with the planned listing on Spotlight Stock Market. The offering comprises up to 55 555 556 SDRs, equal to approximately SEK 25 million before issue costs. Trading in Zenith’s SDRs is expected to commence on October 10, 2025. The subscription intentions of approximately SEK 3.3 million stemmed from CEO Andrea Cattaneo and CFO Luca Benedetto and represent their pro rata ownership. The guarantee commitments (“Top-down Guarantee”) amount to approximately SEK 13 million, corresponding to 52.2 % of the Offering, and have been provided by external investors.
Analyst Group’s View on the Offering
Analyst Group views the subscription intentions and guarantee commitments covering over 65 % of the offering as a strong signal of internal confidence and external investor interest in Zenith ahead of its planned Spotlight listing. The participation of the Company’s Board and management, CEO and member of the board of directors Andrea Cattaneo and CFO and member of the board of directors Luca Benedetto, with personal capital underscores the management team’s belief in Zenith’s long-term potential and aligns with shareholder interests. The cash-based compensation of 12.5 % reflects prevailing market terms for similar offerings of this size and risk profile. Additionally, this offering comprises the entire initial free float on Spotlight; as such, the level of subscription will directly shape post-listing liquidity. The SEK 25 million raise, if fully subscribed, establishes an initial free float sufficient to support post-listing trading activity and would represent approximately 20 % of the Company’s total shares post-transaction.
Zenith enters the Spotlight listing process at a time when the Company, in our view, holds a resilient core business, with a clear growth strategy in solar, and active legal processes that may unlock significant value upside potential. Zenith presents a risk–reward profile where capital raised through the offering is expected to accelerate portfolio expansion and further strengthen the Company’s investor base and access to the Nordic capital markets.
Analyst Group Comment on Zenith’s Acquisition of Solar Energy Project
2025-09-17
Zenith Energy Ltd. (“Zenith” or the “Company”) announced on Tuesday, September 16th 2025, that the Company has acquired a solar energy development project located in the Puglia region of Italy through its wholly owned Italian subsidiary created to manage its solar energy portfolio, WESOLAR S.R.L. (“WESOLAR”).
The newly acquired asset, currently in development stage, will have a total installed capacity of approximately 6 MWp. The EUR 750,000 consideration includes the purchase of the land and is conditional on obtaining all required permits for the project to be classified as ”Ready-to-Build.” With this latest transaction, Zenith’s total Italian solar portfolio now reaches 64.5 MWp, consisting of operational, ready-to-build, and development-stage assets.
Analyst Group’s View on the Puglia Acquisition
The acquired solar energy development asset, located in Puglia, will have a total installed capacity of approximately 6 MWp once operational, bringing the total portfolio capacity to 64.5 MWp. Analyst Group views the Puglia Acquisition as a strategic and value-accretive addition to Zenith’s fast-growing solar portfolio. The new 6 MWp development project strengthens Zenith’s regional cluster strategy, with Puglia now joining Piedmont and Lazio as one of three key focus areas for solar development. Importantly, the acquisition in Puglia highlights the Company’s continued progress in executing its communicated strategy of building a diversified, cash-generative renewable energy portfolio. The Company maintains a high pace of acquisitions during year 2025 and now holds a significantly expanded and diversified portfolio of solar assets spanning operational, ready-to-build, and development-stage projects, expanding the total solar portfolio to 64.5 MWp, which significantly strengthens the core business operations and further supports our expectation that the total portfolio exceeds 100 MWp before the end of year 2025.
Zenith’s solar strategy continues to be underpinned by the favorable structural conditions in the Italian energy market, including elevated electricity prices, strong policy support, and high solar irradiation, particularly in southern regions like Puglia, where the solar irradiation (GHI) is estimated to average between 1 800 and 2 000 kWh/m²/year, with a capacity factor between 17–20%, which represents the most favorable conditions for solar production. Based on our assumptions, Zenith’s total solar energy projects, once operational, are expected to generate revenues of approximately EUR 10.5M per year.
Zenith is currently in the process of listing on Spotlight Stock Market and offering Swedish Depository Receipts (SDRs) to both institutional and retail investors. The offering includes up to 55,555,556 SDRs, representing new shares equivalent to approximately SEK 25 million before issue costs.
Zenith has a long history of well-timed acquisitions at attractive valuations, as demonstrated by the acquisition of oil assets in Tunisia during the COVID-19 period. Core operations remain resilient, supported by profitable gas-to-electricity and solar production in Italy, where Zenith has been active since the year 2010. In 2025, the Company executed its largest solar acquisition to date and currently holds a diversified portfolio of 64.5 MWp, expected to exceed 100 MWp before year-end. Beyond core operations, Zenith has an established legal track record. The ICC-1 arbitration concluded successfully in December 2024 with a USD 9.7M award. While ICC-2 resulted in a full dismissal of USD 130M in claims, Zenith has now submitted an annulment application, citing serious procedural irregularities and newly discovered connections between tribunal members and the Tunisian state.
The broader and most strategically significant legal process remains the ICSID arbitration, where the Company is pursuing USD 503M under the UK–Tunisia Bilateral Investment Treaty. Final submissions are scheduled for September 2025, with hearings in Q2 2026. Analyst Group estimates a 68% probability of a favorable outcome based on historical data and legal precedent.
With a stable operational base in Italy and two active legal processes that could unlock substantial upside, Zenith presents a risk–reward profile where litigation outcomes may serve as significant value catalysts.
Comment on Zenith’s Results in ICC-2 against ETAP
2025-07-17
Zenith Energy Ltd. (“Zenith” or the “Company”) announced on Wednesday, July 16th 2025, the decision of the Arbitral Tribunal regarding the claims submitted by Zenith’s fully owned Canadian subsidiary, Canadian North African Oil & Gas (“CNAOG”), in relation to the Sidi El Kilani concession (“SLK Concession”), against the Tunisian national oil company, Entreprise Tunisienne d’Activités Pétrolières (“ETAP”), under the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris (“ICC-2 Arbitration”).
The Arbitral Tribunal has issued a decision rejecting the entirety of the claims presented by CNAOG. Zenith states that its legal counsel identified and documented several serious procedural irregularities during ICC-2 why the Company now will proceed with an application for annulment of the ICC-2 award before the Swiss Federal Supreme Court in Lausanne, Switzerland. The Swiss Federal Supreme Court typically renders decisions on annulment applications within 6 to 9 months from submission.
Analyst Group’s View on the Result of the ICC-2 Arbitration
The ruling in ICC-2 represents a significant legal and financial disappointment for Zenith. The complete dismissal of the USD 130 million claim, despite the Company’s stated confidence in the merits of its case, highlights the complexity and unpredictability of international arbitration processes involving sovereign counterparties. The ruling eliminates any short-term monetary recovery from ICC-2.
Previously, Analyst Group had modeled an expected haircut-adjusted award of USD 66.9 million based on legal precedent and comparative outcomes. The decision therefore represents a result beneath even low-probability downside assumptions. However, similar full dismissals have occurred historically, especially in cases where procedural dynamics or tribunal composition have played a material role.
The Company has asserted that serious procedural irregularities has been identified and formally recorded during ICC-2, which will now form the basis for its annulment application. These were documented and will now serve as the legal foundation for the Company’s annulment application to the Swiss Federal Supreme Court. The swift and public announcement of this legal course of action underscores a proactive litigation strategy, aimed not only at contesting the outcome but also at challenging the fundamental legitimacy of the arbitral process itself, an assertion that, if substantiated, could carry significant legal weight. Should the annulment be granted, it could pave the way for the case to be re-heard before a newly constituted and impartial tribunal, which may restore part, or all, of the lost claim value. As such, the ICC-2 result, while negative in its current form, may not represent a final resolution to the dispute.
Despite this legal disappointment, Zenith’s underlying operations remain operationally resilient. High electricity prices in Italy continue to support strong revenue generation from the Company’s Italian power assets. Looking ahead, Zenith is expected to intensify legal and strategic focus on the ICSID proceedings, where Zenith currently is preparing its final written submission, scheduled for delivery in September 2025, ahead of the final hearing set for Q2 2026. A hearing is anticipated during the first or second quarter of 2026. With claims amounting to USD 503 million under the UK–Tunisia Bilateral Investment Treaty, a favorable decision under ICSID will be critical to restoring long-term shareholder value and reinforcing Zenith’s broader claims of unlawful and discriminatory treatment by Tunisian authorities.
Summary
The Arbitral Tribunal has rejected all claims in the ICC-2 arbitration related to the Sidi El Kilani concession, representing a significant legal and financial setback for the Company. In response, Zenith intends to file an annulment application before the Swiss Federal Supreme Court, citing documented procedural irregularities during the arbitration process. If granted, this decision could permit a retrial before a new tribunal. Despite the adverse outcome, the ICSID arbitration, where Zenith is pursuing USD 503 million under the UK–Tunisia investment treaty, remains fully intact and now Zenith is expected to intensify legal and strategic focus on the ICSID proceedings. Final submissions are due in September 2025, with hearings scheduled for the second quarter of 2026. Zenith’s operational performance remains stable, supported by strong cash flows from its Italian power assets, which continue to sustain the Company’s legal strategy as it seeks material recovery through ICSID.
Andrea Cattaneo, Chief Executive of Zenith, commented:
“We are outraged by the decision rendered by the Arbitral Tribunal in ICC-2.
Our position has always been – and remains – that CNAOG is entitled to substantial compensation with respect to the SLK concession. The failure to recognize the illegitimate conduct of the Tunisian authorities, following the favourable precedent set in ICC-1, is nothing short of a travesty.
Acting on the advice of Professor Thomas Clay, a globally recognized authority in international arbitration, CNAOG had already expressed serious concerns regarding the management of ICC-2. We identified and promptly documented serious and repeated procedural irregularities during ICC-2. However, due to the confidentiality provisions governing ICC-2, we were unable to disclose these irregularities publicly until now.
The Company is now considering all legal avenues. CNAOG will, without delay, file an application for annulment of the ICC-2 award before the Swiss Federal Supreme Court. Should the annulment succeed, a new arbitration will be initiated under a properly constituted and impartial tribunal.
CNAOG remains fully confident in the strength of its case and will continue to fight vigorously to achieve justice. Our immediate focus now shifts to the ICSID arbitration, where we are pursuing a US$503 million claim. The final submission is scheduled for September 2025, ahead of the final hearing in Q2 2026. At the same time, we are taking all necessary measures to enforce the ICC-1 award of approximately US$10 million.
This injustice only serves to strengthen our resolve. The Company will not hesitate to explore every legal and procedural mechanism available to ensure accountability and to vindicate its rights.”
Background to the arbitration proceedings
Zenith’s entry into Tunisia, executed in year 2020 and year 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, coincided with a low point in the oil price cycle. This timing initially appeared advantageous, as many competitors either went bankrupt or scaled down operations. However, following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February year 2022, the price of oil reversed and reached levels above USD 110, highlighting the well-timed execution. The investments in Tunisia have since been characterized by a series of arbitrary and obstructive actions by the Tunisian Government and the national oil enterprise, Enterprise Tunisienne d’Activités Pétrolières (“ETAP”), ultimately resulting in the initiation of multiple international legal disputes.
To date, three separate arbitration proceedings have been launched. Two arbitrations relate to contractual disputes arising from commercial obligations under relevant agreements and are conducted under the International Chamber of Commerce (“ICC”), referred to as “ICC-1” and “ICC-2.” The third arbitration is conducted under the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (“ICSID”) and addresses broader claims of treaty violations by the Tunisian state against the Company under applicable bilateral investment treaties. This includes the Bilateral Investment Treaty (“BIT”) between the United Kingdom and Tunisia, under which all relevant subsidiaries of Zenith were originally incorporated, having British jurisdiction. The first arbitration, ICC-1, resulted in a favorable award of USD 9.7 million. The ICC-2 arbitration involved a total claim value of USD 130 million and pertains to a contractual dispute regarding the purchase of all shares in the company CNPCIT, which holds a 22.5 % interest in the Sidi El Kilani (SLK) oil concession. The arbitration under ICSID involves claims from Zenith Group totaling USD 503 million and stems from violations of the BIT between the United Kingdom and Tunisia. The dispute concerns all of the Company’s British subsidiaries and operations in Tunisia. The combined total value of claims in the two ongoing proceedings amounts to approximately USD 633 million.
ICC-2 Arbitration: Broader Claims Arising From Contractual Breaches in the SLK Concession
Under the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), a second arbitration proceeding was initiated to assess Zenith’s second claim within this framework, designated as ICC-2, with a total claim value of USD 130 million. The arbitration was initiated by Canadian North African Oil & Gas (“CNAOG”), announced in December year 2023 by Zenith. CNAOG, then a wholly owned subsidiary of Zenith Energy, represents the renamed entity of CNPC Tunisia and holds a 22.5 % stake in the Sidi El Kilani (SLK) oil concession.
This arbitration outlines CNAOG’s broader allegation that Tunisian authorities engaged in arbitrary and obstructive conduct, thereby preventing lawful operation and the realization of value from SLK.
The claim includes:
- Loss of production revenues and profits: CNAOG seeks compensation for foregone revenue from the SLK field between the acquisition date and concession expiry in December 2022, during a period of elevated oil prices.
- Crude allocations denied: Oil volumes owned by CNPCIT (now renamed CNAOG post-acquisition), were allegedly sequestrated, and hence never delivered or monetized.
- Unpaid oil invoices (SLK-specific): As per the crude oil in the port tanks, invoices for oil sold domestically (called DMO) were never paid.
- Loss of right to renew SLK: CNAOG also asserts that it was unlawfully denied the right to renew the SLK concession after 2022. This claim includes the projected future value of a 45% interest (combining the CNPC and KUFPEC stakes) in a renewed SLK license.
Aktiekurs
1.04
Värderingsintervall
2025-12-23
Bear
1.5 NOKBase
3.8 NOKBull
6.1 NOKUtveckling
Huvudägare
Comment on Zenith’s Acquisition of Photovoltaic Development Project in Puglia
2026-04-23
Zenith Energy Ltd. (”Zenith” or the ”Company”) announced on Thursday, April 23, 2026, that the Company has acquired a 5 MWp photovoltaic development project located in Puglia, Italy. The project covers approximately 5 hectares of land in proximity to a motorway, within areas classified as suitable for solar PV development under the applicable regulatory framework, while being situated approximately 300 meters from an existing Zenith project for which grid connection has already been secured. The total consideration amounts to EUR 575t, payable upon securing all required permits and achieving Ready-to-Build (”RtB”) status. Following the acquisition, Zenith’s solar development pipeline has increased to 178.5 MWp, representing approximately 89% of the Company’s stated 200 MWp target by the end of 2026.
Conclusion
Analyst Group views the Puglia acquisition as a further consolidation of Zenith’s solar platform, executed in line with the Company’s established acquisition framework and regional clustering strategy. With 178.5 MWp now secured and only 21.5 MWp remaining to reach the 200 MWp target, the Company is approaching a strategically important threshold that is expected to be followed by the communication of a revised, more ambitious growth objective. The EUR 54.7m independent portfolio valuation provides a concrete benchmark for the embedded value of the broader pipeline as it has continued to scale. Zenith thus demonstrates consistent execution across both the acquisition and value-realization phases of its Italian solar strategy.
Analyst Group’s View on the Acquisition and Pipeline Expansion
The acquisition is consistent with Zenith’s established solar expansion strategy and reflects continued discipline in site selection. The proximity of the new project to an existing Zenith asset with secured grid connection is operationally significant, as it supports potential synergies in grid access, permitting timelines, and construction logistics, factors that have historically contributed to shorter development cycles and lower per-MWp costs within Zenith’s regional cluster approach. The milestone-contingent payment structure, with the full consideration of EUR 575t payable only upon achieving RtB status, remains consistent with the capital-efficient acquisition model applied across the portfolio and eliminates upfront capital risk on the project.
Since mid-2025, the Company has systematically built a diversified pipeline of development-stage solar assets across several Italian regions, and including the latest acquisition, the Puglia-located portfolio capacity amounts to approximately 52 MWp. This regional concentration is strategically significant given Puglia’s favorable energy yield characteristics: southern Italian regions such as Puglia average between 1,800–2,000 kWh/m²/year in solar irradiation, compared to approximately 900–1,100 kWh/m²/year in Sweden. This translates into capacity factors of 17–20% in Italy versus 10–12% in Sweden, directly supporting more attractive project economics and shorter payback profiles for each MWp brought to production.
With the pipeline now at 178.5 MWp, Zenith has secured approximately 89% of its stated 200 MWp target, all within less than 12 months. Analyst Group expects the 200 MWp objective to be surpassed before the end of the first half of 2026, at which point a new, more ambitious target is expected to be communicated. In Analyst Group’s view, the pace and consistency of pipeline expansion supports the assessment that the 200 MWp figure is being repositioned as a near-term floor rather than a long-term ceiling, implying a material upward revision to the scale of the solar business over the medium term. The portfolio is now diversified across Puglia, Piedmont, Lazio, and Liguria, with Puglia and Piedmont serving as the two principal regional clusters. The recently completed independent valuation, which assigned a total value of EUR 54.7m to the 173.5 MWp portfolio as of March 31, 2026, further underscores the monetizable value embedded in the platform as it continues to expand.