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 Renewed
 Resilient
 Responsible
CAPRICORN ENERGY PLC
Annual Report and Accounts 2021
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capricorn Energy PLC is one 
of Europe’s leading independent 
upstream energy companies, 
headquartered in Edinburgh, UK. 
Historically we have discovered, developed and produced oil 
and gas in multiple settings throughout the world.
Today our focus is on growing our current gas and liquids 
production base through development and exploration, 
with an ambition to use our strong balance sheet to expand 
that production base into other attractive markets and to 
commercialise exploration resources. 
We adhere to high sustainability standards, we invest to ensure 
our portfolio remains competitive through stringent energy 
transition scenarios and we are committed to net zero carbon 
emissions by 2040.
Capricorn Energy PLC became the new name for Cairn Energy PLC 
in December 2021. It’s a change that represents evolution and 
continuity as we renew our production and exploration portfolio. 
For more information, please read the case study on page 11. 
Renewed
Active portfolio management, a diversified 
and extended production base and 
positioned for further growth.
P32
Resilient
Fiscal discipline, balance sheet strength 
and energy transition relevance. Our 
strategy has positioned the business for 
long-term value creation, whilst building 
on a track record of shareholder returns.
P10
Responsible
We continue to develop our responsible approach, 
announcing an accelerated commitment to delivering 
net zero operations by 2040 or earlier. During the year, 
we have maintained our enduring focus on meeting our 
commitments to the stakeholders and communities 
where we operate.
P40
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
2021 Highlights
Net working interest oil and gas production averaged (boepd)1
~36,500
1  Egypt production from completion of acquisition to 31 December 2021.
Year end Group cash
US$314m 
2021
2020
US$314m
US$570m
Egypt oil and gas sales revenue
US$56m
Returned or committed to return to shareholders
Up to US$957m 
Commitment to return up to a further  
US$700m announced in September 2021
Tax refund from Government of India
US$1.06bn
received in Q1 2022
Acquisition of Egypt Western Desert assets
US$323m
net to Capricorn
Accelerated net zero target 
2040 
or earlier in scope 1 & 2 equity emissions
Contents
Strategic Report
At a Glance 
Chair’s Statement 
Our Story in 2021 – Focused on Growth,  
Returns and Fiscal Discipline 
Our Strategy 
Our Business Model 
Industry Review 2021 
TCFD Reporting 
Materiality Matrix 
Stakeholders and S172 Statement 
Our Story in 2021 – Value-focused Growth,  
Supported by Balance Sheet Strength 
Measuring Our Progress 
Responsible and Sustainable Production Growth 
Our Story in 2021 – Focused on Discovering and 
Commercialising New Resources with Pace 
Risk Management 
Viability Statement 
Behaving Responsibly to the Environment 
Behaving Responsibly to People 
Behaving Responsibly to Society 
Operational Review 
Financial Review 
Leadership and Governance
Board of Directors 
Responsible Governance 
Corporate Governance Statement 
Audit Committee Report 
Nomination Committee Report 
Directors’ Remuneration Report 
Directors’ Report 
Financial Statements
Independent Auditors’ Report 
Group Income Statement 
Group Statement of Comprehensive Income 
Group Balance Sheet 
Group Statement of Cash Flows 
Group Statement of Changes in Equity 
Section 1 – Basis of Preparation and  
Exceptional Income 
Section 2 – Oil and Gas Assets and Operations 
Section 3 – Working Capital, Financial  
Instruments and Long-term Liabilities 
Section 4 – Income Statement Analysis 
Section 5 – Taxation 
Section 6 – Discontinued Operations and  
Assets and Liabilities Held-For-Sale 
Section 7 – Capital Structure and  
Other Disclosures 
Capricorn Energy PLC – Company Stand-Alone  
Primary statements 
Section 8 – Notes to the Company  
Financial Statements 
Additional Information
Licence List 
Group Reserves and Resources 
Glossary 
Appendix: Capricorn Energy  
Emissions Methodology 
Company Information 
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Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
1
At a Glance
Chair’s Statement
Our Story in 2021 – Focused 
on Growth, Returns and 
Fiscal Discipline
Our Strategy
Our Business Model
Industry Review 2021
TCFD Reporting
Materiality Matrix
Stakeholders and 
S172 Statement
Our Story in 2021 – Value-
focused Growth, Supported 
by Balance Sheet Strength
Measuring Our Progress
Responsible and Sustainable 
Production growth
4
6
10
12
14
16
18
24
26
32
34
40
Our Story in 2021 – Focused on 
Discovering and Commercialising 
44
New Resources with Pace
Risk Management
Viability Statement
Behaving Responsibly 
to the Environment
Behaving Responsibly 
to People
Behaving Responsibly 
to Society
Operational Review
Financial Review
46
47
56
60
64
68
72
2
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
3
At a Glance
Capricorn holds a balanced portfolio of development, production 
and exploration assets, with interests in the following countries: the 
UK, Egypt, Israel, Mauritania, Mexico and Suriname. We are active 
portfolio managers looking at transforming the asset portfolio to 
ensure that we have line of sight on long-term cash flow generation 
and growth potential. Portfolio details as at 31 December 2021.
Key
Onshore Offshore
Exploration
Development
Production
Mexico
4 licences
2,183 km2  
acreage
Suriname
1 licence
13,080 km2  
acreage
4
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Mauritania
1 licence
7,300 km2 acreage
Egypt
3 licences and
11 development leases
16,211 km2 acreage
UK
9 licences
4,941 km2 acreage
Israel
8 licences
2,700 km2 acreage
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
5
Chair’s Statement
A Transformational 
Year
Some 18 months ago, the Board supported management’s strategic 
ambition to focus on short capital cycle, infrastructure-led exploration and 
selective frontier opportunities. For 2021, we tasked the Management Team 
with executing that strategy and establishing those building blocks. 
Nicoletta Giadrossi
Chair
6
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
 “Despite the pandemic and associated lockdowns, our people 
have demonstrated steadfast commitment and have carried 
out a huge amount of complex work remotely that would 
normally have been done face to face.”
The tax refund from the Government of 
India of more than one billion dollars was a 
very positive outcome for our shareholders. 
India has a special place in our Company’s 
history and we can be very proud of the 
wonderful legacy asset which we created 
in India, which will continue to provide  
a significant economic and social 
contribution to the country for decades  
to come. Successful resolution of this 
matter allows the Company to continue its 
strategy of returning value to shareholders; 
and with significant retained balance sheet 
strength, Capricorn is well positioned to 
further expand the business and build a 
low cost, sustainable production base.
The acquisition from Shell of the  
Western Desert portfolio in Egypt was  
the first step in building out a longer-life 
production portfolio with attractive growth 
opportunities, that can deliver diversified 
and consistent cash flow streams. The shift 
in our philosophy from frontier-focused  
to infrastructure-led exploration, offers  
a lower risk profile with the potential for 
fast-track monetisation, leveraging many 
of Capricorn’s key competencies and 
continuing to add reserves and resources.
The other key feature of our refocused 
strategy is to place an even greater 
emphasis on our sustainability criteria. This 
has always been present in Capricorn’s 
approach, but it is now even more at the 
forefront of our decision-making, both  
in terms of how we shape our portfolio 
and in the way that we operate. We have 
significantly strengthened the team with 
key appointments in this area and ensured 
that we have sufficient expertise to 
support our strategic framework.
The Board has made these issues a priority 
over the past year. Our decarbonisation 
strategy, the progress that we are making 
against our roadmap, and how this might 
be accelerated are on the agenda at each 
Board meeting. I see our job as creating 
the space for the Management Team to 
deliver our sustainability roadmap – this  
is a key component and decision criterion 
in our growth strategy. We are aware  
that this is not a process with a short  
time frame, but one that will continue to 
develop over the coming years, and it is 
one that the Board has made an absolute 
priority to address.
Few other E&P companies have been able 
to weather the cyclicality of our markets 
with such resilience or have been able to 
continue to make investments that have 
generated rewards for shareholders in the 
same way as Capricorn. I believe we have 
also been able to create strong partnerships 
in the communities where we have been 
present, whether in India, Senegal, or now 
in Egypt and elsewhere, to create value not 
just for shareholders but for society. This is  
a core part of Capricorn’s model.
We engaged widely and transparently with 
our investors last year on this and other 
topics, with a focus on making sure they 
understood and supported our position 
and strategy. We have been grateful for  
a stable shareholder base over recent  
years which has supported our model of 
creating, monetising and returning value 
to investors, as well as to the communities 
we operate in.
We have also ensured that we have  
looked after our people. Despite the 
pandemic and associated lockdowns,  
our people have demonstrated steadfast 
commitment and have carried out a huge 
amount of complex work remotely that 
would normally have been done face to 
face. I would like to thank them for their 
efforts, which have demonstrated the 
resilient culture and adaptability of the 
Company. One of our areas of priority for 
the coming year will be a focus on diversity 
and inclusion. We operate in a global 
industry and in many different countries, 
and it is important to ensure that we 
benefit from the diverse perspectives  
that people bring.
As we look to the future, we will seek  
to continue to scale up production and 
invest where we believe we can make a 
difference, at the same time effectively 
deploying our decarbonisation strategy 
and exploring opportunities to support  
the development of technologies in areas 
aligned with our core skillsets.
We will continue to deliver the strategy 
that we have set out: building and scaling 
production to create a business with stable 
cash flows, a sustainable profile, and the 
opportunity and means to continue to 
create value for our stakeholders.
Nicoletta Giadrossi
Chair
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
7
Our Story in 2021
Positioned for 
growth and 
expansion
We are positioning ourselves for growth 
and expansion, but doing so in a way that 
is disciplined, sustainable and reflects the 
changing energy mix requirements globally.
8
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
CEO’s Review
In 2021, Capricorn 
actively managed 
its asset portfolio 
to refocus on 
cashflow generation 
from sustainable 
production with 
shorter capital cycles 
and resilience to volatile hydrocarbon 
prices supported by infrastructure-led 
exploration. We retain the balance sheet 
strength to further build out this strategy 
in 2022. 
In Q1 2021, we announced the 
acquisition of Shell’s Western Desert 
assets in Egypt, which completed in 
Q3 2021. These assets provide low- 
cost production, owned infrastructure, 
near-term production growth, exploration 
potential and an attractive combination 
of fixed price gas into growth markets 
with oil price exposure. In a country 
with strong and growing domestic 
demand and a supportive regulatory 
and fiscal environment, production 
performance since completion has 
been very encouraging. 
Also in Q1 2021, we announced the 
disposal of our UK North Sea producing 
interests as they began to enter long 
term decline. The terms of the sale to 
Waldorf Production provide Capricorn 
with continued exposure to oil price 
and production performance through 
contingent payments due to the Group 
over the next four years.
We continued the high-grading of 
our exploration portfolio during the 
year, reinforcing our focus on shorter 
capital cycle, lower-cost infrastructure- 
led opportunities, whilst limiting our 
capital allocation to the remaining 
more frontier positions.
Capricorn continued its track record 
of returning value to shareholders, 
with commitments made during 2021 
to return nearly US$1bn of cash to 
shareholders. In Q1 2021 we paid a 
special dividend of US$257m following 
completion of the sale of our Senegal 
interests to Woodside. Following 
resolution of the Indian tax dispute we 
committed to return US$500m by way 
of a tender offer to close in April 2022, 
and up to a further US$200m by way of 
an ongoing share buyback programme. 
In total the Company will have returned to 
shareholders more than US$5.5bn in the 
last 15 years.
To ensure portfolio resilience and 
relevance through a changing energy 
mix, in Q3 2021 we accelerated our net 
zero target for Scope 1 and 2 equity 
emissions to 2040, at the latest. Capricorn 
has invested in its internal capability 
to progress its transition strategy, 
making key senior appointments, and 
the business has concluded agreements 
for an initial investment in high-quality, 
verified carbon credits as part of our 
offsetting strategy. Capricorn has tested 
the resilience of its producing assets 
against the IEA’s STEPS, SDS and NZE 
scenarios. Based on the economic 
assumptions we apply, these tests show 
that our production portfolio is capable 
of generating value in a climate scenario 
aligned with 1.5 degree warming. We 
apply a conservative set of assumptions 
to screen new opportunities, including a 
range of internal carbon prices, to support 
the ongoing relevance of our portfolio as 
we build our future platform for 
sustainable cashflow and growth.
India Tax Refund and Return of Capital
Following the resolution in 2021 of the 
India tax dispute, Capricorn received 
a tax refund of US$1.06 billion from 
the Government of India in Q1 2022. 
A circular issued in early March details 
the shareholder resolutions required in 
connection with the proposed shareholder 
return of up to US$700 million, comprising 
a US$500m tender offer and US$200m 
ongoing share repurchase programme.
Outlook
As we look to further build out our 
resilient platform for sustainable cashflow 
and growth, Capricorn will use its balance 
sheet strength to pursue value accretive 
acquisition opportunities where these 
meet our strict criteria for capital 
allocation, value and energy transition 
relevance. Following strong initial 
performance in Egypt, our focus there 
during 2022 will be on delivering 
continued production growth and 
prioritising near term liquids rich 
opportunities to maximise value from 
these assets. Exploration drilling this 
year will take place in the UK, Mexico 
and Egypt and focus primarily on 
shorter capital cycle, infrastructure-led 
opportunities, with limited capital 
allocation to more frontier locations. 
Capricorn will continue to make progress 
on the decarbonisation of its assets in 
support of our net zero by 2040 target.
Board Changes
Capricorn announced in Q1 2022 
the appointment of Luis Araujo as an 
independent non-executive director 
with effect from 11 May 2022.
Simon Thomson
Chief Executive Officer
 “2021 was a transformational year for Capricorn; we continued to successfully 
reshape our portfolio and achieved a positive resolution of our Indian tax dispute. 
From the proceeds of asset sales and the Indian tax refund we have committed 
to nearly US$1 billion of capital returns to shareholders in 2021 and 2022. We 
acquired an attractive portfolio of low breakeven oil and gas production in Egypt, 
where we are already delivering production growth and emission reductions, and 
which has significant further opportunities for value creation. We also retain the 
balance sheet capacity to further expand the production base through value-
accretive acquisitions. We look forward to continuing to deliver our strategic aims 
in 2022 with a strong commitment to safety, social responsibility and our pathway 
to net zero carbon emissions by 2040.”
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
9
Our Story in 2021 continued
Focused on growth, 
returns and fiscal 
discipline
In a year of significant change, we have ensured  
we remain positioned for success. Whilst we  
may have changed our name to Capricorn, our 
purpose is unchanged. We will continue to pursue  
a differentiated business model of creating, adding, 
and realising value for shareholders, against a 
backdrop of sustainable cash flow generation and 
growth. Our unerring focus remains on returns, 
growth and ongoing fiscal discipline.
We will also continue to actively manage 
our portfolio to ensure that we have the 
right balance of assets for continued  
value creation, across the energy life cycle:  
from exploration and development  
to production.
Portfolio Renewal
The past year witnessed a fundamental 
portfolio renewal. We swapped risked 
development in Senegal and declining 
production assets in the UK North Sea  
for current production and future growth 
opportunities in Egypt and in the UK. 
Crucially, we also retained a strong  
balance sheet and the financial flexibility 
that we have always prioritised in our 
strategic delivery.
I am particularly excited by the prospects 
for our assets in Egypt, which offer 
attractive growth opportunities for 
Capricorn and its shareholders – but that  
is just the start as we aim to build the asset 
base in the coming months and years.  
The assets we have acquired provide a 
material production base from a gas-
weighted portfolio that also benefits from 
attractive liquids production. They offer 
near-term, low-cost production, owned 
infrastructure, numerous emissions 
reduction opportunities, and significant 
medium and longer-term exploration, all 
in a region with a stable fiscal environment 
and strong demand growth. 
Positioned for Growth
Overall, the Egyptian portfolio provides a 
platform for long-term sustainable cash 
flow generation and growth that we plan 
to build on over the coming months and 
years. Our flexibility and agility leave us 
well positioned to take advantage of 
further opportunities to acquire assets 
with similar potential. This is a core part  
of the strategy to sustainably scale our 
production operations to provide cash  
for reinvestment, fund further returns  
to shareholders, and support ongoing 
selective exploration activity.
Our approach to exploration is another  
key driver of success. Over the past year, 
we have refined and high-graded the 
portfolio. Our initial focus will primarily  
be on Egypt, which, alongside the UK, 
offers the potential for infrastructure-led 
opportunities where discoveries can  
be quickly developed and monetised. 
Elsewhere, we look forward to building on 
our exploration success offshore Mexico. 
Whilst we retain exposure to potentially 
transformational exploration, principally  
in Suriname and Mauritania, we do not 
have the burden of material capital or  
well commitments. We have the agility 
to refine and adapt our programme in 
accordance with our strategy of focusing 
on the most valuable resources.
Simon Thomson
Chief Executive Officer
10
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
 “I’m particularly excited by the prospects for our assets in Egypt, 
which offer attractive growth opportunities for Capricorn and  
its shareholders.”
Sustainability Commitment
In considering how we build our portfolio, 
we focus increasingly on energy transition 
considerations. Capricorn’s business must 
remain relevant and resilient, and in the 
past year we have taken significant steps 
to ensure this is achieved. First of all, we 
have accelerated our commitment to net 
zero to 2040 or earlier, setting a target for 
our ambitions and actions. Secondly, we 
have developed greater internal capability 
to drive our energy transition agenda with 
key senior appointments alongside the 
robust processes we are developing to 
ensure we monitor and deliver against our 
commitments. We are determined to 
continue our progress on decarbonisation. 
Our TCFD reporting this year sets out  
in more detail our plans and assesses  
the resilience of the business against 
transition scenarios.
Regardless of whether we are exploring  
or producing, wherever we operate  
we do so with the highest standards  
of responsibility and transparency.  
We continue to prioritise the health, safety, 
security, and well-being of our people  
and remain committed to protecting  
the environment and supporting 
communities in the areas where we 
operate, in alignment with the UN 
Sustainable Development Goals. We 
always aim to ensure that our host 
communities and countries experience a 
positive impact as a result of our presence.
A Clear Focus
We are pleased that we have now 
successfully resolved the tax issue with  
the Government of India. We are proud  
of everything that we achieved during  
our time in the country. We invested 
significantly in India and built a business 
that has generated billions of dollars of 
revenue for stakeholders in India, as well  
as thousands of jobs and significant social 
benefits, while also creating significant 
material value for our own shareholders. 
The conclusion to our India story, as well  
as allowing us to continue with our 
differentiated strategy of returning value 
to shareholders, provided the right time 
for us to look to the future with a new 
name. Whilst our name has changed to 
Capricorn, our mission and focus remain 
the same. We are in a strong position  
to build on our successful track record.  
We remain focused on delivering value 
responsibly across all our operations. 
Capricorn is exceptionally well placed to 
move forward with a renewed portfolio,  
a strong financial position, and with the 
potential to create and return more value 
for all our stakeholders.
A NEW NAME,  
A NEW PLACE 
On 13 December 2021, the Company 
changed its name to Capricorn. 
The change follows an agreement at the time of the Cairn 
India IPO to ultimately change the name, and with the 
Company’s participation in the India tax refund process,  
the time was right to put in place the change as we scale  
our resilient business for the future.
With many of our subsidiary and operating companies having 
used the Capricorn name for some time, it is an established 
and respected name across our global operations. This 
maintains stakeholder confidence in our long-standing 
reputation for respect, relationships and responsibility. 
In the next year, Capricorn will also prepare to move  
our headquarters to a new location in Edinburgh. From  
early 2023, we will be based in 1 Haymarket Square,  
an outstanding new place for colleagues to work, and 
boasting world class transport links, energy efficiency  
and environmental credentials, including: holding an  
Energy Performance Certificate ‘A’ rating; roof-mounted 
photovoltaic panels which generate a proportion of the 
electrical demand; and high-performance air-handling, 
lighting and reduced water consumption systems. 
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
11
Our Strategy
Our strategy as a responsible energy producer is to ensure maximum 
financial flexibility through active management of our portfolio. By maintaining 
a balance sheet that is resilient to periods of volatility, we are able to target 
high quality resources and continually renew the portfolio to ensure relevance 
through the energy transition, and meet our commitment to net zero by 
2040 or earlier. Ultimately, this strategic focus has enabled us to differentiate 
our business by enabling significant capital returns to shareholders.
Selective 
Exploration 
Core area exploration 
to sustain production 
Select transformational exploration
Balance Sheet 
Flexibility
Capital structure resilient 
to price shocks 
Controllable and flexible 
capital programme
Shareholder 
Returns 
Key differentiator 
Competition for 
capital between 
reinvestment 
and returns
All investment
decisions assessed
against multiple externally
assured energy transition
scenarios
Sustainable 
Cash flow Base 
Diversify and extend 
production base 
Ensure low full-cycle 
break-even economics
Our emphasis on proactive portfolio 
management means we maintain control 
of our own destiny by optimising capital 
allocation and ensuring the right asset 
balance at any point in time. This enables 
us to return cash to shareholders. In 2021, 
we returned or committed to return 
nearly US$1bn. We weigh reinvestment 
in the business against returning cash 
to shareholders when considering 
capital allocation.
Proactive portfolio management 
also enables us to invest in growing, 
diversifying and sustaining the cash 
flow-generating asset base. We target 
long-life, full-cycle portfolios with low 
break-even costs to best position us 
to support future shareholder returns.
Renewing and building the portfolio is 
delivered in a way that maintains balance 
sheet flexibility. A resilient capital structure 
provides protection against volatility and 
discipline in portfolio choices ensures 
control over our capital programme.
Exploration remains core to our future 
strategy. New discoveries support future 
cash flows through organic reserves 
replacement, with the potential for 
transformational events to create further 
12
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Portfolio 
Management 
Monetise for returns 
and reinvestment 
Flexible and balanced 
capital allocation
shareholder value. Our exploration focus is 
on advantaged resources that can remain 
competitive through stringent energy 
transition scenarios and will move quickly 
to commercialisation.
Against the backdrop of a global energy 
system in transition, we are positioning 
ourselves for sustainable growth, in line 
with a commitment to net zero by 2040, 
and with financial and operational 
discipline.
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Executing our Strategy Responsibly
Working responsibly means 
delivering value in a safe, secure and 
environmentally responsible manner for 
all our stakeholders. Our sustainability 
strategy underpins efforts to: protect 
the environment and transition to more 
sustainable energy sources; support 
society by creating value for 
employees, suppliers, shareholders 
and communities; and use sound 
governance structures to ensure we 
conduct our business ethically and 
manage risks effectively. 
Our long-established Business 
Principles are integrated into our 
systems and processes. They determine 
how we work, helping us to behave 
responsibly to people, to the 
environment and to society.
Responsible Governance
BUSINESS PRINCIPLES
RELEVANT MATERIAL ISSUES
CONTRIBUTION TO SDGS
– We manage risk and seek 
to continually improve.
– We behave honestly, 
fairly and with integrity.
5
10 11 15 18
(cid:2)   Read more about our material corporate 
responsibility issues on pages 24 and 25
(cid:2)   Read more on pages 80-83
We seek to identify and effectively manage the risks that are most significant to our business. These are recorded in a risk 
register which, along with stakeholder engagement, help us to prioritise issues.
(cid:2)   Read more on pages 49-55
Risks
Behaving Responsibly 
to the Environment
Behaving Responsibly 
to People
Behaving Responsibly 
to Society
BUSINESS PRINCIPLES
BUSINESS PRINCIPLES
BUSINESS PRINCIPLES
– We take a precautionary approach 
to our effect on the environment.
– We develop the potential of 
our people.
– We strive to prevent and minimise 
our impact on the environment.
(cid:2) Read more on page 56
– We foster a workplace that respects 
personal dignity and rights, is 
non-discriminatory and provides 
fair rewards.
– We provide a healthy, safe and 
secure work environment.
(cid:2) Read more on page 60 
– We seek to make a positive social 
impact in every area where we 
work.
– We respect the rights and 
acknowledge the aspirations 
and concerns of the communities 
in which we work.
(cid:2) Read more on page 64 
RELEVANT MATERIAL ISSUES
RELEVANT MATERIAL ISSUES
RELEVANT MATERIAL ISSUES
23 25 26 28 29
37
51 53
RELEVANT
RELEVANT
RELEVANT
External Frameworks
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
13
Our Business Model
Our business model is to invest in assets across the oil and gas life cycle  
in order to create, add and deliver value for stakeholders. 
OUR STRENGTHS AND CAPABILITIES
#1 Agile portfolio management
Capricorn has consistently managed its portfolio to enter or remain in assets with 
exploration and production growth and exit assets at an opportune time and at attractive 
prices or where allocated capital is no longer justified to provide the targeted returns. 
We have executed our strategic choices both in the exploration arena and also the 
production arena. During 2021, we returned capital following the sale of our interest in  
the Sangomar project in Senegal, whilst also exiting the Kraken and Catcher assets, where 
production decline had occurred. We retain exposure to both reservoir out-performance  
and oil price through an uncapped earn-out provision in these North Sea producing assets.
#2 Collaborative partnerships 
We work in joint ventures across the E&P spectrum, partnering with companies that  
share our values and vision. In 2021, we entered Egypt in partnership with Cheiron,  
a private Egyptian company, and together acquired the BADR Petroleum Company 
(Bapetco) Western Desert assets from Shell. This provides Capricorn with owned 
infrastructure including export pipelines and substantial reserves, existing production and 
exploration potential. We aim to invest to grow production, reserves and new resources, 
working closely with host governments and state oil companies, which are also key partners. 
We have deep experience of working in collaborative partnerships, both as operator and as 
non-operator and are looking to add partners to our joint ventures in Mauritania and Suriname.
#3 Exploration and production expertise and experience
Capricorn has the skills and capabilities within the organisation to deploy across the full  
E&P asset life cycle. The exploration portfolio is continuously high-graded to ensure we are 
focused on our ‘advantaged resources’ exploration criteria: rapid pace from discovery to 
production, a clear alignment to ESG priorities, flexible commitments which can allow us to 
react to market dynamics, and resources that can be discovered, developed and produced 
competitively in a lower oil demand future. The same applies in the production arena,  
where we focus on delivering cash-generative production growth with low operating  
costs and lower emissions, and adding reserves cost effectively through developments, 
improved reservoir management and new well drilling and completion. 
Our people provide the necessary expertise and resources to deliver the work programmes 
agreed within our joint ventures, and to operate successfully across the oil and gas life cycle. 
Over the last decade, the Company has operated multiple 2D & 3D seismic and geotechnical 
surveys, drilled over 20 exploration and appraisal wells onshore and in mid- and deepwater 
settings and has successfully participated in development planning to take five major 
projects to development phase, converting over three quarters of a billion barrels to reserves 
(gross, 100% basis). Through these projects, our subsurface, engineering, HSSE, commercial 
& legal and financial teams have worked together and further developed their skillsets and 
capabilities for future application. Since 2017, we have delivered production within market 
guidance for four consecutive years.
#4 Responsible culture
Our established, highly experienced and respected leadership team is committed to 
working responsibly to deliver the Company’s strategy. We never compromise our  
Operating Standards. Our focus on delivering value in a safe, secure and environmentally  
and socially responsible manner is a key strategic objective, measured through our key 
performance indicators. Contractors and suppliers are required to work to the same high 
standards as our employees, adhering to our Core Values of Building Respect, Acting 
Responsibly and Nurturing Relationships.
WHY CAPRICORN  
ENERGY?
Our expertise 
and agility
We have the ability  
to move quickly  
and responsibly to 
pursue opportunities, 
underpinned at all times 
by our financial flexibility. 
We see and realise value 
where others may not.
Our experience 
With more than 30 years’ 
experience as an operator 
and partner at all stages 
of the upstream oil and 
gas life cycle, we have 
successfully discovered 
and developed oil and 
gas reserves in a number 
of international locations 
in partnership with host 
governments. 
Our responsible 
approach 
We commit to working 
responsibly across all  
our activities. This means 
working in a safe, secure, 
environmentally and 
socially responsible 
manner.
14
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
The cash flow from production assets 
funds further growth in exploration and 
development activity alongside overall 
strategic delivery. Assets can be monetised 
at different stages of exploration, 
development and production in order  
to optimise the portfolio and create the 
opportunity for further cash returns to 
shareholders, as we have demonstrated 
historically in India and Senegal. We focus 
on reducing carbon emissions in our 
operations and targeting resources that can 
be relevant through the global changing 
energy mix. 
CREATING VALUE RESPONSIBLY FOR STAKEHOLDERS
We are committed to making a positive contribution, wherever we operate, by 
delivering tangible benefits to our stakeholders. This includes the value distributed 
through salaries, taxes, payments to authorities, contractors and suppliers, capital 
spending and social investment.
Our established track record of 
creating significant growth and  
value was demonstrated most  
recently through our basin opening 
discoveries offshore Senegal. We 
continue to pursue transformational 
value opportunities today, through 
exploration activities in Suriname  
and Mauritania.
Investors
Employees
We have a track record of safe and 
effective operations and extensive 
experience operating both onshore 
and offshore, in shallow and deep 
water locations, in remote and frontier 
locations and in benign and harsh 
weather environments. Our industry 
experience has included opening  
new oil basins, creating value through 
exploration success, and taking assets 
to production and development.  
Egypt is the latest new country entry 
for the Company, as we seek to ramp  
up production and enhance organic 
reserves replacement through a 
significant exploration programme.
Business partners  
and suppliers
Governments and  
regulators
Oil and gas sales revenue
US$56.2m
Employee salaries and benefits
US$49.4m
Payments for capital expenditure
US$89.4m
Payments to governments
US$24.6m
Local community/ 
interest groups
Social investment
US$0.6m
(cid:3)   For more information please see our Sustainability Report:  
www.capricornenergy.com/working-responsibly
Our approach to working responsibly  
is embedded throughout our business 
in our management systems and 
enshrined in our policies and 
principles. We operate to industry-
leading, international standards in 
health, safety and environmental 
management. We never compromise 
our standards and we look for partners 
who share our commitment to 
international good practice, ensuring 
projects are managed in a responsible 
and respectful manner. During 2021, 
we announced our commitment to net 
zero Scope 1 and 2 equity emissions 
by 2040 or earlier.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
15
Industry Review 2021
2021 saw a major international focus on climate change, carbon emissions and energy 
transition at COP26 in Glasgow in November. Whilst international commitments still fall 
short of those deemed by scientific consensus to be required to limit global warming to 1.5 
degrees compared to pre-industrial levels, the conference delivered several important policy 
developments. Ben Conley, Capricorn’s Strategy and Business Development Director, 
examines how these are likely to have significant implications for the energy industry and 
how Capricorn is working on the twin challenges of energy transition and energy security. 
Methane pledges, ramp-ups in national 
defined contributions and a further push 
to remove fossil fuel subsidies will all have  
a strong impact on oil and gas companies’ 
strategies. Furthermore, investor 
momentum for energy transition will be 
bolstered by the Glasgow Financial Alliance 
for Net Zero (GFANZ) commitment to 
invest over US$130 trillion of private capital 
to support the transformation of the global 
economy for net zero.
Capricorn’s commitments to deliver net 
zero by 2040 at the latest and to eliminate 
flaring by 2030 are well aligned with the 
targets and ambitions embedded in the 
COP26 pledges. Our portfolio is resilient 
and will continue to generate shareholder 
value even in the IEA’s net zero 1.5 degree 
scenario. We test that our investments  
will generate returns exceeding a 10%  
IRR using commodity and carbon price 
assumptions as onerous as those 
associated with IEA’s net zero scenario,  
as described in our TCFD reporting.
The path to a reliable and affordable 
decarbonised energy system is likely  
to be far more complex than many  
simple current analyses imply, with 
significant geopolitical and socioeconomic 
implications. Capricorn makes its 
investment decisions mindful of the 
long-term mega-trends, but also 
conscious that for many nations, energy 
security is of paramount concern and that 
reliable energy provision is a prerequisite 
to the economic development necessary 
for decarbonisation. 
The thesis that recent upstream capacity 
underinvestment will limit supply that we 
described in our 2020 overview has proved 
valid and has dominated hydrocarbon 
commodity prices throughout 2021. 
to meet recovering demand levels. Pricing 
behaviour should elicit an oil and gas 
supply side response. However, thus far 
there is little evidence for this. Some 
forecasters are aligning around a view  
that the market clearing oil price to 
provide meaningful new non-OPEC 
supply will be closer to US$80/bbl than to 
US$60/bbl and that the underinvestment 
thesis is now set to dominate the mid part 
of the decade.123 Certain forecasters also 
question OPEC’s ability to respond, citing 
several members’ failure to meet current 
quotas, as evidence for mid-term oil prices 
rising above US$100/bbl.4 These price 
forecasts, coupled with record coal pricing 
seen in 2021 demonstrate the scale of the 
challenge to decarbonise and the time 
required to develop viable alternatives. 
The combination of industry players 
making amends for earlier procyclical 
misallocation of capital and the reduction 
of equity capital supply to the upstream 
industry has seen non-OPEC supply failing 
As well as the requirement to scale up 
capture of renewable energy sources, we 
believe that the debate is maturing around 
the role of the responsible production of 
hydrocarbons. Investors and stakeholders 
increasingly recognise that the transition 
will require hydrocarbon-derived energy 
and thus recognise the critical role of 
responsible operators in ensuring that 
these resources are produced as efficiently 
as possible. Rystad recently claimed that 
10MMbpd production by 2030 will be 
required from new field sanctions within  
a net zero 2050 scenario.5 The Oxford 
Energy Institute’s favoured 1.5 degree 
scenario sees a huge ramp-up in 
renewable capacity, but also a significant 
expansion in global gas supply particularly 
in markets like Asia’s which currently rely 
on coal for 50% of power provision.6
As outlined elsewhere in this report, 
Capricorn is taking steps to increase 
energy production from our upstream 
operations in Egypt but at the same time 
reduce the associated emissions both on 
an absolute and an emissions intensity 
basis. Investigations are also ongoing to 
use renewable power sources both for 
16
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Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
“The industry context for Capricorn has rarely been so exciting. 
We are faced with an array of attractive investment opportunities 
in responsible upstream energy and in emerging new energies.”
upstream operations and for provision 
of energy to local markets. We see 
numerous other opportunities to acquire 
high-quality upstream assets from legacy 
operators, where there are opportunities 
to create material stakeholder value, 
while preferentially producing lower 
emissions resources, electrifying 
upstream operations, and capturing 
and sequestering emissions. 
Delivering safe and reliable operations in 
non-OECD jurisdictions will be a critical 
enabler to the development of future 
renewable energy sources. At present, 
the cost of capital for energy investments 
in many emerging economies limits the 
large-scale development of renewable 
resources. Indeed, excluding China, the 
majority of 2020 global renewable energy 
investment was targeted at OECD 
economies7, yet to achieve a decarbonised 
energy system in line with a 1.5 degree 
global warming scenario, rapid growth in 
renewable capacity in emerging economies 
will be critical. Responsible operators that 
can deliver reliable returns from non-
OECD upstream energy investments will 
be key enablers to reducing the effective 
cost of capital for non-OECD renewable 
investments. Working with lenders, 
initiatives such as GFANZ, or leveraging 
OECD sovereign balance sheets to 
underpin non-OECD PPAs, companies 
with the licence to operate responsibly 
will be a critical component of delivering 
climate ambitions.
The industry context for Capricorn has 
rarely been so exciting. We are faced 
with an array of attractive investment 
opportunities in responsible upstream 
energy and in emerging new energies. 
At the same time, we see large numbers 
of asset divestments and relatively few 
companies able and willing to deliver 
the challenges of energy security and 
decarbonisation. 
1 Bernstein Energy: When will we see a supply 
response? An outlook for medium term oil prices; 
2/12/21.
2 Bloomberg; consensus price forecasts.
3 Woodmac; Macro Oils long-term 2021 to 2050.
4 JP Morgan, The J.P. Morgan Global Energy 
Outlook; 9/12/21.
5 Energy; Net Zero by 2050, what will it take.
6 Oxford Energy Institute: https://www.
oxfordenergy.org/wpcms/wp-content/
uploads/2021/07/Energy-Transition-Modelling-
the-Impact-on-Natural-Gas-NG-169.pdf
7 Bloomberg New Energy Finance; Climatescope; 
14/12/21.
CASE STUDY
TRADEWATER PARTNERSHIP 
We have invested in the development of greenhouse 
gas emissions avoidance projects in partnership 
with Tradewater – a US-based company focused on 
finding, collecting, and destroying the most potent 
greenhouse gases, such as chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) 
and hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants.
Our investment will help develop identification and collection networks for these 
gases in developing countries around the world and will yield 250,000 tonnes of 
high-quality carbon offset credits over the next five years from the destruction of 
old refrigerants. 
Our carbon offset strategy is aligned with the International Carbon Reduction 
and Offset Alliance (ICROA) and Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for 
International Aviation (CORSIA) principles and is focused on the acquisition of 
high-quality carbon credits, verified by Verra or Gold Standard. Carbon credits 
are not older than 2016 and can be either portfolio or project-based. We will aim 
to retire the oldest carbon credits first. It is important that carbon offset projects 
demonstrate strong co-benefits, supporting socioeconomic development, 
health, protecting water quality or biodiversity. We aim to align our carbon 
offset strategy with the UNSDG goals and Capricorn’s Code of Ethics.
In addition to our investment with Tradewater, we have also acquired portfolio-
based carbon offsets, which include REDD+ (Reduction of Deforestation and 
Forest Degradation) projects in Guatemala and Cambodia, as well as landfill 
gas extraction projects in Brazil and Turkey.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
17
TCFD Reporting
Task force on  
Climate-related Financial 
Disclosures (TCFD) Report
Capricorn Energy’s climate-related financial disclosures made in the 2021 
Annual Report are consistent with the TCFD’s recommendations and 
recommended disclosures, in line with the Financial Conduct Authority’s 
LR9.8.6 requirement. We have analysed the impact of transition risks of  
climate change on our portfolio using scenario analysis, and we are working  
to fully assess the potential impact of the physical risks of climate change  
on our assets. 
We are continuing to develop good 
practices and standards for transparency 
in line with TCFD recommendations.  
Our latest reporting includes 11 TCFD-
recommended disclosures across  
four areas.
Valentina Kretzschmar
Energy Transition Director
appointed August 2021
Governance
Disclose the organisation’s 
governance around climate-related 
risks and opportunities
Capricorn attaches high importance to 
climate change considerations at Board 
level and throughout the organisation, 
together with our broader environmental, 
societal and governance responsibilities. 
These matters are standing agenda items 
at each Board meeting, and also comprise 
an important KPI in the determination  
of Management Variable Remuneration. 
Climate-related risks and opportunities  
are presented at the Executive 
Committee, the Group Risk Management 
Committee and the Management Team 
meeting for discussion and challenge.
During the year, the Board and Executive 
Committee’s discussions included:
 – reviewing and approving investment 
for the reduction of diesel power 
generation and gas flaring in Egypt;
 – reviewing and supporting longer  
term plans for electrification of Egypt 
operations and carbon capture and 
sequestration;
 – assessing the carbon abatement 
potential of all business development 
opportunities reviewed for investment 
and ensuring compatibility with the 
Group’s net zero target;
 – assessing the “advantaged resources” 
criteria for all exploration new venture 
opportunities to ensure that investment 
targets resources that will be 
competitive in a future with lower oil 
demand and higher carbon prices;
 – receiving regular updates from the 
Energy Transition Director on 
stakeholder objectives and regulatory 
developments in the area of climate 
change and energy transition policies;
 – approving the acceleration of the 
Group’s net zero carbon emissions 
target date from 2050 to 2040; and
 – approving the acquisition of 490,000 
tonnes of high quality carbon offsets, 
including nature-based, landfill gas and 
sequestration of refrigerant gases.
a) Describe the Board’s oversight of 
climate-related risks and opportunities
Climate-related risks are recognised as  
a major concern for the planet, as well  
as the future of the oil and gas industry. 
Addressing these risks is one of the 
highest priorities for our business. The 
Board takes full responsibility for the 
governance of climate-related risks  
and opportunities.
With effect from 3 March 2022, a new 
committee, the Sustainability Committee, 
has been established with all Board 
Directors as members. These areas are 
considered within every Board decision 
and, therefore, are a key element of  
each Board meeting, but establishing a 
committee dedicated to these matters will 
further embed the importance within the 
Board and wider organisation. The energy 
transition and Capricorn’s role in it is of 
particular importance to the Board and 
the formation of this new committee will 
allow it further dedicated time.
Overall responsibility for the system  
of risk management and internal control 
and reviewing the effectiveness of such 
systems rests with the Board. Principal 
climate-related risks and opportunities  
are reviewed at each Board meeting,  
so at least five times per year. 
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Financial Statements
Additional Information
Capricorn uses risk registers, described  
in the Risk Management section below,  
to report climate-related risks and 
opportunities and associated mitigation 
measures. Reporting of these risks within 
the organisation is structured so that risks 
are escalated through various internal 
management groups, to relevant Board 
committees and to the Board itself. 
Climate-related risks and opportunities are 
discussed, as noted, during risk discussions 
but also when considering annual work 
programmes and budgets, acquisitions 
and divestments and when considering 
annual performance objectives.
b) Describe management’s role in 
assessing and managing climate-related 
risks and opportunities
Capricorn’s CEO, who is also part of the 
Executive Committee, takes ultimate 
responsibility and accountability for the 
Company’s ESG policy, including climate-
related strategy and targets. The Chair  
of Capricorn’s Board is the Director 
responsible at the Board level. 
Capricorn’s Executive Committee reviews 
climate and energy transition issues, 
concerning both Capricorn’s own position 
and risk management, and international 
policy and stakeholder drivers. The 
Management Team also performs a 
quarterly review of the Group risk register 
and associated controls and actions. This 
offers management an opportunity to 
agree on and challenge the principal 
climate-related risks and opportunities. 
In August 2021, Capricorn appointed  
an Energy Transition Director, who took 
responsibility for the development of the 
Company’s climate change and energy 
transition strategy and reporting. The 
Energy Transition Director reports to the 
CFO and provides regular updates to the 
Executive Committee, as well as the Board. 
The Energy Transition Director is 
responsible for monitoring the fast-
changing external environment, including 
the regulatory and technological spheres. 
Climate-related risks and opportunities  
are discussed on a regular basis with the 
Company’s senior leadership.
The Energy Transition Director is 
responsible for ensuring the Company 
remains on track to fulfil its net zero  
target by 2040. This includes overseeing 
Capricorn’s carbon emissions from existing 
assets and ensuring that screening of new 
opportunities is in line with the Company’s 
net zero commitments. 
The Energy Transition Director is also 
responsible for TCFD reporting, including 
scenario modelling to assess the impact  
of transition risks of climate change on 
Capricorn’s portfolio.
The Energy Transition Director works 
closely with other functions in the 
Company – such as Business Development, 
Exploration, Legal and HSE – to identify  
and assess any climate-related risks and 
opportunities. An Energy Transition Advisor, 
working as part of the Strategy and 
Business Development team was also 
appointed in July 2021 to help develop 
commercially viable decarbonisation 
projects at the asset level.
Energy transition is being embedded  
into Capricorn’s culture, as climate impact 
becomes a key strategic consideration 
across different business functions. For 
example, screening of new opportunities  
is underpinned by resilience testing 
against transition risks of climate  
change, including the application  
of internal carbon pricing across all 
potential investments. 
We also include energy efficiency and 
carbon emissions as a differentiating 
factor in selecting contractors for drilling, 
marine and aviation services. The most 
polluting products and services are 
eliminated from the tender process. 
Internally, we established our Eco-Team  
in 2019 with a dual focus: to identify 
opportunities to reduce our carbon 
footprint within our office environment,  
for example paper consumption and 
recycling; and also to educate and 
encourage colleagues to reduce their 
personal impact on the climate. In 2021, 
the Eco-Team partnered with a local 
provider, Pawprint, to allow colleagues to 
use their carbon footprint mapping app.  
In addition, in April 2022 to support staff  
in reducing their personal impact on the 
climate, we are introducing salary exchange 
for the purchase of electric vehicles. 
We recently signed a lease to move our 
Edinburgh headquarters into the city’s 
Haymarket 1 development. The new 
building has been considered through  
the lens of sustainability – both regarding 
the construction and operational carbon 
footprint of the building and the impact on 
employees’ commuting and other activities. 
Management
Executive Committee plus  
Senior Leadership (including  
the Energy Transition Director): 
meets tri-weekly and regularly 
updates on any new climate- 
related developments.
Executive Committee: meets every 
two months, with strategic updates 
from the Energy Transition Director.
Board
Meets every two months
Regular updates provided by the 
Management Team, including the 
Energy Transition Director’s briefing.
Risk Management
Disclose how the organisation 
identifies, assesses, and manages 
climate-related risks
a) Describe the organisation’s processes 
for identifying and assessing climate-
related risks
The Group’s framework for risk 
management promotes a bottom-up 
approach to risk management with 
top-down support and challenge. Climate-
related risks and opportunities and the 
associated mitigation measures and action 
plans are maintained in a series of risk 
registers at Group, asset, function and 
project level. The Group uses a number  
of tools to identify climate-related risks 
including, but not limited to, HAZIDs, social 
impact assessments and environmental 
hazard identification (ENVIDs). Risks 
identification sessions are typically 
completed with project teams and risks 
are uploaded to the Group’s risk software 
tools which assign ownership for the risks. 
Climate-related risks are classified in 
alignment with TCFD’s description of 
physical and transition risks:
Transition risks – risks related to the 
transition to a lower carbon economy 
including policy and legal, technology, 
markets and reputational risks.
Physical risks – risks related to the 
physical impacts of climate change 
including event-driven risks such as 
changes in the severity and/or frequency 
of extreme weather events.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
19
TCFD Reporting continued
The Group has established impact criteria 
which assigns a score of one to five for 
impact and probability of occurrence. This 
drives the overall assessment of the risk 
and will determine if the risk is within the 
appetite limits. Further information is 
included in the risk disclosure page and 
the Materiality Matrix on page 25.
b) Describe the organisation’s processes 
for managing climate-related risks
The Group applies one of the 4Ts to each 
risk: Tolerate, Treat, Transfer or Terminate. 
All risks categorised as ‘Treat’ are required 
to have actions assigned to them to 
reduce the impact or likelihood of the risk 
occurring. Reporting of these risks within 
the organisation is structured so that risks 
are escalated through various internal 
management, Board committees and  
to the Board itself for challenge and 
oversight. Future challenges and costs  
to achieving pathway to Net Zero 2040 
risk has been identified as a principal risk. 
Further information on the risk, appetite 
level, impacts and mitigations can be 
found on pages 51 to 52.
c) Describe how processes for 
identifying, assessing, and managing 
climate-related risks are integrated  
into the organisation’s overall risk 
management
Climate-related risks are captured at various 
levels within the Group and in line with  
the Group process for risk management.  
All projects, be it a drilling project, an 
acquisition opportunity or a new country 
entry, are required to maintain a risk 
register. Project teams are multi-disciplined 
which ensures that all categories of risk, 
including climate-related risks, are 
identified, assessed and managed. 
There is also a dedicated Energy  
Transition risk register which identifies  
the strategic climate-related risks as well  
as the aggregated climate-related project 
risks. This risk register is maintained by  
the Energy Transition Director and the 
Strategy and Energy Transition Advisor  
and is reviewed quarterly. This ensures all 
climate-related risks are integrated into the 
Group’s overall risk management processes 
and will be presented and challenged at 
various forums within the Group. 
Strategy
Disclose the actual and potential 
impacts of climate-related risks and 
opportunities on the organisation’s 
businesses, strategy and financial 
planning where such information  
is material
a) Describe the climate-related risks  
and opportunities the organisation  
has identified over the short, medium 
and long term
In developing our strategy, Capricorn’s 
Board and leadership team consider a 
wide range of opportunities and risks 
across three discrete time horizons:
Short term (to 2025): the next three years 
are defined by detailed business and 
financial plans, which are performance-
managed in delivery of our 2025 targets.
Medium term (to 2030): looking out to 
the end of the decade and the duration of 
the Paris Agreement enables us to consider 
our progress towards the long-term targets 
and adjust the course of action if required.
Long term (post-2030): we use a  
scenario planning approach – IEA’s Stated 
Policies Scenario (STEPS), Sustainable 
Development Scenario (SDS) and Net Zero 
Emissions (NZE) scenarios – to account  
for a wide range of uncertainties in the 
post-2030 period. Our aim is to ensure we 
have a resilient portfolio, which will deliver 
value to key stakeholders in the most 
ambitious climate scenario of limiting the 
global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees 
compared to pre-industrial levels.
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Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Capricorn considers the following risks to be key climate-related risks in the short, medium and long term.
Type Climate-related Risk
Capricorn’s Response
Policy and legal (medium to long term)
 – Implementation of carbon pricing mechanisms in 
both compliance and non-compliance markets.
 – Changes in legislation and country policy.
 – In line with IEA and other energy companies, in the EU and UK 
compliance markets we use carbon prices of US$100/tCO2e 
and US$110/tCO2e in 2030, respectively. For other regions, 
where carbon price is not currently applicable, we use our 
internal carbon pricing assumptions starting at US$28/tCO2e 
in 2022, rising to US$51/tCO2e in 2030.
 – Use of long-term oil price assumptions that consider the 
demand effects of global carbon taxation.
 – Ongoing efforts to decarbonise operations.
 – Ongoing monitoring of policy and legislation development  
in countries of interest.
Technology (medium to long term)
 – Increasing costs of transition to lower-emission 
 – Implementation of decarbonisation technologies at the field 
technology.
level in Egypt.
 – Substitution of existing products and services  
with lower emissions options.
 – Increase in gas production within the portfolio, with 
decarbonisation options including carbon-capture,  
utilisation and storage (CCUS) and solar for in-field use.
 – Funding of Heriot-Watt University research scholarships.
 – Application of inherently lower emission equipment and 
contractor services.
Market (medium to long term)
 – Decline in oil demand and oil price.
 – Faster than expected shift away from gas, leading  
 – Low-cost portfolio to generate value in a 1.5 degree scenario.
 – Embed low oil and gas prices, as well as carbon prices when 
to lower gas prices.
screening for new investments.
 – Changing market sentiment as consumers switch 
 – Consider diversification into clean technologies, such as solar 
away from fossil fuels.
 – Access to capital.
Reputation (short term)
and geothermal.
 – Ensure strong balance sheet, low leverage, strong free cash 
flow generation.
 – Public perception of the oil and gas industry is 
changing.
 – Lack of trust in the oil and gas industry’s net zero 
 – Maintain transparency relating to all ESG issues.
 – Comply with the highest reporting standards.
 – Ensure continued engagement with external stakeholders.
ambitions.
Chronic (long term)
 – Rising mean temperatures.
 – Rising sea levels.
 – Increased extreme weather events.
 – Rising water stress including conflicting uses  
and availability.
 – Water resource and resilience studies in Egypt, including a 
planned in-house water challenge. Given the recent acquisition 
of assets in Egypt, we are currently assessing the impact of 
physical risks of climate change by working through the 
findings of Regional Climate Models (RCMs).
 – We help our communities adapt to physical risks, for example, 
through our investment in a mangrove rehabilitation project in 
Suriname to prevent coastal erosion and improve biodiversity.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
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TCFD Reporting continued
Capricorn has recognised and is currently working on scoping and implementing a number of climate-related opportunities.
Type
Climate-related Opportunities
Capricorn’s Response
)  – Use of lower-emission sources of energy.
m
r
e
t
 – Shift toward decentralised energy generation.
 – Use of supportive policy incentives.
 – Use of new technologies.
 – Participation in carbon market.
 – In Egypt, we plan to replace diesel generators with cleaner-
burning gas generators, electrify well sites and downhole 
pumps using centralised power generation, and integrate  
solar power to reduce our reliance on diesel and gas.
 – We are actively pursuing opportunities in carbon capture, 
utilisation and storage (CCUS) in Egypt and other jurisdictions, 
and we have invested in the NECCUS project, which is 
examining industrial carbon capture projects in Scotland.
 – We are actively engaged in voluntary carbon markets. We have 
acquired a portfolio of high quality carbon offsets, including 
nature-based, landfill gas and refrigerant gases sequestration.
 – Resource substitutes/diversification.
 – We are evaluating clean energy diversification opportunities, 
including solar, geothermal and CCUS.
 – Development and/or expansion of low emission 
 – To minimise energy use in drilling operations and associated 
goods and services (short term).
activities without compromising safety or cost, we assess the fuel 
consumption of rigs, vessels and helicopters as part of the tender 
process. Lower energy consumption – and therefore emissions – 
could provide a point of differentiation if other technical and 
commercial considerations are comparable. We have already 
trialled this approach when tendering vessels for geophysical 
and geotechnical survey work in the UK and Mauritania. We will 
strive to align our supply chain products and services with our 
own emission reduction target of net zero by 2040 
 – Use of more efficient production and  
 – We seek to continuously improve the performance of our 
distribution processes (short to medium term).
 – Use of recycling (short term).
 – Move to more efficient buildings (short term).
operating assets, reducing their carbon intensity, including 
elimination of flaring from our operations in Egypt. We are  
also promoting efficient operations with our contractors and 
planning improved management of vessels and other assets 
during our drilling operations to further improve the energy 
efficiency or our products.
 – Working internally to identify opportunities to reduce our 
carbon footprint within our office environment, for example 
paper consumption and recycling.
 – Our new office building has been considered through the  
lens of sustainability – both regarding the construction and 
operational carbon footprint of the building and the impact  
on employees’ commuting and other activities.
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b) Describe the impact of climate-
related risks and opportunities on the 
organisation’s businesses, strategy and 
financial planning
Capricorn is fully incorporating climate 
change-related risks into its investment 
decision making. Our capital allocation 
decisions are made using rigorous 
planning assumptions, informed by 
climate change and energy transition 
scenario analysis. We carefully consider 
the environmental performance of assets 
and opportunities as part of our screening 
process, underpinned by our net zero 
commitment. This commitment also 
drives our decarbonisation strategy in 
Egypt, as described in the table above.
All new oil and gas opportunities are 
screened at US$50/bbl flat Brent oil price 
and US$6/mcf global gas price (adjusted for 
certain regional markets). We also consider 
a range of other scenarios as part of our 
opportunity screening process. We apply 
carbon prices across all our scenarios. For 
countries that already have an established 
carbon pricing mechanism – such as the EU 
and the UK – we use carbon prices of 
US$100/tCO2e and US$110/tCO2e by  
2030, respectively. For other regions, where 
regulatory carbon pricing mechanisms are 
not currently applicable, we use our internal 
carbon pricing assumptions starting at 
US$28/tCO2e in 2022, rising to US$51/
tCO2e in 2030. 
c) Describe the resilience of the 
organisation’s strategy, taking into 
consideration different climate-related 
scenarios, including a 2°C or lower 
scenario
The findings of the recently conducted 
scenario analysis exercise, which tested the 
resilience of Capricorn’s Egypt portfolio 
against IEA’s STEPS, SDS and NZE 
scenarios, showed that our assets will 
generate value in the most ambitious 
climate scenario, aligned with a 1.5 degree 
warming. This gives us confidence that our 
valuation and planning assumptions are 
robust and that we will continue to create 
value for all key stakeholders – even in the 
most aggressive carbon reduction scenario.
Capricorn’s assumptions, used for our 
financial planning and balance sheet 
impairment testing include US$55/bbl 
(flat) oil price, US$6/mcf gas price  
(long term, inflated at 2% from 2025)  
and carbon prices of US$28/tCO2e in 
2022, increasing to US$51/tCO2e in 2030. 
Carbon prices were applied to Scope 1 
and 2 emissions from Capricorn’s Egypt 
operations.
The scenario analysis shows that our  
Egypt portfolio, when modelled using 
IEA’s NZE assumptions delivers 95% of  
the value we derive for our financial 
planning purposes net of carbon costs. 
Our portfolio outperforms our planning 
scenario by 20% in the SDS scenario. 
At COP26 in Glasgow, many countries 
committed to more stringent nationally-
determined contributions (NDCs), but  
if adhered to collectively, these are still 
forecast to fall short of the required actions 
to meet the 1.5 degree goal, and based on 
analysis by the IEA and Wood Mackenzie 
are aligned with a 2 degree pathway. 
22
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Egypt: Asset Value relative to Capricorn Planning Case NAV including Carbon costs
  Net asset value
  Carbon costs
%
9
3
1
%
0
2
1
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0
0
1
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5
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100
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Capricorn 
Planning
(=impairment)
IEA STEPS
IEA SDS
IEA NZE
IEA scenarios: STEPS assumes policies and targets announced by governments are enacted and estimates an average temperature rise of 2.7°C (up to 3.3°C).  
SDS sees an accelerated transition to a low-carbon world and projects a 66% chance to limit temperature rise to 1.8°C and a 50% chance to limit it to 1.65°C.  
NZE scenario is aligned with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI), limiting the global warming to 1.5°C by 2100 compared to pre-industrial levels.
Metrics and Targets
Disclose the metrics and targets used to assess and manage relevant climate-related risks and opportunities where such 
information is material
Capricorn’s principal metrics and targets used to assess and manage climate-related risks and opportunities are presented in the table 
below.
TCFD recommended disclosures
Risks and opportunities identified
Metrics and targets, where
a) Disclose the metrics used by  
the organisation to assess climate-
related risks and opportunities  
in line with its strategy and risk 
management process. 
b) Disclose Scope 1, Scope 2 and, if 
appropriate, Scope 3 greenhouse gas 
(GHG) emissions, and the related risks.
c) Describe the targets used by the
organisation to manage climate-
related risks and opportunities  
and performance against targets.
Transition and physical risks,  
including policy, market and  
long-term chronic effect of  
global warming.
Opportunity to invest in clean  
projects, with carbon pricing risk-
adjusted returns fully recognised. 
Participation in carbon market. 
Improved resilience of the  
existing portfolio.
Rising water stress including 
conflicting uses and availability.
Measurement and disclosure of  
GHG emissions from Scope 1, 2  
and 3 help emissions management  
and creation of a clear pathway to  
net zero. 
Risks include exposure to carbon  
price due to changes in policy,  
as well as significant reputation  
risks if emissions are not managed.
Summary of targets aimed at 
helping achieve our net zero 
strategic goal. Given the dynamic 
nature of Capricorn’s portfolio, we  
will use 2022 as a baseline year on 
the journey to carbon neutrality.
 – Net zero, with 2030 and 2040 targets set for 
Scope 1 and 2 emissions on an equity basis,  
pages 34 and 56.
 – Remuneration policy with embedded climate 
related targets, pages 114-117.
 – Pro-active engagement with our employees to 
increase awareness and help deliver net zero, 
page 19.
 – Key assumptions: commodity prices for 
opportunity screening and financial planning, 
page 22.
 – Carbon price, page 22.
 – Capricorn’s environmental impact, pages 56-59.
 – Scope 1 and 2 on an operational and equity basis, 
page 57.
 – Scope 3 (categories 6 and 11), page 57.
 – TCFD climate-related risk and management,  
page 19.
 – 2030 and 2040 targets and planned progress, 
pages 56-57.
 – Scope 1 and 2 and planned progress,  
pages 56-57.
 – Scope 3 and planned progress, pages 56-57.
 – Flaring and planned progress, page 59.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
23
Materiality Matrix
Identifying Material 
Corporate Responsibility 
Issues
To manage risk effectively and to operate 
with the support of our stakeholders, we 
need to understand the corporate 
responsibility issues that matter to them 
and are most significant to our business. 
We do this by conducting an annual 
assessment which considers and classifies 
relevant issues, determined from 
international reporting frameworks 
including IPIECA8, GRI9 and SASB10. Issues 
are classified to indicate their importance 
to Capricorn based on risk and their 
importance to stakeholders based on 
stakeholder and investor engagement.
The results of this materiality assessment 
are presented to the Board on an annual 
basis and reviewed in detail by Executive 
Board members.
The issues identified as material to both 
stakeholders and Capricorn are shown in 
the matrix on page 25. We address the 
issues deemed to be of ‘high’, ‘significant’ 
and ‘medium’ importance in our 
Sustainability Report at www.
capricornenergy.com/working-responsibly.
8   
IPIECA Oil and Gas Industry Voluntary 
  Guidance on Sustainability Reporting,  
  3rd edition, 2016.
9    Global Reporting Initiative.
10  Sustainability Accounting Standards Board.
24
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
WWhaat’’s Impoortaant tto ouurr  Sttakeehoolddeers
The 60 issues identified as material to 
both stakeholders and Capricorn are 
shown in the matrix below. This represents 
their relative positions after any 
adjustments were made to our 
assessment of the ‘importance to 
stakeholders’, in line with expert review.
)
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30   Anti-Discrimination 
31    Assets Security 
32    Contractor Selection, 
Capacity and 
Leadership 
33    Cyber Security 
34    Equal Pay, Equal 
Opportunity 
35    Human Capital 
Development 
36    Infectious Diseases 
37    Major Accident 
Prevention 
38    Office Security 
39    Personnel Security 
and Travel 
40    Talent Management 
41    Workplace Health  
and Well-Being 
42    Workplace Safety 
Society 
43    Anti-Discrimination 
(Beyond Employees) 
44    Community Health 
45    Cultural Heritage 
46    Demonstrating  
Value Created 
47    Economic or Physical 
Displacement 
48    Freedom of 
Association 
49    Grievances and 
Grievance 
Mechanisms
50    Human Rights 
Management
51    Indigenous Peoples’ 
Rights
52    Local Community 
Stakeholders 
53    Local Content and 
Local Procurement 
23
10
25
38
3
13
17
24
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15
18
26
28
5
31
47
29
37
51
53
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32
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54
55
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16
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21
22
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33
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36
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40
41
42
44
45
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52
56
57
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59
60
1
12
27
49
8
19
34
43
Insignificant
Low
Medium
Significant
High
Importance to Stakeholders
54    Local Energy Access 
Theme 
  Governance 
  Environment 
  People 
  Society
55    Local Hiring Practices 
Materiality 
  High 
  Medium 
  Low
56    Local Workforce 
Development 
57    Modern Slavery 
58    Security and  
Human Rights 
59    Social Investment 
60    Working Conditions/
Ts and Cs
Governance 
1    Advocacy and 
Lobbying 
2    Anti-Competitive 
Behaviour 
3    Business Partners 
Alignment on 
Sustainability Issues 
4    Capricorn ABC 
Practices 
5    Climate Change  
Policy and Planning 
(including Global 
Energy Transition) 
6    Contractors’ and 
Suppliers’ ABC 
Practices 
7    Data Protection 
8    Decommissioning 
9    Fines and 
Prosecutions 
10    Funding 
11    Government  
ABC Practices 
12    Ineffective 
Whistleblowing
13    Investment (Home 
and Overseas) 
14    JV Partners and 
Funding
15    Management of 
Material Issues 
16    Operations in 
Sensitive and  
Complex Locations 
17    Remuneration 
18    Reserves Valuations 
and Capital 
Expenditure 
19    Sustainability 
Governance 
20    Tax and Payments  
to Governments
Environment 
21    Biodiversity and 
Sensitive Areas 
22    Discharges to Air,  
Sea, Land and Sound 
23    Energy Use and 
Alternative Sources 
24    Freshwater Use 
25    GHG Emissions 
(Including Venting 
and Flaring) 
26    Materials Use 
27    Product Stewardship 
28    Reuse, Recycle and 
Waste Management
29    Use of Local Resources
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
25
 
 
 
 
 
Stakeholders and S172 Statement
Understanding what matters to our stakeholders is fundamental to enabling 
us to operate. The Board is committed to engaging closely with the Company’s 
diverse range of stakeholders and taking their views into account.
Supporting S172
The Directors of Capricorn Energy PLC, 
and those of all UK companies, must 
act in accordance with a set of general 
duties. The Companies (Miscellaneous 
Reporting) Regulations 2018 require 
directors to explain how they 
considered the interests of key 
stakeholders and the broader matters 
set out in Section 172 of the 
Companies Act 2006. This includes 
considering the interests of other 
stakeholders which may affect the 
long-term success of the Company. 
The Board fully recognises the need to 
balance the contrasting and, at times, 
conflicting interests of various 
stakeholder groups, whilst focusing  
on the Company’s purpose, values and 
strategic priorities in key decision-
making. In 2020 and 2021, we have 
had to operate in the unprecedented 
context created by the COVID-19 
pandemic; however, understanding 
STAKEHOLDER
WHY IT IS IMPORTANT  
TO ENGAGE?
HOW MANAGEMENT AND/OR DIRECTORS ENGAGED 
Investors
 – Their views influence our 
strategic and operational 
decision-making
 – We are dependent on 
shareholders for access  
to funding
 – We are accountable  
to our shareholders
 – Undertaking a full investor programme including:
 • Holding 59 investor meetings including one to ones  
and attending roadshows/conferences
 • Conducting regular financial reporting
 • Responding in a timely manner to investor and  
analyst enquiries
 • As the AGM in 2021 was a closed meeting in accordance with 
UK and Scottish Government guidance regarding COVID-19, 
offering shareholders the opportunity to submit any questions 
by email in advance of the meeting
 • Post-AGM correspondence to discuss vote outcomes
Governments
 – We are responsible to 
 – Meetings with Heads of State, UK and Country Ambassadors, 
Ministers and Civil Servants
them for compliance with 
local and/or international 
laws
 – Their permissions are 
required for us to access 
acreage and operate
Business 
partners,  
peers and 
contractors
 – We are reliant on viable 
 – Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, large portions of the 
partners in joint ventures
 – We are commercially 
responsible to contractors, 
suppliers and partners
 – Their performance directly 
impacts our financial, 
operational and 
responsible performance
engagement throughout 2021 were carried out using  
virtual technologies and included meetings with partners,  
peers and contractors with Board members and senior 
executives in addition to regular joint venture and operations 
planning meetings
 – Maintaining membership of industry bodies
 – Active management of key projects and assets  
(including alignment of project deliverables)
26
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
the aims and concerns of stakeholders 
has helped us identify and prioritise 
issues most material to the business. 
The Directors of Capricorn Energy  
PLC consider, both individually and 
together, that they have acted in 
accordance with their duties codified in 
law, which include their duty to act in 
the way in which they consider, in good 
faith, would be most likely to promote 
the success of the Company for the 
benefit of its members as a whole, 
having regard to the stakeholders and 
matters set out in Section 172(1) of the 
Companies Act 2006.
We outline below how the Directors 
have had regard to the matters set out 
in S172(1) (a)-(f) of the Companies Act 
2006 when discharging their duties, 
and the effect of that on certain 
decisions that have been taken.
WHAT WERE THE KEY 
TOPICS OF ENGAGEMENT 
EXAMPLES OF THE IMPACT OF SUCH 
ENGAGEMENT AND RESPONSES TAKEN
COVID-19 CONSIDERATIONS
 – ESG matters including 
energy transition
 – Board composition 
including committee 
set-up
 – Strategy and performance
 – Corporate governance
 – Regular reviews of corporate objectives
 – Board committee structure changes  
(as discussed on page 91) 
 – Launch of the Diversity and Inclusion strategy
 – Improved transparency regarding bonus 
scheme disclosures
 – Legal Compliance
 – ESG matters
 – Major accident prevention
 – Investment and economic 
 – Continued monitoring of responsible 
performance at Board meetings and annual 
review of CRMS and objective KPI setting
 – Implementation of enhanced incident 
growth
reporting system
 – Reviewing feedback and commentary from 
government and regulatory bodies regarding 
performance expectation (see our responsible 
approach in respect of Mauritania discussed 
on page 65)
 – KPIs include performance against leading  
and lagging indicators for health, safety and 
environmental protection and are reviewed  
at all Board meetings
 – Investor meetings were held either 
through virtual communications 
platforms or in person when safe  
to do so due to the restrictions in 
place in response to the COVID-19 
pandemic
 – The Board is committed to 
communicating in an open and 
transparent manner with all investors, 
and places a clear importance on 
shareholder engagement. 
Communication and transparency 
around Capricorn’s COVID-19 
strategic response and business 
continuity has been paramount
 – We continue to monitor controls and 
advice set out by host governments  
in our operating locations and 
multi-national organisations such  
as the WHO, which assisted in 
shaping and implementing our 
nine-step plan to ensure all critical 
activities of the business were 
unaffected by the pandemic
 – Policies and standards
 – Industry reputation
 – Investment opportunities 
for growth
 – Long-term relationships
 – ESG matters
 – Careful selection of contractors (discussed  
 – Where required and with the help of 
on page 63)
 – Continued membership of IOGP Security 
Committee (performance against IOGP 
benchmarks discussed on page 62)
 – Actively engage with all JV partners early  
to establish good working relationships 
(discussed on page 82 in the context  
of Egypt)
local partners and contractors, survey 
work and vessel inspections have 
been managed remotely. To ensure 
that best practice is followed, we also 
monitor how non-operating partners 
have conducted drilling campaigns 
during the pandemic
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
27
Stakeholders and S172 Statement continued
STAKEHOLDER
WHY IT IS IMPORTANT  
TO ENGAGE?
HOW MANAGEMENT AND/OR DIRECTORS ENGAGED 
Local 
communities 
and interest 
groups
 – We have an ethical 
responsibility to maximise 
social and economic 
benefit and to minimise 
impact on livelihoods and 
the environments in which 
we operate
 – Community meetings
 – Reviews of social investment strategies aligned with UNSDGs
 – Senior management visits
 – Media monitoring
 – Promoting use of stakeholder engagement registers
Employees
 – We are dependent on 
employees’ performance 
and that of the wider 
workforce
 – We have a legal and 
ethical responsibility  
for their well-being
 – They bring a diverse 
perspective to the 
identification of 
opportunities and  
ways of working
 – Regular staff meetings
 – Monthly ‘pulse’ surveys
 – Biannual Employee Voice Forum (EVF) meetings  
(discussed on page 85)
 – Working practice focus groups
 – General Meetings
 – Exit interviews
28
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
WHAT WERE THE KEY 
TOPICS OF ENGAGEMENT 
EXAMPLES OF THE IMPACT OF SUCH 
ENGAGEMENT AND RESPONSES TAKEN
COVID-19 CONSIDERATIONS
 – Protection of resources 
 – Community investment focus to include 
and livelihoods
adaption to climate change 
 – Community development 
and social investment
 – Access to employment 
and business 
opportunities
 – Transparency of payments 
to government
 – Biodiversity
 – Continued membership of the Extractive 
Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) 
 – Continued dialogue with Invest in Africa  
to build skills and capacity among SMEs
 – Implementation of targeted stakeholder 
engagement plans to support activity in 
Mauritania
 – Social investment in Mexico and Suriname  
to support community biodiversity efforts 
(discussed on page 41)
 – As part of our efforts to support the 
communities where we operate, we 
continue to monitor the COVID-19 
situation in these countries 
 – Additionally, in 2021 we made a 
US$50,000 donation to Fundación 
para la Salud (Funsalud), a healthcare 
not-for-profit organisation in Mexico, 
to support its comprehensive 
COVID-19 relief efforts
 – Strategy 
 – Ways of working
 – Lessons learned from 
projects
 – Internal communication 
 – Remuneration and 
benefits
 – Enhanced structure for internal 
 – Throughout the various rule changes, 
communications
 – Gained direct insight into the views of staff  
on COVID-19 impacts which facilitated the 
adoption of hybrid working arrangement on  
a trial basis
 – Continuing the development and delivery  
of health and well-being initiatives including 
the appointment of a new well-being 
programme provider
our dedicated Return to Office 
Steering Committee continued to 
provide guidance to staff members, 
undertaking risk assessments and 
implementing required protocols to 
ensure a safe return for office-based 
employees at the appropriate time 
 – Following a thorough staff 
consultation process, the Group is 
trialling a hybrid working model, and 
new health and well-being initiatives 
help our staff to feel motivated and 
supported both in their work and 
home lives
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
29
Our Story in 2021 continued
A differentiated 
strategy
We will continue our differentiated strategy of 
creating, adding and ultimately returning value 
to shareholders. During 2021 we committed to 
a returns programme of nearly US$1bn, and we 
retain the balance sheet capacity to expand the 
portfolio to deliver further value growth.
30
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
>US$5.5bn
Returned to shareholders in the past 15 years
Commitment to shareholders
We continue to see a commitment to shareholder 
returns as being a strong differentiator in our E&P 
investor offering. Since 2007, we have returned, 
or have committed to return more than US$5.5bn 
from monetisation of exploration and production 
successes through a combination of special dividends, 
tender offers and share repurchase programmes.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
31
Our Story in 2021 continued
Value-focused growth, 
supported by balance 
sheet strength
2021 was a hugely transformational 
year during which we successfully 
realised significant value from previous 
investments and sought to return that 
value to shareholders as well as rebuild 
the business for the future.
James Smith
Chief Financial Officer
32
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
The last couple of years have been  
a period of very active portfolio 
management. The starting point was to 
sell out of the development-heavy side of 
the asset base in Norway and Senegal in 
2020, and we followed that with the sale 
of our UK assets, which again were big 
offshore developments with a relatively 
short plateau that were moving into the 
decline phase.
Those sales released significant capital 
and over the course of the year we took 
steps to refocus the business, bearing in 
mind the shape we want the Company  
to take over a long-term horizon. That 
means concentrating on assets generating 
significant cash flows with much shorter 
capital cycles than perhaps we have 
invested in previously, as the speed with 
which companies bring hydrocarbons  
to market is becoming increasingly 
important.
Agile Portfolio Management
Unlike the situation in Senegal, where  
we were facing several years of significant 
capital expenditure before generating 
positive cash flow, in Egypt we have 
immediate line of sight on sustainable 
cash flows as well as reinvestment 
opportunities to grow and sustain the 
production base while ensuring that  
as a company we remain flexible and 
resilient. We are pleased to be in a  
position to manage the portfolio rapidly 
whilst remaining flexible and resilient  
as a company, and thereby to create and 
realise value with an agility that others 
may not have.
Key to preserving this agility is a prudent 
approach to managing the balance sheet, 
which has always been part of Capricorn’s 
DNA. We have always worked hard to 
ensure never to be overleveraged or to 
place ourselves in a position where we 
have too many committed calls on our 
capital, either of which can be hugely 
damaging to equity value when there  
are commodity price shocks. We approve 
all our investment decisions and develop 
our business plan using economic criteria 
that can be robust through the industry 
price cycles.
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
 “In Egypt we have immediate line of sight on sustainable cash flows 
as well as reinvestment opportunities to grow and sustain the 
production base while ensuring that as a company we remain 
flexible and resilient.”
A Focus on Value
This resilient economic decision-making 
drives the entire way in which we run  
our business. We have always focused on 
economic and value targets as opposed  
to operational ones. It is not helpful to 
concentrate solely on growing production 
or reserves, if that production is not 
generating any value for the business  
or its shareholders. That is why we are 
focused on actively managing the 
portfolio rather than chasing headline 
production growth at any cost.
Keeping value at the core of strategic 
delivery is particularly important in a  
world where the implications of the 
energy transition are becoming ever  
more important. We know that the path  
to decarbonisation is not going to be a 
smooth one, so we have to be prepared  
for future volatility, to manage risks and 
opportunities and ensure that we are 
focused on low breakeven projects  
that can ensure our portfolio remains 
competitive and sustainable within a 
changing global energy mix.
Emissions reduction
We also manage our carbon profile and 
recognise the cost that arises from that. 
Whether it is a direct regulatory cost or  
a reputational one, it is a factor that is 
central to how to allocate our capital 
across our business, and it is the reason 
why we are now investing considerably  
in reducing our carbon emissions in the 
future. This year, we tested the resilience  
of Capricorn’s Egypt portfolio against the 
IEA’s1 STEPS2, SDS3 and NZE4 scenarios. 
Based on the economic assumptions we 
apply to our portfolio, these tests show 
that our production assets are capable of 
generating value in a climate scenario 
aligned with 1.5 degree warming.
As we look to that future, Capricorn is in  
a strong financial position with significant 
firepower to increase our scale further if 
we see opportunities to create value, and  
a firm commitment to continue our focus 
on creating returns for shareholders.
CASE STUDY
RESOLUTION OF INDIA DISPUTE 
SUPPORTS SHAREHOLDER RETURNS 
In March 2022, Capricorn sought shareholder approval  
for a US$500m tender offer and a share repurchase 
programme of up to US$200m.
The planned return of up to US$700m follows the tax refund of US$1.06bn  
by the Government of India. The refund represents the value of the assets  
seized in 2014.
The tax dispute was resolved following the introduction of new legislation  
by the Government of India which was approved by India’s parliament in  
August 2021. The Company agreed to comply with the rules of the new 
legislation, accept the refund and withdraw all litigation actions.
Capricorn is proud of its legacy in India, having discovered and developed 
world-class oil and gas assets, and invested in supporting the successful 
development of the communities and economies where the Company  
operated. We are very pleased that this issue has now been concluded.  
India has a special place in our Company’s history, and we are grateful for  
the constructive engagement with the Government of India on this matter. 
1  International Energy Agency.
2  Stated Policies Scenario.
3   Sustainable Development Scenario.
4  Net Zero Emissions by 2050.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
33
Measuring Our Progress
Strategic objectives are set annually to monitor delivery of our strategy. These are measured 
by Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) set by the Board. Our risk management process 
identifies the principal risks to the delivery of our strategic objectives.
Strategic objective: ESG and HSSE 
2021 KPIs
2021 PROGRESS
 – Achieve lagging HSSE indicators 
measured against IOGP targets.
 – Achieve a number of specified leading 
indicators that support Company 
policies and standards in relation to 
HSSE and corporate responsibility; 
focusing on matters identified in  
our materiality matrix, governance 
and people.
 – Develop our understanding of  
CCUS application and opportunity 
identification, including required 
carbon pricing.
 – Recording, tracking and reporting  
our Scope 1 and 2 emissions.
 – Agree, establish and track social 
investment across the group that  
help deliver a positive impact on the 
communities with which we work.
 – Communicate our climate change 
performance and our processes for 
governance, risk management and 
target-setting to stakeholders in a 
transparent and consistent manner.
Key Risks
 – Future challenges and costs to 
achieving pathway to Net Zero 2040.
 – Lack of adherence to health, safety, 
environment and security policies.
 – Misalignments with JV operators.
 – Fraud, bribery and corruption.
Operated activities, including surveys, have resulted in zero incidents and spills. 
Multiple road transport trips in higher risk countries have been managed with zero 
injuries and high potential incidents through a full understanding of road risks.  
The stretch goal was, therefore, met.
Project 1: The requirements of the Corporate Major Accident Prevention Policy were 
re-emphasised to required persons and is included in HSSE inductions for new start 
employees and appropriate contractors. For a full score to have been achieved, further 
roll-out of major accident hazard leadership awareness would have been completed; 
Project 2: Significant improvements were made in the application of the Capricorn 
Project Delivery Process (CPDP) to exploration projects; a register was developed 
detailing all ongoing capital and other projects, and for contracted services, 
inspections were made by Capricorn or specialised companies of all vessels,  
rigs and helicopters contracted to ensure they meet the required standards.  
A full score would have required documentation of QA/QC processes for all  
other operations. This is due to be completed in 2022; 
Project 3: A D&I strategy was created and discussed within the organisation prior  
to formal presentation to staff during the year and launched prior to year end; and 
Project 4: A biodiversity screening tool was applied to multiple NV projects as well as 
Egypt exploration; East Orkney and Diadem surveys, conducted in UK waters, were 
accompanied by assessments of the environment through standard UK studies and 
forms, with permits granted on time; detailed environmental studies were conducted 
in Mauritania to inform an early baseline survey that mobilised in January 2022 to 
inform the project on seabed/canyon bed locations. For a full score, further progress  
in the ‘Assess’ stage was required. 
CCUS screening and application was matured during 2021 with a presentation given 
to the Board in December outlining possible options for participation in Egypt and  
the UKCS. The ‘Identify’ stage was therefore successfully completed and these projects 
are now in the ‘Assess’ stage. Scope 1 and 2 equity emissions were included in our 
Sustainability Report.
Energy efficiency and emissions clauses have been incorporated into all contract 
awards (including for operations at Diadem drilling in the UKCS). However, in 2021,  
it proved difficult to demonstrate emissions improvement in our operated projects as: 
(i) activity levels were very low; (ii) there was only one technically acceptable, available 
vessel for the East Orkney GeoTech survey; and (iii) there was only one commercially 
viable vessel in the required window for the Diadem site survey.
Investments were made in Mexico, Suriname and the UK that have resulted in 
environmental, medical and educational benefits to the communities and areas where 
we work. This has included a US$50,000 donation in each of Mexico and Suriname  
to help alleviate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic through the purchase  
of medical and test equipment for local hospitals, benefitting over 1,000 people.  
In our mangrove rehabilitation project, six sediment trapping units have been built  
and remote monitoring has been established using satellite images of mangrove  
sites. In Mexico, since 2020, the turtle conservation project has patrolled 6,000km  
of beaches and resulted in 80,896 hatchings in 2021. In the UK, we continue to 
support three PhD students as part of the Clean Energy scholarship and contribute  
to 27 research projects.
34
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Strategic objective: ESG and HSSE continued
2022 KPIs
2021 PROGRESS
 – Achieve a number of specified leading 
indicators that support Company 
policies and standards in relation to 
governance, people and society.
 – Achieve lagging HSSE indicators 
derived from IOGP targets. 
 – Environmental – Outline a roadmap 
and deliver opportunities to achieve 
Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions 
reductions versus our short, medium 
and long-term net zero targets. This 
will include asset improvement 
initiatives, energy efficiency measures, 
and engineered and natural carbon 
offset programmes.
 – Social – Agree, establish and track 
social investment across the Group 
that helps deliver a positive impact on 
the communities with which we work.
 – Governance – Communicate our 
climate change strategy, performance 
and carbon pricing and our processes 
for governance, risk management, 
and target setting.
 – Governance – Improve our approach 
to Diversity & Inclusion.
Our climate change score through the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) remained 
static at B- and discussions are planned to understand what further is required to 
improve the rating. We continue to work closely with partners on emission reduction 
projects as well as progressing clean energy projects and the purchase of the highest 
quality carbon offsets.  
Water: for the first time, we participated in the CDP Water Security questionnaire. We 
continue to work with our partners and on our operated activities on water extraction 
and disposal, notably in Egypt where we are working on both exploration and production 
assets with our partners. We are aware of the criticality of water resources in water 
scarce regions and factor this into our exploration and operational plans.  
TCFD: an EY internal audit showed that “Capricorn achieved an average coverage 
rating of 100% across the 11 recommended disclosures, with an average quality  
score of 56%. This compares to an average coverage score of 79% and average  
quality score of 49% across UK energy companies included in the tool.”  
SASB: to improve the quality and transparency of our reporting, we have assessed  
and aligned our reporting against the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board 
(SASB) Oil & Gas – Exploration & Production Sustainable Accounting Standard.
Past performance in KPI category
Remuneration
2021
2020
2019
90%
90%
86%
Weighting 
(as % of allocated 
proportion of maximum 
opportunity)
Bonus awarded
 15.75%
 17.5%
(cid:2)   Pages 114-117 – Read more: Remuneration Report
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
35
 
 
 
Measuring Our Progress continued
Strategic objective: Financial Performance 
2021 KPIs
2021 PROGRESS
 – Demonstrate balance sheet strength 
reflected in achievement of a pre-
identified funding plan.
 – India recovery of proceeds.
Key risks
 – Volatile oil and gas prices.
 – Inability to repatriate full amount of 
refund due under India legislation.
 – Political and fiscal uncertainties.
 – Diminished access to debt markets.
2022 KPIs
 – Maintain financial strength  
and flexibility.
 – Debt liquidity covenants or applicable 
facility tests will not be breached.
 – An executable funding plan will be 
presented and approved by the Board 
as part of the annual strategy review 
(June 2022) or shortly thereafter or 
associated with any approved 
acquisition.
All financial tests set out as part of the funding plan were met and all liquidity and 
covenant tests were satisfied. 
The Group initiated a number of enforcement proceedings in several jurisdictions 
during H1 2021 to expedite the recovery of the sums due under the December 2020 
UK-India Bilateral Investment Treaty arbitration award made in the Group’s favour  
on the tax issue. Subsequently, in H2 2021, the Government of India introduced the 
Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill 2021, which allowed the refund to Capricorn of taxes 
previously collected in India. The Group’s participation in the scheme introduced in this 
legislation resulted in resolution of the issue and the expected Indian tax refund of 
INR79 billion was paid and net proceeds of US$1.06 billion received by the Group in 
February 2022.
Past performance in KPI category
Remuneration
2021
2020
2019
80%
86%
54%
Weighting 
(as % of allocated 
proportion of maximum 
opportunity)
Bonus awarded
20%
25%
(cid:2)   Page 118-119 – Read more: Remuneration Report
Strategic objective: Exploration and new ventures 
2021 KPIs
2021 PROGRESS
 – Mature ‘Advantaged’ prospects 
achieving commercial thresholds  
that can be considered for future 
exploration drilling.
 – Conduct our operated and non-
operated exploration and appraisal 
activities successfully, on time and  
on budget.
 – Add new commercial resources to 
replace reserves and grow value.
Key risks
 – Lack of exploration success.
2022 KPIs
 – Mature our key exploration projects 
for planned drilling in 2022/23 in 
Egypt, UK and Mauritania.
 – Conduct our operated and non-
operated exploration and appraisal 
activities (surveys and drilling) 
successfully, on time and on budget.
 – Add new commercial resources 
through E&A drilling, coupled with 
conceptual development studies.
Several prospects in South Abu Sennan, onshore Egypt, were matured in 2021 and 
classified as ‘drill-ready’. They are anticipated to be drilled in H2 2022. Dauphin in 
Mauritania C7, was re-captured as Operator, and is of significant scale. The prospect 
would offer significant net potential resources well in excess of the target goal  
of 40 mmbbls.
All projects executed in 2021 met their original basis of design objectives. The  
Diadem site survey, East of Orkney GeoTech survey and UK MNSH 3D seismic survey 
(all operated) were delivered on time and budget. The Mexico Block 10 wells, Saasken 
and Sayulita (non-operated), were delivered on time and under budget. The Egypt 
onshore wells, TAMR-1 and NUMB-5 were delivered but over budget and, therefore,  
did not score.
No additional resources have been booked versus the 2021 opening position. 
Past performance in KPI category
Remuneration
2021
2020
2019
38%
36%
45%
Weighting 
(as % of allocated 
proportion of maximum 
opportunity)
Bonus awarded
7.5%
20%
(cid:2)   Page 116-117 – Read more: Remuneration Report
36
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
 
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Strategic objective: Production performance 
2021 KPIs
2021 PROGRESS
 – Deliver net production within  
guidance targets.
 – Deliver operating costs within  
guidance targets.
 – Convert resources to reserves. 
Key risk
Out-turn production for 2021 from these fields was approximately 18,300 bopd, 
significantly above the target of 17,500 bopd. Additionally, the out-turn production 
performance for the acquired Egyptian assets (36.5 kboepd WI in 2021) was within 
guidance issued to the market on announcement of the transaction (33-38 kboepd).
As our interests in Kraken and Catcher were sold in Q4, the operating costs were 
calculated on a 10+2 forecast basis and broadly resulted in the target scoring  
(US$22.8/bbl).
 – Volatile oil and gas price.
 – Reserves downgrade or impairment. 
 – Misalignments with JV operators.
Reserves additions during 2021 were relatively modest, associated with infill wells 
planned at Catcher prior to sale and onshore Egypt. Scoring was above threshold  
(+1.3 mmbbls) but below target. 
2022 KPIs
 – Sanction incremental development 
investment to convert WI 2C Resources 
and 2P Undeveloped Reserves into  
WI 2P Producing Reserves. 
 – Deliver Net production (10%) and 
operating cost/boe (5%) targets within 
public market guidance in relation  
to Egypt. 
 – Deliver operating cost/boe targets 
within public market guidance in 
January 2022 in relation to Egypt.
Past performance in KPI category
Remuneration
2021
2020
2019
59%
60%
Weighting 
(as % of allocated 
proportion of maximum 
opportunity)
Bonus awarded
 11.75%
20%
100%
(cid:2)   Page 118-119 – Read more: Remuneration Report
Strategic objective: Corporate projects 
2021 KPIs Key risks
2021 PROGRESS
 – Develop and execute corporate 
projects to enhance the portfolio, 
consistent with the Group Risk 
Appetite Statement.
Key Risks
 – Failure to secure business 
development opportunities.
2022 KPIs
 – Projects identified (including 
acquisitions & divestments) and 
agreed with the Board of strategic 
significance during the calendar year.
No corporate projects were concluded as originally targeted and no score was achieved 
in this element of the corporate projects KPI.
Sale of the UK Kraken and Catcher assets was announced in March 2021 and 
concluded in Q4 with firm and uncapped contingent elements of consideration 
agreed, achieving a full score for this element of the corporate projects KPI. 
Past performance in KPI category
Remuneration
2021
31%
2020
2019
Weighting 
(as % of allocated 
proportion of maximum 
opportunity)
Bonus awarded
5.5%
70%
88%
17.5%
(cid:2)   Page 118-119 – Read more: Remuneration Report
Further information on the 2022 KPI weightings and scoring metrics can be found in the Directors Remuneration Report pages 128-129.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
37
Our Story in 2021 continued
Delivering 
value through 
responsible 
operations
The first step in Capricorn’s strategy to scale and 
grow the cash-generative production base was 
the acquisition of Shell’s Western Desert assets 
in September 2021. In doing so, the business will 
ensure its operations are delivered responsibly, 
meeting accelerated decarbonisation targets.
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Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
39
Our Story in 2021 continued
Responsible and sustainable 
production growth
We have been reshaping Capricorn’s portfolio with 
a focus on delivering cash-generative production 
growth. At Capricorn we don’t focus on increasing 
production at all costs; we will only pursue 
investments if we can be clear about the capital 
required, the cash flow and associated value that 
we can create.
We are excited about the potential for 
Egypt, which is attractive on a number  
of fronts. The acquisition of the Western 
Desert assets brings us low-cost 
production, owned infrastructure, and 
development, near field and exploration 
opportunities in a proven petroleum 
province. The assets we have acquired 
have been managed well from a safety 
and integrity perspective but there has 
been a lack of investment in sustaining 
and growing the production. We see 
significant potential to grow reserves, 
production and cash flow, and add value 
by new well drilling and completion, 
production optimisation and improved 
reservoir management. These should be 
impactful in the short to medium term 
with success on the new exploration 
concessions, underpinned by new 3D 
seismic, providing the possibility of  
further growth in the longer term. 
We completed our planned sale of the 
North Sea assets in Q4 2021 whilst 
retaining upside exposure to reservoir 
performance and oil price in future years. 
Net production for the Catcher and  
Kraken assets in 2021 was again within 
market guidance, resulting in a deferred 
consideration due payable in 2022 to 
Capricorn from Waldorf Production, the 
new acquirer. This is the fourth consecutive 
year from these North Sea assets that 
Capricorn has delivered production within 
market guidance and we will look to 
continue this excellent trend with the Egypt 
assets and any future assets acquired 
through business development initiatives.
Decarbonising Operations
Egypt is the first step in rebuilding the 
portfolio. We are looking at additional 
business development opportunities  
that will drive scale and broaden the 
Paul Mayland
Chief Operating Officer
40
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
production base further, with a focus on 
those that are compelling from a reserves 
and production growth perspective, and 
have appropriate fiscal terms, balanced 
with manageable, above ground risks.
Part of our consideration is to look at 
opportunities where there is the potential 
to make a meaningful impact by bringing 
down carbon emissions. This is our plan  
in Egypt, where the approach this year  
will be to ensure we can establish a clear 
baseline that will allow us to see where 
improvements are possible by developing 
a carbon abatement cost curve, and what 
positive differences we can make over the 
next three years.
As a key part of our decision-making,  
we consider where we can reduce 
emissions within our operations, for 
instance by moving away from diesel 
generation towards gas turbines and 
potentially renewables, for power 
generation. These may require upfront 
capital expenditure but will lead to future 
operating cost reductions as well as a 
reduction in carbon emissions.
Net Zero Goal
Egypt has a growing population and an 
expanding economy. Like many other 
countries it has a determination to play  
its role in achieving the Paris climate goals 
which means it will go through its own 
decarbonisation journey, and of course, 
Egypt is host to COP27 in 2022. 
We were the first UK independent to 
commit to the World Bank Zero Routine 
Flaring target and we are encouraged that 
both the UK and Egyptian governments 
are co-signatories to this global initiative. 
We intend to devote significant efforts to 
this in Egypt. Furthermore, as part of our 
longer-term decarbonisation plans, we 
have also appointed an Energy Transition 
Director to progress our overall net zero 
plans, to assess how we can best achieve 
our net zero goal by 2040 or earlier.
Safety
The environment is only one factor in 
responsible operations. Safety of our  
people is of course, our number one 
priority. Operated activity has been lower 
during the pandemic but a number of site 
and seismic surveys have been successfully 
and safely conducted and this follows on 
the back of an excellent pre-pandemic 
operated drilling programme in three 
countries, which completed in early 2020 
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
STRATEGY IN ACTION
In 2021, Capricorn entered Egypt for the first time, as part of its strategy to diversify 
and grow the sustainable cash-generative production base, and replace reserves 
through successful infrastructure-led exploration. Eleanor Rowley, Managing Director, 
Egypt outlines the benefits of operating in Egypt and the strategic priorities for the 
Egyptian business.
Egypt has a voracious appetite for 
energy, with a population (with a 
median age of 25) of over 100 million 
people. The oil and gas industry here 
has undoubtedly helped supply 
affordable energy for decades, whilst 
also providing much-needed foreign 
investment. These fundamentals 
underpin the Egyptian Government’s 
pragmatism towards supporting the 
industry, whilst they seek to build  
out strongly in both wind and solar, 
renewable energy sources that Egypt 
is blessed with. The largely business-
friendly approach of the regulatory 
authorities has encouraged continual 
reinvestment in Egypt by majors such 
as Eni, Shell and BP, and has also 
encouraged many smaller players  
to enter Egypt through a mix of bid 
round, farm-in and acquisitions, such 
that deal flow has typically remained 
high relative to many other countries. 
Looking at Capricorn’s objectives in 
Egypt, there are three key pillars to 
ensure our success over the next year:
 – Continue and enhance the good 
safety record of Bapetco, the 
operating company jointly owned 
by the Egyptian General Petroleum 
Corporation (EGPC), Cheiron  
and Capricorn, and build out a 
programme of GHG reduction and 
other environmental improvements
 – Increase production
 – Conduct a successful exploration 
campaign
Whilst the first two of these objectives 
are led by our well-respected Egyptian 
partner Cheiron, as Operator, 
exploration is ours to shape in our 
three operated blocks, with nine 
commitment wells to drill over the next 
few years. In initial discussions with the 
authorities, they have all referred to  
our strong exploration history and are 
looking forward to new successes in the 
Western Desert. The Exploration team  
are working hard to put us in the best 
position to have exploration success 
during this first campaign.
As a country and culture in which to 
operate, one word you could use to 
describe Egypt, and Cairo in particular,  
is vibrant. You feel the energy as soon as 
you get off the plane. The combination of 
population density and culture makes this 
a city that never sleeps. The climate and 
people are warm, full of generosity, and 
something very special about Egyptians  
is their great sense of humour. 
The needs of the individual are rarely 
paramount here, you are part of 
something bigger. Coming from the West 
where there is a culture of individualism 
you feel this difference strongly from 
conversations with colleagues about their 
priorities and choices, to random acts of 
kindness and community on the street.
Egypt has an ancient and rich history and 
Egyptians are renewing their connection 
to it with the inauguration of the Grand 
Egyptian Museum, due next year and 
several new or revamped museums 
opening in Cairo including the National 
Museum of Egyptian Civilisation. 
Alongside this recognition of their history, 
there is a sense of looking forward and 
there is a proliferation of infrastructure 
projects – from road building to new cities 
that is on a scale not witnessed in the last 
20 years. For example, the New Cairo part 
of the city, out to the east, has probably 
doubled or tripled in size since 2016. All of 
this activity and preparation for the future 
is bringing a certain sense of optimism, 
alongside the reality of the challenges 
associated with taking care of a 
population growing by 1 million 
people every few months. 
Relationships are the foundation of 
everything in Egypt and Capricorn, 
with our emphasis on the 3Rs, one  
of these of course being relationships, 
is well placed to thrive here. It is 
important to place relationships close 
to the top of our list of priorities on  
a daily basis as we build and grow  
our business. 
without incident. It is a credit to the teams 
that have delivered these outcomes with 
the appropriate vigilance and focus on 
safety, with a total recordable injury rate 
(TRIR) of 0 per million hours worked.
Delivering for Communities
We are also very mindful of the impact 
that we have on the societies where we 
operate. We always look to ensure that our 
supply chain has a high level of national 
content. In Mexico around 90% of the 
goods and services that we have used 
were sourced in the country, which is 
beneficial for local communities as well  
as for the environment.
We also look at where Capricorn can  
make an impact with social investment 
programmes that can make a difference 
and are aligned with our values. For 
instance in Senegal, we supported The 
Hunger Project, an initiative to build 
strong local communities, which was very 
successful. And in Mexico and Suriname, 
recognising the importance of the coastal 
waters where we operate, we are involved 
in a number of initiatives to protect  
marine life, and the coastal environment. 
In addition to being aligned with our 
values of respect, responsibility and 
relationships (3Rs), these projects are 
always well received and appreciated 
locally and help to enhance our reputation.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
41
Our Story in 2021 continued
High quality, 
infrastructure-led 
exploration
We have high-graded our portfolio for the 
future and are focused on quality investments 
in infrastructure-led exploration alongside 
select emerging and frontier opportunities.
42
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
43
Our Story in 2021 continued
Focused on discovering 
and commercialising 
new resources with pace
We have a two-fold approach to exploration. 
The first is infrastructure-led exploration, 
where value is derived from a clear path  
to commerciality and short cycle time,  
and the second is aimed at select frontier 
opportunities where scale drives what could 
be potentially transformative value creation.
Eric Hathon
Exploration Director
44
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Infrastructure-led exploration offsets 
nearby infrastructure, so that we have a 
clear and rapid pathway to commerciality 
with success. It is critical to have a clear 
view to monetisation before we even 
begin exploring. Using existing 
infrastructure enables us to optimise the 
development and ensure there is as short 
a time as possible between exploration 
and first production. As we go through  
the energy transition this is particularly 
important as discovered resources that  
can be brought to market sooner have  
a greater value and will generate greater 
returns. Utilising infrastructure which is 
already in place, whilst applying the latest 
production technologies, further limits the 
environmental footprint.
This infrastructure-led approach is one  
of the reasons that the Western Desert 
assets in Egypt are particularly attractive.  
It is a mature basin where the opportunity 
to make value-adding discoveries, even 
with modest volumes, is high and the 
path to commercialisation is relatively 
rapid. All the operating elements are  
in place, which is very positive from  
an advantaged resources standpoint.  
The opportunities in our exploration 
portfolio are close to existing fields  
and infrastructure, giving us the ability  
to move quickly with success.
The same approach is true of our drilling 
plans for the North Sea. We are targeting 
areas that are close to existing facilities so 
that smaller discoveries can be quickly tied 
back in a way that is commercially 
advantageous. 
Exciting Positions
We are at a slightly earlier stage in Mexico, 
but we apply the same principles. We have 
enjoyed two discoveries with the operator 
Eni and we can see a number of further 
opportunities where the geology looks 
very similar. This means that while the risk 
is not eliminated, it is reduced significantly. 
It also means that we can look at developing 
the critical mass that will allow for a hub 
development and the tieback of individual 
discoveries to create an economically 
attractive development. 
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
“Using existing infrastructure enables us to optimise the
development and ensure there is as short a time as possible 
between exploration and first production.”
Capricorn has historically been known for 
frontier exploration and while our exposure 
is lower than it has been previously, we 
retain exciting positions in Suriname and 
Mauritania, where we have considerable 
flexibility in terms of our commitments and 
the potential for world-class accumulations.
Minimising Resource Carbon Footprint
In exploration, we are acutely attuned to 
the energy transition, and it is a key factor 
in our decision-making. As the world seeks 
to decarbonise, we are keenly focused 
on the type of hydrocarbon we are 
targeting in addition to the economics. 
We closely evaluate the CO2 footprint of 
every potential venture through the cycle. 
It is also a big driver in how we select 
the vendors and suppliers we work with, 
because the lowest cost solution is not 
always the one that makes the most 
commercial sense. We now require our 
partners to show us how they are limiting 
their own carbon footprint, for instance 
in the vessels that they use.
This means that before we even start an 
exploration venture we are thinking about 
the environmental impacts. We know 
that the need for oil and gas is finite. We 
also know it remains critical to providing 
energy for people globally. Our job is to 
find and produce new accumulations in a 
way which minimises the carbon footprint 
and environmental impact. 
The Right Portfolio for Value Creation
As we enter 2022, we have high-graded our 
portfolio in line with current conditions and 
are focused on high-quality investments 
in infrastructure-led exploration in the UK 
and Egypt where we focus on near-term 
value creation, and on select emerging 
and frontier opportunities. We have the 
potential to create significant value against 
the backdrop of our advantaged resources 
exploration criteria, and with a clear focus 
on alignment with our stringent ESG 
priorities. We firmly believe that we have 
the right portfolio with the right potential 
for material reserve addition and value 
creation for shareholders.
STRATEGY IN ACTION
Capricorn’s exploration activity is based on rigorous 
technical and commercial assessment, with any evaluation 
of resources and prospectivity always taking into account 
energy transition relevance. Laura Bornatici, Chief 
Geophysicist, explains how strategy works in practice.
Our exploration strategy is implemented through robust processes executed by 
a skilled geoscience community and fuelled by optimal data. Rigorous assurance 
procedures support our decision analysis allowing us to compare opportunities 
and to execute projects efficiently, with controlled cost exposure. 
Our recent entry into the UK Mid North Sea High area with our partner Deltic 
Energy, is a good example of our exploration strategy in action. It is very much 
an infrastructure-led opportunity, which meets our advantaged resources criteria. 
If successful, exploration here can open an under-explored segment of a proven 
petroleum system. The project has a clear path to commerciality, with an initial 
commitment to acquire 3D seismic, which will de-risk prospectivity and inform 
a drilling decision, for limited capital exposure. The opportunity will be evaluated 
at each critical step through our rigorous procedures to assist the decision 
process. Exploration is by nature high risk, but we aim to mitigate risk via the 
acquisition of the optimal datasets, without eroding value. 
Additionally, this project has the potential to bring material gas resources 
which can help extend the life of existing infrastructure. This could support UK 
domestic production of a key energy source for power generation through the 
energy transition, as well as potentially providing feedstock for the nascent 
hydrogen economy. 
Costs to prove commerciality will be managed via a phased exploration 
programme that allows us to assess critical risks with an exit strategy in the event 
risk exceeds future value. A critical element of advantaged resources is minimising 
the carbon emissions associated with the development of every opportunity.
Our approach is rigorous, yet agile 
and flexible. This is enabled by an 
expert geoscience community. Our 
diverse team leverages the strong 
technical competence that we nurture 
via our development programme. 
Our wide range of experiences and 
skillsets allow us to quickly evaluate 
opportunities. We know subsurface 
competences will play an essential 
role in the energy transition, and we 
are widening our area of expertise 
in this area. This will allow us to 
be adaptable and responsive to 
different opportunities and scenarios 
while continuing to support the 
energy transition.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
45
Risk Management
Successful and sustainable implementation of our strategy requires strong corporate 
governance and effective risk management. We deliver this through a comprehensive 
framework of business policies, systems and procedures that enable us to assess and 
manage risk effectively.
Managing business risks
Managing risks and opportunities is 
essential to Capricorn’s long-term  
success and sustainability. All investment 
opportunities expose the Group to 
political, commercial and technical risk 
and Capricorn maintains exposure to 
these risks at an acceptable level in 
accordance with its appetite for risk.
Capricorn’s risk management framework 
provides a systematic process for the 
identification and management of the key 
risks and opportunities which may impact 
the delivery of the Group’s strategic 
objectives. KPIs are set annually and 
determining the level of risk the Group is 
willing to accept in the pursuit of these 
objectives is a fundamental component of 
Capricorn’s risk management framework. 
As outlined below, this integrated 
approach to the management of risk  
and opportunity plays a key role in the 
successful delivery of the Group’s strategy.
Capricorn’s system for identifying and 
managing risks is embedded from the  
top down in its organisational structure, 
operations and management systems  
and accords with the risk management 
guidelines and principles set out in  
ISO 31000, the International Standard  
for Risk Management. The Group’s risk 
management structure is set out below. 
This framework for risk assessment applies 
to all risk types including operational, 
health and safety, environmental, climate 
change, financial and reputational.
Risk Governance
Overall responsibility for the system of risk 
management and internal control and 
reviewing the effectiveness of such 
systems rests with the Board. Principal 
risks, as well as progress against key 
projects, are reviewed at each Board 
meeting and at least once a year the 
Board undertakes a risk workshop to 
review the Group’s principal risks.
The Group’s framework for risk 
management promotes a bottom-up 
approach to risk management with 
top-down support and challenge. The 
risks associated with the delivery of the 
strategy and work programmes and the 
associated mitigation measures and 
action plans are maintained in a series  
of risk registers at Group, asset, function 
and project level. Reporting of these risks 
within the organisation is structured so 
that risks are escalated through various 
internal management and Board 
committees, and to the Board itself.
Group’s risk management framework
Outline the 
strategy
Define strategic 
objectives
Define risk 
appetite
Set a sustainable 
strategy to achieve 
Capricorn’s near-and 
longer-term goals.
Set clear strategic 
objectives in the  
form of KPIs.
Determine the level of 
risk the Group is willing 
to accept in the pursuit 
of its strategic objectives 
and document this  
in the Group Risk 
Appetite Statement.
Identify key risks
Identify key risks to  
the achievement of 
strategic objectives and 
associated opportunities, 
through discussions at 
Board, Risk Management 
Committee, 
Management Team, 
Regional and  
functional levels.
Apply risk 
assessment 
process 
Apply the Group risk 
assessment process to 
ensure the ongoing 
management of key 
risks to our objectives.
Deliver strategic 
objectives
Delivery of strategic 
objectives through 
informed risk-based 
decision making.
Risk governance framework
Top-down: Oversight, accountability, monitoring and assurance
Holds overall responsibility for  
the Group’s risk management and 
internal control systems 
Risk Management  
Committee (RMC)
Executive Committee chaired  
by CEO in 2021 
Responsibility for setting the direction  
for risk management 
Facilitates continual improvement  
of the risk management system 
Risk identification, assessment  
and mitigation completed at asset,  
project and functional level 
The Board 
Sets strategic objectives and  
defines risk appetite 
Sets the tone and influences the  
culture of risk management 
Completes robust assessment  
of principal risks
Audit Committee 
Management Team 
Chaired by Non-Executive Director in 2021
Chaired by COO in 2021 
Monitors and reviews the scope and 
effectiveness of the Company’s systems  
of risk and internal control 
Reviews principal risks and output  
from the RMC meetings 
Performs a quarterly deep-dive  
review of the Group risk register  
and assesses risk actions, control 
effectiveness and risk ownership
Asset/Project/Function level
Risk management system embedded  
and integrated throughout the Group 
Risk culture influencing  
all business activities
Bottom-up: identification of risks and mitigating actions for assets, projects and functions
46
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Viability Statement
Strategy, Business Model and Context
The Group’s strategy and business model 
are described on pages 12-15 of this report. 
2021 saw a steady rise in commodity 
prices throughout the year primarily as  
a result of a global supply shortage and  
an increase in demand recovery from the 
COVID-19 pandemic.
In December 2020, Capricorn was 
awarded damages of US$1.2billion plus 
interest and costs in respect of its claim 
against the Government of India under 
the UK-India Bilateral Investment Treaty  
in connection with the Government of 
India’s application to Capricorn of the 
retrospective tax amendment introduced 
by the Finance Act 2012. 
Following the sale of the Sangomar 
development in Senegal at the end of  
2020, the Group was able to return a 
significant amount of these proceeds  
to shareholders via a special dividend  
at the beginning of the year.
In March the Group announced the 
disposal of its producing assets in the 
North Sea, and the acquisition of a 
portfolio of assets in the Western Desert, 
onshore Egypt.
The North Sea assets were approaching 
their natural decline phase and the 
disposal avoided exposure to future 
decommissioning costs, increased 
short-to-medium-term liquidity and 
strengthened our ability to pursue 
strategic goals. Additional uncapped 
contingent consideration receivable over 
the next five years further strengthens our 
balance sheet and provides cash flow for 
future opportunities. 
The Egypt acquisition diversified our  
asset base and brings with it low-cost 
production, near-term development 
opportunities and exploration upside 
potential. The Egypt portfolio is also 
gas-weighted, adjusting Capricorn’s 
hydrocarbon split towards gas in a region 
with strong demand growth, creating a 
more balanced energy mix.
The acquisition was funded by a new 
reserve-based lending facility and  
junior debt facility together with existing 
cash balances. After an initial period of 
increased investment, the Egyptian 
portfolio should generate free cash flow 
that the Group will reinvest into its wider 
portfolio of opportunities. The reserve-
based lending facility associated with the 
North Sea producing assets was cancelled. 
In assessing its capital programme over 
the viability period the Group will also 
consider opportunities for portfolio 
management to ensure that the allocation  
of capital is optimised over that period.
During 2021, a scheme was introduced  
in Indian legislation to amend the 
retrospective tax amendment allowing the 
refund of taxes previously collected from 
Capricorn in India. Having considered the 
risks associated with ongoing litigation, 
Capricorn entered into undertakings to 
participate in the scheme in November, 
agreeing to forgo its rights under the 
arbitration award, and received the  
refund of US$1.06bn on February 24 
2022. This receipt enables the Group to 
return significant capital to shareholders 
via a US$500m tender offer and the 
commencement of a share repurchase 
programme of up to US$200m in early 
2022, with the remainder retained to 
further enhance the producing asset base.
Assessment Process  
and Key Assumptions
The Group’s financial outlook is assessed 
primarily through its annual business 
planning process. This process includes  
a Board strategy session, led by the 
Executive Committee, at which the 
performance of and outlook for the 
business are assessed and capital 
allocation decisions are made. The outputs 
from the business planning process 
include a set of key performance 
objectives, the Group Risk Matrix, the 
anticipated future work programme and  
a set of financial forecasts that consider 
the sources of funding available to the 
Group against the capital requirements  
of the anticipated future work programme 
(the base plan).
Key assumptions which underpin the 
annual business planning process include 
forecast oil and gas prices, forecast cost 
levels for oil and gas services and capital 
projects, production profiles, operating 
costs of the producing assets, the 
availability of debt under the Group’s 
lending facilities and the Group’s ability  
to access further capital to support  
other projects.
The Board recognises that the long-term 
work programme is dependent on the 
results of future exploration or appraisal 
activity and that it is the Group’s strategy  
to actively manage its licence portfolio  
to optimise its planned capital allocation. 
Consequently, reflecting this inherent 
variability in the longer-term work 
programme the Board has determined 
that three years is the appropriate period 
over which to assess the Group’s prospects. 
Viability
The principal risks and uncertainties that 
affect the Board’s assessment of the 
Group’s viability in this period are:
 – operational performance of its 
producing assets;
 – delays to and/or cost overruns in 
planned capital activities;
 – the effect of volatile oil and gas prices 
on the business and our partners’ and 
other stakeholders’ financial position;
 – a lack of availability and/or increased 
cost of debt facilities to fund our capital 
programme and execute our strategy, 
resulting from providers of capital 
limiting their exposure to oil and gas 
projects; and
 – the results of any exploration or 
appraisal activities.
The base plan incorporates assumptions 
that reflect these principal risks as follows:
 – projected operating cash flows are 
calculated using a range of production 
profiles and oil and gas prices, including 
stringent downside scenario testings;
 – material budget contingencies and 
allowances are included in cost 
estimates for any drilling and 
development projects;
 – lack of exploration or appraisal success 
would impede the delivery of 
Capricorn’s strategy but is not expected 
to affect the Group’s ability to fund its 
committed work programme.
The Board also considers further scenarios 
around the base plan. These primarily 
reflect a more severe impact of the 
principal risks, both individually and in 
aggregate, as well as the additional capital 
requirements that would result from 
future exploration or appraisal success  
or the acquisition of new assets. 
The Directors consider the impact that 
these principal risks could, in certain 
circumstances, have on the Company’s 
prospects within the assessment period, 
and accordingly assess the opportunities 
to actively manage its licence portfolio 
and planned capital allocation as well  
as to bring in additional sources of funding 
at key milestones in asset development. 
Ultimately, if this culminated in a failure to 
fund the Group’s share of costs associated 
with an ongoing project, this may result in 
the forfeiture of its interest in that licence.
Based on the actions available to  
them, the Directors have a reasonable 
expectation that the Group will be able  
to continue in operation and meet its 
liabilities as they fall due over the three-
year period of their assessment.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
47
Risk Management continued
Responding to the Changing Risk 
Environment in 2021
As part of our goal to seek continual 
improvement of the risk management 
process, the following tasks were 
completed in 2021:
 – the Board completed a risk workshop 
which focused on the Group Risk 
Appetite Statement and its alignment 
with the delivery of the Group’s 
strategic objectives. The objective of 
the workshop was to confirm the Group 
continued to deliver the strategy in 
alignment with the tolerance levels set 
within the Group Risk Appetite 
Statement; 
 – the rollout of the new risk management 
and incident management software 
solution continued throughout 2021. 
The new solution is now fully 
embedded throughout the 
organisation and is being used to 
manage risks for all corporate, 
operational and project risks. The 
solution has facilitated improved 
reporting on all risks to the Group and 
has provided a more systematic process 
for the management of risks, controls 
and actions across the business; 
 – the Management Team conducted a 
quarterly review of the risks, mitigations 
and actions identified on the Group risk 
register to ensure ownership for the 
risks, mitigations and actions were 
clearly assigned and implementation 
dates for actions were tracked; 
 – the Group Code of Ethics was reviewed 
and updated. Arabic and French 
versions were developed for our 
operations in Egypt and Mauritania. 
Compliance certificates were also 
completed by key staff members and 
contractors confirming compliance  
with the Group’s Code of Ethics;
 – several activities were completed to 
enhance our bribery and corruption 
controls across the business including 
the completion of country specific risk 
assessments for Egypt and Mauritania 
which supplemented the overarching 
Group risk assessment already in place;
 – a compliance dashboard was 
maintained to assess compliance with 
several key regulations impacting the 
Group including the UK Bribery Act, the 
General Data Protection Regulation 
(GDPR), the corporate criminal offence 
for the failure to prevent the facilitation 
of tax evasion (CCO), the Group’s 
corporate major accident prevention 
policy (CMAPP) and modern slavery. 
The dashboard was presented at each 
Risk Management Committee meeting 
and annually to the Audit Committee as 
part of the year end control assessment. 
There were no material weaknesses 
identified;
 – the IT department continued 
safeguarding its end user estate 
through the roll out of critical system 
and security patches to ensure any 
outside threats were made known  
and home workers were protected. 
Additional security controls were also 
implemented to protect against any 
malicious COVID-19 spam and phishing 
attempts;
 – EY, the Group’s internal auditor, 
delivered the annual internal audit  
plan which considered several risk  
areas identified from the risk register.  
Topics covered in 2021 included cyber 
security, the risk and assurance process, 
ESG and sustainability reporting and 
the mergers and acquisitions process.  
The Group has been working 
throughout the year to implement  
the identified improvements; and
 – to ensure awareness, understanding 
and compliance on important 
governance, regulatory and security 
topics, mandatory e-learning was also 
implemented across the Group, which 
included comprehensive modules on 
bribery and corruption, CMAPP, CRMS, 
human rights, modern slavery, cyber 
security, cyber fraud and tax evasion.
48
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Principal Risks to the Group in 2021-2022
The following pages provide a summary overview of the principal risks to the Group 
at the end of 2021, the potential impacts, the mitigation measures, the risk appetite 
and the KPIs or strategic objectives the risks may impact.
Risk
Viability
t
c
a
p
m
I
h
g
H
i
t
n
a
c
i
f
i
n
g
S
i
i
m
u
d
e
M
w
o
L
t
n
a
c
i
f
i
n
g
i
s
n
I
5
4
11
5
9
4
3
8
8
10
6
7
1 Volatile oil and gas prices 
2
3
Inability to repatriate full amount of  
refund due under India legislation
 Future challenges and costs to achieving 
pathway to net zero 2040 
4 Reserves downgrade or impairment 
5
6
Lack of adherence to health, safety, 
environment and security policies 
Lack of exploration success 
7 Political and fiscal uncertainties 
8
Failure to secure business development 
opportunities 
9 Misalignments with JV operators 
10 Diminished access to debt markets 
Low
Medium
High
Likelihood
11 Fraud, bribery and corruption 
(cid:365)
(cid:365)
(cid:365)
(cid:365)
(cid:365)
Emerging Risks
Within the Group’s risk assessment 
framework, emerging risks are considered 
as part of the identification phase. These 
are risks that cannot yet be fully assessed, 
risks that are known but are not likely  
to have an impact for several years,  
or risks which are unknown but could  
have implications for the business  
moving forward.
The ESG agenda is an increasing area of 
focus globally and the Group completed  
a risk assessment workshop to identify 
emerging risks in this space. As oil  
majors gradually reduce investment  
in exploration activities, the Group 
identified the emerging risk of not being 
able to partner with companies that have 
the same values and ESG priorities as 
Capricorn. The Group also recognised  
that sourcing funding from traditional 
providers of capital may be more 
challenging because of ESG pressures.
In addition, as the Group moved to  
remote working in response to the 
pandemic, new and evolving cyber threats 
were identified as an emerging risk to  
the Group. The Group is trialling a hybrid 
working model which presents both risks 
and opportunities.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
49
Risk Management continued
Strategic objective: Deliver exploration success 
Principal risk: Lack of exploration success
Owner: Director of Exploration
Risk appetite
High – Exposure to exploration and appraisal failure is inherent in accessing the significant upside 
potential of exploration projects and this has been, and remains, a core value driver for Capricorn. 
The Group invests in data and exploits the strong experience of Capricorn’s technical teams to 
mitigate this risk. 
Impact
Mitigation
2021 movement
 – Limited or no  
value creation
 – Failure of the 
balanced portfolio 
business model
 – Negative market 
reaction
Active programme for high-grading 
new areas through licence rounds, 
farm-ins and other transactions.
Portfolio of prospects and leads that 
offer opportunities with a balance of 
geological and technical risks.
Highly competent team applying a 
thorough review process to prospects 
and development opportunities,  
and a team of geoscientists with  
a track record of delivering 
exploration success.
Exploration Leadership Team in  
place to undertake peer reviews  
and assurance.
This risk remained static in 2021.
In Block 10 in the Sureste basin, an oil  
find was confirmed on the Eni-operated 
Saasken-1 exploration well (15% non-
operated WI) during Q1 2020, with 
Operator preliminary estimates of 200  
to 300 million barrels of oil in place. 
In Q3 2021, an oil find was confirmed on 
the non-operated Sayulita exploration well 
(15% WI) in Block 10. Preliminary estimates 
by Operator, Eni, indicate the discovery 
may contain 150 to 200 million barrels of 
oil in place. 
The exploration wells in the North Matruh 
concession and the North Um Baraka 
concession in Egypt were unsuccessful. 
The completion of the Saasken-2 appraisal 
well on Block 10 Mexico confirmed that the 
original Saasken discovery reservoir did not 
extend into neighbouring Block 9 and this 
resulted in an impairment of remaining 
exploration/appraisal costs capitalised  
in Block 9.
2022 KPI objectives
Mature our key 
exploration 
projects for 
planned drilling 
in 2022/23 in 
Egypt, UK and 
Mauritania.
Add new 
commercial 
resources 
through E&A 
drilling, coupled 
with conceptual 
development 
studies.
Strategic objective: Corporate projects
Principal risk: Failure to secure business development opportunities
Owner: Chief Financial Officer
Risk appetite
Medium – Building and maintaining a balanced portfolio of current and future exploration, 
development and production assets is core to the Group’s strategy. New opportunities must first 
meet the Group’s strict investment criteria and successfully securing them will be dependent  
on the prevailing competitive environment.
Impact
Mitigation
2021 movement
 – Failure to replenish 
the portfolio
 – Inability to replace 
reserves and sustain 
production levels
Geoscience, business development, 
and commercial teams work closely 
to review and identify new portfolio 
opportunities.
Experience and knowledge 
throughout the organisation  
in recognising prospective 
opportunities.
Risk assessments and due diligence 
process undertaken on all potential 
new country entries.
Development of discretionary  
capital allocation and opportunity 
ranking system.
Portfolio is continually reviewed and 
high-graded to enhance quality. 
This risk increased in 2021.
The Group has been reshaping the 
portfolio with a focus on delivering 
cash-generative production growth.  
The sale of the asset base in Norway  
and Senegal in 2020 followed by the  
sale of the UK assets in 2021 released 
significant capital, enabling investment  
in the sustainability of our cash flow-
generating asset base. 
The Group assessed several opportunities 
in 2021 but were not successful in adding 
to the production base. The business 
development team continue to assess 
opportunities which expand and diversify 
the Group’s production base. 
2022 KPI objectives
Develop  
and execute 
corporate 
projects to 
enhance the 
portfolio, 
consistent with 
the Group Risk 
Appetite 
Statement.
50
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Strategic objective: ESG and HSSE
Principal risk: Lack of adherence to health, safety, environment and security policies
Owner: Chief Executive
Risk appetite
Low – The Group continuously strives to reduce risks that could lead to an HSSE incident to as low  
as reasonably practicable. 
Impact
Mitigation
2021 movement
2022 KPI objectives
This risk decreased in 2021.
The Group’s lost time injury frequency 
(LTIF) for operated activity in 2021 was  
0 per million hours worked. Our total 
recordable injury rate (TRIR) for 2021 was  
0 per million hours worked. There were  
no recordable spills above the IOGP level  
to the environment.
With ongoing operations in several 
countries in 2022, the Group will continue 
to work responsibly as part of our strategy 
to deliver value for all stakeholders.
Achieve a 
number of 
specified leading 
indicators that 
support 
Company 
policies and 
standards in 
relation to 
governance, 
people and 
society.
Achieve lagging 
HSSE indicators 
derived from 
IOGP targets.
 – Serious injury  
or death
 – Environmental 
impacts 
 – Reputational 
damage
 – Regulatory penalties 
and clean-up costs
 – Physical impacts  
of climate change
Effectively managing health, safety, 
security and environmental risk 
exposure is the priority for the  
Board, Executive Committee and 
Management Team.
HSE training is included as part of  
all staff and contractor inductions.
Detailed training on the Group’s 
Corporate Responsibility 
Management System (CRMS) has 
been provided to key stakeholders  
to ensure processes and procedures 
are embedded throughout the 
organisation and all operations.
Process in place for assessing an 
operator’s overall operating and HSE 
capabilities, including undertaking 
audits to determine the level of 
oversight required.
Effective application of CRMS in 
projects.
Crisis and emergency response 
procedures and equipment are 
maintained and regularly tested  
to ensure the Group can respond  
to an emergency quickly, safely  
and effectively. 
Third-party specialists in place to 
assist with security arrangements 
and travel risk assessments.
Leading and lagging indicators  
and targets developed in line with 
industry guidelines and benchmarks.
Findings from ‘Lessons learned’ 
reviews are implemented from  
other projects. 
Principal risk: Fraud, bribery and corruption
Owner: Chief Executive
Risk appetite
Impact
 – Fines
 – Criminal 
prosecution
 – Reputational 
damage
Low – Capricorn is committed to maintaining integrity and high ethical standards in all the Group’s 
business dealings. The Group has no tolerance for conduct which may compromise its reputation  
for integrity.
Mitigation
2021 movement
2022 KPI objectives
Business Code of Ethics and  
bribery and corruption policies  
and procedures.
Due diligence process and 
questionnaire developed for 
assessing potential third parties.
Annual training programme for  
all employees, contractors and 
selected service providers.
Financial procedures in place  
to mitigate fraud.
This risk remained static in 2021.
There were no reportable instances  
of fraud, bribery or corruption. 
The Group operates in countries deemed 
high risk for bribery and corruption.  
A compliance programme will be 
implemented for each area of operation.
Achieve a 
number of 
specified leading 
indicators  
that support 
Company 
policies and 
standards in 
relation to 
governance, 
people and 
society.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
51
Risk Management continued
Strategic objective: ESG and HSSE continued
Principal risk: Future challenges and costs to achieving pathway to Net Zero 2040
Owner: Chief Executive
Risk appetite
Medium – The Group recognises global commitments to achieve a transition to lower carbon 
sources of energy. In the near term, global demand for hydrocarbons continues to grow with 
hydrocarbons expected to remain the principal source of energy over the short to medium  
term. In the longer term, Capricorn will take investment decisions that ensure its assets remain 
competitive in an environment where demand for oil may be lower than today.
Capricorn’s strategy is to play a responsible and competitive role in the production of oil and gas 
within this transition. Capricorn acknowledges the contribution its activities have on carbon 
emissions, and the Group continues to develop short, medium and long-term actions to minimise 
and mitigate this contribution and address global climate change policies and regulations.
Impact
Mitigation
2021 movement
2022 KPI objectives
 – Providers of capital 
limit exposure to 
fossil fuel projects
 – Increasing costs 
 – Climate-related 
policy changes
 – Reduced demand 
for oil
 – Stranded assets
 – Reputational 
damage
 – Retaining and 
attracting talent
Measuring and reporting our GHG 
emissions in line with the Task Force 
on Climate-related Financial 
Disclosures (TCFD) and Streamlined 
Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR).
Promotion of efficient energy use in 
activities with business partners and 
service providers.
Consideration of climate change in 
investment decisions.
Portfolio resilience modelling based 
on the International Energy Agency 
Sustainable Development Scenarios.
Endorsement of Global Gas Flare 
Reduction Partnership.
Alignment with UN Sustainable 
Development Goals.
Active participation in industry 
initiatives.
Implementation of mangrove 
rehabilitation in Suriname for 
coastline and community protection. 
This risk remained static in 2021.
There was continued and increased 
attention to climate change from a range 
of stakeholders in 2021. This attention has 
led, and we expect it to continue to lead,  
to additional regulations designed to 
reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 
The Company is focused on reduction of 
Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions 
and has accelerated its net zero target to 
2040 or earlier, from 2050
Capricorn targets energy projects  
that can be developed and produced  
cost effectively, responsibly and in  
support of multiple UN Sustainable 
Development Goals.
In Egypt, the Group plans to replace  
diesel generators with cleaner-burning  
gas generators, electrify well sites and 
downhole pumps using centralised power 
generation and integrate solar power  
to reduce our reliance on diesel and gas.
The Group is actively pursuing opportunities 
in carbon capture, utilisation and storage 
(CCUS) in Egypt and other jurisdictions,  
and we have invested in the NECCUS 
project, which is examining industrial 
carbon capture projects in Scotland.
Capricorn is actively engaged in voluntary 
carbon markets and has acquired a 
portfolio of high-quality carbon offsets, 
including nature-based, landfill gas and 
refrigerant gases sequestration.
Environmental 
– Outline a 
roadmap and 
deliver 
opportunities to 
achieve Scope 1 
and Scope 2 
emissions 
reductions 
versus our short, 
medium and 
long term net 
zero targets. This 
will include asset 
improvement 
initiatives, 
energy 
efficiency 
measures, and 
engineered  
and natural 
carbon offset 
programmes.
Governance- 
Communicate 
our climate 
change strategy, 
performance 
and carbon 
pricing and our 
processes for 
governance, risk 
management, 
and target 
setting.
52
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Strategic objective: Production performance
Principal risk: Reserves downgrade or impairment
Owner: Chief Operating Officer
Risk appetite
Low – Delivering operational excellence in all the Group’s activities is a strategic objective for the 
Group and the Group works closely with all JV partners to mitigate the risk and impact of any 
operational delay or underperformance. Therefore, the Group has a low appetite for risks which may 
impact on operating cash flow.
Impact
Mitigation
2021 movement
2022 KPI objectives
 – Delay or reduction 
in cash flow
 – Increased 
operational costs
 – HSE incident
 – Reputational 
damage
Work closely with operators to  
deliver risk mitigation plans and 
project solutions during ongoing 
commissioning.
Positive and regular engagement 
with operators and partners to share 
knowledge, offer support and exert 
influence.
This risk remained static in 2021.
Capricorn announced completion of  
the sale of its UK North Sea production 
interests to Waldorf Production in 
November 2021. Estimated 2021 annual 
production from these interests was 
approximately 18,300 bopd, towards the 
upper end of original guidance of 16,000–
19,000 bopd. Under earn-out provisions, 
based on 2021 production levels and 
average oil prices, a payment of ~US$76m 
is due to be made by Waldorf to Capricorn 
in Q2 2022. In Egypt, working interest 
production across the four main 
concession areas of Obaiyed (Capricorn 
50% WI), Badr El Din (Capricorn 50% WI), 
North East Abu Gharadig (Capricorn 26% 
WI) and Alam El Shawish West (Capricorn 
20% WI) averaged ~36,500 boepd during 
the period from acquisition completion on 
23 September to year end 2021, with ~38% 
of the production mix comprising oil and 
condensate. This was within the guidance 
range for WI production of 33,000–38,000 
boepd announced in March 2021.
Sanction 
incremental 
development 
investment to 
convert WI 2C 
Resources and 
2P Undeveloped 
Reserves into WI 
2P Producing 
Reserves’
Deliver Net 
production 
(10%) and 
operating cost/
boe (5%) targets 
within public 
market 
guidance in 
relation to Egypt. 
Strategic objective: Production performance and exploration  
and new ventures
Principal risk: Misalignments with JV operators 
Owner: Chief Operating Officer
Risk appetite
Medium – The Group seeks to operate assets which align with the Group’s core areas of expertise 
but recognises that a balanced portfolio will also include non-operated ventures. The Group accepts 
that there are risks associated with a non-operator role and will seek to mitigate these risks by 
working with partners of high integrity and experience and maintaining close working relationships 
with all JV partners. 
Impact
Mitigation
2021 movement
2022 KPI objectives
 – Cost/schedule 
overruns
 – Poor performance 
of assets
 – HSE performance
 – Negative impact  
on asset value
 – Ability to effect 
change towards 
lowering carbon 
footprint
 – Misalignments on 
selection or priority 
of ESG goals
Actively engage with all partners 
early to establish good working 
relationships.
Actively participate in 
operational and technical 
meetings to challenge, apply 
influence and/or support 
partners to establish a cohesive 
JV view.
Application of the Group risk 
management processes and 
non-operated ventures 
procedure.
Active engagement with supply 
chain providers to monitor 
performance and delivery.
This risk remained static in 2021.
The divestment of Capricorn’s 
interests in the Kraken and  
Catcher fields in the UK North Sea 
completed in Q4 2021. This sale has 
reduced the Group’s non-operated 
exposure.
The Egypt acquisition offers both 
non-operated (production) and 
operated (exploration) activity. 
The Group continues to work closely 
with a number of other partners  
in the UK, West Africa and Latin 
America regions.
Sanction incremental 
development investment  
to convert WI 2C Resources 
and 2P Undeveloped 
Reserves into WI 2P 
Producing Reserves.
Deliver Net production 
(10%) and operating cost/
boe (5%) targets within 
public market guidance  
in relation to Egypt.
Conduct our operated and 
non-operated exploration 
and appraisal activities 
(surveys and drilling) 
successfully, on time  
and on budget.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
53
Risk Management continued
Strategic objective: Financial performance
Principal risk: Diminished access to debt markets
Owner: Chief Financial Officer
Risk appetite
Low – The Group seeks to develop and implement a funding strategy that allows a value generative 
plan to be executed and ensures a minimum headroom cushion from existing sources of funding is 
maintained.
Impact
Mitigation
2021 movement
2022 KPI objectives
 – Work programme 
restricted by 
reduced capital 
availability
 – Loss of value
Disciplined allocation of capital 
across portfolio.
Continue to assess other forms  
of financing and pursue claim  
for restoration of value for  
Indian investment.
This risk decreased in 2021.
The divestment of Capricorn’s interests  
in the Kraken and Catcher fields in the  
UK North Sea completed in Q4 2021.  
The sale provides flexibility to enhance  
the producing asset base while retaining 
exposure to oil price growth through the 
terms of the sale. The near term committed 
capital programme is significantly reduced.
In February 2022, the tax case against the 
Government of India was resolved. The 
expected Indian tax refund of INR79 billion 
was paid and net proceeds of US$1.06 
billion were received by the Group.
Several financial institutions and investors 
have recently made policy decisions to exit 
oil and gas sector investment. To date, this 
has not affected Capricorn but if this trend 
accelerates there could be a future impact. 
Maintaining  
a US$50m 
‘headroom’  
from existing 
sources of funds 
in all financial 
projections 
covering all 
currently 
committed  
and planned 
expenditure 
including  
capital funds  
for exploration, 
appraisal, 
incremental 
development 
and production 
opex.
Debt liquidity 
covenants or 
applicable 
facility tests will 
not be breached.
Principal risk: Political and fiscal uncertainties 
Owner: Chief Financial Officer
Risk appetite
Medium – The Group faces an uncertain economic and regulatory environment in some countries  
of operation. The Group is willing to invest in countries where political and/or fiscal risks may occur 
provided such risks can be adequately managed to minimise the impact where possible.
Impact
Mitigation
2021 movement
2022 KPI objectives
This risk remained static in 2021.
Capricorn continues to source new 
opportunities globally and this can  
be in jurisdictions deemed at higher  
risk of political or fiscal uncertainty.
 – Loss of value
 – Uncertain financial 
outcomes
Operate to the highest industry 
standards with regulators and 
monitor compliance with the  
Group’s licence, Production Sharing 
Contract and taxation requirements.
External specialist advice sought  
on legal and tax issues as required.
Maintain positive relationships with 
governments and key stakeholders.
Ongoing monitoring of the political 
and regulatory environments in 
which we operate.
Working responsibly is an important 
factor in maintaining our access to 
funding. 
Maintaining  
a US$50m 
‘headroom’ from 
existing sources 
of funds in all 
financial 
projections 
covering all 
currently 
committed and 
planned 
expenditure 
including capital 
funds for 
exploration, 
appraisal, 
incremental 
development 
and production 
opex.
54
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Strategic objective: Financial performance continued
Principal risk: Volatile oil and gas prices
Owner: Chief Financial Officer
Risk appetite
Medium – Exposure to commodity prices is fundamental to the Group’s activities; however, the 
Group manages its investment programme to ensure that a threshold economic return is delivered 
and the business model is funded even in sustained downside price scenarios.
Impact
Mitigation
2021 movement
2022 KPI objectives
 – Reduction in future 
cash flow
 – Value impairment of 
development 
projects
 – JV partner capital 
constraints
Sensitivity analysis conducted to 
assess robustness of Group financial 
forecasts for funding plan.
Operators’ cost initiatives delivering 
material cost reductions on 
development projects.
Exploration projects are ranked 
based on the probability of 
commercial hydrocarbons and 
success case break-even oil price.
This risk decreased in 2021.
The oil price has been relatively stable in 
2021. However, volatility is expected to 
continue as the COVID-19 pandemic 
continues to evolve.
Maintaining  
a US$50m 
‘headroom’  
from existing 
sources of funds 
in all financial 
projections 
covering all 
currently 
committed  
and planned 
expenditure 
including capital 
funds for 
exploration, 
appraisal, 
incremental 
development 
and production 
opex.
Principal risk: Inability to repatriate full amount of refund due under India legislation
Owner: Owner: Chief Financial Officer
Risk appetite
Medium – The Group faces an uncertain macroeconomic and regulatory environment in some 
countries of operation. The Group is willing to invest in countries where political and/or fiscal risks 
may occur provided such risks can be adequately managed to minimise the impact where possible.
Impact
Mitigation
2021 movement
2022 KPI objectives
 – Loss of value
Arbitration proceedings under the 
UK-India Bilateral Investment Treaty 
were largely concluded in 2018.  
The tribunal ruled unanimously in 
Capricorn’s favour on 22 December 
2020.
Participation in the scheme 
introduced by recent India legislation, 
the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill 
2021, allowing the refund of taxes 
previously collected from Capricorn 
in India.
This risk decreased in 2021.
No 2022 KPI
In August 2021, the Government of India 
cancelled the retrospective tax provision 
and introduced the Taxation Laws 
(Amendment) Bill 2021, which proposed 
certain amendments to the retrospective 
taxation measures that were introduced  
by the Finance Act 2012.
In November 2021, Capricorn entered  
into undertakings with the Government of 
India in order to participate in the scheme 
introduced by recent Indian legislation,  
the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill 2021, 
allowing the refund of taxes previously 
collected from Capricorn in India.
In February 2022, the tax case against the 
Government of India was concluded. The 
expected Indian tax refund of INR79 billion 
was paid and net proceeds of US$1.06 
billion were received by the Group.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
55
Behaving Responsibly to the Environment
Behhaavvingg Reespponssibblyy  
tto tthhe Envvviroonmmmenntt
Environmental protection is fundamental to how Capricorn 
operates. Recognising the global challenges of climate change, 
biodiversity loss and the need to protect water resources, we are 
deepening our commitment and action, refocusing our efforts 
on net zero emissions by 2040 or earlier, and strengthening  
our approach to biodiversity and water management. We take  
a precautionary approach, with rigorous risk assessments  
and robust working methods that help us to minimise our 
environmental impacts without affecting our commitment to 
safety. At the same time, we are finding ways to decarbonise our 
operations and play our role in the transition to clean energy.
BUSINESS PRINCIPLES
 – We take a precautionary approach  
to our effect on the environment.
 – We strive to prevent and minimise  
our impact on the environment, 
including no net loss of biodiversity.
 – We will implement our pathway to  
net zero carbon emissions and report 
on our progress.
This year, the following environmental 
issues were identified as being of high 
materiality:
23
25
26
28
29
Energy Use and Alternative Sources
GHG Emissions (including Venting and Flaring)
Materials Use
Reuse, Recycle and Waste Management
Use of Local Resources
(cid:2)   See our Materiality Matrix on page 25
2021 PERFORMANCE AGAINST SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES
 – Revised our Climate and Energy 
Transition strategy.
 – Began preparatory work for 2022  
and 2023 drilling programmes.
 – Developed short-, medium- and 
long-term sustainability objectives 
and targets.
 – Improved biodiversity assessment 
tools and disclosure of biodiversity 
issues.
 – Integrated carbon pricing 
 – Began identifying and managing 
mechanisms and re-evaluated  
the resilience of our portfolio.
biodiversity and ecosystem services 
risks in Mauritania.
 – Developed our understanding of 
 – Improved our standard water data 
carbon capture utilisation and storage 
applications and opportunities. 
 – Improved our reporting against  
TCFD and SASB requirements.
 – Began disclosing Scope 3 emissions 
from the use of our products.
collection and assessments.
 – Improved water resilience and stress 
ranking and reporting.
(cid:2)   See our Sustainability Report for more information about our SDG performance
56
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Emissions and Energy Use
We commit to promoting the efficient  
use of energy, with the aim of conserving 
natural resources, reducing atmospheric 
emissions and mitigating the impacts of 
our operations. 
In September 2021, we released our 
Climate and Energy Transition roadmap. 
This sets out our medium-term target  
to reduce absolute emissions by 25% by 
2030, as well as our commitment to an 
accelerated target of net zero emissions  
by 2040. Achieving these will involve  
a hierarchy of options for avoiding, 
reducing, substituting and offsetting GHG 
emissions, which includes opportunities 
for carbon capture, utilisation and storage.
Residual emissions, which are hard  
to eliminate through operational 
improvements, will be offset using 
high-quality carbon offset projects  
with positive socioeconomic and 
biodiversity impacts. This strategy is  
in line with our sustainability objectives, 
the UN Sustainable Development Goals 
(SDGs) and the Taskforce on Climate-
related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) -  
see our website for more details:  
www.capricornenergy.com/working-
responsibly.
We are actively engaged in voluntary 
carbon markets and have acquired a 
portfolio of high-quality carbon offsets, 
including nature-based sequestration, 
landfill gas and refrigerant gas destruction.
We make annual carbon disclosure 
submissions to the CDP. In 2021, we 
submitted the Climate Change 
questionnaire and received a rating of B-, 
which falls within the ‘management band’.
We report on both an operated and an 
equity basis. We have set out targets 
against equity Scope 1 and 2 emissions, 
taking accountability for assets beyond 
our operational control. Due to the 
dynamic nature of our evolving portfolio, 
we will use 2022 as the baseline against 
which our targets will be measured,  
with full year emissions from our Egypt 
portfolio taken into account. We also 
report Scope 3 emissions from business 
travel and from the use of products sold.
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting
Emissions
Our operated annual GHG emissions arise largely from exploration and appraisal activities and, in absolute terms, vary with the 
duration and nature of our projects. From an operated perspective, 2021 was a year of low activity for Capricorn, with three 
surveys in support of planning for projects in the North Sea, and both total and normalised GHG emissions remained low.
GHG Emissions from Operated activities
Scope 1 (direct) emissions from fuel combustion, flaring and waste incineration 
UK
Capricorn total
Scope 2 (indirect) emissions (location-based) from electricity consumption in 
our UK, Mexico, Senegal and Egypt offices
UK
Capricorn total
Total gross Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions
UK
Capricorn total
Total energy consumption
UK
Capricorn total
GHG intensity ratio: of Scope 1 and scope 2 emissions to 1000 hours worked
UK
Capricorn total
Scope 3 emissions from business travel
Unit
tCO2e
tCO2e
kWh
tCO2e/ 
1000 wh
tCO2e
2021
885
911*
95
107*
980
1,018*
2020
0
24,440
136
175
136
24,615
3,833,910
3,971,755
592,273
98,360,873
2.98
2.86
451*
0.44
35.48
336
*  Figures assured by Deloitte LLP, see page 211 for further details.
Details about our data, methodologies and calculations can be found in Capricorn Emissions Methodology – Basis of Reporting Appendix on page 211 and  
our website.
Energy use
Direct energy use from operated  
assets mainly comprises diesel fuel 
combustion in field operations and 
minor electricity consumption in our 
offices. We seek to minimise energy use 
during exploration activities through 
planning and efficient working. As our 
exploration programmes vary annually, 
so too does energy consumption. 
Electricity use in 2021 was 1,719 GJ, 
which is 689 GJ less than in 2020,  
with variation during the year largely 
associated with local weather 
conditions. Our indirect energy 
consumption in 2021 at 1,719 GJ  
was lower than 2020 owing to 
COVID-19 restrictions.
Low-Carbon Assets and Equipment
To minimise the energy used in our 
exploration activities, we assess the  
fuel consumption of rigs, vessels and 
helicopters. In 2021, we added fuel 
efficiency to our selection criteria for 
tenders for operational programmes, 
and have implemented this approach 
tendering vessels for geophysical and 
geotechnical survey work in the UK  
and Mauritania.
We will strive to align our supply chain 
products and services with our own 
emissions reduction target of net zero  
by 2040 or earlier.
Capricorn equity emissions
The majority of our equity-based 
emissions were Scope 1 emissions from 
the Catcher and Kraken non-operated 
assets in the North Sea, and those from 
the Egypt Western Desert assets post 
completion in September 2021.
2021 Capricorn Equity Emissions
Total equity emissions
Total equity CO2e – Scope 1
Total equity CO2e – Scope 2
Total equity CO2e – Scope 3
Our indirect (Scope 3) emissions, largely 
from travel, were also limited due to 
COVID-19 restrictions. Travel emissions 
increased once our Egypt transaction was 
completed and travel restrictions eased.
Equity Scope 3 from business travel
Equity Scope 3 from product*
Intensity (scope 1+2)**
* Scope 3 from product includes categories 9, 10, 11.
** Intensity is calculated on the entitlement basis.
Measure
tCO2e
tCO2e
tCO2e
tCO2e
tCO2e
tCO2e
kg/boe
2021
3,388,119
146,579
107
3,241,433
451
3,240,982
19.87
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
57
Behaving Responsibly to the Environment continued
Protecting Biodiversity and  
the Environment 
We adopt a precautionary approach to 
biodiversity risk management and follow 
the mitigation hierarchy to minimise  
risks associated with both operated  
and non-operated opportunities. Our 
commitment not to operate in UNESCO 
World Heritage Sites was recently 
extended to include International Union 
for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 
categories Ia (Strict Nature Reserves) and 
Ib (Wilderness Areas). All biodiversity-
related commitments are covered by our 
Business Principles in our Code of Ethics 
and our Environment and Climate  
Change Policy. 
We have increased the use of biodiversity 
data and continue to strengthen our 
capacity in biodiversity management. We 
are monitoring the development of the 
post-2020 global biodiversity framework 
action targets relevant to our business.
Measures we take to mitigate  
potential impacts include biodiversity  
risk screening; Environmental Baseline 
Surveys; Environmental and Social Impact 
Assessments (ESIAs) and associated 
environmental management and 
monitoring plans; and Biodiversity  
Action Plans in specific locations,  
where appropriate. 
Biodiversity Risk Screening
In 2021, Capricorn reviewed several  
new locations with the potential to  
contain protected and priority areas for 
biodiversity conservation. The ‘high’ 
biodiversity risk in some areas informed 
the decision not to progress with  
our investment, while in others, we 
recommended allocating additional 
resources for biodiversity management.
Environmental Baseline Surveys
Environmental Baseline Surveys (EBSs) 
provide data about the existing 
environment that may be impacted by our 
planned activities, enabling us to assess 
potential impacts and define mitigations. 
Entry and exit surveys help to delineate 
our potential impact, and demonstrate 
that we have met our commitments 
under regulatory and good international 
industry practice. They also avoid liability 
for the impacts of others.
In 2021, we undertook an EBS in our 
Woodstock licence areas in the UK,  
in preparation for drilling the Diadem 
exploration well in 2022. We also planned 
a combined environmental baseline, 
geophysical and site survey in Mauritania, 
which commenced in January 2022.
(cid:2)   More detail on biodiversity is available in our Data 
Appendix: www.capricornenergy.com/working-
responsibly
Water, Effluents and Pollution 
Water resilience in the face of climate 
change and growing demand is an area  
of increasing focus for Capricorn and our 
industry. We closely monitor wastewater 
discharges, and report on both water use 
and discharge. In 2021, we completed 
CDP’s full Water Security questionnaire  
for the first time, earning a score of B-. 
We recognise that our newly acquired 
production and exploration assets in Egypt 
are located in areas of high water stress. 
Therefore, we will work closely with our 
partners to improve the understanding 
and use of water resources; these will be 
considered in field-wide ESIAs scheduled 
for completion in 2022. 
We also revised the health, safety and 
environment (HSE) criteria on our 
investment proposal checklist to include 
the need to take into account the water 
stress of locations when considering 
possible new venture activities. 
Our 2021 Performance
In 2021, our use of freshwater remained 
low, in line with the level of operational 
activity undertaken during the year.  
100% of water withdrawal (1,132m3)  
was freshwater. Our discharges in 2021 
were largely limited to domestic sources 
and minor discharges from offshore 
survey work.
In Egypt, we are working with our partners 
and the EGPC to verify reporting on water 
extraction and discharge that has been 
initiated by the joint venture companies. 
We will report equity water data in our 
2022 CDP Water Security questionnaire. 
(cid:2)   For further information, please see our Sustainability 
Report: www.capricornenergy.com/working-
responsibly
Product Stewardship
It is our responsibility to ensure all 
production operations and the 
transportation of crude oil from our 
non-operated production to buyers 
comply with regulatory requirements,  
as well as our own Code of Ethics and our 
Environment and Climate Change Policy.
We engage with our partners to ensure 
proper stewardship is in place via routine 
Operator Committee and Technical 
Committee meetings. Hydrocarbon  
sales are carried out by marketing agents 
on our behalf, with the gas from our 
non-operated assets in Egypt sold 
domestically to the EGPC.
58
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
CASE STUDY
ENVIRONMENTAL  
MANAGEMENT IN EGYPT
Alongside our partner Cheiron, Capricorn completed the purchase of Shell’s  
Western Desert assets in September 2021. Ahead of this acquisition, due diligence  
was undertaken based on International Finance Corporation (IFC) Standards and good 
international industry practice references. 
The process concluded that the assets 
have been managed well, with a focus 
on integrity, major hazard management, 
and health and safety. We will work  
with Cheiron, the Egyptian General 
Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) and 
other partners to ensure the safety 
culture established by BADR Petroleum 
Company (Bapetco) is built upon. 
Reducing Emissions
Alongside Cheiron and Bapetco, we 
undertook a baseline study to assess  
our GHG emissions impact and identify 
reduction opportunities. The audit, 
conducted in late 2021, was the start of 
our baselining activity for these assets, 
with a detailed inventory of emissions 
planned for early 2022. The audit 
reviewed the accuracy of reporting in 
the Western Desert operating fields, 
the protocols used for reporting and 
any areas of uncertainty that need 
closing in 2022. 
Committed to the World Bank’s Zero 
Routine Flaring by 2030 initiative,  
we are working towards eliminating 
routine flaring from our operations by 
the end of this decade. Flare-reduction 
projects are being implemented in 
Egypt and additional opportunities 
identified. We are also replacing diesel 
generators with cleaner-burning gas 
equipment, and integrating solar 
power to reduce our reliance on  
diesel and gas. We will explore other 
options, including carbon capture and 
storage and the wider application of 
renewable power. 
Managing Water
Managing water risks effectively is 
important in the Western Desert,  
an area of considerable water scarcity. 
We will focus on using freshwater 
efficiently and managing water 
discharge responsibly. This will involve 
enhanced understanding of water 
demand; quality and availability  
of sources; users and stakeholder 
vulnerabilities; environmental linkages; 
and discharges or abstractions 
affecting water resources to  
inform improvements.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
59
Behaving Responsibly to People
Behhaavvingg Reespponssibblyy  
tto PPeeooplee
At Capricorn, our people are the key to our success. Our 
employees’ well-being, safety and security is one of our core 
values that underpins how we do business and the behaviours 
we expect. Our culture promotes honesty and openness, and 
we have programmes in place that prioritise health, safety, 
inclusion, well-being and security.
BUSINESS PRINCIPLES
 – We develop the potential of our people.
 – We foster a workplace that respects 
personal dignity and rights, is non-
discriminatory and provides fair 
rewards.
 – We provide a healthy, safe and secure 
work environment.
This year, the following people issues  
were identified as being of high 
materiality:
37
Major Accident Prevention
(cid:2)   See our Materiality Matrix on page 25
2021 PERFORMANCE AGAINST SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES
 – Established our diversity and inclusion 
(D&I) strategy and working group,  
and developed tools and methods  
to embed D&I in the way we work.
 – Delivered the next phase of our talent 
management programme, as we shift 
to a more production-based strategy.
 – Continued to support staff on 
COVID-19 and facilitated a return  
to office working. 
 – Reviewed and updated our 
competency procedures in relation  
to health, safety and environment 
(HSE) and major accident safety. 
 – Revised our Project Delivery Process 
with improved integration of HSE 
elements.
 – Completed a Corporate Responsibility 
Management System (CRMS) audit 
and closed out all findings.
 – Implemented an enhanced incident 
reporting system across the Company.
 – Reviewed our security guidelines 
against the latest ISO standard, and 
assessed information sources and 
providers to identify potential 
improvements.
 – Performed a cyber security audit  
and held a cyber security breach 
emergency response exercise.
 – Revised our technical competencies 
project and strengthened links to our 
Corporate Major Accident Prevention 
Policy (CMAPP).
 – Introduced Crisis Incident 
Management (CIM) emergency 
incident software and held simulation 
exercises to evaluate its effectiveness.
 – Revised our contractor assessment 
criteria in relation to emissions, energy 
efficiency objectives and our net zero 
targets. 
 – Set improved contractor HSE 
leadership expectations, including 
revised key performance indicators 
(KPIs) for forthcoming projects.
 – Aligned our scoring mechanism  
for contractor HSE evaluations with 
International Association of Oil & Gas 
Producers (IOGP) methodologies.
(cid:2)    See our Sustainability Report for more information about our SDG performance
60
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Managing People and Talent
Delivering on our strategy and achieving 
sustainable results are only possible 
thanks to the skills, experience and 
passion of our people. Our employee 
processes are underpinned by our  
values of Building Respect, Nurturing 
Relationships and Acting Responsibly, as 
well as our High Performing Behaviours.
Proactively managing and empowering 
people to reach their full potential is key  
to business success. During 2021, we 
welcomed 53 new colleagues to the 
business, with the skills, competencies 
and technical knowledge required to serve 
our production-based business model. 
Our talent management strategy 
continues to focus on growing our  
talent through such measures as active 
succession planning and mentoring; 
leadership, management and 
development programmes; and annual 
objectives and development plans. 
Diversity and Inclusion (D&I)
We acknowledge diversity in all its 
dimensions and welcome people with 
differing backgrounds, skills, experiences 
and perspectives. 
Our Group People Management  
Policy guides how we build D&I into  
all aspects of recruitment, learning  
and development, and remuneration  
and benefits. We also have policies on 
disability, equality and diversity, fixed- 
term and part-time employees, flexible 
working and harassment. We continue to 
develop metrics that promote equality of 
opportunity, pay and reward on a non-
discriminatory basis. 
 
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Total workforce
238
(2020: 204)
Gender split
Total workforce
Male/Female
Employees
111
Direct Contractors
21
Management
10
People Managers
43
Average age of staff
44
(2020: 45)
Board members
Male/Female
2021
5
2020
6
2019
6
2018
7
2017
8
99
7
3
23
3
3
3
2
2
Employment type
210
28
Employees
Direct Contractors
191
Full-time
19
Part-time
For current and aspiring people managers, 
we have added the TalentBuilder® 
programme to our longstanding 
Management Bootcamp programme,  
and a Career Focus module is available  
for all staff.
Workplace Safety
Providing a safe working environment  
is a core element of working responsibly. 
Overall accountability for minimising risks 
to people and the environment remains 
with the Board but responsibility for 
implementation across the Group falls to 
the Management Team. All our people 
must apply our safe systems of work.
Managing day-to-day operational safety 
hazards involves several systems to 
promote safe working procedures.  
These are linked to those of our principal 
contractors where they operate key  
assets. Our own personnel provide clear 
oversight, and procedures are bridged 
where necessary to ensure responsibilities 
are understood and activities are 
managed effectively. 
Minimising Health and Security Risks
We support all staff who could be  
exposed to health risks through their work. 
The main threat remains the potential 
exposure to infectious diseases, either 
where we have assets or during travel  
to prospective destinations. In locations 
where endemic diseases such as malaria 
are prevalent, we have mechanisms in 
place to minimise the risk, and remain 
vigilant to any new or re-emerging 
epidemics and pandemics.
We perform risk assessments before 
international travel, which cover 
inoculations and country briefings,  
as well as general advice on basic travel 
health, natural disasters, security alerts 
and female traveller security. Our Traveller 
Health and Security intranet site provides 
all personnel with security advice and 
travel management procedures for our 
countries of operation. 
Despite the pandemic restrictions,  
we have continued to conduct business-
critical trips to locations such as 
Mauritania, Egypt and Suriname, in 
accordance with the rules of both home 
and destination countries. Due to our risk 
assessment and mitigation procedures, 
including the use of virtual meetings 
where possible, no infectious cases were 
recorded as a result of business travel. 
Our D&I ambition
To elevate our existing practices, in 2021, 
we developed and implemented our 
strategic D&I ambition: 
“To nurture an inclusive and sustainable 
culture, where differences are encouraged, 
embraced and recognised as key drivers of 
value to all stakeholders.”
We have developed a strategic framework 
to cultivate D&I across the business and in 
2022, we will roll out activities that focus 
on nurturing a diverse and inclusive 
culture; attracting, developing and 
retaining the very best people; and 
reflecting diverse values and perspectives 
in our social investment decisions and 
practices. 
Employee Engagement
So that everyone feels involved and  
valued by their colleagues, managers and 
senior leaders, we aim to create a positive, 
collaborative work environment that 
enables our people to fulfil their potential. 
We engage with employees through 
regular staff meetings, AGMs, focus 
groups and our intranet and, with the 
ongoing pandemic, we often use virtual 
channels to keep our people informed 
while working at home. 
Our monthly Group-wide pulse surveys 
provided an annual employee engagement 
score of 8.3, which is +0.7 above the 
industry benchmark, while colleagues’ 
concerns, ideas and suggestions are 
discussed at our biannual Employee Voice 
Forum meetings. The main themes 
continued to be our response to COVID-19, 
flexible and hybrid working practices, and 
plans for returning to the office. 
Learning and Development
Providing our people with learning 
opportunities is essential to meeting  
the highest standards and making our 
business more successful. Each colleague 
has a personal learning ‘budget’ to help 
them to fulfil their potential, deliver our 
objectives and meet the changing 
demands of our industry.
Typically, development opportunities are 
offered through e-learning and classroom 
training, ‘lunch and learn’ sessions  
and workshops, as well as seminars, 
conferences, field trips and international 
secondments. Due to the pandemic, 
in-person training opportunities migrated 
to online delivery or were postponed. 
Mandatory compliance e-learning 
modules delivered via the Capricorn 
Academy enable colleagues to improve 
their understanding of our processes  
and procedures, as well as important 
governance, regulatory and security topics. 
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
61
Behaving Responsibly to People continued
Employee Well-being
Staff well-being plays an important role 
across our business and never more so 
than during the COVID-19 lockdowns.  
Our health and well-being programme  
in the UK helps staff to understand how 
their behaviour and lifestyle can affect 
their health, explore their values and 
attitudes and, where appropriate, change 
their behaviour. Now in its third year, the 
programme of activities is accessible to all 
staff across all locations, with a focus on 
three areas: Getting Healthy, Maintaining 
Health and Regaining Health.
To promote good physical and mental 
health, we have run exercise and yoga 
sessions, walking challenges and virtual 
tours, as well as workshops and webinars 
covering meditation, anxiety and stress 
management, financial well-being, 
understanding change, and healthy 
Lost Time Injury Frequency (LTIF)
(Lost time injuries per million hours worked)
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Capricorn: 0.00
IOGP benchmark: 0.24
Capricorn: 0.00
IOGP benchmark: 0.26
Capricorn: 0.00
IOGP benchmark: 0.24
Capricorn: 0.00
IOGP benchmark: 0.26
Capricorn: 0.00
IOGP benchmark: 0.27
  Capricorn total for employees and contractors.
 The benchmark used is the latest available 
International Association of Oil & Gas Producers 
(IOGP) figure at the beginning of the year for 
the industry overall.
eating. Our HR staff have also completed 
mental health first aid training to 
strengthen the support we provide.
necessary. New operational security 
guidelines were developed for release 
across the Company in late 2021.
As restrictions eased in the UK, returning 
to the office became a source of concern 
for some. Using video briefings and other 
updates, we reassured staff about the  
risk controls in place including those 
relating to travel, COVID-19-safe offices, 
emergency procedures and expected 
behaviour. All personnel were given 
briefings and supporting materials  
as part of the phased return. 
We are trialling hybrid working in the UK 
as part of our shift to more flexible working 
practices without impairing our ability to 
deliver our work programmes. Offices in 
Mexico and Egypt will undergo a similar 
process once restrictions allow.
Our 2021 Performance
With zero recordable injuries in our 
operated assets, our occupational safety 
performance exceeded our target; this was 
set using the IOGP benchmarks, which we 
use as lagging KPIs. We recognise that our 
operational activity in 2021 was limited to 
survey and environmental work in Mexico 
and East Orkney, as well as Mauritania in 
January 2022.
For 2022, we have reviewed our KPI 
weightings to reflect the greater level of 
field activities that will take place in 2022 
across the portfolio.
Security 
We have a duty of care to protect our 
people and our assets, and place high 
importance on protecting our investments, 
reputation and data. All security measures 
are balanced with human rights and our 
social responsibility considerations, and 
executed in accordance with international 
law and industry best practice. As a 
member of the IOGP Security Committee, 
we remain vigilant to emerging threats, 
and offer support, advice and training as 
While we reported no security  
incidents affecting our staff or premises 
during 2021, the impact of COVID-19 on 
Mexico’s economy has led to an increase  
in kidnappings, cyber crime and violent 
crime. Key members of the Capricorn 
Mexico team now engage in weekly 
meetings to ensure we have the measures 
in place to keep our people safe.
Meanwhile, in Egypt, we are promoting 
safe driving practices, and we have 
conducted two exercises simulating  
road traffic accidents involving Capricorn 
personnel to ensure emergency teams  
are fully aware of what measures to take. 
Major Accident Prevention
Our industry faces a number of major 
hazards and we have extensive safety 
measures and procedures in place to 
prevent accidents across every phase  
of our activities. Where it is not possible  
to eliminate the risks, we manage them  
to a level that is As Low As Reasonably 
Practicable (ALARP). This underpins 
legislation in the UK Continental Shelf  
and many other jurisdictions, as well as 
aligning with industry good practice.
Operated Assets
Our Corporate Major Accident  
Prevention Policy (CMAPP)1 captures  
the arrangements we have to address  
and control these risks for our operated 
activities. CMAAP remained unchanged  
in 2021 but we are planning a major 
review of CMAPP in 2022 as we move 
towards greater operated production, 
meeting the changing needs for major 
accident prevention competency.  
A CMAPP training module has been 
incorporated into the Capricorn Academy 
and now forms a fundamental part of our 
induction process for new personnel. 
1  Required under the UK Offshore Installations (Offshore Safety Directive) (Safety Case) Regulations 2015.
62
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
 
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
As part of planning for the Diadem well in 
2022, we also reviewed and refreshed the 
Safety and Environmental Management 
System.
Non-Operated Assets
Depending on the activity, our equity 
share of the asset and the regulatory 
framework under which we operate,  
we seek to influence our joint venture 
partners through Operating Committee 
and Technical Committee meetings.
In 2021, we continued to support our 
partners in preventing major accidents  
on our non-operated assets, primarily in 
the UK and Egypt. We are also working  
to increase the level of data provided to  
us as a non-operating partner, to enable 
greater scrutiny and reporting in the area 
of energy efficiency, emissions, objectives 
and targets towards net zero. 
Crisis Management and  
Emergency Response
We focus on prevention but, should a 
significant accident or incident occur,  
we maintain a three-tiered crisis and 
emergency response that supports our 
activities around the world. 
For a quick and effective tactical response, 
trained local Incident Management Teams 
are in place in all operational locations. 
These are supported by Incident Response 
Teams in our field assets, normally 
provided by our contractors. 
Our Crisis and Emergency Response Team 
(CERT) in Edinburgh provides strategic  
and tactical support, depending on local 
capability. Specialists can be called in to 
assist in crisis management and to prevent 
escalation, in accordance with the priority 
issues of People, Environment, Assets and 
Reputation (the PEAR principle). 
CASE STUDY
CONTRACTOR SELECTION AND 
ENERGY EFFICIENCY 
In reviewing our HSE tendering processes in 2021, one strategic goal was to  
drive energy efficiency and reduced emissions throughout the supply chain,  
with an initial focus on operated activities. We included energy efficiency and 
emissions as a differentiating factor in selecting contractors for drilling, marine 
and aviation services. 
Average greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were calculated for the activity to be 
undertaken, based on data supplied by contractors, and those with emissions 
greater than 10% above the average were removed from the tendering process. 
As well as numeric criteria, contractors are now also asked for their energy 
transition strategies as part of all tenders. 
This method was used for contracting vessels for the geotechnical and 
geophysical surveys for both the Diadem and East Orkney Basin projects.  
It was also used in selecting the drilling contractor and aviation service provider 
for the Diadem project. 
We will continue to drive down our own emissions towards our net zero target,  
as well as sending a strong message to our supply chain partners that we expect 
the same from our contractors. In 2022, we will enhance our GHG emissions 
reporting to Scope 3 emissions from our contracted activities. 
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, CERT 
members remained ready to respond 
virtually and still received weekly training 
and operational briefings covering 
security, travel, health and emergency 
response scenarios. In September 2021, 
we switched to a combination of remote 
and in-person provision as we began the 
return to office working.
Supported by an independent specialist,  
we held four remote emergency response 
exercises in 2021. These simulations tested 
our response to scenarios such as road 
traffic accidents and injuries in Egypt, as well 
as to a cyber security attack on Capricorn. 
The simulations used Crisis Incident 
Management (CIM), our new ISO-accredited 
crisis and emergency management tool. 
Contractors 
We rely on third-party suppliers and 
contractors for much of the technical 
expertise, equipment and services we need 
to maintain our operational capability. The 
annual average number of field contractors 
in 2021 was 33 people, which is 12% of the 
total workforce and 5% of hours worked.
Selecting Contractors 
Contractor performance impacts our 
licence to operate, so effective selection, 
strong working relationships and good 
performance are fundamental to our 
success. In evaluating tenders, we require 
suppliers to use management systems 
and ways of working that align with our 
Code of Ethics, policies, standards and 
procedures, where applicable. 
We have improved our scrutiny of 
key equipment providers in terms of 
environmental performance as part  
of the tendering process. In 2021, we 
assessed the energy efficiency and 
emissions of vessels, rigs and helicopters 
as a differentiator in our contractor 
selection process. 
Pre-Qualification Tools
We use specialist services in some 
jurisdictions to identify pre-approved 
vendors and examine their performance 
prior to tendering. For many UK projects,  
we use Achilles’ Oil and Gas Europe platform 
to assess the potential contractors in the 
European oil and gas market. With a new 
well in the North Sea scheduled for 2022, 
we have completed the long-lead tendering 
process and contracting for pre-work.
We also helped Invest in Africa (IIA) to 
develop a similar system – the African 
Partner Pool – in Senegal, and have 
started discussions with IIA about 
supporting our need for sourcing 
contractors in Mauritania. 
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
63
Behaving Responsibly to Society
Behhaavvingg Reespponssibblyy 
tto SSooccietyyy
We seek to make a positive difference to society, investing in efforts 
to support economic and community development. At the same 
time, we recognise that we must manage and mitigate any potential 
risks and impacts associated with our activities to support the 
communities that may be affected by our operations. Respecting 
and protecting human rights across our operations is a fundamental 
part of our integrated approach.
BUSINESS PRINCIPLES
– We seek to make a positive social 
impact in every area where we operate 
by working ethically and with integrity.
This year, the following societal issues 
were identified as being of high 
materiality:
– We respect and promote the human 
51 Indigenous Peoples’ Rights
rights of individuals, communities and 
indigenous peoples. 
– We acknowledge the aspirations and 
concerns of the communities in which 
we work, and will respond to and 
address grievances fairly.
53 Local Content and Local Procurement
(cid:2) See our Materiality Matrix on page 25
2021 PERFORMANCE AGAINST SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES
– Applied human rights guidance in 
planned operations, including the 
availability of transparent grievance 
procedures.
– Agreed, established and tracked 
social investment across the Group 
to positively impact the communities 
with which we work.
– Delivered a specialist-run, in-house 
human rights ‘lunch and learn’ session 
for all staff.
– Rolled out human rights and modern 
slavery training to employees.
– Audited the application of modern 
slavery prevention requirements in 
selected projects.
– Reviewed and revised the criteria 
for selecting and assessing social 
investment projects, improving 
alignment to the United Nations 
Sustainability and Development
Goals (UNSDGs), and developed 
an assessment tool.
– Applied stakeholder engagement 
registers to forthcoming projects 
and demonstrated that stakeholder 
engagement follows our latest 
guidance.
(cid:2)    See our Sustainability Report for more information about our SDG performance
64
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Prof. Naipal, Project Manager 
with Wim Kouwe, Capricorn 
Asset Manager at the mangrove 
rehabilitation project, Suriname
Human Rights Management
Policies and Guidelines
Respecting human rights is a fundamental 
part of our commitment to protecting 
our business and our stakeholders. We 
support internationally recognised human 
rights standards, have mechanisms in 
place for raising and addressing grievances, 
and include requirements on modern 
slavery in supplier contracts.
To ensure human rights are respected 
and promoted in our relationships with 
contractors, communities and other 
stakeholders, we seek to comply with 
international standards such as the UN 
Universal Declaration of Human Rights 
and the UN Guiding Principles on Business 
and Human Rights.
Our Human Rights Guidelines define 
how we identify, assess and manage 
issues at key project stages, including 
the assessment of potential investments. 
Our position on human and labour rights 
is integrated into our Corporate Social 
Responsibility (CSR) Policy and our Code of 
Ethics, most recently reviewed and revised 
in November 2021 to include our renewed 
strategy and linkages with the UN SDGs. 
Adherence to the Code is included in all 
tender and contract documentation. 
Human Rights Training
We updated our human rights training 
and rolled out new e-learning modules 
through the Capricorn Academy in 
November 2021. In January 2022, we 
held a ‘lunch and learn’ session on human 
rights. Hosted by specialists from the 
Institute of Human Rights for Business, the 
session looked at potential human rights 
issues across the industry and how they 
could be mitigated within the Company.
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
CASE STUDY
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT  
IN MAURITANIA
As we plan for our first operated activity in Mauritania, 
stakeholder engagement with local communities and 
organisations is front of mind. To inform this dialogue,  
in early 2021, we commissioned a third-party specialist 
to deliver a stakeholder scoping report. 
This report examines considerations 
including the socio-economic context 
of Mauritania, the concerns and 
priorities of key stakeholders, and  
the history of engagement with the  
oil and gas sector. It also looked in 
detail at some of the key facets of the 
stakeholder landscape in Mauritania, 
such as the significant environmental 
and biodiversity importance offshore; 
the UNESCO-protected World 
Heritage Site of Parc National du Banc 
d’Arguin and its local Imraguen people; 
and the importance of the fishing 
industry to the national economy.
Combined with engagement with  
our peers and with government and 
authority bodies in-country, it has  
been instrumental in helping us to 
engage with stakeholders around the 
Environmental Baseline Survey (EBS) 
which commenced in January 2022. 
Having presented our proposed 
stakeholder engagement plan for 
government feedback, we sought  
to engage with key NGOs and 
representatives of the local fishing 
communities. Information about the 
grievance mechanism established to 
support the EBS activity was shared 
through information leaflets provided 
in both French and Arabic. 
Modern Slavery
We have a zero-tolerance approach to 
modern slavery and human trafficking, 
which has become a significant global 
issue. We do not employ forced, bonded or 
child labour, and take all reasonable steps 
to ensure that slavery, in all its different 
forms, does not exist in any part of our 
operations or supply chain. 
We publish an annual Modern Slavery
Statement (www.capricornenergy.com/
working-responsibly) and have rolled out 
refresher training as an e-learning module 
to employees and contractors.
Assessing Our Supply Chain 
We use a consistent approach for 
assessing proposed acquisitions and 
planned activities, understanding where 
the supply chain could represent modern 
slavery risks. We found no significant risks 
of forced or compulsory labour in our 
activities in 2021, but have flagged 
locations where vulnerabilities exist  
for managing projects in the future. 
The standard terms and conditions  
within our contracts specify our zero 
tolerance for modern slavery, and  
include our right to audit suppliers  
and subcontracting parties. Our tender 
process includes specific questions about 
whether potential contractors, vendors 
and suppliers have modern slavery policies 
and procedures in place. 
We use specialist contractors with 
well-developed employment practices 
that understand our requirements  
and standards. Our suppliers often use 
subcontractors of their own so, while our 
influence diminishes down the supply 
chain, we continue to use our leverage  
to promote good employment practices, 
address non-discriminatory behaviour  
and prevent child labour.
We audited the application of our modern 
slavery processes across selected projects 
in 2021 and intend to undertake a more 
detailed assessment of our principal 
contractors in 2022.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
65
Behaving Responsibly to Society continued
Local Procurement
We encourage our principal contractors to 
engage local personnel where appropriate 
skills and services exist. In line with our 
Operating Standards, we have set out a 
comprehensive process through which 
the ‘national content’ of received tender 
submissions will be assessed. Where 
applicable, contractors are required to 
confirm that they, and any subcontractors, 
will comply with the required minimum 
percentage of national content and 
associated reporting requirements.
The categorisation of local, national and 
international vendors depends on the 
definitions used within local legislation.  
In Suriname, for example, the national oil 
company (Staatsolie) provides guidance  
on national content. In Mexico, the 
methodology is based on a framework that 
is mandatory by law. Under our Production 
Sharing Contract (PSC) with the Mexican 
National Hydrocarbons Commission 
(CNH)1, each of our key contracts carries a 
percentage target for local content. This is 
assessed during the tender process, and is 
monitored and reported throughout the 
duration of the contract.
Local Community Engagement
We aim to enhance our community 
development activities by understanding 
and addressing the needs, aspirations and 
concerns of the communities in which  
we work. 
We consult with local stakeholders to 
identify any potential impacts associated 
with our activities and to acquire local 
knowledge to inform any future plans.  
This enables us to minimise risks, 
maximise shared economic and social 
benefits, and foster long-lasting 
relationships with community partners, 
governments, investors and employees. 
Stakeholder engagement will be a key 
part of our operated exploration activity  
in Egypt in 2022. To support our seismic 
work, we will undertake extensive 
engagement with local communities 
around issues such as land access and 
compensation. We are also using targeted 
stakeholder engagement to support our 
early stage activity in Mauritania (page 65).
Security and Human Rights
Operating in complex and challenging 
environments, we recognise the need to 
maintain the safety and security of our 
people and operations while respecting 
human rights. 
As part of our standard procedures,  
100% of our operations are subject to 
human rights reviews and modern slavery 
assessments. Security contractors, where 
required, are assessed on their adherence 
to our principles and standards, and their 
activities, equipment and training also 
need to meet the requirements of key 
human rights standards and guidelines. 
Before we enter a new country as an 
operator, our due diligence process 
involves human rights screening. We 
review key indicators from international 
indices such as the Global Slavery Index 
and the US Trafficking in Persons Report, 
and research the risks using specialist 
geopolitical advisers. We assess potential 
impacts through Environmental and Social 
Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and, where 
necessary, undertake a Human Rights 
Impact Assessment. If any current or 
potential issues are identified, we engage 
with those affected to consider how best 
to manage them. 
Prior to proceeding with a non-operated 
joint venture, we check any human rights 
issues and identify any risks that may 
require management by the operator.
Delivering Social and  
Economic Benefits
We seek to mitigate any negative impacts 
and enhance the positive benefits that 
arise from our operations while sharing the 
value generated by oil and gas activities. 
Taking a long-term approach to social 
investment, we promote good practice, 
support a wide range of international 
agreements and standards such as the  
UN SDGs, and support capacity building  
in the communities where we operate. 
Our social investment strategy is  
informed by stakeholder engagement  
at a community level. We have recently 
updated the criteria under which we 
select social investment projects and 
assess their success. These are grouped 
into four priority areas: community health; 
community economic and environmental 
benefit; community protection and 
climate adaptation; and education and 
innovation. We have also started applying 
a comparative assessment tool for 
potential projects, as well as a range  
of key performance indicators (KPIs) to 
demonstrate the inputs, short-term 
outputs and longer-term outcomes  
of each project. 
Both the social investment criteria  
and KPIs are aligned with the UN SDGs, 
which provide an additional framework for 
understanding ESG risks and opportunities. 
This also supports the development of 
Impact Benefit Plans for each major 
project. 
In Egypt, we are looking to establish social 
investment plans that support local and 
national priorities. These include Egypt 
Vision 2030, a sustainable development 
strategy targeting a better life for all 
Egyptians by 2030. 
We have also commissioned two Social 
Needs Assessments across two of our 
operated blocks – West El Fayoum and 
South East Horus – in which we are due to 
conduct seismic surveys in 2022. These 
assessments will help us to understand 
local community concerns and needs,  
and opportunities to support them.
Social Management
In accordance with our Corporate 
Responsibility Management System 
(CRMS), we evaluate the potential social 
benefits, risks and impacts of any major 
activity. The scope and nature of such 
Social Impact Assessments (SIAs)  
depend on local context and regulations. 
Given the environmental and social 
interdependencies, an SIA usually forms 
part of an ESIA, but these are sometimes 
separated as a legislative requirement.
For each project, the SIA often includes  
a Social Management Plan (SMP). The SMP 
assesses the benefits and impacts of a 
project, with the aim of mitigating any 
negative impacts and providing a positive 
overall benefit. 
No SIAs were required or undertaken in 
2021, but they have been commissioned 
for our operated seismic programme in 
Egypt in 2022. We are also undertaking 
early preparatory work for a potential ESIA 
in Mauritania.
In Mexico, we are required to report 
annually to Secretaría de Energía (SENER), 
the Mexican Department of Energy, to 
demonstrate the implementation of our 
SMP. Due to its closure at the start of the 
pandemic, our 2019 and 2020 reports 
were submitted when SENER reopened  
in late 2021.
1  Comisión Nacional de Hidrocarburos.
66
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Mangrove rehabilitation project, Weg naar Zee, Paramaribo, Suriname
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
67
Strategic ReportLeadership and GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationOperational Review
Operational 
and Financial 
Review
68
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
STRATEGIC DELIVERY
2022 OUTLOOK 
– Acquisition of Shell’s Western Desert production and 
exploration portfolio in Egypt with significant potential 
for production growth, operating efficiencies, exploration 
resources and decarbonisation.
– Retained balance sheet strength to enable further expansion of 
the producing asset base through investment and acquisition. 
– Contingent payments receivable from recent asset sales: 
• US$76m additional consideration due in H1 2022 from 
•
UK sale; 
further UK payments in subsequent four years dependent 
on oil price and production performance;
• up to further US$100m receivable in 2023 or 2024 for 
Senegal sale dependent on oil price and first production 
timing.
– High-graded exploration portfolio now focused on shorter 
– Capital return of US$500m expected in Q2 2022 by way 
of tender offer to close in April, alongside ongoing share 
repurchase programme of up to US$200m, both subject 
to shareholder approval.
– Capricorn WI production to average 37,000-43,000 boepd 
with 2022 exit rates forecast to exceed top end of guidance 
range.
• Oil and condensate expected to comprise 35%-40% of 
production mix.
– Production costs forecast to be US$4.5 – US$5.5 boe.
– Current estimates of 2022 capital expenditure total 
approximately US$200m, including:
• Egypt production and development expenditure of 
US$90-110m targeted at delivering substantial production 
growth during 2022.
capital cycle, infrastructure-led opportunities.
• Egypt exploration expenditure of US$30-35m to sustain the 
– Portfolio resilience to energy transition scenarios: carbon 
reduction initiatives underway with a pathway to net zero 
by 2040 at the latest; portfolio value resilient under the IEA’s 
STEPS, SDS and NZE scenarios.
resource base. 
• UK infrastructure-led exploration expenditure of ~US$40m, 
predominantly on the Jaws and Diadem wells, with no 
further well commitments beyond 2022.
– Resolution of the Indian tax dispute, resulting in receipt of 
• Other international exploration of US$30-35m, principally 
in Mexico, with no further commitments beyond 2022 and 
any further investment contingent on farm-downs.
RESERVES 
The Group 2P reserves increased during the year by 4.5 mmboe 
from 32.9 mmboe at Year End 2020 to 37.4 mmboe at Year End 
2021 (on an Entitlement Interest basis). This was principally as a 
result of the sale of the UK North Sea assets (-27.2 mmboe on 
divestment completion) plus the acquisition of the Western Desert 
Assets in Egypt (39.0 mmboe added on EI basis on acquisition 
completion; or 94.6 mmboe on Working Interest equivalent basis), 
and after accounting for Capricorn production in the calendar year.
a tax refund of US$1.06bn.
– Almost US$1bn committed to shareholder capital returns: 
US$257m special dividend in Q1 2021 following completion of 
Senegal asset sale; following the Indian tax refund, US$500m 
tender offer to close in April 2022 and ongoing share buyback 
programme of up to US$200m. 
2021 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
– Year-end Group cash of US$314m; net cash of US$133m after 
debt drawn to fund the Egypt acquisition of US$181m. 
– Working interest Egypt oil and gas production of ~36,500 
boepd, within guidance of 33,000-38,000 boepd; net 
entitlement production of 1.5mmboe.
– Revenues from Egypt production of US$56m: average realised 
oil price of US$77.8/bbl and gas price of US$2.9/mcf (average 
production cost US$6.0/boe).
– Net cash generated from oil and gas production of US$185m.
– Net Group capital expenditure of US$66m.
– Operating loss US$131m (2020 Restated: US$130m 
operating loss) from continuing operations.
– Profit after tax of US$895m (2020: Loss of US$394m), 
including India tax refund.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
69
Operational Review continued
Capricorn’s assets in Egypt’s Western Desert offer sustained 
production and reserves growth in an attractive, lower cost 
operating environment. 
North Sea
Working interest production from 
Capricorn’s interests in the UK Catcher 
and Kraken fields was approximately 
18,300 bopd. The Company completed  
its sale of these interests to Waldorf 
Production in Q4 2021. Under contingent 
payment provisions in the sale terms, 
based on 2021 production levels and 
average oil prices, a payment of ~US$76m 
is due to be made by Waldorf to Capricorn 
in Q2 2022. 
Uncapped further contingent consideration 
will be payable in respect of calendar years 
2022 to 2025, based on average oil prices 
and production volumes (subject to 
minimum thresholds).
Egypt
Working interest production across the  
four main concession areas of Obaiyed 
(Capricorn 50% WI), Badr El Din (Capricorn 
50% WI), North-East Abu Gharadig 
(Capricorn 26% WI) and Alam El Shawish 
West (Capricorn 20% WI) averaged ~36,500 
boepd during the period from acquisition 
completion on 23 September to year end 
2021, with ~38% of the production mix 
being oil and condensate. Oil sales 
averaged US$77.8/bbl and gas sales 
averaged US$2.9/mcf.
Before acquisition completion, two drilling 
rigs operated, completing exploration 
commitment wells and principally oil,  
gas, and water injection development  
wells with a total of 15 wells drilled in 2021. 
Between completion of the acquisition and 
31 December 2021, production rates grew 
by 8%. A third drilling rig is now operating, 
with an additional two drilling rigs to be 
contracted in H1 2022 to further support 
increasing production and focusing on 
liquids-rich opportunities. A programme  
of up to 40 new production or injection 
wells is scheduled for 2022, with a number 
of field extension drilling opportunities  
also identified.
Two facilities development projects are 
progressing: the initial development of the 
Teen discovery and the enhancement of 
Obaiyed compression facilities to improve 
recovery rates. An improved baseline 
survey of greenhouse gas emissions is 
anticipated to be completed in 2022  
with decarbonisation activities underway 
including gas replacement for diesel, 
centralisation of power and electrification. 
In- field renewables application is under 
evaluation and a suite of opportunities  
for flare reduction in support of our 
commitment to the World Bank’s zero 
routine flaring by 2030 initiative have  
been identified. 
Capricorn’s working interest Egypt 
production for 2022 is anticipated to be 
37,000-43,000 boepd with production 
growth through the year meaning that 
2022 exit rates are expected to exceed  
the top end of guidance, benefiting from 
investment in increased production. With 
a focus on liquids-rich opportunities, oil 
and condensate are expected to comprise 
35-40% of the production mix.
70
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Exploration is core to Capricorn’s value strategy. Our focus is on 
advantaged resources that can be rapidly commercialised and that 
remain competitive during the energy transition. 
Egypt
Capricorn’s Western Desert exploration 
interests hold significant short-cycle 
exploration potential, with nine firm 
commitment wells and three seismic 
acquisition programmes across four 
exploration concessions planned in the 
next three years.
Since completion, the prospect portfolio 
has been matured with drilling targets 
identified. Capricorn will initiate its 
operated exploration programme in Egypt 
with two wells (Capricorn 50% WI) in our 
South Abu Sennan concession, planned 
for H2 2022. This is anticipated to be the 
start of a continuous drilling campaign 
across all three operated concessions, 
which will extend through to the end of 
2023. The non-operated NUMB W1 
exploration well (Capricorn 50% WI) was 
safely drilled in North Um Baraka in Q4 
2021 by the operator Cheiron, with the 
well being temporarily plugged.
3D seismic acquisition will begin in Q1 
2022 in the non-operated North Um 
Baraka concession (Capricorn 50% WI), 
with further 3D acquisition expected over 
the Capricorn-operated concessions from 
Q3 2022. These new, high-resolution 
seismic surveys will provide significantly 
improved imaging in prospective areas 
and will be particularly beneficial in 
imaging the deeper and under-explored 
Jurassic and Palaeozoic sections. 
Mexico
Capricorn has interests in four blocks in 
the Gulf of Mexico, two as Operator: Blocks 
9 (Capricorn 50% WI) and 15 (Capricorn 
50% WI), and two as non-Operator: Blocks 
7 (Capricorn 30% WI) and 10 (Capricorn 
15% WI). 
Two wells were drilled on Block 10 in 2021:
 – The second commitment exploration 
well Sayulita-1EXP resulted in the 
second oil find on the licence; 
 – The Saasken-2DEL appraisal well, an 
aggressive step-out on the first oil 
discovery on Block 10, Saasken, made 
in 2020.
The Joint Venture is working to incorporate 
the well results into the evaluation plan  
for the Saasken discovery and Block 10 
with the commercial potential of a cluster 
development being assessed. Drilling of 
the Yatzil prospect on Block 7, Capricorn’s 
final commitment exploration well in 
Mexico, is due to spud in H2 2022. 
UK 
In H2 2021, Capricorn farmed into and 
became operator of five Southern North 
Sea licences: P2428 and P2567 (Capricorn 
60% WI) and P2560, P2561 and P2562 
(Capricorn 70% WI) with partner Deltic 
Energy. We completed the acquisition  
of nearly 700km2 of broadband 3D 
seismic data over the P2428 licence and 
surrounding area in November 2021, 
which fulfils the work programme 
commitments for the current and next 
licence phases and will inform a drilling 
decision in the coming year. 
The Jaws exploration well on licence 
P2380 (Capricorn 50% WI) spudded  
in November 2021. The well reached  
total depth in late January 2022, after 
encountering 31m of fair to good quality 
Jurassic reservoir sandstones, but these 
were water-bearing. The well will be 
permanently plugged and abandoned. 
Preparations continue to drill on the 
Diadem prospect in the neighbouring 
P2379 licence area (Capricorn 50% WI, 
Operator), with an expected spud in Q2 
2022. A drill stem test is planned in a 
success case. 
On licence P2468 (Capricorn 50% WI, 
Operator) in the East Orkney Basin, two 
seabed cores were obtained to help inform 
a decision on the acquisition of 3D seismic 
data in this undrilled basin.
Suriname 
Capricorn operates Block 61 (100% WI), 
situated in the Guyana-Suriname basin, 
where significant discoveries continue to 
be made in 2021-2022. Acquisition of 3D 
seismic is being evaluated, which is the 
work commitment for the next exploration 
phase. Capricorn is seeking partners to 
participate in this next phase.
Israel
Capricorn has a 33.34% WI as Operator  
in eight licences offshore Israel. Evaluation 
of all reprocessed seismic data has 
been finalised with an assessment of 
prospectivity being undertaken ahead  
of a Joint Venture drill or drop decision  
on the licences in Q3 2022. 
Mauritania
Capricorn has a 90% WI as Operator in 
Block C7 offshore Mauritania effective from 
May 2021. The licence has a two-year first 
exploration period. In Q4 2021, seismic 
reprocessing data was received and is 
being interpreted over the Dauphin 
prospect, an amplitude-supported target 
updip from a discovery in the same 
stratigraphic interval. Dauphin could 
contain as much as one billion barrels of 
recoverable oil. An environmental baseline 
and drilling site survey was mobilised in Q1 
2022 with data gathered to inform a drilling 
decision ahead of the next license phase.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
71
Financial Review
India Tax Dispute Resolution
In November 2021, the Group entered  
into statutory undertakings with the 
Government of India in respect of  
new legislation enabling the refund  
of retrospective taxes collected from 
Capricorn in India by way of asset seizures 
since 2014. Under the new legislation 
Capricorn was required to withdraw its 
rights under the international arbitration 
award and cease enforcement action. 
Capricorn undertook all necessary steps 
under the legislation and the refund of 
taxes of INR 79 billion (approximately 
US$1.06 billion) was received in February 
2022. The Group has therefore recorded 
the tax refund as exceptional income in the 
results for the year ending 31 December 
2021, at the year-end exchange rate.
On settlement of the INR refund, 
Capricorn immediately converted the 
amounts received into US$, recording 
exchange losses of US$15m. This loss  
is a non-adjusting post balance sheet 
event and will be recorded in the 2022 
Income Statement.
Capricorn intends to return US$500m of 
the tax refund received to shareholders 
immediately via a tender offer and up to  
a further US$200m via an ongoing share 
buyback programme.
Business Combination: Acquisition of 
Egypt Western Desert Concessions
In September 2021, Capricorn, together 
with its consortium partner Cheiron, 
completed the acquisition of 11 
concessions in Egypt’s Western desert 
from Shell. There are eight exploration, 
development and producing concessions, 
across four areas, which are now operated 
by Cheiron, and three new exploration 
concessions operated by Capricorn.
The acquisition of the concessions  
was determined to form a business 
combination under IFRS 3. Assets and  
their related liabilities acquired are  
recorded at fair value.
Consideration
Net book value on acquisition:
Fair value of non-current assets acquired
Current assets and liabilities acquired 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Goodwill arising
Deferred tax liabilities have been  
recorded on the temporary difference 
existing between the tax base of the 
non-current assets acquired and their tax 
base values. Goodwill has been recognised 
on the excess of the purchase price over  
the combined fair value of the assets  
and the subsequent deferred tax  
liability recognised. 
The purchase price includes initial 
consideration of US$310.1m; deferred 
consideration in respect of future oil  
price upside through to 2025, with a  
fair value at acquisition of US$61.1m; 
US$1.8m being the fair value of amounts 
due of future, short-term exploration 
success which are capped at a maximum 
US$40.0m; and US$5.0m being proposed 
final adjustments currently under 
negotiation with Shell. Costs of the 
acquisition are charged directly to the 
Income Statement and included within 
administration charges. 
The current assets and liabilities 
recognised through the acquisition 
include trade receivables of US$27.8m, 
inventory balances relating to production 
activities of US$9.6m offset by net  
joint operation payables of US$29.2m. 
Development inventory balances are 
included within the fair value of non-
current assets in line with the Group’s 
accounting policy.
US$m
378.0
390.2
8.2
(45.8)
352.6
25.4
The acquisition was part funded through 
debt drawn of US$181.4m through two 
new borrowing facilities secured over  
the Egypt assets with the balance  
of US$133.7m from corporate cash  
balances held.
Discontinued Operations: Disposal  
of UK Producing assets
Capricorn completed the sale of its UK 
producing assets, Catcher and Kraken,  
in November 2021. Assets and liabilities 
relating to the operations to be sold  
were re-classified as held-for-sale with 
effect from the date of the transaction 
agreement of 8th March 2021, and results 
from operations and the ultimate loss on 
disposal presented as discontinued 
operations, with comparatives restated.  
A profit of US$25.0m was recorded on 
discontinued operations for the year.
This profit on discontinued operations 
includes profit for the year from operations 
of US$198.8m offset by the loss on disposal 
of US$173.8m. The economic effective date 
for the transaction was 1 January 2020, 
therefore the post-economic date profit 
recorded by Capricorn reduces proceeds 
due on completion and drives the ultimate 
loss on disposal.
Consideration at completion included cash 
of US$63.9m, purchaser bonds of US$30m 
(subsequently sold by the Group at par), 
and future earn-out consideration being a 
share of future revenues generated by oil 
prices in excess of US$52/bbl, subject to 
minimum production levels being met. 
72
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
 
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Net cash outflow for the year
US$m
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Opening cash as at 1 January 2021
Return of cash to shareholders and share re-purchase
Net cash inflow from operations – UK discontinued operations
Proceeds on disposal of producing assets – UK1
Loan drawdowns
Consideration for acquisition of Egypt business
Net cash outflow from operations – Egypt
Exploration expenditure (net of disposal proceeds)
Development expenditure
Oil and gas asset acquisition and disposal costs2
Pre-award costs and new venture activities3
Administration expenses, office leases and corporate assets4
Net finance costs, equity and other movements
Closing cash as at 31 December 2021
 569.6
 (265.0)
 93.9
 189.6
 181.4
 (310.1)
 (4.2)
 (38.9)
 (24.0)
 (12.2)
 (27.3)
 (22.3)
 (16.4) 
 314.1
Liquidity decrease
Liquidity Increase
1   Consideration on disposal of US$63.9m and purchaser bonds of US$30.0m, subsequently sold.
2  Costs of disposal of UK producing assets (US$1.3m), Senegal assets (US$6.0m) and acquisition costs of Egypt business (US$4.9m).
3   Cash outflows on new venture activities of US$18.6m not relating to pre-award activities are reallocated from administration costs. 
4   Office lease cash outflows were US$2.2m and corporate asset cash outflows were US$2.9m.
At the date of completion, the fair value  
of this earn-out consideration was 
US$197.4m and the post completion  
fair value decrease of US$8.1m to 
31 December 2021 is included in the 
profit from discontinued operations above. 
As the earn-out relates to the disposal of  
a business, rather than an asset disposal, 
proceeds receivable are outwith the scope 
of IFRS 15 allowing for recognition on the 
balance sheet at the year end.
The impairment charge at the date  
of transfer to held-for-sale resulted  
from changes in the tax base of the  
assets, from continued use to disposal, 
eliminating deferred tax liabilities included 
in the asset carrying amounts previously 
tested for impairment. Those deferred  
tax liabilities were previously offset by a 
deferred tax asset relating to non-asset 
specific tax losses, which also reverses.
Discontinued Operations: Contingent 
consideration on Senegal asset sale
Capricorn disposed of its interests  
in Senegal in 2020. Under the sale 
agreement, Capricorn is due further 
consideration of up to US$100m based  
on the first oil date and the prevailing oil 
price. At the year end, the risk-weighted 
fair value of this receivable was US$51.4m, 
however, being an asset sale, this is not 
held on the balance sheet given the lack  
of certainty over the additional revenue  
to be recognised.
Capricorn held cash balances of 
US$314.1m at 31 December 2021, 
representing a net cash outflow of 
US$255.5m over the year. Net cash inflows 
excluding the shareholder returns were 
US$9.5m. The acquisition of the Egypt 
business and subsequent development 
and production cash flows led to a cash 
net outflow of US$147.4m after offsetting 
debt drawn down. Cashflows from the  
UK producing assets up to the completion  
of the sale, together with the disposal 
proceeds, resulted in cash inflows of 
US$283.5m. Third-party transaction  
costs incurred in the year were US$12.2m, 
including US$6.0m in respect of the 
Senegal asset sale.
Exploration expenditure in the year of 
US$62.5m was offset by cash inflows of 
US$23.6m, resulting from working capital 
adjustments received on completion of 
the farm-down of Block 10 in Mexico.
Reconciliation of statutory cash flow to cash outflow from operations:
Operating cash flow per statutory cash flow statement 
Non-GAAP Adjustments:
Cash flows relating to discontinued operations
Pre-award and new venture costs reallocated 
Administrative costs reallocated
Acquisition costs of Egypt business reallocated
Net cash outflow from operations
US$m
179.9
(233.5)
27.3
17.2
4.9
(4.2)
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
73
Financial Review continued
Key Statistics
Production – net WI share (boepd) 
Sales volumes – net EI oil (bblpd) 
Sales volume – net EI gas (mmscf)
Average price per bbl (US$) 
Revenue from production (US$m) 
Average production costs per boe (US$) 
Continuing Operations
Exploration assets
Eastern
During the year, the Group relinquished  
its two operated licences and remaining 
non-operated licence in Côte d’Ivoire,  
with costs of US$15.6m charged to the 
Income Statement. 
In the UK, the Shell operated Jaws 
exploration well completed in January 
2022 and was unsuccessful. Costs 
incurred on the licence of US$17.4m to 
31 December, together with costs of 
US$5.0m on neighbouring licences  
now to be relinquished, have been 
charged to the Income Statement.
In Israel, costs of US$2.6m are charged  
as unsuccessful exploration costs.
Costs in Mauritania of US$28.9m remain 
capitalised as exploration activities 
continue.
Western
In Mexico, the farm-down of a 15% interest 
in Block 9 and farm-in to an equivalent 
15% interest in Block 10 completed in  
July 2021. Capricorn paid back costs and 
interim period adjustments on Block 10 
and together with drilling costs, total 
spend on this block was US$26.7m. In 
return, the group received back costs and 
interim period adjustments of US$23.6m 
from ENI for Block 9, which were credited 
against capitalised costs carried on the 
balance sheet. 
The Saasken-2DEL appraisal well on Block 
10 did not encounter hydrocarbons. Costs 
associated with the well were charged as 
unsuccessful and contingent resources 
were reduced. A possible Saasken 
discovery extension into neighbouring 
Block 9 was reclassified as prospective 
resources. Remaining capitalised costs on 
Block 9 have been impaired in full. 
Together with historic costs incurred on 
Block 15, which is to be relinquished, this 
results in a total impairment charge and 
unsuccessful cost write off of US$26.7m. 
Contingent resources booked for the 
successful Sayulita-1 oil discovery well on 
Block 10 partly offset the contingent 
resource reduction for Saasken.
Egypt
The first exploration well drilled since 
completion of the acquisition on the North 
Um Baraka concession was unsuccessful 
and costs of US$2.9m expensed.
Results for the period 
Post-acquisition gross profit from 
Egypt concessions
Production during the final quarter  
of the year following the acquisition has 
been strong, generating a gross profit 
before depletion charge for the period  
of US$43.9m, including other income of 
US$7.3m and Mongolia royalty interest  
of US$0.9m. Other income relates to the 
tax-gross up in Egypt, where under the 
concessions, each contractor’s share of 
Income Tax payable on profit is paid by 
EGPC on behalf of the contractor. To 
achieve this result, each contractor 
receives a notional increase in its 
entitlement share of production to cover 
the tax charge. This production is sold on 
behalf of the contractor by EGPC which 
then settles the Income Tax liability from 
the proceeds. Sales and production 
volumes above, along with the Group’s 2P 
reserve estimates, excluded this tax gross 
up production.
Total production costs of US$20.5m  
and depletion charges of US$31.2m are 
included in gross profit. Depletion charges 
are based on the fair value of the assets on 
acquisition, additions over the final quarter 
of the year and the costs of future capital 
expenditure consistent with the recovery 
of the current 2P reserve estimates.
74
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Year ended 
31 December 
2021 
36,459
5,360
51,599
77.8
56.2
6.0
Pre-award costs incurred in the year were 
US$15.8m and unsuccessful exploration 
cost write-offs noted previously total 
US$50.6m.
Administrative costs have increased 
year-on-year from US$41.1m in 2020 to 
US$58.2m in the current year. The increase 
includes US$3.1m of internal time-writing 
and external transaction costs associated 
with the Egypt business combination, 
increased costs with regard to the India 
Tax Refund settlement of US$4.0m  
and internal costs pursuing business 
development opportunities as Capricorn 
looks to expand its current portfolio.
Net fair value movements in the year 
result in a loss of US$1.7m (2020: profit of 
US$0.1m). The gain on the increase in the 
residual value of the Vedanta shares held 
of US$5.5m was offset by the increased 
fair value of the amounts due to Shell as 
deferred consideration in relation to the 
Egypt acquisition. 
Net finance costs in the year to 
31 December 2021 of US$64.4m include 
the release of remaining prepaid facility 
fees in connection with the Group’s 
previous RBL facility which was cancelled 
during the year, and a US$54.7m historic 
exchange losses recycled from Other 
Comprehensive Income on the liquidation 
of non-USD functional currency 
subsidiaries which previously held 
interests in UK exploration assets. 
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Equity movements
Return of cash to Shareholders
Equity movements in the year include the 
return of cash to shareholders in January 
2021 of US$257.2m following the disposal 
of the Senegal assets in 2020. 
Share Re-purchase
In November 2021, Capricorn entered  
into a non-discretionary share re-purchase 
agreement for the buy-back of shares of up 
to £20.0m. As the re-purchase is non-
discretionary, the full £20m (US$26.8m) 
was charged immediately against equity, 
with an accrual set up for the amounts 
committed. As shares are purchased, costs 
are offset against the accrual. At the year 
end, 2.7m shares had been repurchased  
at a cost of £5.0m (US$6.6m) leaving a 
remaining accrual of US$20.2m.
The agreement expired at the end of 
February 2022 with US$15.5m of the 
accrual remaining unutilised. This will  
be released against equity in 2022. 
Outlook
Capricorn enters 2022 with a strong 
balance sheet, with brought forward net 
cash of US$133m at 31 December 2021 
and US$1.06bn received from the Indian 
tax refund in February 2022 (of which up 
to US$700m is planned to be returned to 
shareholders). The Group continues to look 
for opportunities to expand its current 
portfolio through acquisition. 
This Strategic report has been  
approved by the Board and  
is signed on their behalf by
Simon Thomson
Chief Executive
8 March 2022
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
75
 
Board of Directors
Responsible Governance
Corporate Governance 
Statement
Audit Committee Report
Nomination Committee 
Report
Directors’ Remuneration 
Report
Directors’ Report
78
80
84
96
102
106
140
76 Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
77
Board of Directors
Left to right:
Peter Kallos, Erik B. Daugbjerg, Nicoletta Giadrossi, Simon Thomson, James Smith, Catherine Krajicek, Keith Lough, Alison Wood
Committee membership key
Committee Chair
A
Audit 
Committee
R Remuneration 
Committee
N Nomination and 
Governance Committee
EC Executive Committee
RM
Group Risk Management 
Committee
EV Employee Voice Forum
SC Sustainability Committee
78
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Simon Thomson
Chief Executive (57)
Committee membership
James Smith
Chief Financial Officer (45)
Committee membership
Nicoletta Giadrossi
Non-Executive Chair (55)
Committee membership
Keith Lough
Non-Executive Director (63)
Committee membership
EC  RM N SC
EC  RM SC
Term of office
Term of office
Simon was appointed to the Board 
in November 2006 as Legal and 
Commercial Director and became 
Chief Executive in July 2011.
Independent
Not applicable
Skills and experience
• LLB (Hons), Aberdeen University
• Diploma in Legal Practice, Glasgow 
University 
Simon Thomson was appointed Chief 
Executive in July 2011 having been 
Legal and Commercial Director since 
2006 and having held various posts 
across the organisation, including 
Head of Assets. Simon originally joined 
Capricorn in 1995.
James was appointed to the Board in 
May 2014 as Chief Financial Officer.
Independent
Not applicable
Skills and experience
• MA (Hons) in English, University 
of Oxford
James Smith joined Capricorn in 
March 2014 from Rothschild where 
he was a director of the Energy and 
Power Team with 15 years’ experience 
advising exploration and production 
companies, oil majors and national 
oil companies on their merger and 
acquisition transactions and equity 
and debt market financing. 
Key external appointments
Key external appointments
No external appointments
Public companies:
None
Non-public companies:
Non-Executive Director of Graham’s 
The Family Dairy Limited 
Non-Executive Director of Graham’s 
The Family Dairy Group Limited
Non-Executive Director of Edinburgh 
Art Festival
N
R SC
Term of office
Nicoletta was appointed as an 
independent Non-Executive Director 
in January 2017 and became 
Non-Executive Chair in January 2021.
Independent
Yes
Skills and experience
A
N SC
Term of office
Keith was appointed as an 
independent Non-Executive 
Director in May 2015.
Independent
Yes
Skills and experience
• MA Economics, University of 
• BA in Mathematics and Economics, 
Edinburgh
Yale University
• MSc in Finance, London Business 
• MBA, Harvard Business School
School
Keith Lough is a Fellow Chartered 
Certified Accountant (FCCA) and has 
formerly held the position of Finance 
Director of British Energy PLC and 
Chief Executive of Composite Energy 
Ltd. Keith was also a Non-Executive 
Director of the UK Gas and Electricity 
Markets Authority from 2012 to 
July 2019. 
Key external appointments
Public companies:
Non-Executive Chairman 
of Southern Water 
Non-Executive Chairman of 
Rockhopper Exploration PLC
Non-Executive Director (and senior 
independent director) of Hunting plc
Non-public companies:
None 
Nicoletta Giadrossi has held several 
global executive roles in energy and 
capital equipment. She has been: 
General Manager in GE Oil and Gas, 
Refinery & Petrochemicals Division 
until 2008; Vice President and General 
Manager, EMEA at Dresser-Rand 
(now Siemens) until 2012; Head of 
Operations in Aker Solutions Asa, and 
President (Europe, Africa, Middle East, 
Russia & India) at Technip, a role she 
held until 2016. Nicoletta is currently 
Senior Adviser, Industry and Energy, 
for Bain Capital Partners, Europe.
Key external appointments
Public companies: 
Non-Executive Director of Brembo S.p.A
Non-Executive Director of Koninklijke 
Vopak N.V.
Non-Executive Director of Falck 
Renewables
Non-public companies:
Non-Executive Director of TecHouse AS
Non-Executive Chair of Ferrovie dello 
Stato Italiane SpA
Peter Kallos
Non-Executive Director (62)
Committee membership
Alison Wood
Non-Executive Director (58)
Committee membership
Catherine Krajicek
Non-Executive Director (60)
Committee membership
Erik B. Daugbjerg
Non-Executive Director (52)
Committee membership
R  N EV SC
R  A SC
A SC
R SC
Term of office
Term of office
Term of office
Term of office
Peter was appointed as an 
independent Non-Executive 
Director in September 2015.
Alison was appointed as an 
independent Non-Executive 
Director in July 2019.
Catherine was appointed as an 
independent Non-Executive 
Director in July 2019.
Independent
Yes
Independent
Yes
Independent
Yes
Skills and experience
Skills and experience
Skills and experience
• BSc (Hons) Applied Physics, 
Strathclyde University
• BA in Engineering, Economics and 
Management, Oxford University
• MEng Petroleum Engineering, 
• MBA, Harvard Business School
Heriot-Watt University
Peter Kallos has held a number 
of posts at Enterprise Oil including 
Head of Business Development, 
CEO Enterprise Italy and General 
Manager of the UK business before 
his appointment in 2002 as Executive 
Vice President International and 
Offshore at Petro-Canada. In 2010, 
Peter became Chief Executive of 
Buried Hill Energy.
Key external appointments
Public companies:
Executive Chairman of Buried Hill 
Energy
Non-public companies:
None
Alison Wood’s previous executive roles 
include Group Strategic Development 
Director at BAE systems and Global 
Director of Strategy and Corporate 
Development at National Grid. She 
has also previously held a number 
of non-executive positions and board 
committee memberships, including at 
BTG plc, THUS plc, e2V plc and Cobham 
plc. Alison is currently a Non-Executive 
Director and Remuneration Committee 
Chair of TT Electronics plc and The British 
Standards Institution. 
• BSc and MSc in Petroleum 
Engineering, Colorado School 
of Mines 
Catherine Krajicek started her career 
with Conoco as an associate engineer 
and remained with the company for a 
total of 22 years, progressing through 
a variety of oil and gas technical and 
subsequently asset management 
roles in both the US and Indonesia. 
In 2007, Catherine left ConocoPhillips 
and joined Marathon Oil where she 
went on to hold a number of senior 
executive (Vice President) roles before 
retiring from Marathon in 2018.
Key external appointments
Key external appointments
Public companies:
Public companies:
None
Non-Executive Director of TT 
Electronics plc
Non-Executive Director of Oxford 
Instruments plc
Non-public companies:
Non-Executive Director of The British 
Standards Institution
Non-public companies:
None
Erik was appointed as an independent 
Non-Executive Director in May 2020.
Independent
Yes
Skills and experience
• BA in Business Administration, 
Southern Methodist University, 
Dallas 
Erik B. Daugbjerg has over 20 years’ 
experience in both midstream and 
upstream oil and gas sectors in the US 
including founding roles at two oil and 
gas operators based in the Permian 
Basin. In 2006, Erik co-founded Pecos 
Operating Company, and in 2010, 
co-founded RSP Permian, Inc. Erik has 
extensive public markets experience, 
including delivery of acquisitions and 
disposals, and he played an integral 
role in the disposal of RSP Permian to 
Concho Resources, Inc in July 2018 for 
US $9.5 billion. 
Key external appointments
Public companies:
Director of Kimbell Royalty Partners
Non-public companies:
Co-Founder of Pecos Operating 
Company, LLC
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
79
Responsible Governance
Ressppoonsibblee  
GGovveernnannce
Delivering on our strategy, achieving our objectives and creating long-term value for our shareholders 
require robust, transparent corporate governance. We protect our business against existing and  
emerging risks through comprehensive policies and management systems, underpinned by our  
core values, Business Principles, Standard Operating Procedures and Corporate Responsibility 
Management System (CRMS).
BUSINESS PRINCIPLES
 – We manage risk and seek to continually improve.
 – We behave honestly, fairly, with integrity and in a sustainable manner.
This year, the following governance issues were identified as having high materiality: 
5
10
11
Climate Change Policy and Planning (including Global Energy Transition)
Funding
Government ABC Practices
15   Management of Material Issues
18
Reserves Valuations and Capital Expenditure
(cid:2)  See our Materiality Matrix on page 25
2021 PERFORMANCE AGAINST SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES
 – Strengthened our Climate and Energy Transition roadmap, 
committing to net zero by 2040 or earlier.
 – Improved communication about climate change for the 
 – Used a range of International Energy Agency (IEA) scenarios  
to analyse the robustness of our Group reserves under the 
ongoing energy transition. 
investment community and wider stakeholders.
 – Reviewed and revised our Code of Ethics to reflect our  
 – Revised our processes for ESG risk management and target 
Company strategy. 
setting with internal and external stakeholders.
 – Refreshed our Company risk profile and risk acceptance 
 – Recorded, tracked and reported our Scope 1 and 2 equity 
emissions, and demonstrated ‘activity normalised’ reductions  
in operated projects.
statement.
 – Completed an internal audit to examine and improve 
sustainability reporting.
 – Adopted carbon pricing as part of our revised portfolio 
resilience modelling against a variety of scenarios.
 – Assessed bribery and corruption risk within our existing assets 
and performed due diligence on several other opportunities.
 – Approved the migration of our current management systems 
 – Reviewed our CRMS against the revised Group strategy, and 
to a single Operating Management System. 
performed a CRMS audit in selected projects.
(cid:2)    See our Sustainability Report for more information about our SDG performance 
80
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
 
 
 
 
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Working Responsibly
At Capricorn, working responsibly means striving to deliver value 
for all our stakeholders in a safe, secure, and environmentally and 
socially responsible manner. Our sustainability strategy spans 
efforts to: 
 – protect the environment and transition to more sustainable 
energy sources;
 – support society by creating value for our stakeholders; and 
 – use social governance structures to ensure we conduct our 
business ethically and with integrity.
We have the right values, principles and policies in place to deliver 
this, and we make sure our people understand and uphold them. 
Our comprehensive systems and standards reinforce our culture, 
while externally, we support agreements and frameworks that 
promote responsible working practices and the resilience of  
our business. 
Code of Ethics
Our Code of Ethics describes how we do business and outlines 
our core values, High Performing Behaviours and Business 
Principles. It sets out our position on environmental and social 
themes, and provides guidance on issues including conflicts  
of interest, bribery and corruption, political contributions, tax 
principles and anti-competitive behaviour. Our Code of Ethics 
applies to everyone who carries out work for or on behalf of, or 
provides services to, Capricorn. 
We most recently reviewed the Code in November 2021 to 
ensure it meets future business needs. Amendments included 
updated Business Principles wording, explicit references to energy 
transition, more transparent linkages with the United Nations 
Sustainability and Development Goals (UNSDGs), improved  
social investment criteria and an extended commitment not to 
operate in International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)  
Ia and Ib category locations to protect biodiversity.
Employees are encouraged to report any non-compliance  
with the Code, or other concerns surrounding ethical issues,  
by speaking directly to their line manager, using a confidential 
phone line or contacting the whistleblowing charity Protect. 
Where appropriate, independent investigations are conducted.
Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC) Practices
Maintaining transparent relationships, free from bribery, fraud 
and corruption, with governments, authorities, contractors and 
suppliers is a high priority for us. Our zero-tolerance position 
helps us to maintain our strong culture of ethics and compliance, 
and protects the Group’s reputation.
All entries into new jurisdictions require an ABC risk assessment 
to highlight exposure to potential risks and ensure the necessary 
level of due diligence. New venture and business development 
activity spans a range of locations with varying risk profiles, so it  
is critical to identify the level of risk in locations where corruption 
could impact our operations and our reputation. 
Through the Capricorn Academy, we provide annual staff training 
on bribery and corruption. Bespoke sessions to staff in higher  
risk roles were delivered during the year, including a workshop in 
Mexico in October 2021. The Management Team and the Board 
continue to receive ABC training.
Transparency and Reporting
As a listed public company, we report annually in line with UK 
regulations. In 2021, we responded to all queries associated with 
our Annual Report and Accounts, and to information requests 
from stakeholders including investor analysts and shareholder 
representatives. At the Company’s AGM in May 2021, the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report, while approved, received fewer than 80% of 
votes in favour. We undertook a stakeholder engagement exercise 
following the vote. See the Directors’ Remuneration Report on 
pages 106 to 139 for more information.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
81
Responsible Governance continued
CASE STUDY
TRANSITIONING TO EGYPT
The transitioning of our Egypt assets into the Capricorn business was a complex  
and large-scale process. 
It involved a number of important elements such as joint 
venture (JV) partner governance, data transfer, IT system 
change-out projects, commercial agreement reviews, 
production and exploration asset management preparation, 
human resource planning and governmental consents.
As Capricorn did not have a presence in Egypt, a New Country 
Entry (NCE) Project was also commissioned as part of the 
overarching transition programme. We registered our local 
entity with the authorities, hiring an in-country team and 
establishing an office.
We worked closely with our partner Cheiron (the operator of 
the production assets) to ensure that the success factors were 
in place on the change-of-control day and the consortium 
started strongly.
Capricorn successfully took over the operatorship of a  
number of the exploration concessions and quickly picked  
up the planning for operations in early 2022. We ensured  
we had the right people in Cairo to manage our business, 
providing a strong foundation from which to support our 
participation in all of the assets included in the transaction.
Although many integration workstreams will run well 
into 2022, the operational aspects of the production and 
exploration assets have been handed over to the respective 
teams, and the Cairo-based team are effectively managing 
our Egypt business under the leadership of our in-country 
Managing Director.
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Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Creating and Distributing Value
In 2021, we began moving our portfolio towards production and 
made strategic, timely and financially prudent sales of several  
of our assets. Taken together, these steps have enabled us to 
continue creating value for our global shareholders. This included 
the divestment of assets in Senegal, as well as Catcher and Kraken 
in the UK North Sea.
The sale of assets allows us to distribute value to our shareholders 
and makes funds available for strategic investments. Funds from 
the sale of our Senegal operations were reinvested into production 
assets in Egypt. These are onshore operations with lower production 
costs, production and development growth opportunities, 
attractive exploration potential and longer-life reserves. The Egypt 
assets also offer the potential to reduce our GHG emissions.
In December 2020, the international arbitration tribunal 
considering Capricorn’s claim against the Government of India 
over a tax dispute found in our favour. In August 2021, the Indian 
Government introduced the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill 
2021, which proposed amendments to the retrospective taxation 
measures introduced by the Finance Act 2012. This resolution 
returned ~US$1.06 billion to Capricorn, of which up to US$700 
million will be returned to shareholders. The remainder will be  
used to further expand our portfolio of low-cost, sustainable 
production assets.
Our Sustainability Report and accompanying Data Appendix (both 
of which are published on our website: www.capricornenergy.com/
working-responsibly) provide investors, analysts and other 
interested parties with comprehensive information about our 
performance. We apply global standards to ensure our reporting is 
of the highest quality and aligns with our shareholders’ preferences, 
as well as a number of established frameworks and standards. 
Relevant information and regular announcements are also provided 
via the investors section of our website (www.capricornenergy.com/
investors) and through investor meetings, all of which were held 
remotely during 2021. 
Climate change and energy transition are considered principal 
risks to our business. We continue to consider the specific 
challenges, risks and opportunities they represent to improve  
our understanding and response. We have revised and improved 
our Climate and Energy Transition roadmap and set a clear target 
for achieving our net zero commitment by 2040. This year, we have 
reported on an operated basis in general and, for the first time, on 
an equity basis for greenhouse gases (GHGs).
Payments to Governments 
We are committed to financial transparency and compliance in  
the jurisdictions where we work, many of which are complex and 
uncertain from a legislative perspective. As in previous years, our 
2021 disclosures included the payments to governments detailed 
in our Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) reporting. 
We also report additional payments, including VAT, payroll taxes 
and social security costs.
Public Policy and Lobbying
While we do not engage in party politics or make donations to 
political parties, candidates or lobbyists, each of our assets are 
responsible for engaging with host governments as part of their 
local Stakeholder Engagement Plan. Our wider involvement in 
public policy development is conducted through industry bodies 
such as the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP) 
and regional groups including Offshore Energies UK, BRINDEX and 
the Association of Mexican Hydrocarbon Businesses (AMEXHI)1.
Economics and Funding
Expanding and diversifying our production base is a strategic 
imperative. It helps us to add value, fund our exploration and 
development activity, and generate returns for shareholders.  
In a challenging business environment impacted by falling oil 
prices and COVID-19, we actively manage our portfolio of assets 
and work with our JV partners to allocate capital and financial 
resources efficiently.
1  Asociación Mexicana de Empresas de Hidrocarburos.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
83
Corporate Governance Statement
Nicoletta Giadrossi
Chair
“ Good governance, combined  
with our responsible culture,  
helps to ensure that the Company 
continually works in line with  
its purpose to the benefit of  
its many stakeholders.”
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Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Dear Shareholder 
The Capricorn Board believes that strong corporate governance 
practices are fundamental to the successful delivery of our strategic 
purpose as a responsible and sustainable upstream energy 
company. Good governance, combined with our responsible 
culture, helps to ensure that the Company continually works in  
line with its purpose to the benefit of its many stakeholders and 
each of our Directors is committed to their role in promoting  
these at Capricorn. Working responsibly is at the core of what  
we do, and we strive to deliver value for stakeholders in a safe, 
secure, and environmentally and socially responsible manner.
As we move through the energy transition, the importance of our 
culture becomes ever stronger. The Board works with integrity at 
all times, in an open and honest environment, setting the tone for 
the culture throughout the organisation. Key to our success is our 
people and we are proud of the behaviours that they demonstrate 
in undertaking their work (see pages 60-63). 
During 2021, we continued to consider ESG-related matters as  
a priority and, with effect from March 2022, have set up a Board 
Sustainability Committee to support that work. More information 
on this committee can be found on page 91. The Board focuses  
on ensuring that the Company has the necessary resources in 
place to meet its strategic objectives and this year Capricorn 
developed its energy transition team to assist with this. 
Information on our strategy and key performance indicators can 
be found on pages 12 and 37. The Board continues to review and 
develop its framework of prudent and effective controls, enabling 
opportunities and risks to the implementation of the strategy to be 
determined and addressed. These processes are further described 
in the risk management section (which includes the Company’s 
viability statement on pages 46 to 55) and the internal control 
statement on pages 93 to 95.
The Board understands that it should ensure effective engagement 
and participation with stakeholders. Our approach to stakeholder 
engagement during the year is set out on pages 26 to 29, which 
also includes a statement from our Directors in accordance with 
section 172 of the Companies Act 2006. Some of the key issues 
that were engaged on during the year are noted there.
Succession planning continues to be a strong area of focus for the 
Board, and throughout the year, both the Board and Nomination 
Committee considered the required skills and competencies  
at our Board, executive and senior management levels. Further 
information on our succession planning work can be found in  
the Nomination Committee Report on page 103.
Compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code
As a company incorporated in the United Kingdom with a Premium 
Listing on the London Stock Exchange, Capricorn is required to 
report against the UK Corporate Governance Code (as published  
by the Financial Reporting Council and available on its website at 
www.frc.org.uk) (the ‘Code’). This statement reports compliance  
with the version of the Code published in July 2018. Capricorn is 
fully committed to achieving compliance with the principles and 
provisions set out in the Code and the Board is responsible for 
ensuring that an appropriate framework is in place to do so. 
The information in this statement (together with the Strategic 
Report, Audit Committee Report, Nomination Committee Report, 
Directors’ Remuneration Report, and Directors’ Report) describes 
the manner in which the Company has applied the main principles 
of governance set out in the Code and complied with the individual 
Code provisions. It is the Board’s view that the Company has 
complied with the 2018 version of the Code throughout 2021. 
The Board recognises that reporting in some areas will continue  
to evolve in future years and will continue to monitor, review and 
develop its governance arrangements to ensure these are effective. 
During 2021, given the challenges that were being felt as a result  
of the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, a key focus of the 
Company remained on employee engagement. The Company’s 
formal workforce advisory panel, established in early 2019 in line 
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
with the Code, which we refer to as the Employee Voice Forum 
(EVF), continued with a new Chair, Peter Kallos, following my moving 
to Chair of the Company. The EVF, comprising seven employees 
who provide a broad representative mix of regions and functions 
across the business, provided a good opportunity for employees to 
discuss, with a Non-Executive Director, issues of importance to staff 
during the year. These matters were then discussed at Board level, 
enhancing the Board’s understanding of the Company’s culture. 
The COVID-19 pandemic once again placed emphasis on the 
importance of the EVF (alongside our other employee engagement 
mechanisms) during 2021 given that most of our employees 
continued to work from home for the majority of the year, having 
done so since March 2020. The EVF met twice during the year with 
the first of these meetings taking place in May 2021, and a further 
meeting in December 2021. The employee members also hold a 
pre-meeting (without the Chair present) in advance of scheduled 
EVF meetings in order to identify agenda items and topics for 
discussion. Due to the Government guidance and restrictions in 
place for much of 2021, these meetings were mainly held remotely 
by video conferencing and all forum members, or their designated 
alternates, were present. Employee members are also provided with 
summarised outputs from the Company’s employee engagement 
surveys to assist in stimulating discussion and to help identify any 
other matters for prioritisation and discussion at EVF meetings.  
In 2021, the EVF proved to be a helpful forum for the Board to 
understand employee views in relation to the trial hybrid working 
practice put in place in the second half of the year following the  
long period of staff working from home. Following each meeting, 
the Chair reports to the Board on the matters discussed by the EVF, 
thereby allowing for broader Board discussion of any topics or issues 
identified by the workforce and appropriate consideration of these 
in the context of the Board’s decision making.
The Board
Capricorn’s business is international in scope and carries political, 
commercial and technical risks. Accordingly, particular attention  
is paid to the composition and balance of the Board to ensure that 
it has wide experience of the industry and regulatory environment 
in which Capricorn operates, and appropriate financial, operational 
and risk management skills. In each Board appointment, whether 
executive or non-executive, objectivity and integrity, as well  
as skills, experience, ability and diversity, are prerequisites for 
appointment and assist the Board in its key functions. This also 
applies to senior management appointments below Board level 
and to our succession planning.
The Company supports ongoing refreshment of the Non-Executive 
Directors as it brings new and diverse thinking to the Company as 
well as ensuring there is a healthy level of independent challenge to 
management. The Board’s collective skills and experience equip it 
to direct the Company’s strategy and meet its business needs as 
they evolve. The Board is mindful, however, that an appropriate 
balance between Directors who can bring a new perspective and 
those who provide continuity is essential for the business. 
Board Changes
Following Erik B. Daugbjerg’s appointment with effect from  
14 May 2020 and my taking the role of Non-Executive Chair of the 
Company from 1 January 2021, the Board continues to consider the 
composition of its members and what skills or other attributes may 
require to be added to enhance the effectiveness of the Board. 
As further detailed in the Nomination Committee Report, set out on 
pages 102 to 104, during its review of Board composition in 2021, 
the Nomination Committee, alongside the Board, determined  
that the Board would benefit from deepening the diversity of its 
membership. On 22 February 2022, the Company announced the 
appointment of Luis Araujo as a Non-Executive Director with effect 
from 11 May 2022. With many years’ experience working in Brazil 
and other countries, Luis will bring excellent emerging market 
insights to the Board in addition to his other areas of expertise, 
including in relation to energy transition issues.
The Chair succession and handover process that took place at the 
end of 2020 enabled an effective and seamless transition of the 
leadership of the Board. Further information on Board succession 
planning is included in the Nomination Committee Report on 
page 103. 
In line with Code recommendations, from 1 January 2021, 
I stepped down as Chair of the Remuneration Committee  
and retired as a member of the Audit Committee. Alison Wood 
was appointed Chair of the Remuneration Committee and  
has extensive experience in this area, having served on the 
Remuneration Committees of a number of other listed companies. 
In addition, Erik B. Daugbjerg was appointed a member of the 
Remuneration Committee and Catherine Krajicek was appointed 
a member of the Audit Committee. Further details composition  
of the various Board committees are detailed on pages 90-92.
The Board currently comprises two Executive Directors and six 
Non-Executive Directors, including the Chair. The Directors of the 
Company as at the date of this statement are set out in the table 
below and further biographical information about our Directors is 
also included in the Board of Directors section on page 79.
Name 
Role
Date of 
appointment  
(in current role)
Date of last 
re-election
Simon Thomson Chief Executive July 2011
11 May 2021
James Smith
Nicoletta Giadrossi
Keith Lough
Peter Kallos
Alison Wood
Catherine Krajicek
Erik B. Daugbjerg
Chief Financial 
Officer
Non-Executive 
Chair
Non-Executive 
Director
May 2014
11 May 2021
January 2021 11 May 2021
May 2015
11 May 2021
Non-Executive 
Director
September 
2015
11 May 2021
Non-Executive 
Director
Non-Executive 
Director
Non-Executive 
Director
July 2019
11 May 2021
July 2019
11 May 2021
May 2020
11 May 2021
Diversity is a key element of the Capricorn Board, with emphasis 
placed not only on gender but also on culture, nationality, experience 
and cognitive diversity. Following the appointment of Alison Wood 
and Catherine Krajicek as Non-Executive Directors, the number of 
women on the Board increased from one to three with effect from 
1 July 2019 and the position of Chair is also now occupied by a 
woman. The Board continues to demonstrate diversity in a wider 
sense, with Directors from Europe and the USA as well as the UK, 
bringing a range of domestic and international experience to the 
Board. This diversity will be deepened from May 2022 upon the 
appointment of Luis Araujo, who has South American heritage  
and citizenship in Brazil, Portugal and the U.K.
The Board’s diverse range of experience and expertise covers  
not only a wealth of knowledge and practice of operating in  
the oil and gas industry but also extensive technical, operational, 
financial, governance, legal and commercial expertise. Further 
information on diversity within Capricorn is included in the 
Nomination Committee Report on pages 102 to 104 and  
in the Strategic Report section of this Annual Report.
Board Competencies
Executive experience – 8
Oil and gas – 7
Financial – 4
Legal – 2
Environment/sustainability – 3
Energy – 5
Government relations – 3
International – 5
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
85
Corporate Governance Statement continued
Division of Responsibilities Between Chair  
and Chief Executive
The Company has a clear division of responsibilities between  
the positions of Chair and the Chief Executive, which is set out  
in writing and agreed by the Board. 
Chair: key responsibilities
Chief Executive: key responsibilities
 – Managing the business and 
proposing and developing 
the Company’s strategy  
and overall objectives in 
consultation with the Board.
 – Driving the successful and 
efficient achievement of the 
Company’s key performance 
indicators (KPIs) and 
strategic objectives.
 – Leading the Executive Team 
in ensuring the effective 
implementation of decisions 
of the Board and its 
committees.
 – Providing strong and 
coherent leadership of the 
Company and effectively 
communicating the 
Company’s culture, values 
and behaviours internally 
and externally.
 – Engagement with 
shareholders and  
other stakeholders.
 – Leading the Board in  
an ethical manner and 
promoting effective Board 
relationships.
 – Ensuring that the Board 
plays a full and constructive 
part in the determination 
and development of the 
Company’s strategy.
 – Building a well-balanced 
Board, considering Board 
composition and Board 
succession.
 – Ensuring the effectiveness  
of the Board and individual 
Directors.
 – Overseeing the annual 
Board evaluation and  
acting on its results.
 – Ensuring appropriate 
induction and development 
programmes for Directors.
 – Setting the Board agenda, 
chairing Board meetings 
and overseeing 
implementation of  
the Board’s decisions.
 – Engagement with 
shareholders and  
other stakeholders  
when appropriate.
Senior Independent Director 
Peter Kallos continues to be the Company’s Senior Independent 
Non-Executive Director. The main responsibilities of this role are  
as follows:
 – to provide a sounding board for the Chair and to serve as an 
intermediary with other Directors when necessary;
 – to be available to shareholders and other stakeholders if they 
have any concerns which contact through the normal channels 
of Chair, Chief Executive or Chief Financial Officer has failed to 
resolve or for which such contact is inappropriate; 
 – to meet with the other Non-Executive Directors without the 
Chair present, at least annually, in order to appraise the Chair’s 
performance; and
 – to act as Chair of the Employee Voice Forum.
Performance Evaluation
The Board continually strives to improve its effectiveness and 
recognises that the performance evaluation process represents  
an annual opportunity to enhance overall Board effectiveness.  
In line with the Code recommendation to conduct an externally 
facilitated Board evaluation at least every three years, the Board 
appointed Gould Consulting to facilitate its performance 
evaluation for 2021 (previous externally facilitated evaluations  
took place in 2018, 2015 and 2012, with evaluations conducted 
internally in the intervening years).
86
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
The main action points arising from the 2020 internal performance 
evaluation and progress made against these are set out in the table 
below.
Key action points/Implementation (disclosed in 
last year’s Corporate Governance Statement) 
Implementation
ESG reporting to the Board –  
The Board considered how best  
to optimise discussion on ESG 
matters and it was agreed that  
the Board should receive updates  
on a more formal basis in respect  
of such matters.
Board meetings – the management 
presentation – The Board considered 
that the format, content and structure 
of the management presentation had 
been developed during the year and 
timely distribution ahead of meetings 
allowed the Board members sufficient 
time to understand the detail of the 
ongoing operations of the organisation. 
The Board considered that there was 
an opportunity to streamline the 
presentation itself to allow greater 
time for discussion around key areas.
Communications between Board 
meetings – In addition to event 
driven updates provided by the 
Executive Directors between 
scheduled Board meetings, the  
Board considered how to further 
optimise communications amongst 
its members and there was to be  
a focus on regular updates from 
Executive Directors.
Risk discussion – The Board will 
continue to discuss risk at each 
meeting and will increase the  
time given to the risk discussion  
in a structured, extensive and 
formalised manner.
Throughout 2021, ESG  
has been a standing 
agenda item at each 
Board meeting and our 
Energy Transition Director 
has attended Board 
meetings since her 
appointment during the 
year to provide updates on 
ESG-related matters. With 
effect from 3 March 2022, 
a new Board committee, 
known as the Sustainability 
Committee, has been 
formed (more information 
can be found on pages 91 
and 92).
Streamlining of  
the management 
presentation took place 
during 2021 and further 
work will continue in this 
area in 2022.
The CEO and CFO 
regularly updated the 
non-executive members 
of the Board between 
scheduled Board 
meetings, either by  
call or email update.
Risk is included in 
every management 
presentation to the  
Board for discussion  
and is reported on and 
discussed at each Board 
meeting, and a deep-dive 
risk review is undertaken 
annually.
As noted, in 2021, in line with the Code, an external Board 
performance evaluation was carried out, facilitated by Gould 
Consulting. This was the first performance evaluation undertaken 
by Gould Consulting, who had no other connection to the Board  
or to the Company. To facilitate their evaluation, Gould Consulting 
reviewed multiple sets of Board and committee Papers, including 
management presentations, had each Board member complete  
a pre-interview questionnaire, conducted one-to-one interviews 
with each Board member and the Company Secretary and 
facilitated a group discussion amongst several members of  
senior management including the Chief Operating Officer, the 
Exploration Director and other senior managers who have regular 
contact with the Board. Gould Consulting also attended the 
December 2021 Board and committee meetings as observers. 
During the year, the Senior Independent Non-Executive Director 
met with the Non-Executive Directors (excluding Nicoletta 
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Giadrossi), to discuss and appraise the performance of the Chair.
The outcome and findings from the 2021 externally facilitated 
performance evaluation were discussed at the January 2022 
Board call and subsequent March 2022 Board meeting. The main 
action points arising from the 2021 performance evaluation 
include the following:
Key action points
Implementation
Increase Chair-led 
engagement with 
Non-Executive  
Directors individually 
between meetings
The Chair will conduct informal dialogue 
with each Non-Executive Director 
between meetings to aid discussion  
at meetings and to discuss key agenda 
items in advance. In addition, the Senior 
Independent Director and Chair will 
increase the frequency of their out-of-
round discussions.
Ensure smooth  
transition between  
the first and second  
days of Board meetings
The Non-Executive Directors will have 
time, without executives or management 
present, at the end of day one and at the 
start of day two to discuss matters raised 
and those to be discussed further.
Restructure of 
management 
presentations
Refresh the Board 
strategy day
Board Committee
Papers for wider
distribution
Whilst continuing the advanced 
distribution of the management 
presentation to Board members, the 
management presentation itself will  
be further focused on the key issues  
for consideration by the Board.
Discussions to be held in advance of  
the strategy-focused Board meeting to 
determine the key issues to be discussed 
with input from an appropriate and 
diverse range of speakers.
In addition to the previous process of 
providing reports to the Board from each 
committee chair and the distribution  
of committee minutes to all Board 
members, all Board Committee Papers  
are now sent to all members of the Board.
As explained above, some improvements have been identified and 
have already been implemented or will be addressed during 2022.
Following the Board performance evaluation process conducted 
in 2021, the Board and Board committees are satisfied that they 
are operating effectively and that each Director has performed well 
in respect of that Director’s role on the Board and its committees. 
The Board believes that all of the Directors’ performance continues 
to be effective and that they each demonstrate commitment  
to their role. The Nomination Committee has also reviewed the 
outcomes of the 2021 evaluation to consider how these influence 
or otherwise impact on Board composition.
The Executive Directors have their performance reviewed by the 
Remuneration Committee against the Group KPIs which are set 
annually (further details of the KPIs can be found on pages 34 to 
37). The 2021 bonuses payable to the Executive Directors under 
the Company’s discretionary cash bonus scheme (described 
further in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 106 to 
139) are linked directly to the Group’s performance against these 
KPIs. As the KPIs set out our strategic objectives, this ensures that 
executive performance is directly linked to Group strategy.
Independence of Non-Executive Directors
The Board considers the independence of each of the Non-
Executive Directors on an ongoing basis, taking into account their 
integrity, their objectivity and their contribution to the Board and its 
committees. The Board is of the view that the following behaviours 
are essential for a Director to be considered independent:
 – provides an objective, robust and consistent challenge to  
the assumptions, beliefs and views of senior management  
and the other Directors;
 – questions intelligently, debates constructively and challenges 
rigorously and dispassionately;
 – acts at all times in the best interests of the Company and its 
shareholders and other stakeholders;
 – has a detailed and extensive knowledge of the Company’s 
business and of the market as a whole which provides a solid 
background against which they can consider the Company’s 
strategy objectively and help the Executive Directors develop 
proposals on strategy; and
 – has no close ties or material relationships with the Company, 
either directly or indirectly.
Having reviewed the independence of each of the Non-Executive 
Directors against these criteria, the Board concluded that all 
Non-Executive Directors demonstrated each of the required 
competencies to a high level and are, therefore, each considered 
independent by the Board. 
Time Commitment of Non-Executive Directors
The Board recognises its responsibility under the Code to take  
into account other demands on each Director’s time, with a view  
to ensuring that its Directors (particularly those Non-Executive 
Directors who sit on other public company boards) have sufficient 
time to devote to their role on the Capricorn Board. Prior to 
appointment, each individual’s other significant commitments  
are disclosed and there is also a policy in place to ensure that 
additional external appointments are not undertaken without  
prior consultation. The other directorships held by each Non-
Executive Director (where applicable) are disclosed in the Board  
of Directors section on pages 78 and 79. 
None of our Non-Executive Directors currently sits on more than 
four public company boards (including Capricorn) and those who 
do sit on other public company boards have taken appropriate 
steps to ensure that they have sufficient time to devote to their role 
on the Capricorn Board. By way of example, I have actively reduced 
the number of directorships I hold in order to ensure that I have 
sufficient time to devote to my role as Chair of the Company.
Re-election of Directors
In accordance with the Code, all of the Company’s Directors are 
subject to annual re-election by shareholders. As such, each of the 
current Directors will seek re-election at the AGM to be held on 
11 May 2022. 
Induction and Development
New Directors receive a full and appropriate induction on joining 
the Board. This involves a tailored programme of meetings with 
other Board members, senior management and the Company 
Secretary. 
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
87
 
Corporate Governance Statement continued
In addition, new Directors receive a comprehensive induction pack 
which contains a wide range of materials including:
During 2021, the subjects covered by these seminars included: 
Board 
Board Papers and minutes of previous 
meetings; schedule of matters reserved to the 
Board; list of Board and committee members 
and dates of appointment; and schedule of 
dates for Board and committee meetings.
Committees
Terms of reference for all Board committees. 
Risk
Key policies
Organisation
Governance
Legal/ 
regulatory
Terms of reference for Risk Management 
Committee and minutes of last meeting; 
current Group Risk Matrix and Risk Appetite 
Statement; FRC Guidance on Risk 
Management, Internal Control and Related 
Financial and Business Reporting.
Capricorn Operating Standards & Processes, 
Group Corporate Responsibility Management 
System; Group Code of Ethics; Group Corporate 
Major Accident Prevention Policy; Dealing 
Code; Insider Lists Process; Procedures, 
Systems and Controls for Compliance with  
the Market Abuse Regulation, the Listing  
Rules and the Disclosure Guidance and 
Transparency Rules.
Organisational Structure, Group Structure 
Chart; latest Annual Report and Accounts.
UK Corporate Governance Code; supporting 
FRC Guidance; FRC Feedback Statement on 
UK Board Succession Planning; ICSA and 
Investment Association Guidance on the 
Stakeholder Voice in Board Decision Making.
Memorandum on continuing obligations  
of directors of premium listed companies;  
ICSA Guidance on Directors’ General Duties; 
ICSA Guidance on Liability of Non-Executive 
Directors; GC 100 Guidance on Directors 
Duties: Section 172 and Stakeholder 
Considerations; GC 100 and Investor Group 
Guidance on Directors’ Remuneration 
Reporting.
Insurance
Full details of Directors’ and Officers’  
liability cover.
The Company ensures that new Directors also receive additional 
induction support and training when assuming any additional 
responsibilities such as membership of Board committees.  
Where appropriate, the Company arranges for new Non-Executive 
Directors to receive additional briefings on key matters regularly 
discussed by the Board.
The Company provides, on an ongoing basis, the necessary 
resources for developing and updating its existing Directors’ 
knowledge and capabilities. In particular, the Company  
is committed to the provision of continuing professional 
development training for its Directors. In 2021, the Company 
continued with its practice of providing a Directors’ education 
programme consisting of a number of seminars for Board 
members, which are presented by the Company’s external 
advisers/guest speakers/members of senior management,  
on subjects appropriate to the Company’s business, including 
changes to legislation, regulation and market practice. 
Q1 A presentation from Goldman Sachs on the market 
environment 
Q2 A pre-strategy session (on the same day as the Board’s  
annual strategy session) including a presentation delivered  
by Wood Mackenzie on ‘Upstream and Exploration outlook’
Q3 The Company Secretary led a presentation and discussion  
on updates in the governance environment
Q4 A presentation from the Company’s Energy Transition 
Director: COP26 – what it means for the oil and gas industry 
and the impact on Capricorn’s energy transition strategy
These seminars are incorporated into the schedule for the relevant 
Board meeting and are attended by all Directors present at such 
meetings as well as the Chief Operating Officer and Director of 
Exploration (the Company keeps a record of attendance). Any 
Director may request that a particular subject be covered in  
a seminar. 
Information and Support
The Board has full and timely access to all relevant information  
to enable it to discharge its duties. Under the direction of the  
Chair, the Company Secretary is responsible for ensuring good 
information flows within the Board and its committees and 
between executive management and Non-Executive Directors,  
as well as facilitating induction and assisting with professional 
development as required. The Company Secretary ensures the 
presentation of high quality information to the Board and its 
committees and that all Papers and information are delivered  
in a timely fashion. Board and committee Papers are delivered 
securely through an electronic platform. 
The Company Secretary is responsible for advising the Board, 
through the Chair, on all corporate governance matters, and  
each Director has access to the advice and services of the 
Company Secretary. 
There is also a procedure agreed by the Board for Directors, in 
furtherance of their duties, to take independent professional 
advice if necessary, at the Company’s expense. 
Conflicts of Interest
The Board has in place a procedure for the consideration and 
authorisation of conflicts or possible conflicts with the Company’s 
interests. All Directors are aware of the requirement to submit 
details to the Company of any current situations (appointments  
or otherwise) which may give rise to a conflict, or potential conflict, 
of interest. The Board will continue to monitor and review potential 
conflicts of interest on a regular basis.
Whistleblowing
The Group has a robust Whistleblowing Policy in place through 
which the workforce can raise any matters of concern – further 
information on the Group’s Whistleblowing Policy is included in 
the Audit Committee Report on page 97. 
Matters Reserved to the Board and Delegation of Authority
The Board has a formal schedule of matters specifically reserved  
to it for decision, which is divided into categories covering 
different types of decisions, including: corporate; Board/directors; 
financial/operational; and legal/regulatory. 
By way of example, some of the matters which the Board 
considered and/or approved during 2021 and Q1 2022 were:
88
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Corporate
Board/Directors
The Company’s 2020 and 2021 
Annual Report and Accounts 
and 2021 Half Yearly Report
Appointment of new Non-
Executive Director
The Company’s 2021 AGM 
circular
Creation of the Sustainability 
Committee
The Company’s Risk Appetite 
Statement
Expansion of the Nomination 
Committee to include wider 
governance considerations
Review of the Company’s 
Corporate Responsibility 
Management System
Detailed review of talent 
management and of succession 
contingency planning
Financial/Operational
Legal/Regulatory
Oversight of the resolution  
of the Indian tax issue and 
proposed subsequent  
return of up to US$700m  
to shareholders
Approval of the Company’s 
Modern Slavery Statement  
and its publication on the 
Company’s website
Approval of the Group Tax 
Strategy and its publication  
on the Company’s website
The sale of the Company’s 
interest in the Catcher and 
Kraken fields in the UK
The acquisition of production 
and exploration assets in Egypt
The appropriateness of the 
Group going concern sign-off 
for the 2020 and 2021 full year 
accounts and 2021 half year 
Financial Statements
The Company’s viability 
statement 
The Company’s annual work 
programme and budget
Group Reserves and Resources
In addition to the above, the Board conducts an annual review of 
the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls (with ongoing 
monitoring throughout the year), an intensive annual strategy 
session (normally in June each year), and an annual deep-dive 
risk management workshop (held at the final meeting of each 
calendar year).
The Board also has an approved set of financial delegations of 
authority to ensure clarity throughout the business concerning  
the distinction between financial matters which require Board 
approval and those that can be delegated to senior management.
Board and Management Committee Structure During 2021 
Board of Directors
Board Committees (Audit, Remuneration and Nomination*)
Risk Management 
Committee
Chief Executive
Executive Committee (ExecCo)
Management Team (MT)
Exploration Leadership Team (ELT)
*  Further information on our Board committees is contained later in this 
statement on pages 91 and 92 and in the separate Audit Committee Report,  
Nomination Committee Report and Directors’ Remuneration Report.
The senior management structure beneath Board level comprises 
an Executive Committee (ExecCo) and Management Team (MT), 
each of which continues to play a key role in supporting the Board.
During the year, the ExecCo comprised the Executive Directors (the 
Chief Executive and the Chief Financial Officer), the Chief Operating 
Officer and the Director of Exploration. The ExecCo is chaired by the 
Chief Executive and meets approximately six times per year with 
those meetings scheduled in advance of Board meetings.
Key elements of the ExecCo’s role include the following:
 – devising and generating the Company’s strategy to be 
proposed to the Board for approval and implementing  
and communicating this strategy across the business;
 – implementing the business plan, the key performance 
indicators and annual work programme and budget  
following their approval by the Board;
 – considering business development and new venture projects 
prior to recommending these to the Board; and
 – providing leadership and guidance to the Company on purpose, 
vision, strategy, culture, corporate governance, corporate 
responsibility and HSE matters.
The MT is chaired by the Chief Operating Officer and meets 
formally six times per year, with four of those meetings focusing  
on a quarterly performance review of the business. 
The key elements of the MT’s role include the following:
 – developing and executing the annual work programme and 
budget, which will deliver the Company’s strategic objectives;
 – assessing and determining the mitigation plans for key 
business risks and ensuring that risks are captured and 
reviewed regularly;
 – coordinating operations and licence management along with 
resource allocation and organisational alignment to ensure 
timely and cost-effective delivery against approved budgets;
 – oversight of the Company’s commitment to working 
responsibly; and
 – reviewing and approving the Company’s Operating Standards.
A number of members of the MT are also members of the  
RMC, which identifies and reviews key business risks – further 
information on the role of the RMC is contained in the Internal 
Control section of this statement on pages 93 to 95
The Exploration Leadership Team (ELT), which is chaired by the 
Director of Exploration, meets on a monthly basis to assist the 
Director of Exploration in delivering a robust exploration portfolio, 
with a particular focus on the following:
 – providing assurance that opportunities being pursued by new 
ventures are sufficiently value-adding and meet Capricorn’s 
strategic objectives;
 – considering whether opportunities being pursued have 
acceptable subsurface, above-ground and fiscal attributes  
to continue evaluation;
 – developing a timeline for each existing or proposed opportunity 
which drives to a decision, including drill or drop, as expeditiously 
as practical;
 – ensuring that the subsurface geoscience aspects of all 
exploration and appraisal and new venture opportunities  
align with Capricorn’s strategic objectives;
 – ensuring consistent, efficient screening and ranking of 
exploration opportunities, following initial data room 
assessment but prior to detailed evaluation, utilising the 
significant knowledge and experience of the team;
 – ensuring that the significant knowledge and experience of the 
team is utilised appropriately and consistently in the delivery  
of best practice across all areas of geological and geophysical 
(G&G) analysis in accordance with Capricorn’s business plan  
and core business principles; and
 – considering and/or seeking appropriate data subscriptions, 
purchases and academic collaborations to ensure rapid 
opportunity evaluation and capture.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
89
Corporate Governance Statement continued
Board Meetings
During 2021, a total of seven scheduled meetings of the Board 
were held. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related UK and 
Scottish government guidance and restrictions in place during 
early and then late 2021, one Board meeting was held virtually  
in early 2021 and the rest were held in person, unless travel 
restrictions required Directors from abroad to join virtually. Five  
of these meetings were conducted over two consecutive days 
following the usual format for Board meetings described below, 
with another two shorter meetings held to update the Board  
and/or to approve specific matters during 2021.
could continue to attend all scheduled Board and committee 
meetings and were also able to do so ‘on camera’. 
The annual timetable for Board and committee meetings  
is discussed at least 18 months prior to its commencement, 
allowing the Directors to plan their time accordingly. The Board 
and committees have agreed dates for all scheduled meetings  
in 2022 and 2023. This process ensures that the Chair can be 
comfortable that each Director is able to devote sufficient time  
and resources to their role on the Board and, where relevant,  
its committees. 
The first day of Board meetings normally includes a CEO meeting 
with the Non-Executive Directors and (when applicable) a Board 
education session, followed by a report from the CEO and CFO  
and a management presentation, both of which form part of the 
formal business of the Board meeting. The CEO and CFO report 
and management presentation provide a detailed update from 
senior management and other employees on key projects, assets 
or matters to be considered at the Board meeting, allowing 
opportunity for a technically rigorous discussion. This information 
allows the Board to understand more fully any risks or challenges 
to the business plan and strategy and also provides broad 
exposure to the employee base within the Company.
Board committee meetings are also scheduled for the same dates 
as Board meetings and are either split over two days or scheduled 
for one day, depending on the number of committee meetings 
required. Board committee meetings take place prior to the main 
part of the Board meeting so that the Chair of each committee can 
provide a report to the Board. These are followed by the remainder 
of the formal business of the Board meeting. The Chair also holds  
a meeting with the other Non-Executive Directors (without the 
Executive Directors) at the end of each day of the Board meeting.
Details of attendance at each of the Board meetings during 2021, 
and at meetings of each of the Board committees, are set out 
below. As disclosed above, the COVID-19 pandemic and related 
restrictions have meant that not all meetings were able to be held 
in person. The Company has however very successfully used its 
technological communication platforms to ensure that Directors 
Following the 2021 Board Performance Evaluation, in advance  
of the Board meetings, the Chair now has informal meetings with 
each Non-Executive Director to consider key issues for discussion 
at the meeting. The formal agenda for each scheduled Board 
meeting is set by the Chair in consultation with the Chief Executive 
and the Company Secretary. The system for establishing agenda 
items means that the Chair, the Board and each of the Board 
committees have the confidence that all required items are 
included on their agenda at the most appropriate time of the  
year and that there is sufficient time allocated for discussion, 
allowing the Directors to discharge their duties effectively.
Formal minutes of all Board and committee meetings are 
circulated to all Directors prior to the subsequent Board meeting 
and are considered for approval at that Board meeting. In addition, 
the members of the Board are in frequent contact between 
meetings regarding progress of the Group’s business plan, one 
example being an annual Board update call in January ahead of 
the other scheduled Board meetings for the year. There is also a 
procedure in place to allow Board meetings to be convened at 
short notice where required to deal with specific matters which 
need to be considered between scheduled Board meetings.
As noted above, the Non-Executive Directors have a practice of 
meeting informally at the end of each Board meeting without 
Executive Directors being present. At these Non-Executive forums, 
the Non-Executive Directors are invited by the Chair to bring 
forward any matter pertaining to the business of the Board that 
they believe would benefit from discussion in such forums. This 
practice also applies after Board committee meetings to ensure 
that Non-Executive Directors can discuss any relevant issues 
arising from those meetings without management being present.
Directors’ Attendance at 2021 Board and Committee Meetings 
The table below sets out the attendance record of each Director at scheduled Board and Board committee meetings during 2021.
Meetings held during 2021(1)
Executive Directors
Simon Thomson (Chief Executive)
James Smith (Chief Financial Officer)
Non-Executive Directors
Nicoletta Giadrossi (Chair)
Peter Kallos (Senior Independent Director)
Keith Lough
Alison Wood
Catherine Krajicek
Erik B. Daugbjerg
Board
7
Audit 
Committee
Remuneration 
Committee 
Nomination 
Committee 
4
3
3
Meetings 
attended
Meetings 
attended
Meetings 
attended
Meetings 
attended
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
N/A2
N/A3
N/A
N/A
4
4
4 
N/A
N/A2
N/A
3
3
N/A
3
N/A
3
3
N/A
3
3
3
N/A
N/A
N/A
Notes:
N/A  not applicable (where a Director is not a member of the committee).
1   
 During 2021, certain Directors who were not committee members attended meetings of the Audit Committee, Remuneration Committee and  
Nomination Committee by invitation. These details have not been included in the table.
 Simon Thomson is not a member of the Remuneration Committee but attends its meetings by invitation (other than parts of meetings where he would  
be conflicted). Mr Thomson also attends Audit Committee meetings by invitation.
 James Smith is not a member of the Audit Committee but attends its meetings by invitation.
2   
3   
90
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Board Committees
Board Committee Structure During 2021
Board of Directors
Audit  
Committee
Remuneration  
Committee
Nomination 
Committee
Each of the Board committees is provided with all necessary 
resources to enable its members to undertake their duties in an 
effective manner and has formal terms of reference approved by  
the Board. Copies of the terms of reference are available on the 
Company’s website. The Company Secretary acts as secretary to  
the Board committees. The minutes of all committee meetings  
are circulated to all Directors.
In line with best practice, more detailed reports from the  
Audit and Nomination Committees are presented as separate 
reports (on pages 96 to 104) rather than including these in the 
Corporate Governance Statement. In addition, full details of  
the Company’s remuneration policy are given in the separate 
Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 106 to 139. Summary 
details of the composition of each committee and meetings held 
during 2021 are set out below. 
Audit Committee
The members of the Audit Committee during the year were  
as follows:
 – Keith Lough (Chair);
 – Catherine Krajicek; and
 – Alison Wood.
The Audit Committee met four times during 2021 and currently 
comprises three independent Non-Executive Directors. In line  
with Code requirements and following her appointment as Chair 
of the Company, Nicoletta Giadrossi retired as a member of the 
committee with effect from 31 December 2020 and Catherine 
Krajicek was appointed a member of the committee with effect 
from 1 January 2021. The Chair of the Board is not a member of 
the committee but attends its meetings by invitation. Further 
information on the role, responsibilities and work of the Audit 
Committee is included in the Audit Committee Report on pages 
96 to 101.
Remuneration Committee 
The members of the Remuneration Committee during the year 
were as follows:
 – Alison Wood (Chair);
 – Nicoletta Giadrossi; 
 – Peter Kallos; and
 – Erik B. Daugbjerg.
The Remuneration Committee met three times during 2021 and 
with effect from 1 January 2021 comprised four independent 
Non-Executive Directors. In line with Code requirements and 
following her appointment as Chair of the Company, Nicoletta 
Giadrossi retired as Chair of the committee but remains a member. 
With effect from 1 January 2021, Alison Wood was appointed 
Chair of the committee and Erik B. Daugbjerg was appointed  
a member of the committee. The Chief Executive is not a  
member of the committee but attends its meetings by invitation. 
The committee’s and management’s remuneration advisers may 
also be invited to attend the committee’s meetings as required. 
None of the members of the Remuneration Committee, nor  
the Chief Executive nor the Chair, participated in any meetings  
or discussions relating to their own remuneration. The committee 
has established a practice of meeting informally without any 
Executive Directors or advisers present to allow the Non-Executive 
Directors to discuss any matter which has arisen in the meeting (or 
relating to the duties of the committee) which they believe would 
benefit from discussion in such forum.
Further information on the role, responsibilities and work of  
the Remuneration Committee is included in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report on pages 106 to 139.
Nomination Committee 
The members of the Nomination Committee during the year were 
as follows:
 – Nicoletta Giadrossi (Chair);
 – Simon Thomson;
 – Keith Lough; and
 – Peter Kallos.
The Nomination Committee met three times in 2021. Following 
her appointment as Chair of the Company, Nicoletta Giadrossi  
was appointed Chair of the committee with effect from 1 January 
2021. As such, the current members of the committee include the 
new Chair and two of the Company’s independent Non-Executive 
Directors. In addition, to ensure continuing executive input on 
nomination matters, the Chief Executive is also a member of the 
committee. With effect from 3 March 2022, Cathy Krajicek joined 
the membership of the Nomination Committee in addition to 
those members who sat in 2021. 
From 3 March this year, the Nomination Committee has expanded 
its remit to include corporate governance in a broader sense. 
Whilst corporate governance is a key consideration at all times for 
the Board, including corporate governance within the committee’s 
responsibilities demonstrates the commitment of Capricorn to 
good governance. 
Following the decision to expand its remit, from March 2022,  
the Nomination and Governance Committee’s role also includes:
 – monitoring the operation of the UK Corporate Governance 
Code and its implementation and compliance by the Company;
 – reviewing developments in corporate governance and advising 
the Board with respect to developments in the law and practice 
of corporate governance; and 
 – reviewing and approving changes to the Board’s corporate 
governance practices and policies.
Further information on the role, responsibilities and work of the 
Nomination Committee is included in the separate Nomination 
Committee Report on pages 102 to 104.
Changes to Board Committee Structure
In addition to the expansion of the Nomination Committee’s remit 
to include broader corporate governance matters, with effect from 
3 March 2022, a new committee, the Sustainability Committee,  
has been established. Matters of the environment, safely, social 
responsibility and sustainability are considered within every Board 
decision and, therefore, are a key element of each Board meeting 
but establishing a committee dedicated to these matters will 
further embed the importance within the Board and wider 
organisation. The energy transition and Capricorn’s role in it is of 
particular importance to the Board and the formation of this new 
committee, the membership of which comprises the full Board,  
will allow it further dedicated time. The terms of reference of this 
committee include: 
 – advising and supporting the board in the drafting of the 
Sustainability and Net Zero roadmap and assessing its progress 
and reviewing disclosures being made regarding the roadmap; 
 – reviewing the policies, practices and performance relating to 
sustainability and the disclosures and annual reporting on 
sustainability; 
 – reviewing the policies, practices and performance relating to 
safety, including in particular regarding the safe and responsible 
performance of the Group’s operations; 
 – reviewing the policies, practices and performance relating to 
social responsibility; and 
 – reviewing the policies, practices and performance relating to 
environmental matters including, in particular, protection of  
the environment and disclosure of Greenhouse Gas emissions. 
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
91
Corporate Governance Statement continued
Shareholders and the Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Communications with shareholders are given high priority by  
the Board. The Company has implemented the provisions of the 
Companies Act 2006 regarding electronic communication with  
its shareholders, in order to give shareholders more choice and 
flexibility in how they receive information from the Company. 
Capricorn responds promptly to correspondence from 
shareholders and the Company’s website contains a wide  
range of information on the Company, including a dedicated 
investor relations section.
In order to ensure that the members of the Board develop an 
understanding of the views of major shareholders, there is regular 
dialogue with institutional shareholders, including meetings with 
executive management after the announcement of the year end 
and half year results. The Board is kept informed of any issues 
raised by shareholders both as a standing agenda item in Board 
Papers and through feedback at Board meetings and following 
results or other significant announcements. In addition, the 
Company maintains an investor relations database which details all 
meetings with investors or other related stakeholders. All analyst 
reports relating to the Company are also distributed to the Board. 
A list of the Company’s major shareholders can be found in the 
Directors’ Report on page 142. The Company recognises that  
the success of the comply-or-explain approach under the Code 
depends on an ongoing and open dialogue with shareholders,  
and remains committed to engaging with shareholders, as well  
as governance and proxy voting agencies, on any matter which 
they wish to discuss in relation to the Company’s governance. 
The Company has a rolling programme of investor roadshows  
to ensure that senior management are regularly engaging with 
current and potential investors. During the last 18 months, certain 
Directors have also engaged directly (either through meetings  
or by telephone/written correspondence) with specific investors, 
investor groups, and proxy advisory agencies on a range of matters 
including progress against strategic objectives, diversity and 
remuneration. During 2021, investor meetings were held either 
through virtual communications platforms or in person when safe 
to do so due the restrictions in place in response to the COVID-19 
pandemic.
AGM details (2021 and 2022)
Overview
2021 AGM: held as a closed 
meeting due to COVID-19 
on Tuesday 11 May 2021 at 
the Company’s Head Office
 – At least 74% of all issued shares 
voted by shareholders in each 
resolution
 – Highest votes in favour >98%  
for 11 resolutions
 – The Remuneration Report 
resolution was passed with 
65.13% in favour. Details of the 
engagement process carried out 
with shareholders following that 
result are detailed on this page 
92 and the following page 93
 – Full Director attendance 
expected 
 – 13 ordinary resolutions and  
four special resolutions being 
proposed to shareholders
2022 AGM: to be held on 
Wednesday, 11 May 2022  
at The Gallery, Kimpton 
Charlotte Square Hotel, 38 
Charlotte Square, Edinburgh 
(full details in Notice of AGM)
92
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
The Board uses the AGM to communicate with private  
and institutional investors and has always welcomed their 
participation in annual general meetings. However, as a result  
of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures that the UK  
and Scottish governments had put in place restricting public 
gatherings, for the safety of our shareholders, our employees,  
our advisers and the general public, attendance at the 2021  
AGM in person was unfortunately not possible and as such,  
just the Executive Directors were present, in order to constitute  
the quorum of two shareholders required for the Meeting to be 
held, and to deal with the formal business of the Meeting. 
The Notice of AGM sent to shareholders on 30 March 2021, which 
was also published on the Company’s website, fully explained 
these arrangements to shareholders and recommended that 
shareholders submit their votes on each of the resolutions being 
proposed by proxy in advance of the meeting, or to authorise the 
Chair of the meeting to vote on their behalf. The Company also 
enabled shareholders to submit any questions in advance of the 
meeting. These arrangements were implemented in line with 
regulatory guidance published in relation to holding AGMs during 
the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the approach adopted by other 
FTSE companies in order to safely conduct their AGMs.
Under normal circumstances, it is policy for all Directors to  
be present at the AGM, with the Chair of each of the Board 
committees also expected to attend and be prepared to answer 
shareholder questions on areas within their remit. Our employees 
based in Edinburgh are also normally invited to attend the  
AGM as the Directors recognise that this provides a valuable 
opportunity for workforce engagement with the Board. In 2021, 
given employees were not able to attend the AGM, the Company 
held a virtual staff meeting immediately after the AGM.
As part of our commitment to transparency we look to involve 
shareholders fully in the affairs of the Company and to give  
them the opportunity at the AGM to ask questions about the 
Company’s performance and activities. Details of resolutions to  
be proposed at the AGM on 11 May 2022 and an explanation  
of each resolution can be found in the separate Notice of AGM 
Circular accompanying this Annual Report and Accounts.
The proxy votes for and against each resolution, as well as 
abstentions, will be counted before the AGM and the results will  
be made available following the meeting after the shareholders 
have voted in a poll on each resolution. Both the Form of Proxy  
and the poll card for the AGM include a ‘vote withheld’ option  
in respect of each resolution, to enable shareholders to abstain  
on any particular resolution. It is explained on the Form of Proxy 
that a ‘vote withheld’ is not a vote in law and will not be counted  
in the calculation of the proportion of the votes ‘for’ or ‘against’  
a resolution. 
At the AGM held on 11 May 2021, as noted above, Resolution 2 
(Approval of the Remuneration Report) passed with 65.13% of 
votes in favour. Following this result, the Chair of the Remuneration 
Committee wrote to the Company’s major shareholders offering  
a meeting to discuss the outcome of that vote and to provide the 
opportunity to raise any concerns relating to the Remuneration 
Report. Engagement took place with several shareholders and 
proxy advisory bodies and the feedback received was that they 
would welcome: 
 – a more comprehensive explanation of the alignment between 
Company performance and bonus outcomes;
 – more detailed disclosure of the KPIs used in the annual bonus 
scheme for both the reporting year and the year ahead; and
 – in the future, if the Remuneration Committee is considering 
exercising any discretion in relation to the Company’s various 
incentive arrangements, earlier engagement, ideally at the time 
a decision is made.
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
The Remuneration Committee would like to thank those 
shareholders that participated in the post-AGM engagement 
process and for the feedback that was provided to the 
Remuneration Committee Chair. As detailed in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report on pages 106 to 139, each of the 
considerations has been addressed with significantly increased 
levels of disclosure set out. The Company will continue to engage 
with shareholders and their respective proxy advisory bodies as we 
look forward to the 2022 AGM.
Information Pursuant to the Takeover Directive
The Company has provided the additional information required by 
the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the UK Listing rules (and 
specifically the requirements of DTR 7.2.6 in respect of directors’ 
interests in shares; appointment and replacement of directors; 
powers of the directors; restrictions on voting rights and rights 
regarding control of the Company) in the Directors’ Report.
Internal Control
The Board has overall responsibility for the Group’s system of 
internal control, which includes all material controls, including 
financial, operational and compliance controls and related risk 
management, and for regularly reviewing its effectiveness. The 
system of internal control is designed to identify, evaluate and 
manage significant risks associated with the achievement of the 
Group’s strategic objectives. Because of the limitations inherent in 
any system of internal control, Capricorn’s system is designed to 
meet its particular needs and the risks to which it is exposed, with 
a focus on managing risk rather than eliminating risk altogether. 
Consequently, it can only provide reasonable and not absolute 
assurance against material misstatement or loss.
The Company has in place an Integrated Internal Control and 
Assurance Framework (the ‘Framework’), which plays a critical role 
in setting out how the Company manages and assures itself that 
the risks relating to the achievement of corporate vision, strategy 
and objectives are effectively controlled. The Framework is based 
on the committee of Sponsoring Organisations (COSO) framework 
and its five key components, which is a commonly used and 
recognised international framework for considering internal 
control systems. The COSO framework seeks to help organisations 
develop systems of internal control which help facilitate the 
achievement of business objectives and improvements in 
Company performance. The COSO framework also supports 
organisations in adapting to increasingly complex business 
environments and managing risks to acceptable levels with the 
aim of safeguarding shareholders’ interests and Company assets.
The Framework has been in place for the 2021 financial year  
and up to the date of approval of the Annual Report and Accounts. 
The Board, supported by the Audit Committee, has carried out a 
review of the effectiveness of the systems of internal control during 
2021 and will ensure that a similar review is performed in 2022.  
In so doing, the Board and Audit Committee took into account  
the assurance provided by the Chief Executive in respect of the 
effectiveness of the Group’s system of internal control. The Board is 
accordingly satisfied that effective controls are in place and that risks 
have been mitigated to a tolerable level across the Group in 2021. 
Particular attention has been placed by the Company’s 
management on ensuring that an effective system of internal 
control has been maintained during the year in relation to the key 
risks in the Company’s business activities. Enhancements have 
been made during 2021 to the following key controls, business 
processes and procedures:
 – the Board completed a risk workshop which focused on the 
Group Risk Appetite Statement and its alignment with the 
delivery of the Group’s strategic objectives. The objective of the 
workshop was to confirm that the Group continued to deliver 
the strategy in alignment with the tolerance levels set within 
the Group Risk Appetite Statement; 
 – the rollout of the new risk management and incident 
management software solution continued throughout 2021. 
The new solution is now fully embedded throughout the 
organisation and is being used to manage risks for all corporate, 
operational and project risks. The solution has facilitated 
improved reporting on all risks to the Group and has provided a 
more systematic process for the management of risks, controls 
and actions across the business; 
 – the Management Team conducted a quarterly review of the 
risks, mitigations and actions identified on the Group risk 
register to ensure ownership for the risks, mitigations and 
actions were clearly assigned and implementation dates for 
actions were tracked; 
 – the Group Code of Ethics was reviewed and updated. An Arabic 
and French version was developed for our operations in Egypt 
and Mauritania. Compliance certificates were also completed by 
key staff members and contractors confirming compliance with 
the Group’s Code of Ethics;
 – several activities were completed to enhance our bribery  
and corruption controls across the business including the 
completion of country specific risk assessments for Egypt and 
Mauritania which supplemented the overarching Group risk 
assessment already in place;
 – a compliance dashboard was maintained to assess compliance 
with several key regulations impacting the Group including  
the UK Bribery Act, the General Data Protection Regulation 
(GDPR), the corporate criminal offence for the failure to prevent 
the facilitation of tax evasion (CCO), the Group’s corporate  
major accident prevention policy (CMAPP) and modern slavery. 
The dashboard was presented at each Risk Management 
Committee meeting and annually to the Audit Committee as 
part of the year end control assessment. There were no material 
weaknesses identified;
 – The Audit Committee confirms that its has complied with the 
provisions of the Competition and Markets Authority’s Order  
for the 2021 financial year;
 – the IT department continued safeguarding its end user estate 
through the roll out of critical system and security patches to 
ensure any outsider threats were made known and home 
workers were protected. Additional security controls were also 
implemented to protect against any malicious COVID-19 SPAM 
and phishing attempts;
 – EY, the Group’s internal auditor, delivered the annual internal 
audit plan which consisted of several risk areas identified from 
the risk register. Topics covered in 2021 included cyber security, 
the risk and assurance process, ESG and sustainability reporting 
and mergers and acquisitions process. The Group has been 
working through the year to implement the identified 
improvements; and
 – to ensure awareness, understanding and compliance  
on important governance, regulatory and security topics, 
mandatory e-learning was also implemented across the  
Group, which included comprehensive modules on bribery  
and corruption, CMAPP, CRMS, human rights, modern slavery, 
cyber security, cyber fraud, and tax evasion.
The following describes the key elements of the Framework  
and the processes used by the Board during 2021 to review the 
effectiveness of the system and the approach to be taken in 2022.
1.  Strategic Direction
The Company’s strategy and business plan are proposed by  
the ExecCo and approved by the Board. The Chief Executive  
is responsible for managing the Company’s business and 
implementing the Company’s strategic objectives in consultation 
with the Board and ExecCo. The Chief Executive is also responsible 
for implementing the decisions of the Board and its committees 
and driving performance measured against the Company’s KPIs.
2.  Operating Management 
The Company operates two regional units covering different 
countries and assets and with multiple partners on both an 
operated and a non-operated basis. The assets within each region 
are the principal focus for our regional managers, who are tasked 
with delivering the strategic objectives for their particular region, 
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
93
Corporate Governance Statement continued
with a combination of operational and technical teams as well as 
functional departments providing support to each of the assets. 
The implementation of the Capricorn Operating Standards 
supports this process, providing assurance, standards and 
consistency in the delivery of our strategic objectives.
The Executive Directors continue to be supported by the ExecCo 
as well as by the MT and ELT. Further information on these teams 
and their remit can be found on page 89. There are also a number 
of functional department heads whose roles include providing 
expert input and challenge to the Company’s work programmes, 
budgets and business plan; and supplying the Directors with full 
and accurate information with which to make statements on the 
adequacy of internal control.
The Company refreshes its business plan, work programme  
and budget on an annual basis in line with its overall strategy. 
These documents start at asset level before being consolidated  
at regional and Company levels. The business plan sets out 
detailed objectives and KPIs for each asset and supporting 
functional departments and is consolidated into the Company’s 
strategic planning. After an iterative process, the annual business 
plan, work programme and associated budget are presented  
to the Board for approval.
The asset management teams then have the required authority  
to implement the business plan and to deliver the agreed work 
programmes within the approved budget and delegations of 
authority, and in accordance with the internal control framework.
3.  Risk Management 
The Board is responsible for maintaining sound risk management 
and internal control systems across the Capricorn Group. The 
Board must satisfy itself that the significant risks faced by the 
Group are being managed appropriately and that the system  
of risk management and internal control is sufficiently robust  
to respond to internal or external changes in the Group’s  
business environment.
The Risk Management Committee (RMC) continues to be 
responsible for the development of risk management strategy  
and processes within the Company and for overseeing the 
implementation of the requirements of this strategy. It does this  
by ensuring that the framework for the identification, assessment, 
mitigation and reporting on all areas of risk is fit for purpose and 
that appropriate assurance arrangements are in place in relation  
to these risks to bring them within the Risk Appetite Statement 
approved by the Board.
To supplement the role of the RMC, the Group Risk Management 
Process defines the steps through which Capricorn seeks to 
systematically identify, analyse, assess, treat and monitor the 
business risks faced by the Group. The Group Risk Management 
Process also identifies the risk management organisational 
structure through which business risks are managed and regularly 
reviewed at operating, asset, country and Company levels. Asset-
level, project-level, country-level and functional-level risk registers 
are used to capture, assess, monitor and review risks before the 
principal risks are consolidated into the Group risk register. 
In 2021, risk management updates were presented at each Board 
meeting and as part of an annual process, the Board undertook  
a strategic risk workshop in December 2021 (see page 48).
The RMC, which meets on a quarterly basis, is currently chaired  
by the Chief Executive and comprises the Executive Directors  
and senior functional management. The internal auditor also 
attends RMC meetings, in order to ensure integration of the 
Group’s internal audit plan with the risk management process. 
Regular MT risk sessions were also held during 2021 to manage 
and facilitate the assessment and treatment of business risks  
that may affect the Company’s ability to deliver its strategy. 
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Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Enhancements to our approach to risk management during 2021 
included the following: 
 – The MT formally conducted a review of the risks, mitigations 
and actions identified on the Group risk register each quarter  
to ensure ownership for the risks. Mitigations and actions were 
clearly assigned and implementation dates for actions were 
tracked; and
 – The RMC reviewed a gross to net risk assessment of principal 
risks, in order to gain a deeper understanding of high impact 
risks and identify any areas where there is a reliance on controls 
and mitigating actions; and
 – The rollout of the new risk management and incident 
management software solution continued throughout the  
year. The new solution is now fully embedded throughout  
the organisation and is being used to manage risks for all 
corporate, operational and project risks. The solution has 
facilitated improved reporting on all risks to the Group and  
has provided a more systematic process for the management 
of risks, controls and actions across the business.
The RMC reports on the Company’s risk profile to both the Audit 
Committee and the Board. Additionally, the Audit Committee and 
the Board receive internal reviews of the effectiveness of internal 
controls relative to the key risks. The conclusion of the Board 
following these reviews during 2021 is that the internal controls  
in respect of key risks are effective.
4.  Assurance 
The ‘three lines of defence’ framework adopted by the Board 
provides three levels of assurance against the risks facing the 
Company: firstly at the operational level; secondly through 
overview by functional management and the RMC; and thirdly 
through internal or joint venture audits.
The integrated internal control and assurance framework 
document includes a description of the Company’s business and 
assurance models and of its organisation and committee structure 
and defines the relevant roles and responsibilities. The framework 
defines the key policies and procedures which govern the way in 
which Capricorn conducts its business and is therefore a core part 
of its system of internal control. 
During 2021, the Directors reviewed the effectiveness of  
the Company’s system of financial and non-financial controls, 
including operational and compliance controls, risk management 
and high-level internal control arrangements through the 
completion of internal control self-assessment questionnaires. 
These questionnaires, which are tailored to each region or  
function, are designed to provide an internal assessment of  
the effectiveness of key controls for the Group’s principal risks. 
Additionally, assurance maps for principal risks are developed, 
which outline the key sources of assurance across the ‘three  
lines of defence’. The ‘three lines of defence model’ is a method  
of assessing different sources of assurance the Group can rely  
on when analysing key risks and controls. Assurance is gained 
through the application of the business management system 
which directs the day-to-day running of the business (first line),  
the oversight functions within Capricorn which provide challenge 
to the risk and control environment (second line) and any third-
party reviews the Group instructs to assess the status of a risk/ 
control (third line). The assurance maps help identify potential 
areas of control weakness and/or ineffective use of assurance 
resources across the Group, which influenced the topics included 
in the 2021 Group internal audit plan.
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
The Directors derived assurance from the following internal and 
external controls during 2021:
 – a schedule of matters specifically reserved for decision by  
the Board;
 – implementation of the Capricorn Operating Standards for key 
business activities;
 – an appropriate organisational culture and structure;
 – control over non-operated joint venture activities through 
delegated representatives;
 – specific delegations of authority for all financial transactions and 
other key technical and commercial decisions;
 – segregation of duties where appropriate;
 – business and financial reporting, including KPIs;
 – functional management reviews;
 – an annual ‘letters of assurance’ process, through which asset 
and functional managers review and confirm the adequacy  
of internal financial and non-financial controls and their 
compliance with Company policies, and report any control 
weaknesses identified in the past year and actions taken  
in respect of any weaknesses identified in the prior year;
 – a ‘letter of assurance’ from the Chief Executive confirming the 
adequacy of internal controls within the Company in line with 
its policy, and reporting of any control weaknesses identified in 
the past year and actions taken in respect of any weaknesses 
identified in the prior year;
 – an annual internal audit plan, which is approved by the Audit 
Committee and Board and is driven by risks and key controls;
 – reports from the Audit Committee and RMC;
 – reports from the external auditor on matters identified during 
its statutory audit;
 – reports from audits by host Governments and co-venturers; 
 – independent third-party reviews; and
 – the skills and experience of the workforce.
Nicoletta Giadrossi
Chair
8 March 2022
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
95
Audit Committee Report
Keith Lough,
Keith Lough
Chair of the Audit Committee
Chair of the Audit Committee
Members and Meetings in 2021
Keith Lough (Chair) 
Catherine Krajicek
Alison Wood 
Member  
since
05/14
07/19
07/19
Meetings  
attended
   
   
   
   
   
   
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Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
While the Group’s portfolio of assets  
has been refocused, the Audit Committee 
remain steadfast in ensuring that the Group’s 
risk management process is robust and 
complete and that transactions completed 
during the year are recorded correctly and 
presented appropriately in the Group  
Financial Statements.
Dear Shareholder
The Audit Committee’s primary responsibilities include the 
integrity of the Group’s Financial Statements, the effectiveness of 
the Group’s risk management and internal assurance processes 
and related governance and compliance matters. 
Composition and Summary of Audit Committee Meetings 
During the Year
I served as Chair of the Audit Committee for the duration of the 
year, having been appointed Chair in 2018.
Serving with me on the Audit Committee during 2021 were two 
of my fellow Non-Executive Directors, Catherine Krajicek and 
Alison Wood. The members of the committee have been chosen 
to provide the wide range of financial and commercial experience 
needed to fulfil these duties. Alison and I are qualified accountants 
with recent and relevant financial experience. Catherine brings 
comprehensive industry knowledge. Alison and Catherine are 
considered by the Board to be independent.
During 2021, Nicoletta Giadrossi also attended meetings in  
her capacity as Chair of the Board but was not a member of  
the committee. 
At our request, the CFO, the Chief Executive (in his capacity as 
executive responsible for internal audit) and senior members of 
the Finance department and Risk and Compliance department 
attend each meeting. Additionally, both internal and external 
auditors attend. I also met privately with the external audit partner 
to discuss matters relevant to the Group throughout the year.
The Audit Committee met four times in 2021, with meetings 
arranged around the key external reporting dates. The first 
meeting in March 2021 focused on the 2020 year end external 
audit process (reported in the 2020 Annual Report and Accounts). 
Meetings in June and September both centred on the Group’s  
half year reporting and a December meeting focused on planning  
for the 2021 year end and external audit process and the internal 
auditors work programme for 2022. Subsequent to the year end,  
a further meeting was held in March 2022 to conclude on the 
2021 audit and significant issues. 
Responsibilities and Activities During the Year
The terms of reference of the committee take into account the 
requirements of the UK Corporate Governance Code and are 
available for inspection on the Group’s website. A summary of the 
committee’s principal responsibilities and activities during the year 
are set out below.
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Principal responsibilities of the committee
Activities during the year
Key areas formally discussed
Financial Statements 
 – Monitoring the integrity of  
the Financial Statements  
of the Group and formal 
announcements relating to the 
Group’s financial performance;
 – reviewing any significant 
financial reporting judgements; 
and
 – reviewing the appropriateness 
of accounting policies, their 
consistent application and 
disclosures in financial 
statements.
External audit
 – Overseeing the Group’s 
relationship with the external 
auditors, including:
•  making recommendations  
to the Board as to  
the appointment or 
reappointment of the 
external auditor;
reviewing their terms  
of engagement and 
engagement for non- 
audit services; and
• 
•  monitoring the external 
auditor’s independence, 
objectivity and effectiveness.
 – Reviewing the Group’s internal 
financial controls and internal 
control and Risk Management 
systems and oversight of the 
Group’s Risk Management 
Committee; and
 – monitoring and reviewing the 
effectiveness of the Group’s 
internal audit function.
Internal risk 
management  
and assurance
Whistleblowing 
procedures
 – Reviewing the Group’s 
whistleblowing procedures and 
ensuring that arrangements are 
in place for the proportionate 
and independent investigation 
of possible improprieties in 
respect of financial reporting 
and other matters and for 
appropriate follow-up action.
 – March 2021: 2020 Financial 
Statements approval (included 
in 2020 Annual Report and 
Accounts).
 – June 2021: Half year key 
accounting issues, estimates 
and assumptions.
 – September 2021: Approval of 
half year financial statements.
 – December 2021: Year end key 
accounting issues, estimates 
and assumptions.
 – March 2022: Approval of 2021 
year end financial statements.
 – At each meeting the committee 
receives an updated report from 
the external auditors which 
either explains their plans and 
scope for the forthcoming  
audit or review or contains  
the conclusions from their  
work performed.
 – Going concern conclusions  
and linkage to the viability 
statement; and
 – significant accounting issues  
at the half year and year end 
(see below);
 – Reviewing the external auditor’s 
scope and audit plan for the 
2021 year end;
 – discussing the materiality levels 
set by the auditor;
 – approval of the auditor’s 
remuneration;
 – consideration of the results of 
the external audit with the 
auditor and management; and
 – assessment of the effectiveness 
of the external audit (see 
overleaf).
 – At each meeting, the Audit 
 – Reviewing the Group’s 
Committee receives:
•  an update from 
management on the  
latest Risk and Assurance 
Committee meetings and 
risk management process; 
and
•  a report from the internal 
auditors, tracking the 
progress of internal audits 
and their output and 
recommendations.
corporate and operational  
risk register;
 – reviewing reports on  
the activities of the Risk 
Management Committee;
 – selection of internal audit  
work planned for 2021 and 
consideration for future years; 
and
 – assessment of key findings 
raised from internal audits 
conducted in the year.
 – In December, the Audit 
Committee agreed on the 
proposed programme of 
internal audits for 2022.
 – The committee’s annual review 
and approval of the Group’s 
whistleblowing procedures was 
performed at the March 2022 
meeting, incorporating updates 
for new branch locations in 
Egypt and Mauritania.
 – Reviewing and approving of  
the Group’s whistleblowing 
procedures.
Other matters
 – Reviewing the Group’s policy for 
approval of non-audit work to 
the Company’s auditor; and
 – reviewing booking of Group 
reserves and resources.
 – The committee’s annual review 
and approval of the Group’s 
policy for approval of non-audit 
work was undertaken at the 
December meeting.
 – Review and approval of the 
Group policy for approval  
of non-audit work to the 
Company’s auditor; and
 – classification of reserves and 
resources for disclosure in the 
Annual Report.
The review of the Annual Report and Accounts for fair, balanced and understandable presentation and disclosure, while considered by 
the Audit Committee, is formally performed and approved by the full Board.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
97
Audit Committee Report continued
Financial Statements 
At each reporting date, the Audit Committee reviews the results for the relevant period and the key assets and liabilities in the Group 
balance sheet, focusing on the key estimates, assumptions and judgements that management has used in applying the relevant 
accounting standard.
The key issues identified at the December 2021 year end were the accounting for the sale of the Group’s producing assets in the North 
Sea, accounting for the Egypt business combination, the impairment of intangible exploration/appraisal assets in Mexico and accounting 
for the India Tax Refund. As always, the assessment of the ability of the Group to continue to operate as a going concern and the viability 
statement is also considered by the Audit Committee.
2021 Year End Significant Accounting Issues:
Sale of Capricorn’s Producing Assets in the UK North Sea
Capricorn announced that it had concluded the sale of its interests in the Catcher and Kraken producing assets to Waldorf in November 
2021. The sale was announced by the Group in March 2021 with assets being reclassified as held-for-sale at that time which was 
reflected in the Group’s half year financial statements where an impairment was recorded before recording a profit from discontinued 
operations in the full year results. 
Audit Committee action
Audit Committee conclusions
The Audit Committee reviewed the initial accounting for the sale  
of the Group’s interests of the Group’s two UK producing assets  
at the half year in June and September 2021 and concluded on 
the accounting treatment for the sale of the assets on completion 
in November 2021.
The Audit Committee reviewed the computations for the loss  
on disposal of the Group’s UK producing assets. The committee 
focused on the accounting at the date the sale was announced,  
at the half-year reporting date and at the point the sale completed 
in November 2021. The committee concluded that the disclosures 
made by management were appropriate at each point in time.
Key for the Audit Committee was ensuring that the value of the 
assets was correctly recorded, including the valuation of future 
earn-out consideration payable to the Group, mid-year impairment 
and the loss on disposal in the annual accounts was correctly 
computed and that presentation in the half year and year end 
financial statements was appropriate. 
The committee also reviewed and agreed the appropriateness of 
the risk-weighting applied to market valuations for future earn-out 
consideration, confirming with the auditors that the recognition  
of this future income at the point of completion of the transaction 
was appropriate. 
Business Combination: Acquisition of Egypt Western Desert Producing Assets
Capricorn completed the acquisition of exploration, development and producing assets in the Western Desert, Egypt from Shell in 
September 2021. The acquisition was determined to be a business combination.
Audit Committee action
Audit Committee conclusions
The Audit Committee reviewed managements calculation for  
the goodwill arising on completion of the transaction.
The key assumptions for the accounting included Capricorn’s  
fair value models used to determine the value of the assets on 
recognition in the Balance Sheet. The committee took time to 
understand those assumptions, including commodity pricing, cost 
assumptions, reserves and production forecasts and discount rates 
applied. The committee also reviewed the recognition of deferred 
tax liabilities required under IFRS 3 and the subsequent goodwill 
that arises. 
The committee sought clarification on the Group’s reserve  
and production forecast, understanding adjustments that had 
occurred since acquisition, and were updated on work performed 
to date by third-party reserve auditors engaged by the Company.
The committee confirmed that the commodity prices used were 
appropriate and were satisfied that the assumptions provided a 
fair basis on which to value the assets acquired. The committee 
were satisfied that the inflation rates applied incorporated increase 
rates of inflation for local Egyptian costs.
The committee challenged management as to the 
appropriateness of the cost assumptions used given ongoing 
discussions with the operator and sought explanations for the 
changes to valuations to incorporate increased inflation rates for 
costs forecast to be incurred in local currency.
The committee agreed with managements’ conclusion on the 
recognition of deferred tax liabilities (and non-recognition of 
potential deferred tax assets) and the goodwill computed on  
the acquisition.
Impairment of Intangible Exploration/Appraisal Asset
In Mexico, Capricorn completed the farm-in/farm-down with ENI swapping a 15% interest in Block 9 for a 15% interest in Block 10. After 
completion, the Saasken-2 appraisal well was drilled on Block 10, but the unsuccessful well also resulted in an impairment of remaining 
exploration/appraisal costs capitalised in Block 9.
Audit Committee action
Audit Committee conclusions
The Audit Committee noted the impairment charge if the year  
of US$19.6m recorded in the year and sought explanation from 
management as to the indicator that led to the impairment and 
the arising charge.
The committee concluded that the impairment charge had been 
appropriately recorded and understood managements’ reasoning 
for recording as an impairment rather than unsuccessful write-off, 
with no current plans to relinquish the licence.
The committee challenged management of the remaining costs 
held on Block 10 following the unsuccessful appraisal well.
The committee agreed with managements conclusion for 
retaining the remaining costs on Block 10 associated with the 
original Saasken discovery.
98
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Accounting for the Tax Refund Following the Award Under the Indian Tax Arbitration
In November 2021, Capricorn announced that it had entered into undertakings with the Government of India in order to participate  
in the scheme introduced by Indian legislation allowing the refund of taxes previously collected from the Group in India.
Audit Committee action
Audit Committee conclusions
The Audit Committee challenged management on the treatment 
of India Tax Refund and subsequent receipt of cash from India and 
its recognition in the Income Statement and Balance Sheet for and 
at the year end.
The committee concluded that the income had been correctly 
recognised and recorded in the financial statements for the year 
ending 31 December 2021 and had been disclosed appropriately.
The committee sought explanations from management as to the 
presentation of the exceptional income included in profit before 
tax, rather than a tax refund through the tax line.
The committee also noted the exchange rates used to record the 
initial recognition and subsequent exchange loss disclosed as a 
non-adjusting post balance sheet event. 
Going Concern and Viability
At each reporting date, management considers the factors relevant to support a statement of going concern included in note 12 to the 
Financial Statements. The Audit Committee reviews and challenges management’s conclusions so that we may, in turn, provide comfort 
to the Board that management’s assessment has been considered, challenged and is appropriate. 
The Audit Committee carefully reviewed management’s going concern conclusion based on the Group’s latest cash and debt position.
Downside case assumptions were reviewed, run with sustained low oil prices, reduced production, cost increases and a reduction in 
available finance and default by joint venture partners. In all cases, the Group retained a significant funding surplus. This confirmed that 
the Group is fully funded to meet its work programme and firm commitments over the period of 12 months from the date of signing  
the Financial Statements. The Audit Committee subsequently recommended to the Board that the Group continue to use the going 
concern basis in preparing its Financial Statements.
The committee also reviews and challenges management on the sensitivity analysis performed to support the Group’s viability 
statement, included in the Strategic Report on page 47. The viability statement review included assessing both the operational risks 
identified by management, including reserve downgrades and major emergency incidents and corporate risks identified, including 
volatile oil prices, failure to deliver the net zero 2040 roadmap, a failure to expand the production base and a failure to deliver exploration 
success. Following this challenge, the committee recommended approval of the viability statement to the Board.
External Audit 
The current version of the UK Corporate Governance Code states that FTSE 350 companies should put the external audit contract  
out to tender at least every 10 years. Capricorn complied with this provision before it came into force and completed an external audit 
retendering process in 2013. PwC were subsequently appointed as external auditors of the Group, on the recommendation of the Audit 
Committee at that time. The 2021 year end audit therefore represents the ninth year of PwC’s tenure as Group auditors. Capricorn will 
retender for the role of Group auditors during 2022 for appointment of the new auditors (or reappointment of PwC) at the AGM in 2023. 
This complies with the Competition and Markets Authority 2014 Order requiring a mandatory tender after 10 years. 
As noted in last year’s report, Bruce Collins replaced Lindsay Gardiner as PwC’s lead audit partner on the Capricorn engagement 
following approval of the 2021 Annual Report and Accounts. Bruce, was previously Director on the Capricorn audit engagement 
between 2013 and 2015 but was not involved in the Capricorn audit between 2015 and 2020 and is therefore is not precluded from 
accepting the role of lead audit partner.
Assessment of External Audit Process
The committee has an established framework to assess the effectiveness of the external audit process. This comprises:
Audit Committee action
Audit Committee conclusion
An assessment of the independence of the auditors.
The Audit Committee consider PwC to be independent. 
A review of the audit plan including the materiality level set by the 
auditors and the process they have adopted to identify Financial 
Statement risks and key areas of audit focus summarised in the 
Independent Auditors Report on pages 146 to 151.
A review of the Audit Quality Inspection (‘AQI’) report on our 
auditor, published by the FRC with particular emphasis on any  
key messages applicable to Capricorn.
A review of the final audit report, noting key areas of auditor 
judgement and the reasoning behind the conclusions reached.
Regular communications through formal Papers submitted  
and presentations to the committee, including a review by  
the committee of the extent to which the auditors have  
challenged management.
The committee accepted the level of materiality set by the auditors.
There were no matters raised in the AQI report that caused concern 
for the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee reviewed findings on the key audit issues 
identified. The committee was satisfied that appropriate challenge had 
been made of management and that the audit process was robust.
The audit plan for the year ending 31 December 2021 was 
presented to the Audit Committee in September 2021 and is 
summarised in the Independent Auditor’s Report on pages 146  
to 151. Audit findings on significant matters are presented to the 
committee, together with the work performed by the auditors to 
challenge management’s key estimates and assumptions.
Separate meetings between myself as Chair of the Audit 
Committee and the lead audit engagement partner.
Separate meetings were held in advance of all committee meetings 
during the year.
A formal questionnaire issued to all Audit Committee members and 
Capricorn senior management who are involved in the audit covering 
the robustness of the audit process, the quality of delivery, the quality 
of reporting, and the quality of the auditor’s people and service.
No matters of significance were reported.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
99
Audit Committee Report continued
Of particular focus for the committee is the assessment of the judgement applied by PwC during each stage of the audit process 
including setting audit materiality, identifying the risks to the Financial Statements, evaluating audit findings and communicating those 
areas of judgement to the committee. 
The Audit Committee noted the level of planned materiality and agreed on the levels of misstatements to be reported to the committee. 
The final audit report was presented to the Audit Committee in March 2022. The committee agreed with the conclusions reached by the 
auditors, noting the degree of judgement around areas of significant audit risk. 
The significant accounting issues identified by the Audit Committee were included in the significant matters identified by the external 
auditors in their audit plan. There were no other specific areas that the Audit Committee requested the auditors to look at.
At the end of each annual reporting cycle, the Audit Committee reflect on the quality of the audit provided by the auditors. At each Audit 
Committee meeting, the auditor presents an update on their progress and, where appropriate, conclusions on their half year review and 
full year audit and how the audit has been conducted in relation to the plan presented to the Audit Committee, with the committee able 
to challenge the audit at any point. Following conclusion of the 2020 year end audit, the committee discussed the quality of the audit 
service provided, using the questionnaire responses as a basis for the discussion. Although there were no significant matters reported 
and the Audit Committee did conclude that the auditors had delivered an audit of appropriate quality, the committee believed that 
improvements to the audit process could be made, and this was communicated to the new engagement partner in our subsequent 
separate meetings. 
Although the formal assessment of the 2021 audit has yet to be formally undertaken, provisional discussions held at the March 2022 
Committee meeting did not identify any matter where the Audit Committee believed that the quality of the audit had regressed from 
previous years. The committee were satisfied that the process had improved over the 2020 year end audit.
Internal Risk Management and Assurance
The Audit Committee reviews the Group’s principal risks at each meeting. The Group Risk Management Committee meet in advance  
of the Audit Committee and minutes are reviewed by the Audit Committee and follow up queries addressed with management. The 
Group’s risk management project plan is also presented with the Audit Committee closely monitoring the close out of recommendations 
raised during completed internal audits, as well as noting progress of ongoing audits and plans for future audits, ensuring they remain  
on schedule. The Audit Committee also complete an annual review of managements formal internal controls assessment.
The Group’s principal risk dashboard is updated in advance of every meeting and changes to operational and corporate risks noted and 
discussed. The Audit Committee will challenge management on the classification of risks where further clarification is sought on either 
the assessment of the likelihood of a risk materialising or its estimated financial impact. During the current period, risks were reviewed 
against a backdrop of volatile commodity prices and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, together with the risks associated with the 
integration of the Egyptian business into the Group. 
Internal Audit
Following a competitive tender process, Ernst & Young LLP (‘EY’) was appointed as the Group’s internal auditor with effect from 
July 2013. EY will continue in the role of internal auditor for at least the year ending 31 December 2022 and will therefore be excluded 
from the planned tender process for the Group’s external audit.
Prior to the beginning of each year, an internal audit plan is developed by the internal auditors, in consultation with senior management, 
based on a review of the outcome of the previous year’s internal audits, the outcome of the annual assessment of effectiveness of internal 
control (refer to pages 146 to 151), the results of historical audits of fundamental business processes and the significant risks in the Group 
Risk Matrix and identified mitigation measures. The plan is then presented to the Audit Committee for review and approval. The internal 
auditors also participate in meetings of the Group Risk Management Committee to maintain an understanding of the business activities 
and associated risks and to update the Group Risk Management Committee on the internal audit work plan. The Audit Committee  
also receives updates on the internal audit work plan on an ongoing basis. The external auditor does not place any reliance on the work 
undertaken by the Group’s internal audit function due to the nature of the scope and the timing of their work. The external auditor does 
however, attend all Committee meetings where internal audit updates are given and meets separately with the internal auditor and the 
Audit Committee Chair to discuss areas of common focus in developing their audit plan. 
During 2021, the Group’s internal auditors conducted audits on cyber security, risk management and assurance, ESG reporting and  
the Group’s project delivery process for mergers and acquisitions. No high risk findings were identified across the audits conducted.
Working Responsibly – Whistleblowing and Related Policies 
The Group is committed to working responsibly as part of its strategy to deliver value for all stakeholders. This means delivering value  
in a safe, secure, environmentally and socially responsible manner. 
As part of this, the Audit Committee is responsible for ensuring the Group has a robust Whistleblowing Policy in place and this policy  
is reviewed annually by the committee. The Group’s current version of the policy was first presented to, and approved by, the Audit 
Committee at the March 2018 meeting and most recently re-approved at the March 2022 meeting. 
The committee is also responsible for and is satisfied that arrangements are in place for the proportionate and independent investigation 
of possible improprieties in respect of financial reporting and other matters and for appropriate follow-up action. 
The Group has in place a comprehensive anti-bribery and corruption management system and Code of Ethics. Regular training updates 
are provided to all employees and long-term contractors in addition to the training that is provided to all new staff joining the Company. 
As Capricorn enters new countries, monitoring is undertaken, and training is refreshed. Further information regarding these policies can 
be found on the Group’s website.
100
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Other Matters:
Provision of Non-Audit Services 
We have a long-established policy in relation to the supply of non-audit services by the external auditor. The Group will engage an 
external adviser to provide non-audit services on the basis of the skills and experience required for the work, where benefit will be derived 
as a result of the third party’s knowledge of the Group and at a reasonable cost. These advisers may include the Group’s external auditor, 
under a restricted set of circumstances, although, before the engagement commences, the Audit Committee must be satisfied that the 
auditor’s objectivity and independence would not be compromised in any way as a result of being instructed to carry out those services. 
The policy on approval of non-audit fees for the Group’s auditor is re-approved annually. All non-audit fees should be approved by the 
Audit Committee in advance of the engagement with a practical workaround of only seeking approval from the committee Chair, rather 
than seeking full committee approval, in advance for fees below an approved threshold of £100,000. This approval will then be ratified  
at the next meeting of the committee.
The policy is available online on the Group’s website.
PwC provided other services during the year including certification of the Group’s EITI submission in Senegal and non-statutory audits  
of the Group’s timewriting recharges to operated assets. 
A full analysis of remuneration paid to the Group’s external auditor in respect of both audit and non-audit work is provided in note 7.5 to 
the Financial Statements.
Board and Committee Performance Evaluation
The Board retains overall responsibility for implementation of its annual performance evaluation and the process and outcomes of the 
2021 externally conducted evaluation are described in the Corporate Governance Statement on pages 86 to 87. The process included  
a review of all Board committees and it was concluded that the relationship between the Board and its committees is functioning  
well, with all committees fully meeting their remit. The Audit Committee works together with the Board in seeking to address any 
performance evaluation outcomes relating to the work of the committee.
Keith Lough
Chair of the Audit Committee
8 March 2022
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
101
Nomination Committee Report
Nicoletta Giadrossi
Chair of the Nomination Committee
Members and Meetings in 2021
Nicoletta Giadrossi (Chair)
Keith Lough
Peter Kallos
Simon Thomson
Member  
since
Meetings  
attended
05/18
05/15
09/15
03/13
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
102
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Dear Shareholder
Role and Membership of the Committee
Capricorn’s Nomination Committee, alongside the Board, plays a 
key role in ensuring that the composition of the Board is aligned 
with the Company’s values, culture and strategy and that the Board 
has in its membership what is required to provide appropriate 
challenge and effective leadership for the business. To maintain  
the correct balance of skills and representation, Board succession 
planning is fundamental for the ongoing success of the Company 
and is a key focus of the Nomination Committee.
The membership of the committee during 2021 is set out in  
the table below and comprises a majority of independent Non-
Executive Directors. The Chief Executive is also a member of the 
committee. With effect from 3 March 2022, the remit of the 
committee was expanded to include a greater focus on governance. 
In addition, and from the same date, independent Non-Executive 
Director, Catherine Krajicek, became an additional member of the 
newly-named Nomination and Governance Committee.
During 2021, the role of the Nomination Committee included:
 – reviewing and evaluating the structure, size and composition 
(including the balance of skills, knowledge, experience and 
diversity) of the Board; 
 – giving full consideration to succession planning for Directors 
and other senior executives, ensuring plans are in place for 
orderly succession and taking into account the Company’s 
strategy and the challenges and opportunities that it faces;
 – overseeing the development of a diverse pipeline for 
succession; and
 – ensuring that appointments made to the Board promote 
diversity of gender, social and ethnic backgrounds.
Following the decision to expand its remit, from March 2022, the 
Nomination and Governance Committee’s role also includes:
 – monitoring the operation of the UK Corporate Governance 
Code and its implementation and compliance by the Company;
 – reviewing developments in corporate governance and advising 
the Board with respect to developments in the law and practice 
of corporate governance; and
 – reviewing and approving changes to the Board’s corporate 
governance practices and policies.
Board Changes
Whilst the Board membership was diverse in terms of the range  
of nationalities, culture and international experience represented, as 
a result of its ongoing review and evaluation of the composition of 
the Board during the year, the Nomination Committee recognised 
that the Board would benefit from further enhancing the diversity  
of its membership and commenced a search for an additional 
Non-Executive Director. On 22 February 2022, following a process 
assisted by Ridgeway Advisors, the Company announced the 
appointment of Luis Araujo as a Non-Executive Director with effect 
from 11 May 2022. With many years’ experience working in Brazil 
and other countries, Luis will bring excellent emerging market 
insights to the Board, in addition to his other areas of expertise, 
including in relation to energy transition issues.
Chair Succession
On 1 January 2021, I took on the role of Chair, following a  
thorough and comprehensive succession process led by one of the 
Company’s independent Non-Executive Directors. As disclosed  
in the Corporate Governance Statement on pages 84 to 95, the 
composition of the various Board Committees was refreshed with 
effect from 1 January 2021 in line with Code recommendations.
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Succession Planning and Development of Executive Talent
In 2017, the Parker Review on ethnic diversity of UK Boards  
was published, with the target that no member company of  
the FTSE 250 lack a person of colour as a director on its board by  
2024. The Board, and the Nomination Committee, recognised that 
ethnic diversity, and the benefits it brings, was missing amongst 
the Company’s Board membership. In Q4 2021, we commenced  
a search for a new Non-Executive Director. As noted above, the 
Company instructed recruitment consultants, Ridgeway, in 
connection with this appointment. Apart from providing prior 
recruitment advice, Ridgway has no other connection with the 
Company or any of its individual Directors. The Board was therefore 
pleased to announce that its diversity will be deepened from  
May 2022 upon the appointment of Luis Araujo, who has South 
American heritage and citizenship in Brazil, Portugal and the  
UK. I am delighted that Luis is joining our Board. His skills and 
experience will bring a further level of challenge and new and 
diverse perspective to the Board.
On a regular basis, the Nomination Committee evaluates the 
combination of skills, experience, independence and knowledge  
of the Company whilst considering the length of service of 
members of the Board. Recommendations in terms of director 
membership are made to the Board accordingly. Diversity is an 
important principle of a well-functioning Board and encompasses 
multiple aspects including gender diversity, social and ethnic 
diversity, cognitive diversity to ensure the avoidance of groupthink, 
and personal strengths and experience. All appointments are made 
on merit and objective criteria, promoting the diversity principles. 
Working together, the Board and Nomination Committee 
maintain a comprehensive succession plan for appointments  
to the Board ensuring there is an appropriate balance of skills  
and experience that continues to align with our strategic aims.
The Company’s talent management strategy, for positions both 
on and out with the Board, continues to focus on growing talent 
through a number of measures including active succession 
planning and mentoring, programmes designed to aid 
leadership and management development; and annual 
objective and development plan setting. 
The Company’s succession planning also includes contingency 
plans for the sudden or unexpected departure of Executive 
Directors (including the Chief Executive) and other senior roles, 
which are reviewed by the Board. 
Following the acquisition of the assets in Egypt and the sale of  
the UK Catcher and Kraken interests in 2021, a recruitment and 
reorganisation campaign was undertaken to ensure that the 
organisation was best set-up to support the new asset base and 
ensure successful implementation of the Company’s strategy. 
Details of this recruitment and reorganisation were shared with  
the Board.
The Board has a deep understanding of the Company’s talent 
management and succession planning, receiving regular updates 
from the Group HR Manager, as well as knowledge of the range of 
measures being used to continue to develop and recruit talented 
senior employees.
During 2021, our mentor programme, which commenced in  
May 2019, continued to provide invaluable support to colleagues 
whose ambitions are to grow and develop into senior roles within 
the business. With the initial cohort having had two years’ of 
mentoring from senior management and Non-Executive Directors, 
a further group of individuals were identified as employees who 
would benefit from the mentoring programme and they started 
the programme in the middle of the year. These colleagues have 
been partnered with non-executive Board members as well as 
senior managers to gain knowledge and strategic understanding 
from their experience in these areas.
Diversity 
As noted, the Nomination Committee very much values  
the benefits of building a diverse Board, not just in terms of  
gender and social and ethnic background, but also to promote 
diversity of cognitive and personal strengths. Following the 
retirement of Ian Tyler as Chair and my taking the position  
with effect from 1 January 2021, women represent 37.5% of the 
Board membership (being three women out of eight members). 
Following the appointment of Luis Araujo in May 2022, this 
percentage will be 33%. The Directors’ range of knowledge and 
practice covers not only a wealth of experience of operating in  
the oil and gas industry but also extensive technical, operational, 
financial, governance, legal and commercial expertise. The Board 
remains diverse in terms of the range of nationalities, culture and 
international experience of its members but, as previously noted, 
recognised that it fell short in terms of ethnic diversity and the 
ambitions of the Parker Review. The committee will continue to 
monitor and consider diversity for all future Board appointments, 
whilst also continuing to recruit on merit. 
At levels below the Board, we continue to think more broadly  
than gender diversity in all areas of our work, taking into account 
diversity in many dimensions. Our diversity and inclusion strategy 
aims to nurture an inclusive and sustainable culture, where 
differences are encouraged, embraced and recognised as key 
drivers of value to all our stakeholders. A diverse and inclusive 
culture, where everyone can uniquely contribute and thrive  
and which values and encourages individual differences is 
nurtured throughout Capricorn. The Board and Executive 
Committee are committed to ensuring such a culture is 
embedded in the organisation.
As noted in last year’s Annual Report, following the internal 
reorganisation that took place in 2020, the Board decided to 
replace the Senior Leadership Team with a smaller, more focused 
Executive Committee comprising the two Executive Directors,  
the Chief Operating Officer and the Director of Exploration. This 
change took effect from 1 December 2020 and as such there are 
currently no women on the small Executive Team. There are a 
number of standing agenda items that encourage attendance 
from other employees in the organisation, many of whom are 
female. We are pleased that, at 31 December 2021, the number  
of female direct reports to the Executive Committee has increased 
significantly since the same time last year with six female direct 
reports to the Executive Committee and 14 male (2020: one 
female, 19 male). Of the value creating, enabling and protecting 
roles identified in our talent management programme, 26% of  
the talent pool are female. The gender split of our management 
population is two-thirds male to one-third female and looking  
at our broader talent pool, the gender diversity of our employee 
population is 47% female and 53% male.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
103
Nomination Committee Report continued
As noted in the strategic review section of this report (pages 2  
to 75), the Company has developed and shared with staff our 
strategic framework which is designed to cultivate D&I across the 
business. In recognition of our current diversity challenges within 
our management and executive populations, the first initiative, 
launched in 2021, was our Shadow4Success programme. The  
pilot programme aims to provide an opportunity for under-
represented groups to gain a better understanding of how our 
Executive Team operates, with the intention of increasing the 
diversity of applications for more senior roles in Capricorn. 
The Company has continued to participate fully in the annual 
submission of gender performance data as part of the FTSE 
Women Leaders Review (formerly the Davies Review and  
the Hampton-Alexander Review) aimed at improving the 
representation of women in leadership positions in the FTSE 350. 
The FTSE Women Leaders Review published in February 2022 
noted our increased percentage of female direct reports to the 
Executive Committee but highlighted that this committee was 
all-male.
The Board and Nomination and Governance Committee, 
alongside the Capricorn organisation, will continue to promote 
diversity in its widest possible sense. Our strategies, polices and 
practices encourage this and seek to ensure the potential of our 
team can be met, driving the success of the individuals within it 
and the business as a whole. 
Changes to the Committee Since Year-End
From 3 March this year, the committee has expanded its remit  
to include governance in a broader sense. Whilst corporate 
governance is a key consideration at all times for the Board, 
including governance within the committee’s responsibilities 
demonstrates the commitment of Capricorn to good and 
responsible governance.
Board and Committee Performance Evaluation
The Board is committed to annual evaluations of its performance 
in order to assess and improve its effectiveness on an ongoing 
basis, with the individual Directors also evaluated to determine 
whether each director continues to contribute effectively. In line 
with the UK Corporate Governance Code, which provides that 
FTSE 350 companies should have an externally facilitated board 
evaluation process at least every three years, the Board appointed 
Gould Consulting to facilitate the 2021 Board performance 
evaluation (previous externally facilitated evaluations took place in 
2018, 2015 and 2012, with internally run evaluations conducted in 
the intervening years). Gould Consulting had no prior connection 
to the Board or its Directors.
The Board retains overall responsibility for implementation of its 
annual performance evaluation and the process and outcomes  
of the 2021 externally conducted evaluation are described in  
the Corporate Governance Statement on pages 86 and 87. The 
process included a review of all Board committees and it was 
concluded that the relationship between the Board and its 
committees is functioning well, with all committees fully meeting 
their remit. The Nomination and Governance Committee works 
together with the Board in seeking to address any performance 
evaluation outcomes relating to Board composition and 
succession planning.
Nicoletta Giadrossi
Chair of the Nomination Committee
8 March 2022
104
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
105
Strategic ReportLeadership and GovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationDirectors’ Remuneration Report
Alison Wood
Chair of the Remuneration Committee
Members and Meetings in 2021
Alison Wood (Chair)
Erik B. Daugbjerg
Nicoletta Giadrossi 
Peter Kallos
Member  
since
Meetings  
attended
01/21
01/21
01/17
09/15
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
106
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Part 1 – Annual Statement from the Chair of the 
Committee
Dear Shareholder
As the Chair of Capricorn’s Remuneration Committee,  
I am pleased to present our Directors’ Remuneration Report  
for 2021, a period during which we continued to apply the 
executive remuneration policy that was strongly supported  
at the 2020 AGM. 
The committee remains of the view that this policy is still fit for 
purpose and it will, therefore, continue to be applied during 2022. 
As a result, shareholders will not be asked to approve a new 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy until the expiry of the current policy 
at the AGM in 2023. However, for ease of reference, the substantive 
provisions of the existing policy are repeated in Part 3 of this report.
Part 2 of this report contains this year’s Annual Report on 
Remuneration and explains how the provisions of the above policy 
were actually applied in 2021 and how they will be operated in 
2022. The Annual Report on Remuneration will be subject to an 
advisory vote to be held at the AGM on 11 May 2022. 
Shareholder Engagement Following the 2021 AGM
The committee was disappointed that the 2020 Annual Report on 
Remuneration received a 34.87% vote against at the 2021 AGM. 
Prior to the 2021 meeting, and in the months that followed, the 
committee sought to engage with our largest shareholders to 
understand their concerns. The conclusions reached from this 
consultation exercise (details of which were included in an update 
statement published on our website in November 2021) were that 
a number of shareholders and/or their proxy advisers:
 – would like to see more detailed disclosure of the KPIs used in 
the annual bonus scheme (including, where possible, specific 
target ranges and payment scales);
 – would welcome a more comprehensive explanation of the 
alignment between company performance and bonus 
outcomes; and
 – would, in circumstances where the committee is considering 
exercising any discretion in relation to the Company’s various 
incentive arrangements, prefer to be notified at the time the 
decision is made.
The committee wishes to thank those shareholders who  
engaged in the above exercise. We will continue to improve the 
transparency of our bonus scheme disclosures (while at the same 
time taking into account the Board’s concerns around commercial 
sensitivity). In this report, we have also sought to provide greater 
clarity on the way in which the scheme is aligned to the interests  
of shareholders. The committee will continue to engage with 
investors on an ongoing basis to make sure their views are 
reflected appropriately in the committee’s decisions.
Summary of 2021 Business Context and  
Key Remuneration Decisions
The work of the committee in 2021 was conducted against  
a backdrop of a year in which the Company progressed its  
key strategic initiatives, including portfolio management and 
retaining a resilient balance sheet, whilst striving to deliver value  
in a safe, sustainable, environmentally and socially responsible 
manner for all of our stakeholders. Particular highlights included 
the following:
 – successful resolution of the Indian tax matter, with funds of 
~US$1.06bn refunded to the Group in February 2022 and  
a proposed subsequent return to shareholders of up to 
US$700m announced;
 – in March 2021, the Company announced the acquisition of  
a portfolio of upstream oil and gas production, development 
and exploration interests in Egypt and the sale of its declining 
production assets in the UK Catcher and Kraken fields, 
transactions which completed in September and November 
2021 respectively; and
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
 – following receipt of the necessary approvals at a General 
Meeting held on 8 January 2021, Capricorn successfully 
returned to shareholders approximately US$250 million from 
the proceeds of the sale to Woodside of all the Group’s interests 
in Senegal.
Against this background, the key remuneration-related decisions 
made by the committee in 2021 are described in more detail in 
the Annual Report on Remuneration contained on pages 109 to 
129 and can be summarised as follows:
 – Base salary increases
In accordance with its normal practice, the base salaries of the 
Company’s Executive Directors (being Simon Thomson and 
James Smith) were reviewed by the committee at its meeting in 
December 2021 and it was agreed that an increase of 3% would 
be applied to both individuals with effect from 1 January 2022.
The above increase was consistent with the level of standard 
annual salary increase awarded to other employees at that time.
 – 2021 annual bonus – overview and purpose 
  Capricorn’s annual bonus arrangements are based on a balanced 
scorecard of measures directly aligned with our Group KPIs. 
These are, in turn, derived from the Company’s overall strategy of 
creating, adding and delivering value for stakeholders by 
reinvesting cash flow from producing assets into value accretive 
exploration, appraisal, development and production assets which 
can be monetised at different stages of the life cycle in order to 
optimise the portfolio and create the opportunity for significant 
returns of value to be made to shareholders. 
In order to deliver this strategy, we maintain a balance sheet 
that is resilient to price shocks and volatility and invest to target 
resources that can be competitive and relevant through the 
energy transition. The goals that we set for the bonus scheme 
directly reflect these objectives and relate to:
•  maintaining a licence to operate;
•  delivering a sustainable business;
•  delivering exploration success;
•  production performance; and
•  balance sheet management.
  Like many similarly sized companies in our sector, our KPIs 
(and, therefore, our bonus arrangements) focus on a broad 
range of strategic measures that support our ability to create 
long-term superior shareholder returns, with short-term 
financial objectives forming a much less significant element  
of how we create value for our shareholders. This approach is,  
in part, driven by the fact that the financial results in any one 
year may be materially impacted by exploration/appraisal  
asset write-offs and may include costs associated with activity 
undertaken in several prior accounting periods. As a result, 
year-on-year financial results can be highly volatile and may 
not necessarily reflect activities undertaken in that period or 
long-term shareholder interests.
Inevitably, the above balance between strategic and financial 
goals can lead to situations where the bonus outturn for a 
particular year appears at odds with a narrow analysis of the 
pure financial performance delivered during that time. The 
committee does, however, review each year’s bonus awards to 
make sure they are appropriately reflective of the performance 
of the Company as a whole and fairly reward the achievements 
that will best drive shareholder returns in the longer term. The 
committee has a track record of exercising its discretion to 
reduce award levels where deemed appropriate.
 – 2021 annual bonus – structure and outturn
The overall structure of the Executive Directors’ bonus scheme 
for 2021 was unchanged from the prior year with the whole  
of the individuals’ opportunity being dependent on the 
achievement of Group KPIs.
  Based on an assessment of the extent to which the relevant 
targets were achieved, awards made under the annual bonus 
scheme to the Executive Directors during the year (as a 
percentage of annual salary) were 75.63% for both Simon 
Thomson and James Smith. In accordance with its normal 
practice noted above, these award levels were reviewed by the 
committee in the context of the Company’s overall performance 
during the year and it was concluded that resolution of the 
long-standing Indian tax dispute; high levels of achievement in 
respect of HSSE and ESG targets; and maintenance of a resilient 
balance sheet warranted good award levels in these areas. As 
detailed further on pages 114 to 119, scoring was significantly 
lower in the exploration and corporate projects categories.
  Under the Company’s current approved remuneration policy, 
any part of an Executive Directors’ bonus that is in excess of 
100% of the individual’s base salary for the relevant year is 
deferred into Capricorn shares for three years. Given that this 
threshold was not reached by the above bonuses, they were 
paid out wholly in cash.
  Further details of the way in which these awards were 
determined and paid are set out on pages 114 to 119 of the 
Annual Report on Remuneration.
 – Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) – partial vesting  
of 2018 awards
The performance period applicable to the LTIP awards granted 
in 2018 came to an end during 2021. Over this period, the 
Company’s Total Shareholder Return was sufficient to place  
it between the fourth and fifth positions in a group of 15 
comparator companies with the result that:
• 
the ‘core’ elements of these awards vested in respect of 
84.6% of the shares over which they were granted; and
•  no part of the ‘kicker’ elements of these awards vested and 
they lapsed in full.
  As part of the above vesting process, the LTIP’s rules required 
the committee to review the Company’s overall performance 
over the three years from the grant of the awards. After due and 
careful consideration, the committee concluded that there had 
been a sustained improvement in such overall performance 
during that time.
The vested awards held by the Executive Directors are subject 
to a further two-year holding period during which they cannot 
normally be exercised and any shares that are ultimately 
acquired by them will constitute ‘relevant shares’ for the 
purposes of the post-employment shareholding requirement 
described on page 136.
 – LTIP – grant of 2021 awards
  During 2021, the committee made the fifth annual grant under 
the Company’s LTIP that was adopted at the 2017 AGM. Given 
that the COVID-19 related market uncertainty that had existed 
in 2020 (and which had led to the application of a reduction  
to the quantum of LTIP awards made in that year) no longer 
existed, the committee was of the view that there should be a 
return to the Company’s standard approach. As a consequence, 
the Executive Directors’ 2021 awards had a face value equal to 
the 2.5 x base salary level envisaged by the policy.
  Further details of the awards made to Executive Directors in 
2021 are set out in the Annual Report on Remuneration.
 – Non-Executive Directors’ fees and Chair’s fee
  During 2021, the committee reviewed the Chair’s fees in  
the context of market and inflationary data and the time 
commitment of the role. Following this review, it was decided 
that the fee should be increased by 3% from £180,000 to 
£185,400, effective 1 January 2022.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
107
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Each of the committee’s decisions described above was made 
in the context of the requirements of the 2018 UK Corporate 
Governance Code and, in particular, after considering the various 
factors set out in its Provision 40. For example, the committee’s 
ongoing commitment to improve the level of disclosures around 
the annual bonus scheme is intended to enhance transparency 
and promote effective engagement with shareholders and the 
workforce. Similarly, the decision to disapply LTIP ‘dividend 
equivalent’ rights in connection with the return of cash reflected 
a desire to mitigate reputational and other risks from excessive 
rewards. The committee was satisfied that, during 2021, the 
approved remuneration policy operated as intended and delivered 
outcomes that fairly reflected the resilient nature of the business 
and its achievements over the year.
Applying the Policy in 2022
An overview of the way in which the current remuneration policy 
will be applied in 2022 is set out on pages 127 to 129 in the 
Annual Report on Remuneration. In summary:
 – on 1 January 2022, the above noted increases to the base 
salaries of the Chief Executive and CFO came into effect;
 – the Group KPI measures used for the annual bonus scheme 
(and their respective weightings and payment scales) have been 
reformulated for 2022 in order to ensure consistency with the 
Company’s strategic priorities for the period. In particular, the 
selected KPIs reflect the Company’s ongoing but increased 
focus on its business within the energy transition whilst 
delivering value for our shareholders. They also encourage 
delivery of a unique value proposition that is supported by 
financial management that is both resilient and responsible; and 
 – no material changes have been made to the manner in which 
the LTIP will operate in 2022.
Feedback on Directors’ Remuneration Report
We welcome questions and feedback from all those interested on 
both the content and style of this report. We also look forward to 
receiving your support for the Directors’ Remuneration Report at 
the AGM to be held on 11 May 2022.
Alison Wood
Remuneration Committee Chair
8 March 2022
Directors’ Remuneration Report continued
The fees paid to Non-Executive Directors were also reviewed 
during the year by the Board (excluding the Non-Executive 
Directors). Following this review, it was determined that, with 
effect from 1 January 2022, the basic annual fee would also  
be increased by 3% from £75,500 to £77,765. No change was 
made to the additional fee payable for chairing the audit and/or 
remuneration committees.
 – Other decisions made, and discretions exercised, by the 
committee during 2021 
The only substantive discretions exercised by the committee 
during 2021 related to the operation of the Company’s various 
share-based incentive schemes. In particular, the committee:
•  exercised its discretion to disapply ‘dividend equivalent’ 
rights attaching to 2017 LTIP awards in relation to the special 
dividend paid as part of the return of cash that was approved 
by shareholders in the early part of the year – further details 
around this issue were provided in last year’s Directors’ 
Remuneration Report;
•  decided to give participants in the Company’s Share 
Incentive Plan (SIP) the ability, if they so wished, to reinvest 
the above noted special dividend that was paid in respect  
of their plan holding in further ‘dividend shares’; and 
•  made various decisions in relation to the treatment of a small 
number of leavers (none of whom were Executive Directors).
  As disclosed at the time, in November 2021, the committee 
permitted James Smith to sell a proportion of his shareholding 
in the Company so he could manage his personal arrangements 
given the then anticipated special dividend arising from the 
receipt of the Indian tax refund. As a result of this disposal, 
Mr Smith’s interest in the Company fell temporarily below  
the requirements of the ‘in service’ element of Capricorn’s 
shareholding guidelines for Executive Directors but remained 
significant at approximately 122% of salary immediately 
following the disposal. Although his holding remained below  
the required level as at 31 December 2021, it is considered  
likely (based on current projections) that the vesting of his  
LTIP award originally granted on 13 March 2019 (which is 
scheduled to occur in mid-March 2022) will result in him once 
again being fully in compliance with the above requirements.  
To the extent that this does not prove to be the case, it is 
envisaged that, within a year of completion of the return of  
value (and in fulfilment of undertakings given at the time  
he originally received the permission), Mr Smith will take the 
steps necessary to ensure that he is once again in compliance 
with the director shareholding requirements. Further details 
surrounding this issue are set out on page 125 of the Annual 
Report on Remuneration.
 – Consideration of remuneration arrangements for the wider 
workforce during 2021
In accordance with the terms of the Company’s approved 
remuneration policy, the committee regularly reviewed the 
remuneration levels and incentive arrangements for employees 
below senior management level. 
  During the year, members of staff were also given the 
opportunity to raise issues on a variety of matters, including 
executive pay, via a number of mechanisms, including the 
Company’s Employee Voice Forum which, throughout 2021, 
was chaired by Peter Kallos, who is a member of the committee.
108
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
 
 
 
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Part 2 – Annual Report on Remuneration 
Introduction
This Annual Report on Remuneration provides details of the way in which the committee operated during the financial year to 
31 December 2021 and explains how Capricorn’s approved Directors’ Remuneration Policy that is described on pages 130 to 139  
was implemented during that period. It also summarises how that policy will be applied in 2022.
In accordance with the requirements of the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 
(as amended) (the “Regulations”), this part of the report will be subject to an advisory vote at the 2022 AGM.
The Company’s auditor is required to report to Capricorn’s shareholders on the ‘auditable parts’ of this Annual Report on Remuneration 
(which have been highlighted as such below) and to state whether, in their opinion, those parts have been properly prepared in 
accordance with the Regulations and the Companies Act 2006.
On the basis that Capricorn has fewer than 250 UK employees, the Company is not required to publish or report its gender pay gap 
information.
Operation of the Remuneration Committee During 2021
Members of the Remuneration Committee 
The members of the Remuneration Committee during the year were as follows:
 – Alison Wood (joined the committee and became its Chair on 1 January 2021);
 – Nicoletta Giadrossi (ceased to be Chair of the committee on 1 January 2021);
 – Peter Kallos; and
 – Erik B. Daugbjerg (joined the committee on 1 January 2021).
The individuals who served on the committee, each of whom is an independent Non-Executive Director of the Company, had no 
personal financial interest (other than as shareholders) in the matters decided, no potential conflicts of interest from cross-directorships 
and no day-to-day involvement in running the business. Prior to her appointment as Chair in January 2021, Alison Wood had served on 
the remuneration committees of other listed companies for more than 12 months.
Biographical information on the individuals who were committee members as at 31 December 2021 is shown on page 79 and details of 
attendance at the committee’s meetings during 2021 are shown on page 90.
Internal Assistance Provided to the Committee
The Chief Executive is not a member of the Remuneration Committee but may attend its meetings by invitation and is consulted in 
respect of certain of its proposals. The Chief Executive is not involved in any discussions in respect of his own remuneration. During the 
year, the committee also received assistance and advice on remuneration policy from the Company Secretary.
External Assistance Provided to the Committee 
As and when the Remuneration Committee considers it appropriate, it takes external advice on remuneration from a number of sources. 
During the year, it received the following assistance:
Adviser
Assistance provided to the committee during 2021
Alvarez & Marsal  
Taxand UK LLP2
Appointed by the committee to give periodic advice on 
various aspects of the directors’ remuneration packages. 
Also assisted with the preparation of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report and provided support on a 
number of miscellaneous remuneration related projects 
during the year, including in relation to the consultation 
process with shareholders that took place both before 
and after the 2021 AGM.
Deloitte LLP2
Appointed by the Company’s Management Team but 
provided assistance to the committee in relation to 
preparation of the Directors’ Remuneration Report and 
the consultation process with shareholders that took 
place before the 2021 AGM.
£1,568
Fees for committee 
assistance in 20211
Other services provided to the 
Company during 2021
£22,910
Provided advice on various 
aspects of remuneration 
practice across the Group.
Provided advice on various 
aspects of remuneration 
practice across the Group.
Ernst & Young LLP
Appointed by the Company to carry out an 
independent verification of its achievement against 
performance conditions applicable to the Company’s 
LTIPs and share option schemes.
N/A – no advice 
provided to the 
committee
Internal auditor of the 
Company throughout the year. 
Shepherd and 
Wedderburn LLP
Appointed by the Company to carry out regular 
calculations in relation to the LTIP performance 
conditions. Also assisted with the preparation of  
the Directors’ Remuneration Report.
£24,463
General legal services to the 
Group throughout the year.
Notes:
1  The bases for charging the fees set out in the table were agreed by the committee at or around the time the particular services were provided and, in general, 
reflected the time spent by the adviser in question on the relevant matter.
2  Both of Alvarez & Marsal Taxand UK LLP and Deloitte LLP are members of the Remuneration Consultants Group and their work is governed by the Code of Conduct 
in relation to executive remuneration consulting in the UK.
3  The committee reviews the performance and independence of all its advisers on a continuous basis. No issues relating to performance or independence were noted 
by the committee during the year.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
109
Directors’ Remuneration Report continued
Statement of Shareholder Voting at General Meetings
The table below shows the voting outcome at the last general meeting(s) at which shareholders were asked by the Company to approve 
a resolution relating to its Directors’ Remuneration Report and Directors’ Remuneration Policy:
Date of general 
meeting
Number of 
votes ‘For’ and 
‘Discretionary’
% of votes cast
Number of 
votes ‘Against’
% of votes cast
Total number 
of votes cast
Number 
of votes 
‘Withheld’1
11 May 2021 246,776,576
65.13% 132,138,647
34.87% 378,915,223
48,842
14 May 2020 417,923,175
93.01% 31,405,942
6.99% 449,329,117
26,501
Description of resolution
To approve the 2020 Directors’ 
Remuneration Report
To approve the 2020 Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy
Note:
1  A vote withheld is not a vote in law.
The committee acknowledges the significant level of votes that were cast against last year’s Directors’ Remuneration Report. A summary 
of the reasons for those votes, as far as known to the committee, and details of the actions taken in response to those concerns are 
included in the Chair’s Annual Statement on page 106. 
Payments to Past Directors During 2021 (Audited)
During the year to 31 December 2021, there were no payments to past directors of the kind that require to be disclosed in terms of the 
Regulations.
Single Total Figure Table for 2021 (Audited)
The tables below set out the remuneration received by Executive Directors and Non-Executive Directors during the year in the following 
categories.
Salary
+
Benefits
+
Pension
+
SIP
+
Annual  
Bonus
+
Long-term 
incentives
=
Total 
remuneration
Executive Directors
Fixed Remuneration
Variable Remuneration
Totals
Financial 
year
Salary  
and fees Benefits1 Pension2
SIP3
Annual bonus4…
…paid in 
cash
…deferred 
into 
shares
…total 
bonus
Long-term 
incentives5
Total 
remuneration
Total  
fixed 
remuneration
Total  
variable 
remuneration
Directors
Simon 
Thomson
James 
Smith
2021
£592,517 £42,400 £88,878 £7,197 £448,091
£0 £448,091
£771,809 £1,950,892
£730,992
£1,219,900
2020
£586,650 £35,291 £87,998
£0 £549,984
£0 £549,984
£219,808
£1,479,731
£709,939
£769,792
2021
£385,377 £37,537 £57,807 £7,197 £291,441
£0 £291,441
£501,990 £1,281,349
£487,918
£793,431
2020
£381,561 £38,611 £57,234
£0
£357,713
£0
£357,713
£142,965
£978,084
£477,406
£500,678
Notes:
1  Taxable benefits available to the Executive Directors during 2021 were a company car/car allowance, private health insurance, death-in-service benefit and a gym 
and fitness allowance. This overall package of taxable benefits was largely unchanged from 2020, with the higher figure for Simon Thomson in 2021 primarily being 
attributable to increased charges for his company car.
2  Additional disclosures relating to the pension provision for the Executive Directors during 2021 are set out on pages 113 and 114.
3  This column shows the face value (at date of award) of matching and free shares provided to the Executive Directors under the SIP during the relevant period. 
Further details on the way in which the SIP was operated during 2021 are set out on page 125.
4  Under the Company’s annual bonus scheme for 2020 and 2021, any sums awarded in excess of 100% of salary are delivered in the form of deferred share awards, 
which normally vest after a period of three years from grant. Further information in relation to the annual bonus scheme for 2021 is provided on pages 114 to 119.  
For the avoidance of doubt, the quantum of awards made under this arrangement is not attributable, either wholly or in part, to share price appreciation. 
5  This column shows the value of shares that vested in respect of LTIP awards with performance conditions that ended during the period in question. Further details 
of the LTIP’s operation during 2021, including how the level of award was determined, confirmation of the amount (if any) of the above vesting value that was 
attributable to share price appreciation and a summary of any discretions that were exercised, are provided on pages 120 to 124.
6  Following the end of the year to 31 December 2021, the committee considered whether there were any circumstances that could or should result in the recovery or 
withholding of any sums pursuant to the clawback arrangements contained within the Company’s remuneration policy. The conclusion reached by the committee 
was that it was not aware of any such circumstances.
110
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
Non-Executive Directors
Fixed Remuneration
Variable Remuneration
Totals
Financial 
year
Salary and fees1
Benefits
Pension2
Annual 
bonus2
Long-term 
incentives2
Total 
remuneration
Total fixed 
remuneration
Total variable 
remuneration
Directors
Nicoletta Giadrossi3
Keith Lough4
Peter Kallos
Alison Wood5
Catherine Krajicek
Erik B. Daugbjerg6
2021
2020
2021
2020
2021
2020
2021
2020
2021
2020
2021
2020
£180,000
£85,500
£85,500
£85,500
£75,500
£75,500
£85,500
£75,500
£75,500
£75,500
£75,500
£47,527
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
£180,000
£180,000
£85,500
£85,500
£85,500
£85,500
£85,500
£85,500
£75,500
£75,500
£75,500
£75,500
£85,500
£85,500
£75,500
£75,500
£75,500
£75,500
£75,500
£75,500
£75,500
£75,500
£47,527
£47,527
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Notes:
1  As disclosed in the 2020 Annual Report on Remuneration, the annual fee payable to the Company’s Chair for 2021 was unchanged at £180,000.  
Similarly, the basic annual fee for Non-Executive Directors in 2021 remained at £75,500, being the same level paid in 2020. 
2  The Non-Executive Directors do not participate in any of the Company’s long-term incentive arrangements and are not entitled to a bonus or pension contributions.
3  Nicoletta Giadrossi was appointed as Chair of the Company on 1 January 2021 (prior to which she was a Non-Executive Director). During 2020, she received  
a further annual fee of £10,000 for her role as Chair of the Remuneration Committee.
4  A further annual fee of £10,000 was payable to Keith Lough for his role as Chair of the Audit Committee during 2020 and 2021.
5  A further annual fee of £10,000 was payable to Alison Wood for her role as Chair of the Remuneration Committee during 2021.
6  Erik B. Daugbjerg was appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 14 May 2020. His fees for 2020 reflect the period from that date to the year end.
TSR Performance Graph and Further Information on Chief Executive Pay
Introduction
The following chart demonstrates the growth in value of a £100 investment in the Company and an investment of the same amount in 
both the FTSE 250 Index and the FTSE 350 Oil & Gas Producers Index over the last 10 years. These comparisons have been chosen on 
the basis that: Capricorn was a constituent member of the FTSE 250 Index for the whole of 2021; and the FTSE 350 Oil & Gas Producers 
Index comprises companies that are exposed to broadly similar risks and opportunities as Capricorn.
The table following the graph illustrates the movements in the total remuneration of the Company’s Chief Executive during the same 
10-year period.
Performance Graph – Comparison of 10-Year Cumulative TSR on an Investment of £100
£300
£250
£200
£150
£100
£50
0
Dec  11 Dec 12 Dec 13 Dec 14 Dec 15 Dec 16 Dec 17 Dec 18 Dec 19
Dec 20
Dec 21
FTSE 250
Capricorn
FTSE 350 Oil & Gas
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
111
Directors’ Remuneration Report continued
Total Remuneration of Chief Executive During the Same 10-Year Period
Financial year
Chief Executive
Total remuneration  
of Chief Executive1
Annual variable element award 
rates for Chief Executive  
(as % of max. opportunity)
Long-term incentive vesting 
rates for Chief Executive  
(as % of original award level)
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
Simon Thomson
Simon Thomson
Simon Thomson
Simon Thomson
Simon Thomson
Simon Thomson
Simon Thomson
Simon Thomson
Simon Thomson
Simon Thomson
£1,950,892
£1,479,731
£1,173,630
£2,204,001
£2,992,615
£2,081,601
£1,292,167
£1,073,425
£962,765
£1,018,570
60.5%
75%
65%
70%
76.9%
80.2%
75%
78.5%
63%
86%
67.7%2
27.4%
0%
56.7%
90.8%
81.7%
23.4%
0%
0%
0%
Notes:
1  The amounts disclosed in this column have been calculated using the same methodology prescribed by the Regulations for the purposes of preparing the single 
total figure table shown on page 110.
2  As explained on page 122, Simon Thomson’s 2018 LTIP award vested in respect of 84.6% of its ‘core’ award (being the element granted over ordinary shares worth 
2 x base salary). This represents 67.7% of the total award (i.e. ‘core’ plus ‘kicker’ awards) that was granted over shares worth 2.5 x salary.
Pay Ratio Information in Relation to Chief Executive’s Remuneration 
The Regulations require certain companies to disclose the ratio of the Chief Executive’s pay, using the amount set out in the single total 
figure table, to that of the median, 25th and 75th percentile total remuneration of full-time equivalent UK employees.
Although the above requirement does not technically apply to Capricorn (on the basis that it had fewer than 250 UK employees during 
2021), the committee felt that it would be appropriate to include the relevant disclosures this year on an entirely voluntary basis as it 
helps to demonstrate the link between the Chief Executive’s pay and the remuneration of the wider workforce. A similar decision was 
made for the last three years, with the result that the following table shows the relevant ratios for each of 2021, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
Year
2021
2020
2019
2018
Method of calculation adopted
25th percentile pay ratio  
(Chief Executive :  
UK employees)
Median pay ratio  
(Chief Executive :  
UK employees)
75th percentile pay ratio  
(Chief Executive :  
UK employees)
Option A
Option A
Option A
Option A
29 : 1
22 : 1
19 : 1
36 : 1
20 : 1
14 : 1
12 : 1
22 : 1
11 : 1
8 : 1
7 : 1
11 : 1
The median, 25th percentile and 75th percentile figures used to determine the above ratios were calculated by reference to the full-time 
equivalent annualised remuneration (comprising salary, benefits, pension, SIP, annual bonus and long-term incentives) of all UK-based 
employees of the Group as at 31 December 2021 (i.e. ‘Option A’ under the Regulations). The committee selected this calculation 
methodology as it was felt to produce the most statistically accurate result.
The committee considers that the median pay ratio for 2021 that is disclosed in the above table is consistent with the pay, reward and 
progression policies for the Company’s UK employees taken as a whole. It reflects the fact that a greater proportion of Executive Director 
pay is linked to annual performance through a higher annual bonus opportunity (a percentage of which is subject to deferral into shares). 
The committee notes that each of the pay ratios for 2021 is higher than in the immediately preceding year. This is largely attributable to 
the fact that the level of vestings during 2021 under the Company’s various discretionary share incentive plans were significantly higher 
than those that occurred in the period of 12 months to 31 December 2020. Given that the Executive Directors receive a higher level of 
annual award (as a percentage of salary) under those arrangements than almost all other employees, this increased vesting had a greater 
proportionate impact on the total remuneration level of the Chief Executive. For the avoidance of doubt, the differences in the ratios 
between 2021 and 2020 are not attributable to any material change in the Company’s employment models or the use of a different 
calculation methodology.
Pay details for the individuals whose 2021 remuneration is at the median, 25th percentile and 75th percentile amongst UK based 
employees are as follows:
Salary
Total pay and benefits
Chief Executive 25th percentile
Median 75th percentile
£592,517
£45,000
£66,512
£104,114
£1,950,892
£67,584
£98,120
£180,278
Percentage Annual Change in Directors’ Remuneration Elements Compared to All Group Employees
The table below compares the percentage change in various elements of each Directors’ remuneration between:
 – 2020 and 2021; and
 – 2019 and 2020,
and the percentage change in the same remuneration elements of all the Group’s employees in respect of those same periods.
112
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
All Group employees
Executive Directors
Simon Thomson
James Smith
Non-Executive Directors
Nicoletta Giadrossi
Keith Lough
Peter Kallos
Alison Wood
Catherine Krajicek
Erik B. Daugbjerg
Between 2020 and 2021
Between 2019 and 2020
% change  
in base  
salary/fees
2.0%1
% change 
in taxable 
benefits
(6.1)%2
% change 
in annual bonus
% change  
in base 
salary/fees
% change  
in taxable 
benefits
% change  
in annual  
bonus
(16.7)%
3.0%
(0.4)%
2.2%
1.0%
1.0%
20.1%3
(2.8)%
(18.5)%
(18.5)%
110.5%4
0%
0%
13.2%5
0%
58.9%6
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7%
1.7%
0%
0%
0%
100.0%
100.0%
N/A
2.7%
5.0%
17.3%
17.3%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Notes: 
1  The standard level of salary increase across the Group in 2021 was 1.0%. However, a small number of individuals received higher percentage increases which raised 
the average for all employees to 2%.
2   This fall in taxable benefits for all Group employees was largely attributable to a material decrease in the cost of private health insurance premiums.
3   As highlighted on page 110, this increase in the Chief Executive’s taxable benefits was primarily attributable to higher charges for his company car.
4  Nicoletta Giadrossi was appointed as Chair of the Company on 1 January 2021 and, with effect from that date, her annual fee increased to £180,000.
5  Alison Wood was appointed as Chair of the Remuneration Committee on 1 January 2021 and, with effect from that date, became entitled to a further annual fee  
of £10,000. 
6  Erik B. Daugbjerg was appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 14 May 2020.
7  The Non-Executive Directors are not eligible to participate In the annual bonus scheme.
Executive Directors’ Base Salaries During 2021
Based on a review carried out in November 2020, the following salary increases for Executive Directors became effective on  
1 January 2021:
2021 Annual Salary Details
Job title
Annual salary as at 
31 December 2020
Annual salary as at  
1 January 2021
% increase with effect from 
1 January 2021
Current directors
Simon Thomson
Chief Executive
James Smith
CFO
£586,650 
£381,561 
£592,517 
£385,377 
1.0%
1.0%
The increases shown in the above table for both Simon Thomson and James Smith were consistent with the level of standard annual 
salary increase awarded to other employees on 1 January 2021. 
Executive Directors’ Pension Provision During 2021 (Audited)
In accordance with the terms of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy described on pages 131 to 135, the Company operates a defined 
contribution, non-contributory Group personal pension plan which is open to all UK permanent employees. During 2021, the Company 
contributed 10% of basic annual salary (15% in respect of current Executive Directors) on behalf of all qualifying employees.
As explained in the Chair’s Annual Statement that was contained in the Directors’ Remuneration Report for the year ended 31 December 
2020, the committee has decided that, with effect from 1 January 2023, the above contribution rates will be aligned so that all employees 
and Executive Directors will benefit from an annual Company pension contribution of 12.5% of basic salary. 
The Company also has a pension committee which meets on a regular basis to assess the performance and suitability of the Company’s 
pension arrangements. 
James Smith is a member of the Company scheme and, during the year, received Company contributions up to his statutory annual 
allowance. The balance of his 15% of basic salary entitlement for the year ended 31 December 2021 was paid as additional salary.
During the year, Simon Thomson received an amount equal to 15% of his annual basic salary in the form of additional salary as his 
pension arrangements have already reached the relevant lifetime limit.
Details of the actual amounts of pension contributions/additional salary that were paid to the Executive Directors during 2021 are set  
out in the ‘pension’ column of the single total figure table on page 110.
Annual Bonus – 2021 Structure and Outcome (Audited)
During 2021, Capricorn operated an annual bonus scheme for all employees and Executive Directors. Commentary on the overall 
structure and purpose of this arrangement (including an explanation of how it seeks to ensure a high degree of alignment with the 
Company’s overall strategy and fairly reward the achievements that best drive the creation of shareholder value) is contained in the 
Chair’s Annual Statement on page 107. The maximum level of bonus award for Executive Directors and certain PDMRs for the year  
was 125% of annual salary.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
113
Directors’ Remuneration Report continued
For all participants other than the Executive Directors, 2021 bonus awards were based on achievement against a mixture of personal 
objectives and Group-wide KPIs. When determining the level of award attributable to the personal performance element of these 
individuals’ bonuses, consideration was also given to the extent to which they demonstrated the Company’s ‘high performance 
behaviours’ during the period and also the level of their understanding, application and compliance with the Company’s various 
standards and policies. The final level of all bonuses awarded to employees below Executive Director/PDMR level was reviewed and 
approved by the committee.
Consistent with the approach adopted in 2020, 100% of each Executive Director’s bonus opportunity for the year to 31 December 2021 
was determined by reference to the extent to which certain Group KPIs were achieved. Taking into account commercial sensitivities 
around disclosure, a summary of the relevant targets, ascribed weightings, payment scales and achievement levels is set out below.
2021 Annual Bonus Scheme – Group KPI Performance Conditions (100% Weighting) and Achievement Levels
Purpose
2021 KPI
Measurement and payment scale
ESG and HSSE
KPI measures and performance achieved in 2021
 – Achieve lagging HSSE indicators measured 
against IOGP targets.
Deliver value in 
a safe, secure and 
environmentally 
and socially 
responsible 
manner. 
 – A key focus for the business but given the lower levels of 
operated activity in 2021, a reduced weighting was allocated  
to this element of the ESG and HSSE KPI than in previous years 
with threshold, target and stretch goals identified at the start of 
the year.
 – Achieve a number of specified leading indicators 
that support Company policies and standards  
in relation to HSSE and corporate responsibility; 
focusing on matters identified in our materiality 
matrix, governance and people.
 – Four projects were identified and KPI scoring metrics identified 
prior to commencement of the year: 
 – Project 1: Deliver leadership programme for Major Accident 
Prevention; 
 – Project 2: Define and document QA/QC requirements for 
projects; 
 – Project 3: Establish and roll-out our Diversity and Inclusion 
Strategy and Plans; and 
 – Project 4: Develop and deliver environmental and biodiversity 
protection programmes for our operated activities.
 – Develop our understanding of CCUS application 
and opportunity identification including required 
carbon pricing.
 – Evaluate and demonstrate CCUS applications by year-end 
including technical, commercial, and financial considerations, 
setting out a roadmap for potential application in the portfolio 
and the pros/cons of investment.
 – Recording, tracking and reporting our Scope 1 
 – Ensure equity (working interest) reporting of Scope 1 and 2 
and 2 emissions.
emissions for the 2021 Annual Report, with clear and 
consistent boundaries set, aligned with external benchmarks. 
Demonstrate ‘activity normalised’ emissions improvements in 
operated projects during 2021, with target and stretch goals of 
percentage improvements identified.
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Strategic Report
Leadership and Governance
Financial Statements
Additional Information
2021 performance
 – Operated activities, including surveys, have resulted in zero incidents and spills. 
Multiple road transport trips in higher risk countries have been managed with 
zero injuries and high potential incidents through a full understanding of road 
risks. The stretch goal was, therefore, met.
Weighting
Bonus  
awarded
KPI Remuneration 
Committee decision
(as % of allocated proportion 
of maximum opportunity)
17.5% 15.75%
Substantially 
achieved
 – Project 1: The requirements of the Corporate Major Accident Prevention Policy 
were re-emphasised to required persons and is included in HSSE inductions for 
new start employees and appropriate contractors. For a full score to have been 
achieved, further roll-out of major accident hazard leadership awareness would 
have been completed;
 – Project 2: Significant improvements were made in the application of the 
Capricorn Project Delivery Process (CPDP) to exploration projects; a register  
was developed detailing all ongoing capital and other projects, and for 
contracted services, inspections were made by Capricorn or specialised 
companies of all vessels, rigs and helicopters contracted to ensure they  
meet the required standards. A full score would have required documentation of 
QA/QC processes for all other operations. This is due to be completed in 2022;
 – Project 3: A D&I strategy was created and discussed within the organisation prior 
to formal presentation to staff during the year and launched prior to year end; 
and
 – Project 4: A biodiversity screening tool was applied to multiple NV projects as  
well as Egypt exploration; East Orkney and Diadem surveys, conducted in UK 
waters, were accompanied by assessments of the environment through standard 
UK studies and forms, with permits granted on time; detailed environmental 
studies were conducted in Mauritania to inform an early baseline survey that 
mobilised in January 2022 to inform the project on seabed/canyon bed locations.
For a full score, further progress in the ’Assess’ stage was required.
 – CCUS screening and application was matured during 2021 with a presentation 
given to the Board in December outlining possible options for participation in 
Egypt and the UKCS. The ‘Identify’ stage was therefore successfully completed 
and these projects are now in the ‘Assess’ stage. Scope 1 and 2 equity emissions 
were included in our Sustainability Report.
 – Energy efficiency and emissions clauses have been incorporated into all contract 
awards (including for operations at Diadem drilling in the UKCS). However, in 
2021, it proved difficult to demonstrate emissions improvement in our operated 
projects as: (i) activity levels were very low; (ii) there was only one technically 
acceptable, available vessel for the East Orkney GeoTech survey; and (iii) there 
was only one commercially viable vessel in the required window for the Diadem 
site survey.
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
115
Directors’ Remuneration Report continued
Purpose
2021 KPI
Measurement and payment scale
ESG and HSSE continued
KPI measures and performance achieved in 2021
 – Agree, establish and track social investment 
across the Group that helps deliver a positive 
impact on the communities with which we work.
 – Further develop the framework, in line with the UN SDGs,  
for the social investment plans across the Group, including 
quantifying the overall impact of the programme(s).
 – Communicate our climate change  
performance and our processes for  
governance, risk management and target  
setting with internal and external stakeholders  
in a transparent and consistent manner.
 – Threshold goal: Carbon disclosure project rating maintained  
or improved; target goal: threshold achieved plus TCFD 
reporting requirements met; stretch goal: target achieved  
plus SASB requirements met.
Exploration and New Ventures
 – Mature “Advantaged” prospects achieving 
commercial thresholds that can be considered 
for future exploration drilling.
Grow the 
reserves and 
resources base 
to provide a 
basis for future 
growth.
 – Addition of net mean unrisked resources with threshold (>10 
mmboe (ILX opportunity) – zero score), target (>40 mmboe 
(several ILX or single high impact opportunities) – half score) 
and stretch (>80 mmboe (high impact opportunity) – full score) 
goals identified.
 – Conduct our operated and non-operated 
 – Projects executed on plan with threshold (meet objectives – 
exploration and appraisal activities successfully, 
on time and on budget.
zero score); target (on time and budget – half score); and stretch 
(on time and 10% less than budget – full score) goals identified.
 – Add new commercial resources to replace 
 – Net 2C Contingent Resources added with threshold (0 net 
reserves and grow value.
mmboe added – zero score), target (5 net mmboe added – half 
score) and stretch goals (10 net mmboe added – full score) 
identified. 
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Financial Statements
Additional Information
Weighting
Bonus  
awarded
KPI Remuneration 
Committee decision
(as % of allocated proportion 
of maximum opportunity)
2021 performance
 – Investments were made in Mexico, Suriname and the UK that have resulted in 
environmental, medical and educational benefits to the communities and areas 
where we work. This has included a US$50,000 donation in each of Mexico and 
Suriname to help alleviate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic through  
the purchase of medical and test equipment for local hospitals, benefitting over 
1,000 people. In our mangrove rehabilitation project, six sediment trapping units 
have been built and remote monitoring has been established using satellite 
images of mangrove sites. In Mexico, since 2020, the turtle conservation project 
has patrolled 6,000km of beaches and resulted in 80,896 hatchings in 2021.  
In the UK, we continue to support three PhD students as part of the Clean Energy 
scholarship and contribute to 27 research projects.
 – Our climate change score through the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) remained 
static at B- and discussions are planned to understand what further is required  
to improve the rating. We continue to work closely with partners on emission 
reduction projects as well as progressing clean energy projects and the purchase 
of the highest quality carbon offsets.
 – Water: for the first time, we participated in the CDP Water Security questionnaire. 
We continue to work with our partners and on our operated activities on water 
extraction and disposal, notably in Egypt where we are working on both 
exploration and production assets with our partners. We are aware of the 
criticality of water resources in water scarce regions and factor this into our 
exploration and operational plans. 
 – TCFD: an EY internal audit showed that “Capricorn achieved an average coverage 
rating of 100% across the 11 recommended disclosures, with an average quality 
score of 56%. This compares to an average coverage score of 79% and average 
quality score of 49% across UK energy companies included in the tool.”
 – SASB: to improve the quality and transparency of our reporting, we have 
assessed and aligned our reporting against the Sustainability Accounting 
Standards Board (SASB) Oil & Gas – Exploration & Production Sustainable 
Accounting Standard.
 – Several prospects in South Abu Sennan, onshore Egypt, were matured in 2021 
20%
7.5%
and classified as ‘drill-ready’. They are anticipated to be drilled in H2 2022. 
Dauphin in Mauritania C7, was re-captured as Operator, and is of significant scale. 
The prospect would offer significant net potential resources well in excess of the 
target goal of 40 mmbbls.
 – All projects executed in 2021 met their original basis of design objectives. The 
Diadem site survey, East of Orkney GeoTech survey and UK MNSH 3D seismic 
survey (all operated) were delivered on time and budget. The Mexico Block 10 
wells, Saasken and Sayulita (non-operated), were delivered on time and under 
budget. The Egypt onshore wells, TAMR-1 and NUMB-5 were delivered but over 
budget and, therefore, did not score.
 – No additional resources have been booked versus the 2021 opening position.
Partially 
achieved
Capricorn Energy PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2021
117
Directors’ Remuneration Report continued
Purpose
2021 KPI
Measurement and payment scale
Production Performance
KPI measures and performance achieved in 2021
Maximise 
revenues 
through 
efficient 
operations.
 – Deliver net production within guidance targets.
 – Assessed against the pre-agreed public production guidance 
outlined in early 2021 (16,000 to 19,000 bopd) from net 
production of the Kraken and Catcher assets with threshold 
(16,000 bopd – zero score), target (17,500 bopd – half score) 
and stretch (>19,000 bopd – full score) goals identified.
 – Deliver operating costs within guidance targets.
 – Assessed against the 2021 budget values converted into an 
opex/boe guidance around the targeted or expected blended 
value across the Kraken and Catcher assets with threshold  
(US$25/boe – zero score), target (US$23/boe – half score) and 
stretch (
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