Africa has seen significant growth in liquefied natural gas projects in recent years, positioning the continent as a major player in the global LNG market. Several countries in Africa have been investing in the development of LNG projects to harness their abundant natural gas reserves and capitalize on the growing demand for cleaner energy sources. Here are some key highlights of Africa\’s LNG projects:
1. Mozambique LNG
Mozambique is home to one of the largest LNG projects in Africa. The Mozambique LNG project, led by TotalEnergies, aims to develop offshore natural gas fields in the Rovuma Basin, located in the northern part of the country. The project involves the construction of a two-train liquefaction plant with a total capacity of 13.1 million tonnes per annum (mtpa). The first cargo from Mozambique LNG is expected to be produced in 2024.
2. Nigeria LNG
Nigeria is the largest producer of LNG in Africa and has been operating LNG facilities since 1999. The Nigeria LNG project, located on Bonny Island, has a current capacity of 22 mtpa. The project is a joint venture involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Shell, TotalEnergies, and Eni. There are plans to expand the project\’s capacity with the Train 7 project, which will add another 8 mtpa of LNG production.
3. Equatorial Guinea LNG
Equatorial Guinea has been a pioneer in the LNG sector in West Africa. The country\’s LNG project, operated by the Equatorial Guinea LNG Company (EG LNG), is located at the Punta Europa complex on Bioko Island. The project has a capacity of 3.4 mtpa and began production in 2007. There are plans to expand the project\’s capacity with the proposed Alen backfill project.
4. Tanzania LNG
Tanzania is poised to become a significant player in the LNG market with the development of the Tanzania LNG project. Led by Shell, the project aims to extract natural gas from offshore fields in the deepwater Block 1 and Block 4. The LNG plant, with an expected capacity of 10 mtpa, will be located in Lindi on the Tanzanian coast. Final investment decisions for the project are yet to be made.
5. Senegal and Mauritania LNG
Senegal and Mauritania have joined forces to develop a cross-border LNG project called the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim project. Operated by BP, the project involves the development of gas fields located offshore Senegal and Mauritania. The LNG plant, with a capacity of 2.5 to 3.5 mtpa, will be constructed onshore in the Saint-Louis region of Senegal.
Conclusion
These projects have the potential to boost economic growth, create job opportunities, and contribute to the energy transition by providing cleaner-burning natural gas to meet global energy demand.