Africa’s LNG Developments: ExxonMobil and BP Drive New Energy Milestones

ExxonMobil, the American energy heavyweight, has slightly adjusted its timeline for the final investment decision (FID) on its ambitious Rovuma LNG project, located in the deepwater Area 4 block of Mozambique’s Rovuma Basin. Originally slated for 2025, the decision has been pushed to early 2026, according to Frank Kretschmer, General Manager of ExxonMobil Mozambique. This project, one of the largest investments by a U.S. company in Africa, aims to produce a staggering 18 million tons per annum (mtpa) of LNG upon completion. The vast gas reserves in this block are estimated to exceed a massive 85 trillion cubic feet.

ExxonMobil is working alongside partners Eni and the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) through the Mozambique Rovuma Venture (MRV). The development includes several projects, notably the Eni-operated Coral Sul floating LNG (FLNG) facility, the upcoming Coral North FLNG, and the onshore Rovuma LNG processing plants. The Coral Sul unit currently produces enough LNG to support a weekly shipment, along with a condensate shipment every two months. Each Coral facility is expected to reach a production capacity of 3.5 mtpa.

The groundwork for the project is already set in motion, with engineering and procurement contracts awarded to industry leaders like JGC Holdings, Technip Energies, McDermott, Saipem, and China Petroleum Engineering and Construction Corporation (CPECC). Kretschmer emphasized that Rovuma LNG’s cutting-edge technology will not only optimize production but also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. “The construction phase will be a game-changer for local communities—creating thousands of jobs, supporting local businesses, and fostering skill development,” he added.

Strategic Partnerships and Global Impact

MRV holds a significant 70% stake in the project, while the remaining 30% is shared by KOGAS, Mozambique’s national hydrocarbon company ENH, and recently, ADNOC, which acquired Galp’s 10% stake earlier this year. As ExxonMobil forecasts a 20% increase in global gas demand by 2050, driven by growing populations and emerging economies, the firm is committed to meeting this demand sustainably. According to Kretschmer, ExxonMobil aims to provide 15 million BTUs per person annually to ensure clean cooking, electricity, and the eradication of energy poverty.

“All future energy scenarios require a diverse mix of solutions. Our focus is on delivering reliable, affordable energy while minimizing emissions. With our new low-carbon initiatives, we are paving the way for a sustainable energy transition,” Kretschmer noted. “We are committed to building a resilient, competitive upstream portfolio and scaling our investments to achieve this goal.”

BP’s Greater Tortue Ahmeyim Project Set to Launch

While ExxonMobil advances in Mozambique, BP is making headlines in West Africa. The UK energy giant’s flagship Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project, located off the coasts of Senegal and Mauritania, is nearing a critical milestone. The development is transitioning from construction and commissioning to operational status, with production expected to kick off before the end of this year. Once operational, the GTA project is projected to deliver 2.3 mtpa of LNG over the next 20 years as part of its initial phase.

Described as a “groundbreaking” endeavor, the project features a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) unit and one of the deepest subsea systems on the African continent, with wells drilled at depths reaching an impressive 2,850 meters. Earlier this year, Golar LNG’s FLNG Gimi arrived on-site, followed by the FPSO Tortue unit five months later. Gas will be extracted from ultra-deepwater subsea wells, processed onboard the FPSO to separate heavier hydrocarbons, and then transported via pipeline to the FLNG vessel stationed 10 kilometers offshore.

These ambitious LNG projects by ExxonMobil and BP not only highlight Africa’s vast untapped energy potential but also underline the continent’s pivotal role in the global shift toward cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. As both projects move forward, they are set to drive economic growth, enhance energy security, and position Africa as a key player in the global energy landscape.