MOZAMBIQUE’S $20 BILLION LNG PROJECT POISED FOR SUMMER RESTART

TotalEnergies CEO signals imminent resumption of operations after three-year security hiatus
Mozambique’s massive liquefied natural gas project is on the verge of resuming operations this summer, marking a potential turning point for one of Africa’s most significant energy developments. TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne indicated at a Tokyo energy conference that the $20 billion LNG project will restart development activities within months.
The project has been under force majeure since 2021 following insurgent attacks in the Cabo Delgado region. However, Mozambique’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Estevao Pale expressed optimism about the security improvements, stating that conditions have “improved considerably” and that the government is working with all project partners to ensure favorable conditions for restart.
The ambitious development includes the Golfinho and Atum natural gas fields in the Offshore Area 1 concession, plus construction of a two-train liquefaction plant with an annual capacity of 13.12 million metric tons. TotalEnergies holds the largest stake at 26.5%, followed by Mitsui & Co with 20%, Mozambique’s state-owned ENH with 15%, and various Indian state companies and Thailand’s PTTEP holding the remainder.
Minister Pale emphasized that the force majeure will be lifted as soon as the project operator determines that operational conditions are secure. The resumption would mark a significant milestone for Mozambique’s energy sector and could position the country as a major LNG exporter in the global market.
Source: Reuters