Central African nation, Angola inaugurated a $4 billion gas processing plant to diversify its energy mix and reduce reliance on crude oil.
The plant, located in Soyo, officially opened on Thursday, signaling the start of operations for the country’s first standalone gas fields.
The facility, built by the Novo Consórcio de Gás (NCG), can process 400 million cubic feet of gas per day from Angola’s first standalone gas fields, Minerals and Petroleum Minister Diamantino Azevedo said.
NCG stakeholders include Azule Energy, Sonangol E&P, Chevron Corp., and TotalEnergies SE, reflecting a mix of local and international investment.
The plant follows the completion earlier this year of the Quiluma and Maboqueiro offshore platforms, developed by an Eni and BP joint venture.
Azule Energy CEO Adriano Mongini described the project as “truly transformative” for Angola’s gas sector.
Powering industry and exports
The plant will supply gas for domestic electricity generation, industrial use, and LNG exports, Azevedo said.
Gas from the facility will also support petrochemical production, including ammonia and urea, contributing to Angola’s industrial development.
“This is only the beginning. We will continue developing additional gas resources offshore and onshore,” Azevedo said.
By increasing domestic gas supply, the plant will strengthen Angola’s energy security, ensure a reliable supply for local industries, and boost its capacity to export liquefied natural gas.
Following a data report, Angola’s LNG exports have already grown 18.36% over the previous quarter, driven by strong demand from Asia.
Around 1.6 million metric tons were exported, generating $900.7 million, with India alone receiving 57% of the shipments.
First non-associated gas fields
In July 2022, NGC shareholders — Eni, Chevron’s Cabinda Gulf Oil Company, Sonangol, BP, and TotalEnergies, along with Angola’s National Agency for Oil, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG) announced the Final Investment Decision for the Quiluma and Maboqueiro (Q&M) fields.
The project includes two offshore platforms, an onshore gas processing plant, and a connection to the Angola LNG (ALNG) facility, with first gas expected in 2026 and production reaching 330 million cubic feet per day.
The NGC partners added that the project represents a major development in new energy sources, ensuring a steady supply to ALNG, and supporting Angola’s economic and industrial growth.
