Latest news with #Bi-Dia-AyoIbata
Zawya
27-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF): Local Expertise Emerges at the Heart of Congo's Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Ambitions
As the Republic of Congo's LNG capacity accelerates following its first export in February 2024, African industry leaders have underscored the role of local and regional capability building in sustaining growth, driving domestic utilization and enhancing intra-African trade. Panelists at the 'Building Local&Regional Capability' discussion at the Congo Energy&Investment Forum on Wednesday emphasized that the strength of Congo's LNG sector depends not just on advanced technology and capital, but on investing in local talent and scalable systems. 'In order for the industry to grow, we have to develop our skillsets. Our people are underutilized and underdeveloped,' said Yolanda Asumu, CEO&Founder of iCUBEFARM, calling for targeted industry training and scalable local content systems that meet the evolving needs of the private sector. 'I encourage organizations like APPO to create a platform that connects member states with statistics on the jobs available and the skills required, which can fuel the education system to know what kind of training is needed.' Addressing the crucial role of local content in maximizing national benefits from LNG projects, Dr. Bi-Dia-Ayo Ibata, Head of Associations Division and Supervisory Relations at Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC), highlighted the importance of aligning industrial growth with community development. She elaborated on how strategic initiatives are designed to enhance domestic capacity and promote technology transfer. 'SNPC has identified sectors for valorization, which is the local gas market for industries, cement plants and so forth, and the secondary market to export. While exports are a main pillar of the Congo LNG project to generate revenues for the government, the ultimate objective is to transfer competencies from IOCs to the local communities.' Emphasizing the potential for regional synergies and capacity building in the gas sector, Oumar Semega, CEO&Founder of Imperatus Energy, detailed how integrating local markets with cross-border cooperation and innovative technology can unlock substantial opportunities in Africa's energy landscape. 'There are possibilities for synergies within the supply chain for Congo, as a gas exporting country, beyond what we can do in the local market… Collaboration and technology – all of this is possible." 'We must have a common vision. Competition is good, but we must share knowledge, support each other and bring our strengths together. If one business succeeds, then that knowledge can be transferred,' echoed Nosayaba Evbuomwan, Executive&Associate Director at Accenture. The inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum, taking place March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the highest patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, brings together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
Zawya
25-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC) Outlines Congo's Gas Master Plan
In a bid to optimize the country's gas potential and revitalize its hydrocarbons sector, the Republic of Congo's National Oil Company Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC) has outlined its forthcoming Gas Master Plan (GMP). The plan is designed to promote gas utilization and attract foreign investment while reducing dependency on oil revenues and expanding the country's power grid. The GMP was outlined by Dr. Bi-Dia-Ayo Ibata, Head of Associations Division and Supervisory Relations, SNPC during a Vision Congo&Gas Master Plan Technical Session on Day 0 of the inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum in Brazzaville. 'The main objective of the Gas Master Plan is to develop an exploration strategy in the short- and long-term to contribute to the development of natural resources and contribute to economic diversification,' Ibata stated, adding, 'The five main objectives are resource maximization, economic growth and diversification, social benefits, government revenue and attracting investment.' According to the GMP, gas-to-power should remain a priority for the country, with low gas prices to support sustainable growth. New industrial projects and LPG supply solutions are also recommended. A natural gas aggregator – potentially the SNPC – could balance the domestic market and prioritize strategic sectors. The plan also stresses the importance of the development of a natural gas policy, which will be essential for guiding sector growth. During the session, a presentation by the country's Ministry of Hydrocarbons explored the gas potential of Congo and how a national strategy will help boost production, realize project development and drive electrification in the country. 'The strategic objective of this strategy is to increase production of liquid and gas hydrocarbons. We aim to valorize hydrocarbons by taking profit from exports and local processing,' stated Hippolyte Tchininanga, Director General of Gaz Valorization, Ministry of Hydrocarbons. Meanwhile, the Ministry also presented its vision for a new Gas Code, which is expected to be released soon. The code aims to create an enabling, attractive environment for foreign investment to contribute to the development of natural gas. The Gas Code will also govern the legal and regulatory terms of natural gas exploration and development in Congo. 'The scope of the upcoming Gas Code includes exploration activities, development, exploitation, aggregation, collection, transport and storage of natural gas,' stated Faida Ebenga, Administrative and Legal Advisor at the Ministry of Hydrocarbons, adding, 'Approval of the Gas Code is imminent. We consider the Gas Code ready to be transmitted to the Secretary General of the government for approval.' One of Congo's flagship natural gas projects is energy supermajor Eni's Congo LNG project. With a planned capacity of 2.4 million tons per annum, the project provides 70% of the country's electricity through natural gas. Phase 2 of the Congo LNG project is currently under construction. 'Phase 2 is being executed right now. As part of the project, we aim to have 38 new wells in development. We want to install six new wellhead platforms, one new separation and boosting hub, a new onshore gas pre-treatment plant, two FLNG facilities and finally have a liquefaction capacity of 3 million tons per annum,' stated Alberto Nocerino, Technical Director, Eni Congo. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power. The inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the highest patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, brings together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities.
