Latest news with #CongoLNG

Zawya
26-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Congo's Minister of Hydrocarbons Confirms Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2026 at Gala Dinner
Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, the Minister of Hydrocarbons of the Republic of Congo, opened the Congo Energy&Investment Forum's (CEIF) Gala Dinner announcing the premier event will take place for a second edition in 2026. 'We commend the excellent organization of CEIF and are pleased to confirm its second edition in 2026. We also aim to host similar events, including one in Pointe-Noire, to further strengthen industry collaboration,' said Minister Itoua. The Gala Dinner, a gathering of high-level energy stakeholders sponsored by Imperatus Energy, including African Ministers and global energy leaders, took center stage as the winners of the prestigious CEIF in Brazzaville were unveiled. Denis Sassou Nguesso, President, Republic of Congo was awarded the Lifetime Achievement to the African Energy Industry Award at the opening of the main event. President Denis Sassou Nguesso is not only the President of the Republic of Congo; he is a visionary leader whose transformative impact is shaping the very future of the nation. By making the oil and gas sector the backbone of the economy, President Nguesso has sparked industrialization, expanded electrification and driven unprecedented job creation. Under his leadership, the Republic of Congo achieved the milestone of becoming an LNG producer in 2024 and witnessed an impressive surge in oil and gas discoveries, while new players entered the market. International companies have committed millions to hydrocarbon projects, and local firms have significantly scaled up their operations across the entire value chain. Sockaht Charles, Former Chief of Cabinet at the Ministry of Hydrocarbons&Former General Director for Upstream at SNPC was given the Lifetime Achievement Award. Sockaht Charles has been an instrumental force behind the Republic of Congo's remarkable oil and gas success, with his visionary leadership shaping policies that have unlocked unparalleled investment and growth. As former Chief of Cabinet at the Hydrocarbons Ministry and former General Director for Upstream at SNPC, he has been at the helm of driving crucial industry reforms that have reinforced the sector's foundation. His exceptional leadership has been pivotal in advancing the Republic of Congo's upstream sector, championing regulatory transformations and paving the way for major developments throughout the country. Through his unwavering dedication and foresight, Sockaht Charles has not only positioned the Republic of Congo as a dominant oil and gas powerhouse, but has also fueled progress, prosperity, and a brighter, more sustainable energy future for the nation. Eni was named Game Changer of the Year. Eni is revolutionizing the Republic of Congo's energy landscape with its groundbreaking Congo LNG project. As the country's first natural gas liquefaction initiative, Congo LNG has set a benchmark for offshore gas development in the Republic of Congo. Through the deployment of the Tango FLNG unit and the upcoming Nguya FLNG planned to start operations in 2025, Congo LNG is redefining a new era of energy production in the Republic of Congo. TotalEnergies took home the Explorer of the Year award. TotalEnergies has taken exploration to new heights in the Republic of Congo. Despite facing geological and operational challenges in the Moho-Bilondo offshore block, the company remained resilient, bringing the project online in 2015 and now producing 140,000 barrels per day. In the face of challenging drilling conditions in the pre-salt, TotalEnergies demonstrated that through innovative drilling and a commitment to offshore production, companies can unlock the potential of the Republic of Congo's deep-offshore acreage. AMMAT Global Resources won the Local Content Champion of the Year Award. Independent hydrocarbon producer Ammat Global Resources is revolutionizing the Republic of Congo's energy sector, but its impact goes beyond exploration and production. The company has not only promoted local content but cemented it across its operations through a commitment to local inclusion, a drive for capacity building and efforts to promote community outreach. With 85% of the company's workforce local, Ammat is setting a strong benchmark for international companies operating in the Republic of Congo. SLB received the Service Company of the Year Award. SLB is a driving force behind deepwater development and production efficiency in the Republic of Congo. From optimizing offshore operations to enhancing well performance to maximizing recovery rates and increasing efficiency, the company has emerged as a driving force behind the country's production goals. Going forward, SLB's commitment to ongoing projects and its dedication to long-term industry growth will not only bolster energy security but support sustainable operations for years to come. These awards recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and companies in the Republic of Congo's energy sector. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.

Zawya
25-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nguya Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) to Sail Away from China in September 2025
Nguya Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) is set to sail away from China in September 2025, Federico Ricco, Development Director at Congo LNG, said at the Congo Energy&Investment Forum 2025 during the FLNG Developments in the Republic of Congo session. The addition of the Nguya FLNG vessel is part of the second phase of the Congo LNG project – which began operating in December 2023 – and is expected to increase the project's production capacity by 2.4 million tons per annum (mtpa). "The vessel is currently under construction in China and will allow us to increase production to 3 million tons per year," Ricco stated. As the operator of Congo LNG, Eni has been at the forefront of gas monetization in the Republic of Congo, first with the development of the Centrale Électrique du Congo gas-to-power plant in 2011 and later through the implementation of the Congo LNG project. Ricco explained that "the first phase was completed within 12 months to enable LNG exports, which is remarkably fast." Echoing Ricco's comments on the speed of FLNG deployment, Marien Ibiaho, Area Sales Manager for Europe&Africa at NOV, emphasized that, "Many LNG projects involve large-scale infrastructure and extensive construction. The advantage of FLNG is that it enables rapid gas monetization. The delivery timeline is fast - less than two years." For the Republic of Congo, FLNG has played a key role in positioning the country as an LNG exporter. Looking ahead, Ricco emphasized the need for continued exploration, greater collaboration and leveraging LNG to further strengthen Congo's industrial capacity. 'We must keep exploring, work alongside other operators to maximize value in Congo, and ensure that LNG enhances the country's industrial growth," Ricco said. Expanding on his comments, Ibiaho stated, "For FLNG projects to succeed, the approach must be built on partnerships, not just a client-service provider relationship.' Dr. Tsoumou-Gavouka Communications and Public Relations Advisor to the Director General, SNPC underscored the importance of partnerships in Congo's LNG development, suggesting that Eni collaborate with Chinese oil company Wing Wah, which is preparing to launch its own LNG project. 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. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.

Zawya
25-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025: Congo Offers Attractive Tax Policies for Oil & Gas (O&G) Investors
The Republic of Congo's Ministry of Hydrocarbons has announced it is working to improve the attractiveness of taxation in the hydrocarbons sector to fully realize the potential of the country's hydrocarbons market. Speaking during the Technical Conference at the inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum (CEIF) – From Resources to Revenue: Developing the Republic of Congo's Gas Sector – Jean-Jacques Ikama, Director General of Oil Economy, Audit and Trading, Ministry of Hydrocarbons, Congo explored the conditions and mechanisms for companies entering the country's oil and gas sector. 'Oil and gas activities can serve as a basis for the creation and operationalization of a very dynamic local market,' stated Ikama, adding, 'We aim to redefine the hydrocarbons sector in our country and improve the conditions of exploration and production.' In addition to good taxation conditions and guaranteed frameworks, Congo has taken proactive steps to enhance its energy sector's appeal to investors. The government will launch a new licensing round at CEIF, targeting accelerated oil and gas exploration and production activities. Meanwhile, Congo's parastatal Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo is set to release its Gas Master Plan at CEIF 2025. The plan aims to advance the country's gas monetization agenda by catalyzing new infrastructure development, including gas pipelines, processing facilities and gas-to-power plants. The plan also seeks to reduce energy imports and raise electricity access, which currently stands at 50%. A new Gas Code, expected in 2025, will provide a clear legislative framework for gas monetization, fiscal terms and resource management. The draft was presented to gas companies in late 2023 and is set for final approval in the coming months. Key gas monetization initiatives in the country include energy major Eni's Congo LNG project and Chinese developer Wing Wah's Banga Kayo project. These projects highlight the country's dedication to advancing its energy infrastructure and diversifying revenue streams within the sector. These efforts positions Congo as an increasingly competitive and attractive destination for global energy investments. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power. 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.

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.


Reuters
19-03-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Eni agrees to sell Vitol stakes in Ivory Coast, Congo upstream assets
MILAN, March 19 (Reuters) - Italian energy group Eni ( opens new tab has agreed to sell stakes in assets in Ivory Coast and the Republic of Congo to global energy trader Vitol for an aggregate value of $1.65 billion at January 1 2024, with cash adjustment at closing. Vitol will acquire an interest in oil and gas producing assets and blocks undergoing exploration, appraisal and development, Eni said in a statement on Wednesday. The Reuters Power Up newsletter provides everything you need to know about the global energy industry. Sign up here. The deal includes the Baleine project in Ivory Coast, where Eni has a 77,25% ownership interest and Vitol will acquire a 30% stake, and the Congo LNG project in the Republic of Congo, where Eni has a 65% stake and Vitol will acquire a 25% participating interest.