Latest news with #GasCode

Zawya
17-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Congo Energy & Investment Forum Returns to Brazzaville in March 2026
The Republic of Congo will host the second edition of the Congo Energy&Investment Forum (CEIF) from March 10-12, 2026. As the country gears up for a significant increase in its oil output over the next three years and plans to strengthen its position in the natural gas sector, CEIF – under the theme Invest. Build. Empower: Transforming Congo's Energy Landscape – underscores Congo's growing role in the global energy landscape. The 2025-2026 period promises to be an exciting time for Congo's energy sector. Set to begin operations by December 2025, Phase 2 of the Congo LNG project will enable energy major Eni to increase gas production from 0.6 million tons per annum (mtpa) to 3 mtpa. Meanwhile, the Fouta refinery construction project is expected to start up by the end of the year and is set to produce 2.5 million tons of petroleum products per year – including diesel and gasoline – upon commissioning. These developments highlight the commitment of major operators to position Congo as a global oil and gas producer, with upcoming regulation and investments further supporting this goal. In the gas sector, the country is targeting 3 million tons of LNG per year by this year from Eni's Marine XII development – featuring the Congo LNG project. This target comes on the heels of Congo's February 2024 milestone where the country exported its first LNG cargo from the Tango FLNG facility. The Republic of Congo boasts over 10 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas resources and is set to unveil its Gas Master Plan, launch a National Gas Company and release a new Gas Code this year. Driven by a series of landmark projects spearheaded by industry giants including TotalEnergies, Trident Energy and Perenco, Congo aims to nearly double oil output from the current 280,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 500,000 bpd by 2027. With aims to harness untapped reserves and maximize the potential of existing assets, this strategy will focus on expanding production in both new and mature fields. To support this goal, the country is set to launch a new international oil and gas licensing round this year. This initiative is expected to usher in a new wave of investment in sub-Saharan Africa's third-largest oil producing market. The licensing round is designed to attract international oil companies with technical expertise and financial capacity to develop deepwater resources, as well as local and independent companies to exploit marginal fields. At CEIF 2025, Congo unveiled plans to double its power generation capacity to 1,500 MW by 2030, with a strong focus on renewable energy projects. The country holds an estimated hydropower potential of 27,000 MW, though only 1% of this resource has been developed. As such, the government has identified several key projects, including water diversion and storage techniques, to maximize hydropower output. Through a series of dedicated panel sessions, technical workshops and presentations at CEIF 2026, the event will provide an in-depth look at Congo's investment landscape. The conference will highlight crucial developments across the country's energy sector as well as the broader strategic importance of Congo's energy ambitions. 'CEIF 2026 serves as a vital platform to showcase Congo's dynamic energy transformation. As the country scales up oil and gas production and prioritizes renewables, the conference fosters meaningful dialogue, attracts investment and strengthens partnerships essential to unlocking the full potential of Congo's evolving energy and investment landscape,' states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director at Energy Capital&Power. Supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and national oil company Société nationale des pétroles du Congo, CEIF 2026 will bring together local, regional and international delegates to explore new partnership opportunities across the energy and investments sectors. This highly anticipated event builds on the success of the inaugural edition, which convened government officials, top investors, IOCs, NOCs, independents and industry experts who shared vital insights into Congo's oil, gas and energy landscape – paving the way for expanded collaboration and professional networking in 2026. For more information and to register your interest for CEIF 2026, please visit Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.

Zawya
27-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025: Legal, E&P Experts Say Congo Ready for Increased Hydrocarbon Investment
With the upcoming establishment of a National Gas Company, the launch of a new Gas Code and development of a Gas Master Plan, the Republic of Congo is on a clear path to mobilizing capital to drive growth in its natural gas sector. Congo is home to an estimated 10 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, which is located in offshore fields such as Litchendjili, Néné, Minsala and Nkala, within the Marine XII license. As such, a strong lineup of legal and hydrocarbons experts participated in a panel session – Revitalizing the Hydrocarbons Sector by Unlocking Investment – at the inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum (CEIF) on March 26 in Brazzaville where they discussed how investors can drive growth in Congo's natural gas sector through favorable policies and emerging trends. 'The government [of Congo] is planning to establish a national gas company to encourage private investment and build up public-private partnerships,' stated Yves Ollivier, Managing Director of legal firm CLG Congo, adding, 'This will be the equivalent to the SNPC [ Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo ] in terms of gas.' Congo's regulatory framework has evolved to support major developments in the natural gas sector, which include energy major Eni's Congo LNG project – Congo's first natural gas liquefaction initiative. As such, the upcoming Gas Code aims to establish a legal and regulatory framework to attract investment in gas exploration and production. 'We are in an environment where conditions are united so that we have the potential for returns on investment,' stated Yannick Mouamba, Country Director of Congo, Gabon and Sao Tome and Principe, SLB, adding,' Looking at the landscape of opportunities, this is the right place to run technology and show the value of what the country can offer.' Meanwhile, the Gas Master Plan – launching this year – will provide a strategic roadmap for investment, infrastructure development and resource management in the gas industry. This initiative is designed to create a robust framework for investors, laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and the achievement of the country's industrial goals. 'When investors want to invest their money, they are looking for sustainable returns,' stated Rene Awambeng, Founder and Managing Partner, Premier Invest, adding, 'Africa is richly endowed in hydrocarbons and for Congo to attract investments, you need to create the right enabling environment.' In addition to natural gas, Congo's National Oil Company SNPC has ambitious plans to increase the country's oil production to 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) by 2027. To attract new investment in exploration and production, Congo is leveraging new policy reforms and plans to launch a new licensing round this year, which will focus on onshore and offshore fields. 'In complex geological domains, such as onshore Congo, we look at the impact of decreasing cost to the customer. Most importantly, we also look at an increase in accuracy of data, which leads to a reduction in risk,' stated Jevon Hilder, Senior Business Development Manager, TGS. 'The ambition is there,' stated Anastasia Deulina, CFO, Afentra, adding, 'The production objective of 500,000 bpd is admirable, and we very much would love to be part of that story. There is a lot of support from the government.' 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
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.

Zawya
14-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
CLG Workshop at Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025 to Address Legal and Strategic Solutions in Congo
The inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum (CEIF), taking place from March 24-26 in Brazzaville, will feature a workshop led by legal firm CLG (formerly Centurion Law Group) that aims to address the unique challenges faced in Congo's energy investment sector. As part of a strategy to spur energy investment and socioeconomic development, the Republic of Congo has initiated a number of strategies to drive resource monetization, project development and local capacity building. As such, the Mastering Business in Congo: Legal Challenges and Strategic Solutions for Success session will take place on 24 March, offering an understanding of the legal structures underpinning corporate law, taxation, immigration, labor law and regulatory compliance. During the session, a panel of legal experts from CLG will delve into all aspects of growing investments in the African energy sector, offering insights into the legal nuances that can directly influence investments decisions. Set to showcase how Congo's investment landscape can accelerate monetization of the country's natural resources, CLG's experience in the African market has the potential to empower businesses with effective management skills and knowledge for participating in Congo's energy sector. The country is set to release its Gas Master Plan ( and new Gas Code ( at CEIF 2025, with a promise to reducing energy imports in the country and raising electricity access for its population, which currently stands at 50%. Meanwhile, Congo is also preparing to launch an international oil and gas licensing round ( at CEIF 2025, aiming to attract investment in both marginal and deepwater blocks. This initiative is part of the country's strategy to increase oil production from the current 274,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 500,000 bpd by 2027. These major developments align with Congo's broader national goals to mitigate production declines and stimulate further exploration on- and offshore. are expected to usher in a new wave of investment in sub-Saharan Africa's fourth largest oil producing market. The Mastering Business in Congo: Legal Challenges and Strategic Solutions for Success will offer attendees the opportunity to master the complex regulatory landscape and learn how it affects various investment types within the energy sector. During the session, CLG will provide delegates with knowledge to develop actionable strategies to mitigate legal risks and safeguard investments from future potential strategies. 'At CEIF 2025, we recognize that navigating the complex legal and regulatory landscape is crucial for successful investment in Congo's growing energy sector. This workshop, led by CLG, is a pivotal opportunity for investors and stakeholders to gain valuable insights into the legal frameworks that underpin the energy market. By addressing key challenges and offering strategic solutions, we aim to empower businesses with the knowledge to unlock the full potential of Congo's energy resources,' states Daoudou Mohammad, Tax and Legal Director, CLG. CLG is a leading provider of specialized legal and tax advisory services, catering to a diverse portfolio of multinational companies operating globally. With a team of experts boasting extensive experience and knowledge across multiple sectors and with offices in Germany, South Africa, Nigeria, Mauritius, Ghana, the Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Namibia and South Sudan; CLG delivers bespoke solutions tailored to address the unique challenges and complexities faced by clients in various industries. CLG's expertise spans a wide range of industries – including energy, infrastructure, mining, agriculture, and ESG to name a few – enabling the firm to provide comprehensive guidance and support to clients navigating Africa's dynamic business landscape. By combining technical excellence with a deep understanding of local markets and regulatory environments, CLG helps clients achieve their business objectives and capitalize on opportunities for growth and expansion. Registration ( for the workshop is now open. The inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, in Brazzaville, under the patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Natioanle des Pétroles du Congo, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.