Latest news with #MinistryofHydrocarbons
Zawya
26-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025 Ministerial Panel: Republic of Congo to Promote Onshore Acreage in Upcoming Bid Round
The Republic of Congo's Ministry of Hydrocarbons announced that the upcoming 2025 licensing round will focus on onshore blocks in the country's continental basin. The announcement was made on March 25 by Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons of the Republic of Congo, during a ministerial panel discussion at the inaugural Congo Energy&investment Forum in Brazzaville. 'Our national development plan [aims to] develop the economy, but we cannot start without the development of hydrocarbons. We have no choice but to take care of hydrocarbons to give the country the capacity to develop,' Minister Itoua stated. During the panel session, Minister Itoua also highlighted the Ministry's plans to collaborate with oil and gas company Trident Energy to valorize associated gas from the country's N'Kossa oil field. The Minister announced it will launch an entity to monetize associated gas not used by international oil companies operating in the country as part of a strategy to reach zero flaring by 2030. Meanwhile, Aimé Sakombi Molendo, Minister of Hydrocarbons of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), announced that the country will hold discussions with the Republic of Congo on March 26 to explore bilateral cooperation and the possibility of co-developing hydrocarbon resources in cross-border basins. This comes as the DRC and Angola are set to kick off discussions with energy major Chevron for the joint development of the common interest zone between the two countries, with a governance agreement having been ratified in December last year. 'We will be discussing with the Republic of Congo bilaterally to see to what extent the two countries can benefit from co-development of our abundant hydrocarbon resources,' Minister Molendo stated. José Barroso, Secretary of State for Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas for Angola, indicated the potential for developing joint projects in the energy sector with both the Republic of Congo and the DRC. Barroso highlighted the need to create the requisite technical conditions to incentivize national companies to participate in their respective markets in the three countries. 'In the pipeline, we have projects that we are discussing amongst ourselves, and in the short future, we will be able to communicate more on this,' Barroso stated. Meanwhile, Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), discussed the role the upcoming African Energy Bank will have on resource monetization and development in Africa. Spearheaded by APPO and the African Export-Import Bank, the bank aims to facilitate, promote and finance the development of Africa's oil, gas and energy industries. According to Dr. Farouk, both the bank and the private sector will have an important role to play in ensuring that regional markets move forward and drive cross-border development. 'None of our countries have what it takes to address the challenges of energy by themselves. The African Energy Bank is an example of how Africa wants to be independent and be in control of its resources,' Dr. Farouk stated. An outline of the Republic of Congo's 2025 licensing round will be presented during the Congo Energy&Investment Forum. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power. About the Congo Energy&Investment Forum: 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
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
17-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
One Week to Go to the Inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum
The highly anticipated Congo Energy&Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025 is just one week away. Taking place in Brazzaville from March 24-26, the forum will be held under the theme, Securing Growth and Investment in a New Era. With a comprehensive agenda and an impressive roster of high-level speakers, CEIF 2025 brings together top energy executives, investors and policymakers for three days of robust discussions, deal-signings and exhibitions. Under the highest patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and the Republic of Congo's national oil company Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC), CEIF 2025 highlights the country's expanding influence in Africa's energy landscape. The forum will bring together a diverse range of participants, including SNPC subsidiaries, international oil companies, Congolese and foreign banks, energy organizations and technology providers. 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, 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. The conference will kick off with technical sessions, focused on Congo's oil and gas market, highlighting the latest advancements in the country's efforts to expand production, revitalize mature fields and capitalize on its immense reserves. The technical sessions will cover monetizing stranded gas, infrastructure development and opportunities to position Congo as a regional hub. The CEIF 2025 program will feature a variety of dedicated panel sessions, technical workshops and presentations designed to provide deep insights into the latest developments and opportunities across the entire energy value chain. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge about ongoing and upcoming projects that contribute to Congo's energy goals, as well as broader trends affecting the sector. One of the highlights of CEIF 2025 will be the official unveiling of Congo's new Gas Master Plan, which aims to consolidate the country's existing gas assets while attracting new investments into the sector. Furthermore, a new Gas Code will be unveiled at CEIF 2025 to establish a supportive legal and regulatory framework for gas exploration and production investments. As part of an ambition to double oil production to 500,000 barrels per day by 2027, CEIF 2025 will feature the launch of the country's new oil and gas licensing round. The licensing round will offer onshore, offshore and marginal acreage to potential investors and developers. As such, CEIF 2025 offers a platform for delegates to connect with leading figures in Congo's energy space. Deal signings will be a focal point of the forum, providing an environment where key decision-makers can engage to forge new business relationships. High-level speakers at this monumental forum include Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Congo's Minister of Hydrocarbons; Maixent Raoul Ominga, Director General of the SNPC; Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers' Organization; and Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of OPEC, among many others. As the premier gathering for energy players in Africa, CEIF 2025 represents the ideal platform to discuss, showcase and maximize growth and partnership investment opportunities across Congo and Central Africa. 'With one week out, we are positive that CEIF 2025 will cement its position as a pivotal platform for fostering investment, exploring energy opportunities and driving growth in Congo's dynamic energy sector. As the inaugural edition, this premier event is sure to provide attendees with invaluable knowledge and insights into the region's robust and burgeoning industry,' states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director at Energy Capital&Power. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
Zawya
12-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025 to Feature Wood Mackenzie's Vision for Congo's Oil and Gas Industry Growth
With aims to advance the country's gas monetization agenda, the Republic of Congo is preparing to release a Gas Master Plan, which promises significant socioeconomic benefits and industrial growth. Developed by Congo's national oil company Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo in collaboration with data and analytics solutions company Wood Mackenzie, the plan is set for launch at the inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum (CEIF) this March in Brazzaville. Demonstrating a commitment to providing insight into how Congo can expand its oil and gas strategies to attract new investment and create more favorable conditions for global industry players, Gavin Thompson, Vice Chairman of Wood Mackenzie will participate at CEIF 2025 as a speaker. The inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale 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. Designed to set out a clear roadmap to capitalize on the country's gas resources, Congo's Gas Master Plan seeks to reduce energy imports and raise electricity access, which currently sits at 50%. Boasting approximately 10 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, Congo is rolling out key projects to create jobs, increase power generation capacity and drive economic growth. According to Wood Mackenzie's 2024 Congo Upstream Summary, recent developments in the country's oil and gas industry have keep production at a stable rate. With an ambitious goal of doubling oil production to 500,000 barrels per day by 2025, the country is expanding production in both new and mature fields. Contributions by major international players, including TotalEnergies' $600 million investment in the Moho Nord field and Trident Energy's recent entry into the Nkossa, Nsoko II, Lianzi and Moho-Bilondo fields reinforce Congo's growing role in the global oil market. Meanwhile, Eni is leading large-scale gas monetization in the Marine XII block, having exported its first LNG shipment last February. Chinese operator Wing Wah is currently developing the onshore Banga Kayo block to capture previously flared gas for domestic use, the first phase of which aims to produce one million cubic meters per day. 'Wood Mackenzie's participation at the inaugural CEIF event is crucial for shaping the future of Congo's oil and gas industry. As a global leader in data and analytics, the company brings invaluable expertise and insights into how Congo can maximize its vast natural resources. Their participation in developing the Gas Master Plan underscores the importance of informed decision-making in driving investment and sustainable growth,' states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director at Energy Capital&Power. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
