The Republic of Congo is preparing to produce three million tonnes per year of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Marine XII project by 2025. Developed by Italy’s Eni, the project delivered its first cargo of LNG this year, marking the start of new investments in Congolese gas. During the second annual Invest in African Energy (IAE) conference in Paris, the Minister of Hydrocarbons, Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, highlighted the fundamental role of such projects in the country’s energy transition and the importance of international collaboration.
The Energy Transition and International Collaboration
In his speech, Minister Itoua underlined:
“We are actively seeking collaborations with international partners who share our vision of exploiting natural resources in an equitable and sustainable way. This collaboration is essential to develop innovative technologies, cleaner production methods and ensure equitable distribution of the benefits generated by our natural resources.”
Partnering with foreign companies allows African countries to accelerate the pace of the energy transition, unlocking a series of economic benefits. Despite the continent contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa is facing the most severe impacts of climate change while making great progress in alleviating energy poverty. As Minister Itoua highlighted, “We cannot make the transition to a renewable energy economy in isolation. It requires international cooperation and a shared desire to rethink our growth and consumption models.”
Development Projects and Investment Opportunities
The Republic of Congo invites foreign investors to collaborate on oil, gas and infrastructure projects. With more than 10 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas resources, the country is moving forward with developing projects to address energy poverty and promote regional economic growth. Through the adoption of low-carbon technologies and collaborations with international project developers, the upcoming projects serve as a benchmark for other gas-rich countries in Africa. In addition to Eni’s Marine XII permit, Wing Wah’s multi-phase Banga Kayo project is expected to produce 30 billion cubic meters of associated gas.
“These initiatives reflect our desire not only to exploit our resources, but to use them in a more eco-responsible and sustainable way. Beyond these projects, our long-term vision for Congo is to create attractive environments for future investments.”
Regulatory Reforms and Long-Term Vision
To attract new investment in oil and gas projects, the country is overhauling existing regulatory frameworks, with a new Gas Code on the way and updates to existing hydrocarbon codes, addressing challenges faced by investors. According to Minister Itoua, “Our goal is clear: not only to optimize the use of existing resources, but also to develop local infrastructure and skills that will create a strong and sustainable value chain. These efforts aim to make our projects not only viable but exemplary in terms of environmental respect, contributing to the sustainable economic development of our region.”
Conclusion
The advancement of liquefied natural gas projects in Congo represents a crucial step towards a more sustainable energy future for Africa. International collaboration and the adoption of low-carbon technologies not only promote the country’s economic development but also serve as a model for other resource-rich African countries. These initiatives, with a focus on sustainability and equity, could mark a turning point in the fight against energy poverty and climate change, offering new opportunities for a greener and more prosperous future.
