Natural Gas in Africa: A Catalyst for Energy Innovation

The gas industry in Africa is experiencing remarkable growth, paving the way for numerous projects aimed at enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of natural gas production and distribution. In a world where energy and economic development hold significant importance, this evolution offers potential to attract additional investments focused on gas and promote industrial growth. Several projects are currently underway across various countries on the continent.

The Soyo II combined cycle power plant, scheduled for commercial operation in 2025, is a project designed to utilize Angola’s gas, processing between 75 million to 125 million cubic feet of natural gas per day, providing a cost-effective alternative for electricity production in Angola. Meanwhile, the Sandiara gas plant in Senegal boasts an annual production capacity of 290 GWh, utilizing gas from Senegalese fields. Additionally, the Cap Biches combined cycle gas turbine power plant in Senegal is a pivotal element in the country’s strategy to convert gas to electricity, expected to start operations by the year-end, generating 239 GWh for consumers.

In Central Africa, a flagship example is the Hilli Episeyo Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) project in Cameroon, led by Perenco and Golar LNG, marking the region’s first project of its kind. This groundbreaking project involves liquefying natural gas offshore. However, it does not address neighboring countries’ concerns regarding transportation and resource supply. Similarly, in Equatorial Guinea, the Punta Europa LNG project, operated by Chevron, showcases successful LNG production.

Innovative techniques are crucial in this sector, enabling companies to remain competitive in the global market and meet the region’s growing energy demand. Gabon, through the Gabon Oil Company, exemplifies this dynamic by implementing projects to capture and utilize associated gas produced during oil operations, thereby reducing flaring and its environmental impacts.

With its considerable natural gas potential, Africa is committed to sustainable development and sub-regional prosperity in this energy sector. According to a Global Data report, 428 oil and gas projects are expected to be underway across the African continent by 2025. These projects span various stages of the value chain, with particularly intensive activity in upstream (exploration and production) and midstream (transport and storage) sectors, as well as in refining, petrochemicals, pipelines, and gas processing.

Moreover, Africa has accounted for nearly 40% of global natural gas discoveries in the last decade, with significant finds in Mozambique, Mauritania, Senegal, and Tanzania, promising a bright future for the sub-region’s energy landscape. Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon possess vast offshore gas reserves along their coastlines. The presence of Chevron Corporation, a leading player in the oil sector, could significantly impact gas development in Central Africa.

However, despite abundant resources across the African continent, natural gas remains underutilized. The Central Africa Business Energy Forum (CABEF) aims to promote gas as a primary energy source in Central Africa, backed by compelling arguments.

Natural gas can play a decisive role in Africa’s energy transition, offering cleaner and more sustainable solutions. It emits fewer air pollutants compared to coal and oil, and its versatility as a source for electricity, heating, cooking, and vehicle fuel makes it an attractive option across various sectors.

The 4th edition of CABEF 2024, themed « Natural Gas: Key to Industrialization and Economic Acceleration of Central Africa through Efficient Sub-Regional Institutional Integration, » will be held in Gabon. Nonetheless, despite these advantages, innovation in the gas industry in Central Africa also faces challenges. The investments required to develop and implement new technologies can be substantial, posing a barrier for some companies, particularly smaller ones.

In this regard, the Central Africa Pipeline System (CAPS) project emerges as a viable solution. This ambitious initiative aims to establish a network of pipelines for transporting oil and natural gas across Central Africa, connecting 11 countries including Angola, Cameroon, Chad, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon.

CABEF team