In a landmark moment for Angola’s energy landscape, the nation launched the second phase of the Falcão natural gas project last Thursday. Spearheaded by Diamantino Azevedo, Angolan Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, and Zaire Province Governor Adriano Mendes de Carvalho, this initiative marks a significant stride in Angola’s energy diversification.
The project, featuring onshore infrastructure, aims to enhance gas delivery from the Angola LNG plant to the Soyo I combined-cycle power plant. This expansion will boost Sonangol’s processing capacity significantly, from 75 million to 125 million cubic feet. The project’s second phase includes essential maintenance systems for gas treatment and quality assurance.
According to a report by Energy Capital & Power, Minister Azevedo underscored the project’s vital role in boosting gas reception and processing capabilities. Additionally, it will facilitate gas distribution for industrial and petrochemical use across southern Angola. The project is crucial for producing liquid ammonia and urea fertilizer, pivotal for Angola’s agricultural sector.
This development is a key move in shifting Angola’s focus from crude oil reliance to a more diverse and robust economy. By converting gas into various derivatives, Angola is set to forge a path less affected by global market fluctuations, fostering growth in its industrial and agricultural sectors.
Aligned with Angola’s 30-year gas master plan, this initiative is poised to create new export avenues and stimulate job growth. Despite its rich gas reserves, Angola has historically focused on crude oil. However, with the global shift towards cleaner fuels, Angola is now actively pursuing a gas monetization strategy.
The Angola LNG plant in Soyo, processing gas from seven offshore fields, is central to the country’s gas monetization efforts. It plays a crucial role in reducing gas flaring and greenhouse gas emissions. By 2030, Angola plans to retain 25% of its natural gas production for in-country use, supporting the transition to cleaner fuels and aiming to increase electricity access to 60% by 2025.
These gas-focused developments will be a key topic at the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2024 conference in Luanda next September. As natural gas aligns with energy transition and economic diversification goals, the conference will offer investors and technology providers opportunities to engage in Angola’s evolving gas landscape.
