KEY POINTS
- Congo targets 500,000 barrels/day oil production by 2027, with new refineries boosting domestic refining capacity.
- Gas projects like Banga Kayo and Congo LNG focus on emission reductions, energy independence, and industrial growth.
- Partnerships with SOCAR, Sonatrach, and others modernize refineries, aligning with environmental standards and energy security goals.
Republic of Congo is stepping up its ambitions to increase oil production to 500,000 barrels per day by 2027 while prioritizing gas exploration and modernizing downstream infrastructure. These initiatives reflect a focused strategy by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons to overcome energy insecurity and bolster industrial growth.
Despite its abundant energy resources, as reported by EnergyCapitalPower, Congo faces persistent energy access challenges. The government’s efforts to upgrade facilities aim to deliver reliable and sustainable energy, addressing a critical gap in the nation’s development.
Energy independence in motion
Congo’s sole refinery, operated by CORAF—a subsidiary of SNPC—is located in Pointe-Noire, with an annual capacity of one million tons. It processes crude from the Djeno terminal, transported via a 25-kilometer pipeline, into essential products like gasoline and diesel, meeting 70% of the nation’s refined petroleum needs.
To address surging domestic demand and reduce imports, Congo is collaborating with China’s Beijing Fortune Dingheng Investment to build the $600 million Atlantic Petrochemical Refinery near Pointe-Noire. Scheduled to begin operations by late 2025, the refinery’s first phase will produce 2.5 million tons annually, including gasoline, diesel, LPG, kerosene, fuel oil, and petrochemical feedstocks. This initiative is a cornerstone in enhancing national energy security.
Driving gas development
In the downstream gas sector, transformative projects are underway. Wing Wah’s Banga Kayo initiative is monetizing previously flared associated gas, targeting a production of 30 billion cubic meters over 25 years. This onshore project processes gas into dry gas, LNG, LPG, and polypropylene, contributing to carbon emission reductions and strengthening domestic energy supplies.
Additionally, Eni’s Congo LNG project delivered its first cargo from the Tango FLNG facility in February 2024. With a liquefaction capacity of three million tons per year, this milestone positions Congo as a significant player in global LNG markets while enhancing supply for domestic use.
To catalyze further investments, Congo is finalizing a Gas Master Plan and a new Gas Code. These frameworks aim to establish a robust regulatory environment to drive industrialization and foster growth in LNG, LPG, and gas-to-power projects.
Global partnerships power refinery upgrades
In November 2024, SNPC partnered with Azerbaijan’s SOCAR to modernize the CORAF refinery. This collaboration aims to increase capacity, improve product quality, and align with environmental standards. Earlier, Algeria’s Sonatrach initiated discussions with SNPC to enhance refining sector cooperation, and a proposed deal with Russia includes plans for a Pointe-Noire to Brazzaville fuel pipeline and a new refinery.
By modernizing downstream infrastructure and cultivating global partnerships, Congo is positioning itself as a key regional player in refined petroleum production while addressing domestic energy needs.
Showcasing progress at Congo energy & investment forum 2025
The upcoming Congo Energy & Investment Forum, scheduled for March 25-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, will spotlight these advancements. The event will serve as a platform for project developers, regulators, and policymakers to forge new investments and partnerships, reinforcing Congo’s role as a dynamic hub in Africa’s energy landscape.
