Gas

Sanha Lean Gas Connection is a project by Cabinda Gulf Oil Company Limited. (Image source: Chevron)

The Sanha Lean Gas Connection (SLGC) project has achieved first gas that is being directed to the Angola LNG Plant (ALNG) via Congo River Crossing Pipeline (CRX)

A project by Chevron-subsidiary Cabinda Gulf Oil Company Limited (CABGOC) and Block 0 partners, around 300 mn st cu/ft of gas is currently being mobilised from the SLGC development before it starts delivering an additional 80 mn st cu/ft. The CRX pipeline will be operating in its full capacity by the time further 220 mn st cu/ft is injected via booster compression module. 

To pull off this mega gas supply project from CABGOC base to ALNG, the SLGC facility in Benguela was given a new platform for integration with the existing Sanha facilities and the CRX Pipeline. 

"First gas from the Sanha Lean Gas Connection shows CABGOC’s success in maximising value from existing resources in Block 0 while growing capabilities in Angola," said Billy Lacobie, managing director of Chevron's southern Africa Strategic Business Unit. “The Sanha Lean Gas Connection project will help supply gas from Block 0's Sanha field to Soyo power plants and Angola Liquefied Natural Gas (ALNG), serving as a gas hub for CABGOC operations. As a long-term partner, Chevron builds upon a legacy of 70 years of operational excellence in Angola and remains dedicated to continuing to provide reliable, affordable, and lower carbon energy to benefit the people of Angola.” 

The Sanha project delivery has largely been in schedule, since Lacobie had explained the company's gas boosting strategies in the region.gas boosting strategies in the region. 

The Block 0 concession that lies by the Cabinda coast is operated by CABGOC which has a 39.2% interest. It also enjoys a 31% operated interest in a production-sharing contracts in deepwater Blocks 14, located West of Block 0. CABGOC also holds the largest equity shares at 36.4% in the ALNG project in Soyo, and 31% shares in the Azule Energy-operated New Gas Consortium. 

Gas remains an integral part of Angola's asset diversification strategies. 

Gas from GTA Phase 1 is being introduced to the GTA FPSO. (Image source: African Energy Chamber)

The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) offshore Mauritania and Senegal sees first gas flow to its floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel before its commissioning begins

A project by bp, gas resources from GTA runs 2,850 m underwater, making it one of the deepest offshore developments in Africa. Once fully commissioned, GTA Phase 1 is expected to produce around 2.3 million tonnes of LNG per year. 

“This is a fantastic landmark for this important megaproject.  First gas flow is a material example of supporting the global energy demands of today and reiterates our commitment to help Mauritania and Senegal develop their natural resources,” said Gordon Birrell, EVP production & operations.  

“Congratulations to the project and production teams for delivering this project and for always keeping safe operations at the heart of what they do.

“Africa’s significance in the global energy system is growing, and these nations now have enhanced roles to play. Congratulations to the project and production teams for delivering this project and for always keeping safe operations at the heart of what they do. Thank you to the entire GTA team, our partners and host governments for this tremendous achievement,” he said.  

Gas from GTA Phase 1 is being introduced to the GTA FPSO approximately 40 kilometres offshore, where water, condensate and impurities are removed. From there, it will be transferred via pipeline to a floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) vessel located 10 kilometres offshore, where it will be cryogenically cooled, liquefied and stored before being transferred to LNG carriers for export. Some of the gas will be allocated to help meet growing energy demand in the two host countries.  

“With this milestone, Mauritania and Senegal take a major step towards an exciting new chapter as gas-exporting nations. I am proud of the relationships we continue to strengthen in both countries. Without the resilience and dedication of the bp team, as well as our partners, host governments and of course the people of Mauritania and Senegal, none of this would have been possible,” said Dave Campbell, SVP Mauritania and Senegal.  

Arcius Energy will begin operations in Egypt. (Image source: Aricus Energy)

Building an effective gas portfolio to sustain market competition, ADNOC-wing, XRG, and energy major, bp, have reached financial close on their new joint venture (JV), Arcius Energy, an international natural gas platform

Launched in February, the JV is backed by XRG's (49%) technical prowess and bp's (51%) long-standing development track records. 

Besides ADNOC, bp had previously entered a venture with another Abu Dhabi-based company, Masdar, to advance plans of a multi-phase green hydrogen (gH2) project in Egypt. 

Unlocking lower-carbon transition fuel

Arcius Energy will begin operations in Egypt across two development concessions, as well as exploration agreements. The country is playing a major role in developing a gas hub in the eastern Mediterranean. 

Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, executive chairman of XRG, said, “The formation of Arcius Energy marks an exciting new chapter in our long-standing partnership with bp, and fully aligns with XRG’s objectives to accelerate the transformation of energy systems and build a world-scale integrated gas and chemicals portfolio to meet rising global demand. This progressive partnership will unlock a lower-carbon transition fuel to build a future where smarter, cleaner and more affordable energy is accessible for Egypt and the world."

Murray Auchincloss, chief executive of bp, said, “Arcius Energy brings together the strengths of our two companies to create a dynamic new platform for international growth in natural gas in the region. ADNOC, and now XRG, is a trusted partner, who we have worked with successfully for over five decades. Together, we can continue to build on bp’s 60 years of technical expertise and delivery of safe and efficient operations in Egypt – a hub for new opportunities to build out a highly competitive gas portfolio in the region.”

Senior Arcius Energy leadership were also appointed as part of the company’s formation. Naser Saif Al Yafei was appointed as Chief Executive Officer while Katerina Papalexandri was appointed as Chief Financial Officer. Both executives, from ADNOC and bp respectively, bring decades of experience in the energy sector.

The tenders are targeted for the Moroccan side. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

As part of 2025 Action Plan by the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), Morocco has launched tenders for Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline

Targeted for the pipelines on the Moroccan side, these tenders cover the initial phases of the project. Besides Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal are also included in the first phase. 

A private company is set to be established with an objective to supervise project construction, operation and maintenance.

Far-reaching project

Morocco covers 1,672 kilometers of the 5,600 km-long pipeline that will also connect the Maghreb Europe Gas Pipeline and the European gas network. 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited deployed the first compressor station for the far-reaching project which is set to motion across Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Ghana. A second round of memoranda of understanding last year expanded the pipeline network to include Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia and Benin.