H.E Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of Mozambique, has inaugurated the Coral-Sul Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) project, located in the ultra-deep waters of the Rovuma basin.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by project partners Eni – as the operator – ExxonMobil; the Chinese National Petroleum Corporation; Kogas; Galp; and national oil company ENH, as well as H.E. Carlos Zacarias, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy of Mozambique.
During the launch, H.E. President Nyusi emphasized the critical role the project is set to play in ushering in a new era of energy security for the region while positioning the country as a globally competitive producer and exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
According to the President, the FLNG project “has raised the levels of confidence and expectations for the future so that Mozambique can occupy a significant position as an exporter of LNG in the phase of the energy transition.”
The launch of the FLNG project follows Eni making its first shipment from the facility on November 13, with the facility expected to open up new opportunities for gas monetization in the country to support Mozambique’s gross domestic product growth as well as the development of associated industries.
Speaking at the launch, Eni CEO, Guido Brusco, stated that, “the world’s major LNG consumers are seeking new sources to support their energy security. This could be an opportunity for Mozambique, bearing in mind the huge proven resources of gas it has.”
For Mozambique, opportunities brought about by the project are multifold, with new supplies set to help address growing demand for gas in-country as well as the wider southern African region; kickstart industrialization and broader socioeconomic growth in Mozambique; contribute to economic diversification and revenue generation while positioning the country at the forefront of Africa’s energy transition.
Meanwhile, for Eni, the project demonstrates the company’s commitment to Africa with the energy major able to bring the project online in close collaboration with partners despite challenges faced. Now, Eni has started discussions with the relevant authorities for “the possibility of replicating the success of the Coral Sul project with further FLNG development as well as onshore projects,” according to a press release issued by Eni.