• Angola starts gas production from first non-associated gas field in Block 2
  

• Soyo plant processes up to 400 million cubic feet of gas daily
  

• $4B project boosts LNG supply, supports energy diversification and gas use plans

Angola has begun producing gas from its first non-associated gas field, advancing its plan to diversify its energy mix. The New Gas Consortium (NGC) inaugurated the Soyo gas processing plant, according to international press reports on Friday.

The consortium includes Azule Energy, a joint venture between Eni and BP, Chevron, TotalEnergies and Sonangol. The development marks the start of gas production from the Quiluma and Maboqueiro fields located offshore in Block 2.

The Soyo facility can process 330 to 400 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, plus up to 20,000 barrels per day of condensates. The NGC's cumulative investment in the project, launched in 2023 and completed six months ahead of schedule, is close to $4 billion.

Luanda aims to increase its sources of electricity supply and better utilize its gas resources. For several years, authorities have stated a desire to reduce gas flaring and increase the use of gas for power generation. These priorities are outlined in the Angola Energy 2025 and Angola 2050 plans, which call for ramping up gas-fired capacity to complement hydropower.

In the short term, the Soyo infrastructure will increase gas volumes sent to the Angola LNG plant, which can process 1.1 billion cubic feet per day and produce 5.2 million tonnes of LNG per year. According to the consortium, this startup will help better utilize gas that has been underused. Authorities and operators also say processed volumes will increase as the facilities reach full capacity.

Abdel-Latif Boureima