• Morocco’s Tendrara gas project enters pre-commercial production phase
• Phase 1 targets domestic market; first gas expected by mid-2026
• 10-year deal to supply 100m³ LNG annually to Afriquia Gaz

The Tendrara gas project in eastern Morocco, developed by UK-based Sound Energy, has moved closer to commercial production after entering an initial pre-commercial production phase.

In an operational update published on Jan. 26, the company said its main wells, TE-6 and TE-7, had been connected to the project’s gas gathering system following testing.

The work forms part of site preparation and allows gas to be transported to the treatment facilities planned under Phase 1 of development. Sound Energy said this phase targets initial gas output mainly for the Moroccan market.

The company added that construction of production facilities is progressing, including equipment that will use the produced gas to generate electricity on site. This is expected to replace diesel generators currently used to power field operations.

Sound Energy said it is also finalising the technical and financial arrangements required to achieve first gas, marking the start of commercial production.

In December, Ecofin Agency reported that initial volumes from the TE-6 well had been injected into the concession’s gathering system. Sound Energy expects first deliveries from the facility between late Q1 and Q2 2026.

This stage is required to implement an agreement with local distributor Afriquia Gaz, under which 100 million cubic metres of liquefied natural gas per year will be supplied under a 10-year contract starting from first commercial gas.

Sound Energy holds a 20% interest in the Tendrara concession, alongside Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (25%) and Mana Energy Limited (55%), which is majority owned by Attijariwafa Bank.

Abdel-Latif Boureima