Morocco has commissioned an international tender in search of advisers for its LNG import plan worth $4.6billion.

The plan includes the importation of about 7 billion cubic metres of gas by 2025, construction of a jetty, terminal, pipelines and gas-fired power plants.

The country is currently assessing offers from Shell and other French, Spanish and American companies for its contracts to import Liquefied natural gas (LNG).

According to Abdelkader Amara (photo), the country’s energy minister, Morocco plans to import 2 million tonnes of LNG per year starting from 2020.

“In the first phase, it will be two million tonnes, and the second step will be from 3.5-4mn tonnes,” Amara said adding that it is possible for the country to choose three suppliers.

Whilst reducing its reliance on oil and coal imports, Morocco is looking to diversify its energy supplies. It also plans to build 4GW of renewable energy and has commenced negotiations with exporting countries including Qatar and Russia and other private companies in order to secure its imports.

Gas presently accounts for 5% of energy bill as the country burns up to 1 billion cubic metre of gas yearly including about 70 million cubic metres produced locally, Oil Review Africa reports.