The Republic of Congo has officially entered the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market with the first shipment from its Congo LNG project, marking a significant step in Central Africa’s energy sector and reinforcing its strategic ties with Europe. The initial cargo was delivered in February 2024 to Italy’s Piombino terminal, highlighting the region’s emerging role as a reliable LNG supplier.
Developed in two stages, the project combines floating liquefied natural gas technology with a phased production strategy. The first stage utilizes the Tango FLNG floating plant near the Congolese coast, with a liquefaction capacity of 0.6 million tons per year. The second phase will see the deployment of the Nguya FLNG vessel offshore, adding 2.4 million tons per year and bringing total capacity to 3 million tons per annum (MTPA).
To maximize the use of both associated and non-associated gas from the Marine XII concession, the project includes onshore gas treatment facilities. These installations not only support LNG exports but also enable electricity generation for domestic consumption, contributing to improved local energy access and development.
The project is operated by Eni Congo SA, a subsidiary of Eni, and is designed with a non-flaring approach to minimize methane emissions. This aligns with global decarbonization goals and underscores both the country’s and the operator’s commitment to environmentally responsible energy production.
With Europe as the primary market, Congo LNG strengthens the continent’s energy diversification at a time of growing demand for alternative sources. The initiative positions Central Africa as a strategic supplier in the international energy landscape, while simultaneously supporting local infrastructure development and energy security.
