In a groundbreaking development for Angola’s energy sector, the second phase of the Falcão natural gas project was launched last Thursday by Angolan Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, alongside Governor of Zaire Province, Adriano Mendes de Carvalho.
The project comprises onshore infrastructure aimed at enhancing gas delivery from the Angola LNG plant’s dry and wet units, to the existing Soyo I combined-cycle power plant. As a result, Sonangol’s processing capacity will jump from 75 million to 125 million cubic feet. The second phase also involves maintenance equipment and systems for liquid removal associated with gas, treatment and quality measure.
During the launch, Minister Azevedo highlighted the project’s role in not only increasing reception and processing capabilities, but also enabling the distribution of gas for both industry and petrochemical plants across the southern region. Natural gas is used as a primary raw material for the production of liquid ammonia and resulting carbon dioxide gas, which is then combined to create urea fertilizer.
As a result, it holds the potential to transition Angola away from its dependence on crude oil and towards the establishment of diversified, non-commodity-based. By refining gas into liquid fuels, fertilizers and other derivatives, Angola envisions a diversified economy less vulnerable to global market volatility, paving the way for industrial and agricultural sector growth.
The initiative aligns with Angola’s 30-year gas master plan, which aims to generate new sources of export revenue and stimulate job creation. Despite holding ample gas reserves, Angola has long prioritized the exploitation of crude oil. Now, as the global energy mix shifts toward cleaner fuel types, Angola is pursuing a comprehensive gas monetization and utilization agenda.
Processing gas from seven offshore fields, the Angola LNG plant in Soyo is a significant driver of gas monetization in the country and plays a pivotal role in reducing gas flaring and greenhouse gas emissions. By 2030, Angola aims to retain 25% of its natural gas production in-country via associated value-added industries, coupled with efforts to transition towards cleaner fuel sources Gas-to-power also represents a key step in Angola’s plans to increase electricity access to 60% by 2025.
These gas-focused developments and more will be explored at the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2024 conference in Luanda next September, which returns for its fifth edition. Given that natural gas fulfills objectives related to the energy transition, energy access and economic diversification, investors and service and technology providers are well positioned to engage in Angola’s gas development plans, on the back of new project milestones and strong government support.
Join the AOG 2024 conference and be part of a movement towards an energy secure and sustainable future in Angola. Visit www.angolaoilandgas.com for more information
