Gas-to-Power to Drive Development

Set to address the country’s electrification challenges, Turkish power producer Aksa Enerji recently announced the first 25 MW turbine of the Djeno Power Plant is scheduled to commence operations in March 2025. The plant has a current installed capacity of 50 MW, comprising two combined-cycle combustion turbines of 25 MW each. With the first turbined scheduled for commissioning this month, the second is undergoing maintenance and is expected to be operational by Q3, 2025.

Congo is home to an estimated 10 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, primarily located in offshore fields such as Litchendjili, Néné, Minsala and Nkala, within the Marine XII license. To harness these resources, the Congolese government has implemented a series of initiatives and incentives to define a natural gas strategy that promotes development across all sectors of the economy.

 Supporting the Agriculture Sector

Speaking in his state of the nation address to parliament in November 2024, Congo’s President Denis Sassou Nguesso announced the country is looking at boosting production of fertilizer across the country to support agricultural activities. During his address, the president explained that the country’s fertile soil, young workforce and significant gas reserves have the potential to support agriculture and diversify its economy.

With a ramp up of natural gas exploration and production activities in 2025 and beyond, the Congolese government has indicated a commitment to leveraging income from the sale of LNG to support agriculture initiatives across the country. Congo exported its inaugural shipment of LNG to Italy in February 2024. The cargo was exported from the Tango FLNG facility – operated by energy major Eni.

A Front Runner in Sustainable Gas Production

On the back of a major gas monetization drive, Congo is expected to produce 3 million tons of gas this year. As such, dynamic opportunities in gas processing and refining present lucrative investment opportunities for international players. With significant untapped gas reserves and a pressing need for reliable power, Congo is set to launch its Gas Mater Plan imminently.

The plan aims to advance the country’s gas monetization agenda by catalyzing new infrastructure development, including gas pipelines, processing facilities and gas-to-power plants. The plan also seeks to reduce energy imports and raise electricity access, currently at 50%.