Service companies are pivotal in driving transformative change by introducing innovative solutions to address Congo’s energy sector challenges. As the nation seeks to increase oil production to 500,000 bpd in the near future and expand access to reliable electricity, these companies are at the forefront of accelerating the country’s energy transformation.

Boosting Hydrocarbon Production Through Innovation

International service providers have played a crucial role in advancing Congo's latest oil and gas developments, driving innovation in natural gas production and boosting crude oil output. By introducing cutting-edge technology and expertise, these companies are enhancing operational efficiency and optimizing resource extraction.

In partnership with TotalEnergies, global technology company SLB is co-developing scalable digital solutions to enhance energy resource access. These solutions will focus on challenges such as carbon capture, utilization and sequestration. This collaboration integrates advanced digital capabilities – including artificial intelligence – with applications on SLB’s Delfi platform, aiming to improve performance and efficiency in Congo's energy sector.

On the gas front, Italian energy services firm Saipem has secured a contract from Eni Congo to transform its Scarabeo 5 semisubmersible drilling unit into a Floating Production Unit (FPU). This FPU will serve as a separation and boosting plant, processing production fluids from wellhead riser platforms by separating gas from liquids and enhancing gas flow to a nearby Floating LNG unit. The project is a component of Eni's Congo LNG initiative – the nation's inaugural natural gas liquefaction endeavor – which aims to achieve an LNG production capacity of 3 million tons per year by 2025. The FPU is slated for installation offshore, northwest of the Djeno Terminal with commissioning and startup anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2025. 

Bridging the Infrastructure Gap

A significant challenge in Congo's energy sector is the existing infrastructure gap, which hampers efficient energy distribution and access. Service companies are actively addressing this issue through various projects aimed at modernizing and expanding the energy infrastructure.

A notable example is the contract awarded to Turkish power company Aksa Enerji to upgrade the Djeno gas-to-power plant. The project involves adding two 25 MW turbines and rehabilitating existing ones, effectively increasing the plant's capacity to 100 MW. This upgrade is crucial for meeting the rising energy demands and enhancing grid reliability in the Congo.

Additionally, public-private partnerships (PPPs) play a crucial role in accelerating the development of Congo's energy infrastructure. The government's commitment to such collaborations dates back to 2021 with the creation of a dedicated ministry for PPPs, aimed at attracting foreign investment beyond the hydrocarbons sector.

In the electricity sector, the Congolese government has established a partnership with the Sino-Congolese consortium Energaz-CGGC for the construction of the Morala and Nyanga hydroelectric dams in the south of the country. The dams will have a total production capacity of 331 MW. The agreement also includes the rehabilitation of the 19 MW Liouesso hydroelectric dam, paving the way for the expansion of renewable energy development.

As key service companies expand their presence in Congo, an upcoming licensing round and the unveiling of a Gas Master Plan are expected to drive the country’s ambitions to maximize its full energy potential. As such, the inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025 will serve as a key platform to connect service companies with major energy projects in Congo. Taking place in Brazzaville from March 24-26, CEIF 2025 will drive investment, enhance infrastructure development, and accelerate the country's energy transition.