Italy’s Eni laid the foundation stone of Congo LNG, the Republic of Congo’s first natural gas liquefaction project, eyeing initial liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes to set sail in 2023.

The project will assist the African country in achieving its power generation needs and supply new gas volumes to international markets—specifically Europe, the Rome-based company said April 25 in a press release.

The Congo LNG floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) project will “significantly contribute to both Italy and Europe’s energy security and industrial competitiveness,” Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi said.

Congo LNG will be constructed in two phases and when completed will have a combined LNG production capacity of 3 million tonnes per year (4.5 billion cubic meters per year).

The first FLNG unit will have a capacity of 0.6 mtpa (1 Bcm/year). The plant is currently under conversion and initial cargoes are expected to flow in 2023, Eni said without providing more details.

The second FLNG unit will have a capacity of 2.4 mtpa (3.5 Bcm/year). The plant is under construction and will commence operations in 2025.

Marine XII permit anchors Congo LNG

Congo LNG, executed though an accelerated development schedule and a zero-flaring approach, will see the installation of two FLNG units at the Nenè and Litchendjili fields, part of the Marine XII permit.

Eni is the operator of the Marine XII permit where it holds a 65% interest. The permit is divided into four Permis d'Exploitation (PEX) –the Nenè and Litchendjili fields currently in production and discoveries at the Minsala and Nkala fields that are yet to be developed.

Marine XII permit map
Marine XII Permit. (Source: Eni)

“Producing hydrocarbons from these formations requires well technology which represents a novelty for the country,” Eni said.

Eni has maintained operations in Congo for more than 50 years, and to date is the only company active in the development of the country’s gas resources, Eni said, guaranteeing 70% of national electricity production through the Centrale Electrique du Congo power station.

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