South Africa’s Largest Gas Field Could Begin Production by 2033
Canada-listed Africa Energy Corp is targeting 2033 for first production from South Africa’s largest gas discovery, forging ahead with the Block 11B/12B project that former operator TotalEnergies abandoned due to economic challenges.
CEO Robert Nicolella expressed confidence in the project’s competitiveness, stating from the company’s Cape Town offices that “our 11B/12B indigenous gas should be very competitive versus imported LNG.” The company is currently awaiting regulatory approval for a reworked environmental authorization to survey the block off South Africa’s southern coast.
Using domestic gas represents a crucial component of South Africa’s strategy to diversify away from coal-fired power generation, with the country targeting 6,000 megawatts of new gas power projects. Africa Energy is exploring various marketing options, with a preference for supplying gas-to-power plants.
The company is in discussions with former national oil company PetroSA to utilize existing infrastructure, including the FA offshore platform in Block 9, to accelerate production from the Brulpadda and Luiperd fields. Africa Energy’s majority-owned subsidiary Main Street 1549 became operator after TotalEnergies, QatarEnergy, and Canadian Natural Resources exited the project last year.
Source: bairdmaritime.com
