TotalEnergies Resumes $20 Billion Mozambique LNG Project After Four-Year Suspension
In a major development for Africa’s energy sector, TotalEnergies has officially resumed work on its massive $20 billion liquefied natural gas project in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province after a four-year suspension due to security concerns.
The French energy giant’s CEO Patrick Pouyanne met with President Daniel Chapo in a high-level commitment that signals the restart of one of Africa’s most ambitious energy ventures. The project was suspended in 2021 following a surge in violence from Islamic State-affiliated insurgents, but recent security interventions have significantly reduced attacks near the Afungi project site.
“It was a meeting with the perspective of restarting activities,” confirmed Mozambique’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Estevao Pale, highlighting renewed optimism from both government officials and the private sector.
TotalEnergies has already instructed major contractors including Mota-Engil and Besix to remobilize equipment and personnel, marking the first tangible step toward full-scale construction since operations halted four years ago. The company recently issued a notice to proceed with site work, demonstrating serious intent to move forward.
The revived venture will develop the offshore Golfinho and Atum gas fields and construct a dual-train LNG plant designed to produce 13.12 million metric tonnes per year. TotalEnergies holds a 26.5% operating stake alongside partners including Japan’s Mitsui & Co, Mozambique’s national oil company ENH, and a consortium of Indian and Thai partners.
Crucially, the US Export-Import Bank has reaffirmed its financial backing with a recently approved $5 billion loan. Additional loan reapprovals are being sought from UK and Dutch export credit agencies, further strengthening the project’s financial foundation.
If progress continues as planned, TotalEnergies aims to fully resume development by mid-2025, with production targeted for 2029. The project is expected to dramatically boost Mozambique’s economy, generate thousands of jobs, and position the country as a significant force in the global LNG market.
Source: petroleumaustralia.com.au
