TotalEnergies is “hopeful” it will be possible to restart the $20-billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in northern Mozambique in early 2024, says TotalEnergies Gas, Renewables and Power long-term LNG marketing and business development deputy VP Christophe Auger.
TotalEnergies holds a leading 26.5% stake in the development, which was halted in 2021 after Islamic State-linked insurgents launched attacks in the northern Cabo Delgado province where the project’s onshore infrastructure will be located.
The French energy giant declared a force majeure on the project in April 2021, and withdrew all personnel from the site on the back of the attacks.
Speaking at African Energy Week 2023, held in Cape Town this week, Auger warned, however, that there remained a number of hurdles to cross before the restart could become a reality, including continued engagement of the surrounding communities.
The Mozambique LNG Project followed the 2010 discovery of a vast quantity of natural gas off the coast of northern Mozambique.