High hopes for Moz natural gas prospects

All eyes will be on Mozambique in the foreseeable future where large shale gas finds could see the country becoming one of the biggest exporters of gas in the world. But there is still much to be accomplished before that happens. Project experts such as Paul Runge, managing director of Africa Project Access, are upbeat about the prospects and what can be achieved in Pemba and Palma where gas exploration has been ongoing. “The Rovuma Basin gas deposits are probably the hottest spot in Africa at the moment,” said Runge. Whilst the exact figures around finds varies, one of the world’s premier oil and gas exploring and producing companies, Anadarko, has confirmed it has found more than 75 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas resources in one area – and it has the potential to elevate Mozambique to the world’s third-largest exporter of natural gas. Having launched the Mozambique Gas Development Project, the company has invested billions of dollars in the area and this is just the beginning. “From the LNG plant and floating gas facilities that will be constructed to the Pemba and Palma industrial parks, the activity will be massive, as will the opportunities,” said Runge. “The support industry that will have to be brought on board, the support infrastructure that will have to be constructed – including ports, roads and accommodation to name but a few – will bring even more opportunities for companies.” Gas explorers have said they are optimistic that the gas finds are just the first of many and the prospects for finding more are excellent. INSERT & CAPTION Gas explorers have said they are optimistic that the gas finds are just the first of many. – Paul Runge