overview of the gas project in Mauritania:
Project Overview and Partners
- The project, named the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA), is a major offshore natural gas field located on the maritime border between Mauritania and Senegal.
- It is operated by BP and Kosmos Energy, in partnership with Société Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures and Société des pétroles du Sénégal.
Development and Infrastructure
- The development includes a floating production, storage, and offloading unit, which will process the gas extracted from under the sea.
- The entire operation is situated about 120 kilometers from the shore in deep waters (The Energy Year).
- A key infrastructure piece, the Gimi FLNG, has commenced its journey from Singapore and is expected to arrive at the project site in early 2024 (The Energy Year).
Production and Phases
- The first phase of the GTA project is set to produce around 2.3 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per year (The Energy Year).
- Subsequent phases are planned, with potential increases in production aimed at 2.5 to 3 million tonnes of LNG per year (The Energy Year).
Economic and Strategic Importance
- This project represents a significant step for Mauritania towards becoming a key global gas producer. The gas reserves are estimated at 1400 billion cubic meters, suggesting a production potential lasting 30 to 50 years (The Energy Year).
- It is expected to generate substantial revenue for Mauritania, which is crucial given the country's current economic pillars of mining and fishing (African Business).
Regional and International Impact
- The project is strategically important as it could provide new gas supplies to Europe, especially in the context of seeking alternatives due to geopolitical tensions (African Business).
- There are ongoing discussions about integrating this project into broader regional energy infrastructure, including potential pipeline connections with Morocco (African Business).
This gas project is pivotal not only for Mauritania's economy but also for the energy security and economic development of the broader West African region.