The 2023 edition of the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power Conference and Exhibition will showcase best practices for Mauritania to maximise its gas resources.
With proven natural gas resources of over 28.3 billion cubic metres, Mauritania's hydrocarbons have the potential to transform the national and regional economy. The government has made gas monetisation a key element of its Strategic Energy Vision 2023-2030, and with the first phase of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project, led by bp-Kosmos Energy and located on the maritime border of Senegal and Mauritania, an opportunity has arisen for the country to reap significant benefits from its nascent gas sector.
Boosting gas-based industrialisation
The monetisation of offshore gas resources will open up new opportunities for industrialisation in Mauritania, allowing the country to diversify its economy and maximise job creation. Mauritania has the potential to boost GDP expansion, due to growth in sectors such as fertiliser production, petrochemicals, manufacturing as well as energy-intensive industries such as mining, cement and steel production. The government's plans to develop up to 180 MW of open cycle gas turbine capacity by 2024, 120 MW of combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) capacity by 2026 and 310 MW of CCGT by 2027 to maximise the exploitation of resources under the gas master plan could be a game changer for the Mauritanian economy.
Basic power generation for grid stability
Mauritania has sufficient gas to meet its local electricity needs while supporting regional electrification efforts through networks such as the West African Power Pool. With the government's goal of achieving universal access to electricity by 2030, gas is a key element in Mauritania's ability to improve consumer access to electricity. Accelerating the development of giant discoveries such as GTA, as well as BirAllah, Pelican and Banda in Mauritania, while accelerating the deployment of gas-to-power infrastructure, remains crucial for the country to advance electricity generation and supply, as well as enhance grid stability.
Decarbonising the energy industry
With oil accounting for the lion's share of Mauritania's energy mix, the government is looking to accelerate the decarbonisation of the industry, with gas representing the ideal resource to increase the supply of cleaner and more affordable energy. As the energy transition takes centre stage globally, Mauritania's gas sector has a huge role to play, contributing to both decarbonisation and industrialisation, ensuring a fair and inclusive transition. The development of gas in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the GTA underlines the government's commitment to maximising resource development while prioritising environmental sustainability. By ensuring that future gas infrastructure is emissions-efficient and compatible with next-generation energy technologies, such as renewables and green hydrogen, the country can lead Africa's energy transition in a pragmatic and beneficial way.
Increased revenues from LNG
With demand for gas growing rapidly worldwide, Mauritania's strategic position in relation to European markets and its large resource portfolio make it a competitive exporter and potential producer. Having made LNG export and import infrastructure a key aspect of projects such as GTA, the country is well placed to increase foreign gas revenues, allowing it to develop other sectors of the economy while advancing long-term GDP growth.
Encouraging further E&P activity in offshore basins
Mauritania's proven natural gas reserves, its success in launching large-scale projects and its close links with regional counterparts all argue for increased exploration and production in the country. With the possibility of a next licensing round, attractive fiscal policies under the national gas master plan and clear political will, Mauritania's upstream market is poised for significant growth as new players continue to enter the market.
The region's premier energy event, MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power, to be held on 21-22 November in the capital Nouakchott, will connect potential investors and project developers with relevant public stakeholders, providing an ideal platform for signing new contracts and launching projects. Through high-level discussions and meetings, exclusive networking sessions and technical workshops, MSGBC 2023 will explore how the country can maximise its natural gas industry to unlock long-term economic benefits.
Source : ECP Energy Capital & Power