Congo exports its "first gas" (LNG) to the world market

On the occasion of the very first shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Republic of Congo, President Denis Sassou-N'Guesso, together with Eni Chairman Giuseppe Zafarana and CEO Claudio Descalzi, jointly celebrated the successful start of LNG production in the country. This first cargo marks the Republic of Congo's entry into the group of LNG exporting nations, opening up prospects for economic growth while contributing to the global energy balance.

Claudio Descalzi, CEO of Eni, emphasized: "The first shipment of LNG from Congo is the fruit of the resolute commitment of Eni and its partners, as well as the constant support of the Congolese government. Eni and its local partners have joined forces, skills and technologies, generating additional revenues for the country while strengthening Europe's energy security."

The Congo LNG project, which was approved in December 2022, is now operational after just one year, on schedule. This rapid completion was made possible by Eni's distinct, parallel approach and highly efficient execution plan. The first LNG cargo is currently being loaded and will soon be shipped to the regasification terminal in Piombino, Italy.

Located within the Marine XII permit, the project will achieve a plateau gas liquefaction capacity of around 4.5 billion cubic meters per year, and will be distinguished by the elimination of flaring associated with gas activities in the country. Eni will be responsible for marketing the LNG volumes, strengthening and expanding its portfolio in this field while supporting efforts for a safer energy transition.

Eni has been present in the Congo since 1968, and remains the only company involved in the development of the country's gas resources. It currently supplies the Centrale Électrique du Congo (CEC), which provides 70% of the country's electricity production capacity. Eni is actively involved in promoting Congo's energy transition through various initiatives, such as the Oyo Center of Excellence for Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency, in partnership with the Republic of Congo's Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Technological Innovation and UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization). In addition, Eni is integrating the Congo into its sustainable mobility strategy by producing agricultural raw materials for biorefining, while promoting clean cooking initiatives to reduce biomass consumption and combustion-related emissions.