Senegal - Mauritania: Official launch of gas production from the GTA gas field

At 4pm on 31 December 2024, Senegal and Mauritania officially joined the select circle of gas-producing nations with the opening of the first production well. This historic date was marked by the first gas production from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project, led by BP in partnership with Kosmos Energy and the governments of both countries. This achievement is the fruit of intense collaboration and unwavering commitment to developing an ambitious project that will transform the region into a strategic energy hub.

The GTA project draws its resources from reservoirs located 120 kilometres offshore and at a depth of 2,850 metres underwater. The gas is extracted through a subsea system of four wells, connected to a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel. The FPSO treats the fluids from the wells before transferring the liquids to shuttle tankers and transporting the gas through a pipeline to a 2.5 million tonne-per-year floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) vessel, protected by a specially designed concrete breakwater.

The complex, which also includes a central terminal for services and accommodation, is a technological feat that is already more than 75% complete. The first commercial exports are expected by 2025, marking a significant step forward in the exploitation of the region's energy resources.

The GTA block contains estimated reserves of 425 billion cubic metres of gas, enough to guarantee an initial production of 2.5 million tonnes per year of LNG, with the possibility of doubling this capacity to 5 million tonnes per year. This would correspond to an annual supply of 3.69 billion cubic metres of natural gas for the first phase, and 7.37 billion cubic metres if a second phase is implemented.

However, despite these significant figures, GTA's production remains modest compared with the volumes historically supplied by giants such as Russia. Nevertheless, this project is a key link in the diversification of global energy supplies.

To maximise the benefits of this discovery, Senegal has revised its 1998 Petroleum Code, adapting it to the realities of today's energy sector. Mauritania, for its part, has opted for greater openness to foreign investment and close cooperation with international financial institutions such as the World Bank and the IMF. These reforms aim to create an environment conducive to sustainable economic development, while fully integrating these resources into the global economy.

The GTA project symbolises a crucial stage in the energy history of Senegal and Mauritania. Building on strong partnerships and a long-term vision, these two African nations are poised to become key players on the global energy stage. As the work continues, it is essential to stay the course and ensure that these resources are exploited responsibly and fairly, for the benefit of local populations and regional development.

With this first commercial gas production, which will follow in mid-January, Senegal and Mauritania are confirming their pioneering role and strengthening their position as drivers of energy growth in West Africa.