The President of the Republic of Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso, met today in Brazzaville the CEO of Eni, Claudio Descalzi, to discuss the main business activities in the country and other innovative initiatives, in line with the company's commitment for just transition. The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Hydrocarbons, Bruno Jean Richard Itoua.
In the foreground, the progress in the exploitation and marketing of gas resources in the country which, through the use of floating LNG plants, will allow the export of about 1 billion cubic meters of gas in the winter of 2023-2024 and up to 4.5 billion per year. year starting from winter 2024-2025.
The President and the CEO then focused on the agri-feedstock initiatives launched in Congo, which involve the cultivation of castor and other oilseeds on abandoned and degraded land, not in competition with the food chain, for the production of vegetable oils from use in biorefining. The start-up of the first agri-hub for the production of vegetable oil is expected in 2023, with a capacity of 30.000 tons / year, increasing to 170.000 tons / year in 2026 to reach 200.000 tons / year in 2030, with significant developments economic and social for rural communities. Among the impacts expected already in 2023, the generation of income for more than 5.000 families, which will rise to 90.000 in 2026 and 100.000 by 2030.
Studies are also underway to implement Natural Climate Solutions projects in the forestry sector, in synergy with agri-feedstock initiatives, which make it possible to generate carbon credits and positive social and economic impacts for local communities while at the same time promoting the conservation of biodiversity. .
The parties also took stock of the next project for the distribution of improved stoves, which will make it possible to replace traditional biomass devices, significantly reducing the impact on the forest heritage and allowing the generation of carbon credits. Local businesses will be involved in the assembly of high-efficiency cookers, promoting local entrepreneurship and ensuring economic development.
Finally, the main projects launched to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals were reviewed, including the Hinda Integrated Project, which guarantees access to water, medical care and education for approximately 25.000 beneficiaries. A new project is also expected to be launched to ensure support for technical and professional institutes in the Pointe Noire and Plateau Departments to improve training, with the aim of promoting the creation of jobs for young people.
Eni has been present in Congo for over 50 years. To date, it is the only company engaged in the development of the huge gas resources of the Republic of Congo, and supplies gas to the Congo Power Plant (CEC), which guarantees 70% of the country's electricity production.