Mozambique Rovuma Venture stated that the Government of Mozambique has approved the development plan of the Rovuma LNG project for the production, liquefaction and marketing of natural gas from three fields of the Mamba complex located in Area 4, offshore the Rovuma Basin, two of which straddling with Area 1.
"The approval of the Development Plan marks another significant step towards the final investment decision this year," said Liam Mallon, president of ExxonMobil Upstream Oil & Gas Company. "We will continue to work with the Government to maximize the long-term benefits this project will bring to the people of Mozambique."
The Rovuma LNG project will contribute to the growth of the local workforce through targeted recruitment and skills development activities.
"This is the third Development Plan approved in the five-year period to allow the sustainable development of the enormous natural gas reserves discovered in the Rovuma basin, and represents the Government's commitment to ensure the implementation of projects that guide the development of #Mozambique" said the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Ernesto Elias Max Tonela.
"We want Mozambican entrepreneurs and Mozambican citizens to be the main beneficiaries of the business opportunities provided by companies, because we believe that these must grow together with national companies and the country", added Minister Tonela.
The LNG marketing activities produced by the Rovuma LNG project are jointly led by Eni and ExxonMobil. The purchase agreements for the 100% of the LNG capacity of the 1 and 2 trains, which together will produce over 15 million tons of LNG per year, have been presented to the Mozambican government for approval.
"The production expected from Area 4 will generate substantial benefits for Mozambique and for the partners in Area 4," said Alessandro Puliti, Chief Development, Operations & Technology Officer of Eni. "The development plan specifies our commitment to train, build and employ local workforce and make gas available to support the industrialization of Mozambique."
Rovuma LNG partners also identified a number of initiatives to support community development in line with the government's priorities. In addition, during the production phase, the Rovuma LNG project will supply Mozambique with up to 17.000 tons of LPG per year produced from Area 4 resources. This currently accounts for around 50% of the country's LPG imports, and will improve the access to energy from local communities. The Area 4 partners also plan to distribute up to 5.000 LPG burners and kitchen stoves in the Afungi area to replace wood combustion.
Area 4 is operated by Mozambique Rovuma Venture SpA (MRV), a joint venture set up by #Eni, ExxonMobil and CNPC, which holds a 70% stake in the concession contract for the exploration and production of Area 4. Galp , KOGAS and Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos EP each hold a 10% stake.
Eni Rovuma Basin will lead, on behalf of MRV, the construction and operation of upstream facilities, while ExxonMobil Moçambique Limitada will lead the construction and management of natural gas liquefaction plants and related infrastructure.