TotalEnergies has confirmed its intention to begin liquefied natural gas (LNG) production in 2029 as part of the Mozambique LNG megaproject, valued at around USD 20 billion (approximately MZN 1.3 trillion), located in Cabo Delgado province.
The commitment was made by Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of the French company, in an interview with Nikkei Asia. He emphasized progress in stabilizing the region and the advancement of engineering works, which have continued outside Mozambique despite the suspension of on-site activities in 2021 following armed attacks claimed by insurgents.
“Production will start in 2029. We continued with the engineering work. With the current stability, I believe we can organize and accommodate all the workers needed to build the liquefaction plant,” said Pouyanné.
This confirmation comes just days after Mozambican President Daniel Chapo publicly stated (on June 22) that TotalEnergies must formally lift the force majeure clause, which it had triggered in 2021 due to escalating violence.
“No matter if a development plan is signed — without the lifting of force majeure, nothing is really happening. It’s TotalEnergies that must lift it,” stressed the President in an interview with several media outlets.
The Mozambican Government and the French multinational have maintained ongoing dialogue to resume construction and ensure safe and sustainable conditions for the thousands of workers to be mobilized.
Mozambique LNG is described as one of the largest energy projects in African history. It involves the Golfinho and Atum gas fields in Area 1 of the Rovuma Basin, with reserves estimated at over 60 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) — the equivalent of 1.7 trillion cubic meters, enough to supply several economies for decades. Of this, 18 Tcf will be used in the initial phase.
The onshore liquefaction plant will have an annual production capacity of 12.8 million tonnes. This infrastructure is seen as a strategic pillar for Mozambique’s economy, with the potential to generate substantial revenues, promote industrialization, and position the country as a key global energy player.
Total E&P Mozambique Area 1, Ltd., a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, leads the consortium with a 26.5% stake. The remaining partners are:
- ENH Rovuma Area 1, S.A. (15%)
- Mitsui (20%)
- ONGC Videsh (10%)
- Beas Rovuma Energy (10%)
- BPRL Ventures (10%)
- PTTEP (8.5%)
In March 2025, the US ExIm Bank reaffirmed a USD 4.7 billion loan (MZN 296 billion), a crucial step toward resuming the project. Additionally, a new supplementary financing package — worth around USD 7 billion (MZN 441 billion) — is currently being negotiated, backed by U.S. financial institutions.
Source: Nikkei Asia
