The decline in natural gas imports from Mozambique is creating new challenges and opportunities for the energy chain in southern Africa, according to Renergen, a South African sustainable energy solutions company. This context reinforces the importance of finding sustainable and regional solutions to meet growing energy needs and promote the energy transition, according to Engineering News.
Renergen’s CEO, Stefano Marani, emphasised that natural gas plays a crucial role as a transition fuel in the region’s energy matrix, especially in the context of the search for cleaner alternatives to coal.
‘The decline in gas imports from Mozambique underlines the need to strengthen local and regional production, ensuring greater energy security,’ he said.
Although Renergen faces operational and technical challenges in its projects, such as the complex cooling of ISO containers for transporting gas and helium, the company remains committed to moving forward with its expansion plan.
The Virginia project, in South Africa’s Free State province, is central to this strategy, with the development of phases 1 and 2 being key to increasing production and meeting growing demand.
Marani also emphasised that methane gas, the main component of natural gas, emits significantly less carbon dioxide than coal, making it a viable and strategic option for the energy transition. He emphasised that Renergen is focused on ensuring the growth of the natural gas sector as a response to Mozambique’s declining gas supply, consolidating its position as a key player in the regional energy market.
In addition to the technical challenges, the South African company has faced environmental concerns linked to the Tetra4 project, which includes integrated water and waste management plans. These issues reflect the need to align operations with the environmental and social standards demanded by local communities and regulatory bodies, reinforcing the commitment to responsible practices.
The energy transition in southern Africa depends on effective strategies and solid regional partnerships. The decline of Mozambique’s gas highlights the urgency of expanding and diversifying regional production, ensuring that the region will be prepared to face future energy challenges in a sustainable and responsible manner.
Renergen, founded in 2005, focuses on the production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and helium.