Opinion: Perenco’s Major Oil and Gas Investments Boost African Energy Security

Perenco recently introduced its inaugural gas-to-industry project in Cameroon, marking a significant achievement in the company’s operations.

In July, Perenco launched the Bigapa Gas Processing Center, which enhances its longstanding collaboration with Cameroon’s National Hydrocarbons Corporation (SNH).

The newly operational Bigapa Gas Processing Center is designed to draw gas from the Sanaga South Field and supply it to the Keda tile factory, delivering between 3.5 and 6.5 million cubic feet per day (MMcfgd).

This initiative is crucial for the industrial advancement in Cameroon, with gas being transported via a 6-km pipeline operated by SNH to power the factory’s generators and kilns.

This achievement in Cameroon builds on Perenco’s successful track record in the country. In June, Perenco acquired a 9.9% stake in Golar LNG, a floating LNG player.

Perenco and SNH are partners in the Cameroon FLNG Terminal, which utilizes Golar LNG’s Hilli Episeyo FLNG vessel. Last October, this vessel offloaded its 100th LNG cargo.

In March 2024, Perenco embarked on a five-well drilling program at the Kita Eden field in the Rio del Rey basin, located offshore Cameroon.

Utilizing its newly developed water barge for shallow waters and the LUG drilling platform provided by Dixstone, Perenco is exploring this basin under a 20-year license agreement signed in 2023 with the Cameroonian government and Addax Petroleum.

This project emphasizes Perenco’s commitment to unlocking stranded reserves in mature assets.

Perenco also finalized a $300-million deal with Eni in the Republic of Congo in March 2024, involving the acquisition of upstream assets.

Announced in June 2023, this transaction aligns with Perenco’s strategy to broaden its African operations and support energy security and transition goals in the Republic of Congo and Europe.

With operations spanning Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chad, Gabon, and Tunisia, Perenco is a pivotal player in Africa’s upstream sector.

The company has demonstrated its technical expertise by drilling an appraisal well near the Hylia South West discovery offshore Gabon in February.

This appraisal targets the Ntchengue Ocean reservoir and the lower Madiela carbonate reservoir, aiming to refine estimates of oil resources currently ranging between 20-100 million barrels.

In February 2023, Perenco made a final investment decision to construct a 700,000-ton-per-year LNG production facility at the Cap Lopez terminal in Gabon.

This over $1 billion investment will take up to three years to complete, with the facility expected to make Gabon self-sufficient in butane production and an LNG exporter by 2026.

“From its pioneering gas-to-industry project in Cameroon to significant investments across Africa’s oil and gas markets, Perenco’s recent accomplishments highlight a remarkable dedication to the continent’s energy sector.

The company’s innovative strategies and substantial investments set a high benchmark for sustainable development and industrial growth.

The Chamber looks forward to seeing how Perenco will continue to drive progress and impact Africa’s energy future,” commented NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC).

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