Mauritania stands on the brink of a transformative leap towards sustainable energy security and economic prosperity with the ambitious Banda Gas Project. Strategically located just 55 kilometers offshore from Nouakchott, the nation’s capital, the Banda gas field is poised to harness Mauritania’s rich natural gas reserves, estimated between 1 to 1.2 trillion cubic feet.
Driving Economic Growth through Energy Security
With an expected daily production of 80-100 million cubic feet of natural gas over a span of 20 years, the Banda Gas Project represents a substantial $1.3 billion investment into Mauritania’s economic future. Central to this initiative is its role in enhancing national energy security. The project will significantly reduce reliance on costly imported fuels, promising millions in annual savings and providing a stable, affordable energy source for Mauritanian homes and businesses.
The project’s immediate impact includes supplying the existing 180 MW dual-fuel power plant in Nouakchott, alongside a newly planned 120 MW combined-cycle facility, thereby revolutionizing the country’s energy infrastructure.
Catalyzing Industrialization and Diversification
Reliable and competitively priced electricity will invigorate vital sectors such as mining and manufacturing. State-owned giants like SOMELEC, Mauritania’s electricity utility, and SNIM, the leading mining entity, stand to benefit significantly, propelling Mauritania toward industrial expansion and economic diversification. This aligns seamlessly with the nation’s strategic goal of achieving universal electricity access by 2030
Job Creation and Technological Innovation
The Banda Gas Project is already creating substantial employment opportunities in construction and engineering, with many more positions anticipated during the operational phase. Further, future plans include an innovative third phase designed to develop a gas-to-liquids industry and introduce compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, underscoring Mauritania’s commitment to innovation and energy autonomy.
Regional Leadership and Revenue Opportunities
As the project matures, Mauritania is expected to harness opportunities to export electricity to regional neighbors such as Senegal and Mali, bolstering its economic stature and influence in West Africa. This export potential underscores Mauritania’s emerging leadership in regional energy initiatives, fostering collaboration and enhancing regional stability.
Strategic Timeline and Partnerships
Since its discovery by Woodside Energy in 2002, the Banda field has attracted significant international interest, transitioning through appraisal phases by Petronas and later acquisition by Tullow Oil. Most recently, in 2024, Mauritania secured a pivotal exploration-production agreement with the Taqa-Go Gas Consortium, with production scheduled to commence by 2027.
Addressing Challenges Responsibly
Mauritania remains dedicated to managing environmental impacts through stringent safeguards around offshore drilling activities. Transparency in revenue management and equitable benefit distribution will be paramount to ensuring the project’s sustained success and socio-economic fairness.
A Future Powered by Banda
The Banda Gas Project exemplifies Mauritania’s proactive approach to leveraging natural resources for national development. By investing in this strategic venture, Mauritania is securing a robust, sustainable, and prosperous future, positioning itself firmly as a pivotal energy leader in the region.
Banda Offshore Gas Field: Key Information
Operator & Key Partners
Current operator is the Taqa Arabia Go Gas Consortium under a new Exploration-Production Contract (April 2024), renewing development focus.
Technical Operator: ODE Asset Management
Financial Advisor: Beltone
Projected Timeline
- FEED Completed Q4 2024
- Heads of Terms (GSA) Signed Nov 2024
- Final Investment Decision (FID) Planned Jan 2026
- Target First Gas Production Q3 2028
Project Significance
- Boosts Mauritania's energy security & electricity production.
- Aims to meet domestic & industrial demand (incl. SNIM, Somelec).
- Expected to reduce national fuel costs & support economic growth.
- Enhances regional collaboration.
- Previously secured $200M World Bank guarantee (showing viability).
