Mauritania is decisively stepping onto the global energy stage, leveraging its substantial natural gas reserves to fuel economic growth and meet international energy demands. With significant offshore discoveries now transitioning into production, the nation is rapidly developing the infrastructure and partnerships needed to become a major player in the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) market.
A Foundation of Abundant Resources:
Mauritania’s potential is built on a solid foundation of proven gas reserves estimated at 1,400 billion cubic meters (approx. 50 Trillion cubic feet – Tcf). This figure swells considerably when including recent major discoveries, pushing potential reserves beyond 3,100 billion cubic meters (approx. 110 Tcf). These vast resources underpin a production potential estimated to last between 30 and 50 years, positioning Mauritania to potentially become the third-largest gas exporter in Africa, trailing only established giants Nigeria and Algeria.
Key Projects Driving Development:
Several world-class projects are spearheading Mauritania’s gas ambitions:
Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) Project:
Scale & Location: A landmark cross-border initiative with Senegal, tapping into an estimated 15 Tcf of recoverable gas located offshore on the maritime border.
Partners: A strategic consortium involving BP (Operator, 56%), Kosmos Energy (27%), Senegal’s Petrosen (10%), and Mauritania’s Société Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures et de Patrimoine Minier (SMHPM, 7%).
Phased Production: Phase 1 commenced operations in December 2024, targeting 2.3 million tons per annum (mtpa) of LNG. Phase 2 aims to double this capacity to 5 mtpa, with further expansions planned.
Infrastructure: Central to Phase 1 is the FLNG vessel Gimi, boasting a capacity of 2.45 mtpa.
Significance: GTA is a flagship project demonstrating successful international cooperation and marking Mauritania’s entry into the global LNG export market.
BirAllah Gas Field:
Scale & Location: Situated entirely within Mauritanian waters, BirAllah represents one of West Africa’s largest gas fields, holding approximately 2.26 trillion cubic meters (approx. 80 Tcf) of gas.
Potential: The field underpins a potential 10 mtpa LNG project.
Investment & Returns: Development costs are estimated at $4.6 billion, with the Mauritanian government set to receive 29% of the project revenues. The associated Orca and Marsouin discoveries within the same block further de-risk and enhance the potential for this world-scale development.
Strategic Vision and Future Expansion:
Mauritania harbors clear ambitions for growth beyond these initial phases. Plans are in place to potentially double initial production capacities, aiming for a national output reaching up to 10 mtpa of LNG across its various projects in the coming years. Continuous exploration activities are also underway to unlock further reserves and solidify Mauritania’s long-term production profile.
Economic Engine and Strategic Positioning:
The development of Mauritania’s gas sector promises transformative economic benefits. Projects like GTA are already generating significant opportunities for job creation, local content development, and potentially providing gas for domestic power generation, alongside substantial export revenues.
Furthermore, Mauritania’s strategic geographic location offers advantageous proximity to key European markets, making it an attractive and reliable energy partner, particularly as nations seek to diversify their gas supplies.
Conclusion:
Mauritania is decisively unlocking its natural gas wealth through strategic partnerships and world-class project execution. The commencement of production at GTA, coupled with the vast potential of BirAllah, signals the arrival of a significant new supplier in the global LNG market. While advancing its impressive green hydrogen agenda, Mauritania is also prudently developing its conventional energy resources, creating a diversified and robust energy sector ripe with opportunity for investors and partners.
