Italian energy company Eni, together with its international partners CNPC, Kogas, ENH and XRG (a subsidiary of ADNOC), has taken a decisive step by confirming investment for the Coral Norte FLNG project off the north coast of Mozambique. This deepwater development consolidates the country’s role as a key player in the export of liquefied natural gas. export of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Africa. (LNG) in Africa.
With a processing capacity of 3.6 million tons per annum (MTPA), the new facility will be based on the model of Coral Sul, the country’s first floating plant, in operation since 2022. Coral Norte will be installed in the northern part of the Coral field, in Area 4 of the Rovuma Basin, and will be operational in 2028.
An international consortium behind the energy drive
The project is led by a joint venture comprising Eni (50%), China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), Korea Gas Corporation (Kogas), Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos (ENH) of Mozambique and XRG, controlled by ADNOC.
The final investment decision (FID) was signed in Maputo before the President of Mozambique, Daniel Francisco Chapo, and Eni’s CEO, Claudio Descalzi.
Doubled LNG production and strategic advantages
Thanks to Coral Norte the total LNG production in Mozambique will exceed 7 MTPA, making the country the third largest producer on the continent, behind only Nigeria and Angola. The experience gained in Coral Sul will allow us to optimize costs and execution times, minimizing technical risks.
The choice of a floating platform offers advantages in terms of efficiency, operational safety and reduced impact on land. This technology facilitates the exploitation of ultra-deepwater reserves and strengthens the capacity to respond to global energy demand.
Economic and social impact for Mozambique
In addition to strengthening overall energy security, Coral North will have significant effects on the Mozambican economy. Job creation, opportunities for local suppliers and a substantial contribution to the country’s tax revenues are expected. Eni also maintains active sustainable development programs focused on health, education and access to water.
Since its arrival in Mozambique in 2006, Eni has been instrumental in the discovery and exploitation of vast gas resources in the region. Coral Norte marks a new chapter in that strategy, consolidating the country as a relevant geopolitical point on the global energy map.
Source and photo: Eni
