We see Rovuma LNG as the new frontier in the global hydrocarbon industry, thanks to the extraordinary discoveries of natural gas made after an exploratory campaign lasting only three years. The initial phase of the Rovuma LNG project will develop the Mamba reservoirs in Area 4. The project also involves an independent plan (coordinated with Anadarko, the operator of Area 1) to develop part of the reserves that straddle Area 1, as well as some additional reserves. This will help provide reliable and affordable energy for the people of Mozambique and for the project’s co-venturers, and create long-term economic benefit for the area.

ExxonMobil will lead the construction and operation of onshore facilities and related liquefaction trains for the Rovuma LNG project, while Eni will lead Upstream developments and operations. In May 2019, the Mozambique government approved the project’s development plan for the production, liquefaction and marketing of natural gases from three of the reservoirs in the Mamba complex, two of which straddle Area 1. Considerable progress has been made in LNG marketing activities with regard to the current negotiations over binding sales agreements, in parallel with the finalisation of the development plan and project financing. The Final Investment Decision (FID) is expected to be made in 2020, with a start-up date of 2024.

The project will include the construction of onshore plants and facilities that will allow, once works are completed, the processing of natural gas from Area 4.

Workplace safety is a fundamental principle that we share with employees, contract workers and local communities. For that reason, we implement all necessary measures to avoid accidents, including organisational models to assess and manage risk, training programmes, skills development and the promotion of a culture of safety.

Rovuma LNG also provides for the construction of two onshore trains, powered by 24 underwater wells, for the treatment, liquefaction, storage and export of LNG – each with a total capacity of approximately 7.6 million tonnes per year.

Rovuma LNG partners have identified a series of community development initiatives in line with the national government’s priorities. During the production phase the project will provide Mozambique with up to 17,000 tonnes of LNG per year, produced from Area 4 resources. This currently represents around 50 per cent of LNG imports and will improve local communities’ access to energy.

LNG partners are also pursuing initiatives aimed at supporting the local people, particularly with primary education programmes in the city of Pemba. As well as extensive maintenance work in schools, we have begun training initiatives specifically relating to oil and gas. Healthcare initiatives (in partnership with national health authorities in the Maputo, Pemba and Palma areas) specifically focus on prevention. For example, we have constructed facilities and provided medical equipment and supplies – particularly in the Cabo Delgado area.

The Rovuma LNG project aims to create jobs locally through focused recruitment and skills training. The development plan details our commitment to train, build and employ a local workforce and make gas available in support of Mozambique’s industrialisation plans. 

Eni has never conducted oil and gas exploration and development activities within the boundaries of natural sites included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In May 2019, we formally committed never to do so and officially instated a biodiversity and ecosystem services (BES) policy as part of our transformation journey. We are committed to long-term investment – looking beyond short-term profit to find ways to help create a more sustainable planet – as recognised in our new company mission, which is in turn inspired by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.