ExxonMobil Corp. and its Mozambique Rovuma Venture SPA (MRV) partners have received approval from the government of Mozambique for the joint venture’s development plan for Rovuma LNG, which will produce, liquefy, and market natural gas from three reservoirs in the Area 4 block offshore Mozambique, two of which straddle the boundary with neighboring Area 1.
The partners expect LNG production to start in 2024. Marketing is jointly led by ExxonMobil and Eni SPA. The companies have submitted sales and purchase agreements for 100% of LNG from Trains 1 and 2 to the government of Mozambique for approval. The two trains will produce a total of more than 15 million tons/year.
Rovuma LNG partners expect to provide up to 17,000 tons/year of LPG to Mozambique from Area 4 resources, replacing about 50% of the country’s LPG imports. Area 4 partners also plan to distribute up to 5,000 LPG burners and cooking stoves in the Afungi area to replace the burning of wood.
Area 4 is operated by MRV, an incorporated joint venture owned by ExxonMobil, Eni, and China National Petroleum Corp., which holds a 70% interest in the Area 4 exploration and production concession contract. Galp Energia, Korea Gas Corp., and Mozambique’s state-owned Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos EP each hold 10%.
ExxonMobil will lead construction and operation of natural gas liquefaction and related facilities on behalf of MRV, and Eni will lead construction and operation of upstream facilities.