In a press release dated December 31, Mauritania and Senegal announced the official opening of the first well of the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project. This gas field located 115 kilometers from the Mauritian-Senegalese coasts was discovered in 2015 and the final investment decision taken in 2018. Since then, gas production initially planned for 2022 has been postponed several times. This first extraction therefore marks an important step.
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“ The ministries responsible for Energy in Mauritania and at SenegalPetrosen and the Mauritanian Hydrocarbons Company [deux entreprises publiques sénégalaise et mauritanienne, NDLR] proudly announce the official opening of the first well of the GTA deposit “, says this press release.
“ The achievement of this important milestone marks a major step in the completion of the GTA project and consolidates the existing exemplary partnership between Mauritania and Senegal, now destined to play a key role in the regional energy industry. », Continues this joint press release.
“ We are in the testing phase » for the upcoming start of production of the GTA gas project, a person involved in the management of the sector told AFP on Wednesday January 1.
2.5 million tonnes of gas per year
The Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project, on the border with Mauritania, is being developed by the British BP with the American Kosmos Energy, the Mauritanian Hydrocarbons Company (SMH) and Petrosen. Several billion dollars have been invested in Grand Tortue Ahmeyim to initially extract around 2.5 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas per year.
She ” paves the way for the start of gas marketing “, ” a historic milestone » in the words of the Senegalese Minister of Energy. A key stage in gas production which has seen several postponements. The GTA project has indeed suffered delays. In particular: the Covid-19 pandemic which extended the construction period of the Floating Production and Storage Unit. The latter finally arrived safely last May.
The two States expect significant economic benefits from this major project, although these have been reduced by the explosion of investments made by oil companies. The press release does not mention the audits ordered by the two States which concluded that these costs were overestimated.
While waiting for the follow-up to be given, the authorities are announcing the upcoming marketing of gas without specifying a date.
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