Perenco reaches second phase of “major” Gabonese gas development with LPG plant opening

(WO) – Perenco Oil & Gas Gabon (POGG) announced the official opening of the Batanga Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) plant, the second phase of a major gas development project in Gabon.  The facility was opened by His Excellency General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Transition, President of the Republic and Head of State.

As early as 2006, POGG and the Gabonese state identified gas as the main energy source for the power stations of Libreville and Port Gentil. 15 years later, a more international and integrated gas strategy was developed.  By recovering associated gases from the POGG operated oil fields, LPG can now be extracted for the country's power plants and industrial use, also helping to connect the south of Gabon to Libreville.  Surplus LPG will be sold into the international market.

In this second phase, the aim is to produce 15,000 tonnes of LPG at the new Batanga facility, located in the Etimboué department in Ogooué-Maritime province, to supply the national market. These 15,000 tonnes represent approximately 35% of national demand, which will reduce imports by more than 50%. This phase also includes the delivery of gas to Mayumba, where a 20 MW power plant and a High Voltage line to Tchibanga will be built to supply the local market.  Ultimately, this plant could reach 100MW with interconnection to the national network and the development of industrial projects in southern Gabon.

This project, which represents an investment of approximately $50 million by Perenco, is expected to create more than 500 local jobs and provide stable, clean energy to more than 80,000 homes, as well as an energy solution for existing and future industry in the area.

In 2026, the commissioning of the first phase of the Cap Lopez Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant will make it possible to add 25,000 tonnes of LPG to make Gabon self-sufficient or even an exporter of LPG, while exporting 700,000 tonnes of LNG.

 Commenting, Adrien Broche, General Manager of POGG, said, “The energy transition in Gabon stands out as a model of success, driven by the enlightened vision of the authorities and the commitment of Perenco.  By developing gas resources locally, we are shaping the country's energy future. Since 2006, our investment has charted a path, enabling the production, processing and transportation of more than 50 million cubic feet of gas per day in 2023. Every kilometer of our high-pressure pipeline network, from the Ozangué fields to Libreville via Batanga and Port-Gentil, reflects our commitment to sustainable and prosperous energy for Gabon."