The Ministries of Energy in Mauritania and Senegal, along with Petrosen and the Mauritanian Hydrocarbons Company (the two state-owned companies from Senegal and Mauritania), proudly announce the official opening of the first well at the GTA field,” reads the statement.
“Reaching this significant milestone marks a major step towards the successful completion of the GTA project and strengthens the exemplary partnership between Mauritania and Senegal, which are now set to play a key role in the regional energy industry,” the statement continues.
“We are currently in the testing phase,” stated a person involved in the sector’s management on Wednesday, regarding the upcoming start of production for the GTA gas project.
The Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project, developed by the British company BP in collaboration with the American firm Kosmos Energy, the Mauritanian Hydrocarbons Company (SMH), and Petrosen, is expected to produce approximately 2.5 million tons of liquefied natural gas per year.
The start of production, initially scheduled for the end of 2024, was postponed to 2025, without a specified date. The opening of this first gas well “paves the way for the imminent commencement of gas commercialization,” according to the statement.
Since June, Senegal has joined the ranks of hydrocarbon-producing countries with the start of oil extraction from the Sangomar field by the Australian company Woodside. This deepwater field, located about 100 km south of Dakar, contains both oil and gas. The project, which required approximately $5 billion in investments, is targeting a production of 100,000 barrels per day.
Ensuring Optimal Operations
Senegal’s oil and gas production will be aimed at both export and domestic consumption. While it will not reach the levels of global and African giants like Nigeria, billions of dollars in revenue are expected, alongside an accelerated transformation of the economy.
In his New Year’s speech, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye stated on Tuesday evening that he would “ensure the optimal and transparent exploitation of oil and gas resources for the benefit of the national economy and current and future generations.” The new Senegalese authorities have announced an audit of oil and gas contracts.
