Angola has inaugurated the country’s first unassociated gas processing plant, a $4.5 billion facility owned by a consortium comprising Azule Energy, Sonangol E&P, Chevron and TotalEnergies, in the municipality of Soyo in the Zaire Province.
The plant, linked to the development of the Quiluma and Maboqueiro fields located offshore near Soyo, has the capacity to process about 330 million cubic feet of gas per day for domestic consumption and for export in the form of LNG (liquefied natural gas).
Unassociated gas is natural gas that occurs independently without being directly linked to oil in reservoirs.
It is used for electricity generation, LNG exports, domestic and industrial supply, as well as petrochemical and fertilizer production — making it a strategic resource for Angola’s energy and economic diversification.
President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, inaugurated the plant on Thursday, joined by the Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo.
Azevedo described the project as “the affirmation of Angola as a country that moves forward with determination toward energy diversification and sovereignty.”
He noted that the project was completed six months ahead of schedule and reflects the government’s commitment to transforming gas into a resource that directly benefits the economy and citizens.
According to the minister, Angola’s 2018 Gas Law created a more attractive fiscal regime that encouraged investment in non-associated gas projects. The final investment decision marked a new phase in the development of this resource, with national companies such as Petromar contributing to equipment production.
Azevedo stated that more than $4 billion has been invested in the project, which he described as being “carried out by the people and for the people.” He added that inaugurating the plant in the year Angola celebrates 50 years of independence reinforces the nation’s institutional maturity.
“We will continue to develop other gas projects on land and at sea, serving the economy, industry and Angolans,” he said. He further described the investment as a testament to Angola’s strength, the talent of its professionals and the trust of partners, adding that “today we open a new page in the energy history of our country, which should inspire new generations.”
Azule Energy CEO Adriano Mongini said the infrastructure “aims to ensure a better energy future” and reinforces Angola’s position as a competitive supplier in the global market. He noted that the unit will be able to process as much as 400 million cubic feet per day and supply surplus gas to Angola LNG.
Mongini emphasized that since construction began in October 2023, the project has demonstrated that major industrial undertakings can be executed successfully in Angola and by Angolans.
He highlighted the Quiluma platform, built in Ambriz, as “the greatest example of local content,” noting that the project will generate direct and indirect employment opportunities until 2043.
Calling the occasion “a historic moment completed months ahead of schedule,” he said the achievement aligns with Angola’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
He reaffirmed the consortium’s commitment to investing in the country’s sustainable development, describing the project as a “symbol of Angola’s transformative capacity.”
Zaire Governor Adriano Mendes de Carvalho highlighted the infrastructure’s importance to Angola’s energy development, describing it as “an essential pillar for the diversification of energy sources” and “the realization of an innovative vision aligned with sustainable development.”
He said the project is already creating vocational training opportunities and strengthening the skilled workforce in Zaire Province and across the country.
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