In the next five to 10 years, can Mozambique become the liquified natural gas (LNG) regional export hub of Africa?

New research says yes. There is, however, a downside.

According to consultants Frost & Sullivan, all hinges on the major explorers in the country – Anadarko Petroleum Corporation and Eni SpA – meeting several conditions (including securing binding gas supply agreements) within the next year. Frost & Sullivan’s research reviews various strategies such as LNG export terminals, gas-to-power projects and the possibility of petrochemical plants in Mozambique, which has been the setting for several huge offshore gas finds in recent years.

Anadarko is developing a first phase onshore two-train LNG facility with a capacity of 6 million metric tons per year, at a cost of around US$26 billion. Meanwhile Eni is looking into building two floating LNG units.

9 June 2015
Image: Gallo/GettyImages