A liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal that forms an integral part of South Africa’s gas-to-power (GTP) aspirations is a step closer to fruition.

The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has announced that the public-private consortium of Vopak and TPL Consortium Venture is the preferred bidder to develop and operate the LNG facility at Richard’s Bay, South Africa.

Engineering News reports that the facility, located at the port’s South Dunes precinct, is slated to start operating in 2027 and forms part of the country’s plans to complement its energy output with GTP.

The recently released draft Integrated Resource Plan 2023 has specifically allocated 3 GW GTP to be developed at Richards Bay.

‘TNPA is excited about the prospects this project brings, especially that this gas infrastructure project will be the first of its kind in South Africa,’ says TNPA’s managing executive for the eastern region ports, Moshe Motlohi.

16 January 2024
Image: Transnet National Ports Authority