Angola increased its liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to Europe in 2022 and 2023, while reducing shipments to Asia, according to estimates from the Statistical Review of World Energy. This shift came as Europe sought to replace natural gas imports from Russia following the Russia-Ukraine war.
Before 2022, Angola mainly exported LNG to the Asia-Pacific region, especially to India. But in 2023, Europe received about 75% of Angola’s total LNG exports, which amounted to 175 billion cubic feet (Bcf). France imported around 32 Bcf, and the United Kingdom took in about 28 Bcf. The remaining 25% went to Asia-Pacific countries, with India receiving the largest share—roughly 35 Bcf.
Angola produces most of its natural gas as a byproduct of offshore oil drilling. This type of gas, called associated gas, is often flared or reinjected into oil fields to boost oil production. Angola does not import natural gas, as it produces enough to meet domestic demand. The excess gas that is not consumed or flared is exported as LNG.
Angola LNG Limited (ALNG) owns the country’s only LNG export terminal, located in Soyo. This facility has a capacity to liquefy 250 Bcf of gas per year. It began operations in 2013 but was shut down shortly after due to technical problems. It resumed operations in 2016. The plant uses associated gas from offshore fields and plans to expand its supply by using gas from new non-associated projects.
One major future source is the Northern Gas Complex, operated by Eni. This will be Angola’s first non-associated gas project. It will include two offshore platforms, a gas processing plant onshore, and pipelines that will send gas to the Soyo terminal. Production from the Quiluma and Maboqueiro fields is expected to begin in 2026, with peak output projected at 141 Bcf per year.
This expansion reflects Angola’s effort to strengthen its position as an LNG exporter, particularly to Europe, as global energy markets continue to evolve.
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