TotalEnergies Announces Start of Production from Angola’s Quiluma Offshore Gas Field
TotalEnergies has officially announced the start of production from the Quiluma offshore gas field in Angola, marking an important milestone for the country’s natural gas sector and strengthening its position in the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market. The French energy major holds an 11.8 percent stake in the project and is working alongside a consortium of partners that includes Azule Energy, which serves as the project operator with a 37.4 percent interest. Other partners in the development include Cabinda Gulf Oil Company with a 31 percent share and Sonangol Exploration & Production with a 19.8 percent stake.
The launch of production from the Quiluma field is significant not only for the companies involved but also for Angola’s broader energy industry. It represents the first development of a non-associated gas field in the country, signaling a new chapter in Angola’s efforts to diversify its hydrocarbon resources and expand its natural gas production capacity. Non-associated gas refers to natural gas found in reservoirs that do not contain significant quantities of crude oil, unlike associated gas that is typically produced alongside oil extraction.
Gas from the Quiluma field will play a crucial role in supplying the Angola LNG plant, a major liquefied natural gas facility that exports LNG to international markets. The facility has become a strategic energy asset for the country, enabling Angola to participate more actively in the global LNG trade. The stable supply of natural gas from Quiluma is expected to enhance the plant’s operational reliability while helping meet growing energy demand in overseas markets.
At peak production levels, the Quiluma gas field is projected to deliver approximately 330 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. This output corresponds to an estimated two million tons of LNG annually once the gas is processed and liquefied at the Angola LNG facility. Such production volumes will significantly contribute to Angola’s LNG export capacity and reinforce its reputation as an emerging supplier of liquefied natural gas.
The LNG produced from the Angola LNG plant is destined for customers in both Europe and Asia, regions that continue to experience rising demand for cleaner-burning fuels as countries work to transition toward lower-carbon energy systems. Natural gas, particularly in liquefied form, is often seen as a transitional energy source that can help reduce emissions compared with coal while maintaining reliable power generation.
According to Mike Sangster, Senior Vice President for Africa Exploration & Production at TotalEnergies, the project plays an important role in ensuring a long-term and sustainable supply of natural gas for the Angola LNG plant. He emphasized that the development strengthens Angola’s ability to provide LNG to international markets over the long term. By supporting a stable flow of gas to the LNG facility, the project enhances the country’s capability to serve global energy markets while contributing to energy security for importing regions.
Sangster noted that the start of production from the Quiluma field reflects the strong collaboration between the consortium partners and the Angolan government. The project also demonstrates the continued investment in Angola’s energy sector by international energy companies that see long-term potential in the country’s offshore resources.
Angola has long been recognized as one of Africa’s leading oil producers, but in recent years the country has increasingly focused on developing its natural gas resources. The government has introduced various initiatives aimed at promoting gas exploration and production as part of a broader strategy to diversify the national energy mix and reduce reliance on crude oil exports.
Developments such as the Quiluma gas field highlight this strategic shift. By tapping into dedicated gas reservoirs, Angola can expand its gas production capacity while reducing gas flaring associated with oil extraction. This approach not only improves resource efficiency but also supports environmental objectives by lowering greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector.
The Quiluma project is also expected to contribute to economic development within Angola by supporting local employment, generating government revenue, and strengthening the country’s energy infrastructure. As LNG exports grow, the sector may create additional opportunities for investment in supporting industries, including transportation, logistics, and engineering services.
TotalEnergies has maintained a strong presence in Angola for decades and continues to play a major role in the country’s energy industry. The company first established operations in Angola in 1953 and has since developed a broad portfolio of projects across the nation’s offshore and onshore sectors. Today, TotalEnergies employs around 1,500 people in Angola, working across multiple business segments that include upstream exploration and production, downstream operations, and renewable energy initiatives.
A significant portion of the company’s activities in Angola is focused on deep offshore operations, where it operates major assets that collectively account for more than 45 percent of the country’s oil production. These deepwater developments have been instrumental in positioning Angola as one of Africa’s top oil-producing nations and continue to contribute substantially to the country’s energy exports.
In addition to upstream activities, TotalEnergies is also involved in downstream operations in Angola through a network of service stations operated in partnership with Sonangol, the national oil company. These service stations supply fuels and energy products to local consumers and businesses, supporting domestic energy demand while contributing to the national economy.
Beyond its traditional oil and gas operations, TotalEnergies has also begun investing in renewable energy projects within Angola as part of its global strategy to transition toward a more diversified energy portfolio. The company aims to combine its expertise in hydrocarbons with new investments in cleaner energy technologies, including solar power and other renewable solutions.
Through these initiatives, TotalEnergies seeks to support Angola’s broader energy transition while maintaining reliable energy production. By balancing oil and gas development with renewable energy investments, the company aims to help the country meet both its economic development goals and its climate commitments.
The start of production at the Quiluma gas field therefore represents more than just another offshore project. It symbolizes Angola’s evolving role in the global energy landscape, particularly as the world increasingly turns to natural gas as a bridge fuel in the transition to a lower-carbon future. With strong international partnerships, advanced offshore technologies, and growing LNG export capacity, Angola is well positioned to strengthen its standing as a reliable supplier of energy to markets around the world.
As global demand for LNG continues to rise, projects like Quiluma are expected to play a key role in ensuring long-term supply stability. For TotalEnergies and its partners, the successful start of production marks an important achievement that underscores the ongoing importance of collaboration, innovation, and strategic investment in the energy sector.
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