Mozambique’s government remains optimistic about the long-awaited revival of the $20-billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project led by TotalEnergies, despite not having received a formal request to lift the force majeure status that has stalled progress since 2021.
Speaking during a visit to Tokyo on Friday, Mozambique’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Estevão Pale, confirmed that the project had yet to move formally toward reactivation. However, he expressed confidence in the improving outlook, particularly following comments earlier this week by TotalEnergies’ Chief Executive Patrick Pouyanné, who signaled the project may resume development as early as this summer.
“We, as government, are doing everything that we can to be able to resume the project,” Pale said, emphasizing the administration's ongoing collaboration with project stakeholders to establish favorable security conditions. “Security has improved considerably, and we’re working hand in hand with partners to support a safe restart.”
TotalEnergies Optimistic, Eyes Summer for Restart
Pouyanné’s remarks came during an energy forum in Tokyo, where he stated that the company expects to move forward with development this summer, assuming the security environment remains stable. The project has been on hold under a force majeure declaration since insurgent attacks in the Cabo Delgado region escalated in 2021, forcing a suspension of operations.
While TotalEnergies has yet to submit a formal request to lift the legal declaration, government officials appear encouraged by the oil giant's forward-looking stance and are preparing accordingly.
Project Overview: A Cornerstone of Mozambique’s Energy Future
The Mozambique LNG venture is among the largest energy investments in Africa and represents a cornerstone of the country’s economic strategy. The project includes the development of the Golfinho and Atum gas fields in Offshore Area 1 and the construction of a two-train liquefaction plant with a planned annual output capacity of 13.12 million metric tons.
French energy major TotalEnergies leads the project with a 26.5% operating stake. Other stakeholders include Japan’s Mitsui & Co (20%), Mozambique’s state-owned Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos (ENH) with 15%, as well as Indian state-owned entities and Thailand’s PTTEP, which collectively hold the remaining shares.
International Interest and Strategic Partnerships
Minister Pale was in Japan for bilateral talks with Industry Minister Muto Yoji, underlining Japan's role as a key energy partner and likely buyer of Mozambique’s future LNG exports. The engagement also highlights the strategic global interest in stabilizing and reviving the project.
With security conditions reportedly improving and both government and private sector partners aligned in their intent, momentum appears to be building. Though the official green light is still pending, signs point to a summer restart that could reinvigorate Mozambique’s energy ambitions and reassure global stakeholders watching closely.