Mauritania has officially become a gas-producing nation, following the inauguration of the first natural gas well at the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) field on December 31, 2024.
This historic achievement marks a pivotal moment in the development of one of West Africa’s most significant cross-border energy projects.
The GTA field, located on the maritime border between Mauritania and Senegal, is a product of collaboration between British energy company BP, American firm Kosmos Energy, Mauritania’s Société Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures (SMH), and Senegal’s Petrosen.
With initial production estimated at 2.5 million tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually, this output is set to double to 5 million tons in the second phase, and ultimately reach 10 million tons per year in the third phase.
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Mauritania’s Minister of Energy, Mohamed Ould Khaled, described the GTA project as a strategic milestone showcasing the region’s ability to achieve ambitious goals. Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Birame Souleye Diop, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the project’s role as a model of successful energy cooperation between the two nations.
The GTA development involves innovative infrastructure, including a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel and a floating LNG facility. These assets will enable efficient extraction and processing of gas from reservoirs located 120 kilometers offshore at depths of 2,850 meters.
The first phase is centered on gas exports, while future phases will integrate local gas use to support domestic energy needs.
With an estimated 425 billion cubic meters of reserves, the GTA project is expected to drive economic growth, attract foreign investment, and strengthen the energy security of the region.
