Renergen, an integrated renewable energy company, has commenced helium production at the Virginia Gas Project in South Africa’s Free State province.
The project’s Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) has successfully cooled the helium cold box to the required temperature, allowing for the liquefaction of helium from the wells in batches.
Following this milestone, the next steps involve ensuring all operating conditions meet standards, with a performance test scheduled by the OEM before transitioning the project into full operational mode.
Stefano Marani, CEO of Renergen, emphasized that LNG production remains uninterrupted, adding that all liquid helium produced will be recovered and utilized to fill tanks for customers.
Phase 1 of the Renergen Gas Project targets a daily production of 350 kg of liquid helium alongside 2,700 gigajoules of LNG.
Future plans include scaling up production to 5,000 kg of helium per day and 24,000 gigajoules of LNG.
Notably, the project initiated LNG production in 2022, marking a significant milestone as South Africa’s first operational LNG project.
