Angola LNG has temporarily halted operations at its Soyo facility for a 32-day maintenance programme, reducing LNG production while ensuring long-term reliability of the gas plant
Burkina Faso is set to expand its electricity generation capacity after the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) secured financing for what will become the country’s largest power plant.
The project, a 119 MW thermal power facility developed by Türkiye-based energy company Aksa Enerji Üretim A.Ş., is expected to improve energy reliability and reduce dependence on imported electricity.
Angola LNG Limited has temporarily suspended operations at its natural gas processing and liquefaction plant in Soyo, Zaire province, for a scheduled 32-day maintenance programme aimed at improving the reliability and efficiency of the facility.
The shutdown, which began on July 8, will result in a temporary halt in the production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and related gas products.
Angola’s National Agency for Oil, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG) said the maintenance period is expected to reduce monthly LNG production and exports by approximately 80%.
The maintenance programme is part of Angola LNG’s regular facility integrity and equipment reliability activities designed to ensure the long-term performance of one of the country’s most important gas infrastructure projects.
Maintenance Coordinated with Offshore Gas Operations
The planned shutdown has been coordinated with maintenance activities at the Sanha Complex and the Sanha floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) facility in Angola’s offshore Area B in Cabinda.
The Sanha facilities supply associated gas used in Angola LNG’s operations, making the coordinated maintenance programme important for improving efficiency across the wider gas production chain.
The temporary suspension is expected to affect oil production from the Sanha Complex and Sanha FPSO by approximately 48,996 barrels per day during the maintenance period.
Angola LNG Works to Maintain Market Commitments
Despite the temporary reduction in production, Angola LNG is working to manage the impact on international LNG customers and ensure contractual obligations continue to be met.
The company is seeking solutions to maintain supply commitments while minimising the effect of the shutdown on export revenues and government income.
Supporting Angola’s Gas Sector Development
Angola LNG plays a strategic role in the country’s energy sector by processing associated natural gas from oil production into LNG and other gas products. The project helps reduce gas flaring, improve resource utilisation and create additional value from Angola’s natural gas reserves.
The ANPG said all maintenance activities will be conducted under strict safety, environmental and operational standards, with production expected to restart gradually once the work is completed.
The planned shutdown highlights the importance of regular maintenance in maintaining the reliability of Angola’s LNG infrastructure and supporting the country’s ambitions to expand its role in the global natural gas market.
AFC has provided the first US$60 million tranche from a US$300 million corporate loan facility to support the development of the power plant.
Once operational in 2027, the facility is expected to significantly increase domestic electricity supply and help reduce Burkina Faso’s reliance on imported power.
Burkina Faso currently faces one of the largest electricity access challenges globally, with limited access to reliable power for households, businesses, and industries.
The new plant is expected to strengthen the national grid, improve energy security, and support economic growth by providing more stable baseload electricity.
The project represents AFC’s first investment in Burkina Faso and forms part of the organisation’s broader strategy to finance critical infrastructure projects across Africa.
By expanding local generation capacity, the power plant is expected to help attract investment, support industrial development, and reduce vulnerability to electricity supply disruptions.
The development marks a major milestone in Burkina Faso’s efforts to improve its energy sector and build a more reliable electricity system capable of supporting long-term economic transformation.
