With an estimated 57 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of recoverable gas resources, Tanzania is set to take center stage in the East African energy sector at Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2024, as it seeks partnerships across exploration, development, and processing activities.
Tanzania’s ambition to become a major LNG exporter is evident through its flagship Tanzania LNG project, which aims to process gas from fields operated by Equinor, Shell, and ExxonMobil, producing 10 million metric tonnes per year.
Plans for the project are pending the signing of a host government agreement to kickstart development. Shell’s Blocks 1 and 4 hold an estimated 16 tcf of gas, while Equinor’s Block 2 boasts nine discoveries with over 20 tcf of estimated reserves.
Additionally, Tanzania and Uganda have collaborated on a feasibility study for a pipeline linking Tanzania’s gas fields to Uganda.
The country’s strategic location on the Indian Ocean has positioned it as a regional leader in LPG distribution, supported by the Kigamboni LPG Terminal.
Tanzania’s Taifa Gas is spearheading the construction of a $100 million LPG facility in northern Zambia, further solidifying its presence in the region.
Tanzania has also ventured into compressed natural gas, with the launch of its first filling station and conversion center in Dar es Salaam.
In a bid to attract foreign investment, Tanzania plans to launch its fifth oil and gas licensing round by June 2024, offering 26 blocks for tender, including both onshore and offshore areas.
Chinese national oil company CNOOC leads exploration efforts in collaboration with Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation, conducting seismic surveys in deepwater blocks near significant gas discoveries made by major players in the industry.
