Faith Nyasuguta
Mauritania has officially entered the ranks of gas-producing nations with the launch of its first natural gas well at the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) field. The milestone, part of a groundbreaking cross-border energy collaboration with Senegal, was recently announced by Mauritania’s Energy Minister Mohamed Ould Khaled.
The initial gas production commenced on Tuesday, with liquefaction for export expected to begin in early 2025. In its first phase, the project aims to produce 2.5 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually. Future phases are set to double and eventually quadruple this output, making the GTA project a vital pillar of energy production in the region.
The GTA field, located on the maritime border between Mauritania and Senegal, represents a joint venture between BP, Kosmos Energy, Mauritania’s Societe Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures (SMH), and Senegal’s state-owned Petrosen.
Both nations celebrated the milestone as a beacon of regional energy cooperation. A joint statement declared, “The achievement of this important milestone marks a major step towards the completion of the GTA project. The opening of the first gas well paves the way for the start of gas commercialization, which is planned very soon.”
Senegal’s Energy Minister, Birame Souleye Diop, emphasized the historic significance, stating: “The opening of gas wells is a historic step for Senegal. It reflects our common vision with Mauritania to make the GTA project a successful energy collaboration model.”
His Mauritanian counterpart echoed the sentiment, adding, “This exemplary partnership with Senegal demonstrates the ability of our two countries to achieve official and sustainable objectives together. The energy future of our region looks promising.”
This development follows Senegal’s initiation of oil production last year. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has reaffirmed Senegal’s commitment to the “optimal and transparent exploitation of oil and gas resources,” highlighting the need to harness natural resources responsibly for the benefit of both current and future generations.
As Mauritania and Senegal embark on this transformative energy journey, the GTA project not only enhances their economic prospects but also sets an inspiring example of cross-border collaboration in resource management.
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