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The Republic of Congo holds an estimated 10 Tcf of proven natural gas reserves, most of which are located offshore. Despite its substantial resource base, gas production has historically remained closely linked to oil operations, with significant volumes either flared or reinjected into oil fields to support crude recovery. Until recently, only a limited share of the country’s gas resources was commercialised, largely due to the lack of infrastructure and processing capacity.
Since the 2010s, the development of offshore gas resources has increasingly shifted the country’s strategy towards gas monetisation, power generation and LNG exports. Gas from Eni-operated fields has been used to supply the country’s main gas-fired power infrastructure around Pointe-Noire, including the 484 MW Centrale Électrique du Congo (CEC), which currently accounts for more than 70% of electricity consumed in the country. In parallel, the launch of the Congo LNG project in 2024 marked a major turning point, making Congo-Brazzaville an LNG-exporting country for the first time and providing a new outlet for gas that was previously flared or reinjected.
However, domestic gas monetisation remains geographically concentrated around Pointe-Noire, where most production, processing and gas-to-power infrastructure is located. Limited gas transportation infrastructure and an underdeveloped national power network continue to constrain the wider use of natural gas across the country, while unreliable electricity supply remains a challenge for economic diversification and industrial development.
GDP
Proven Gas Reserves
Gas production
LNG exports
Population
Population in 2050
Gas monetised
Main Infrastructure Projects
Pointe-Noire / Marine XII
2023-01-01
Marine XII Block, offshore Pointe-Noire
2015-01-01
Marine XII Block, offshore Pointe-Noire
2015-01-01
2023-01-01
Pointe-Noire / Marine XII
2015-01-01
Marine XII Block, offshore Pointe-Noire
2015-01-01
Marine XII Block, offshore Pointe-Noire
Leadership
President of the Republic of Congo
Minister of Energy and Hydraulics
Director General – Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC)
To support its economic diversification, industrialisation and energy security ambitions, the Republic of Congo is increasingly positioning natural gas as a strategic pillar of its energy development. Long dominated by crude oil production, the country is now accelerating efforts to monetise its substantial gas resources through LNG exports, domestic power generation and industrial applications.
Central to this transformation is the development of the country’s offshore gas resources and the emergence of an LNG export industry. The launch of the Congo LNG project, developed by Eni using gas primarily from the offshore Marine XII block, marked a major milestone in this strategy. First LNG production started in late 2023 with the deployment of Tango FLNG, establishing the Republic of Congo as an LNG exporting country. The subsequent development of a second, larger floating liquefaction unit has significantly expanded the country’s LNG production capacity and reinforced its position in the international gas market.
Historically, Congo’s hydrocarbon industry has been centred on offshore oil production, with international operators including Eni, TotalEnergies and Perenco playing a major role alongside the national oil company, Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC). Gas was initially treated largely as an associated resource, with limited opportunities for commercialisation. Over time, however, investments in gas gathering, processing and power generation infrastructure have progressively created a domestic market for natural gas while reducing the need for flaring.
The development of the Marine XII block has been particularly important in changing this dynamic. Gas from fields such as Nené Marine and Litchendjili has supported both domestic energy supply and the development of Congo LNG. Eni’s integrated approach combines offshore production, gas processing and floating liquefaction infrastructure, providing Congo with a route to monetise resources that would otherwise have limited access to international markets.
Domestically, natural gas has also become an important source of electricity generation. Gas produced from offshore fields supplies power infrastructure around Pointe-Noire, including the Centrale Électrique du Congo (CEC), helping strengthen electricity supply for households and industries. Expanding the domestic utilisation of gas beyond power generation remains an important opportunity, particularly for gas-based industries, LPG production and other industrial applications.
Despite this progress, Congo’s domestic gas market and infrastructure remain relatively limited compared with the scale of its resource base. Most production and processing infrastructure is concentrated around Pointe-Noire and the offshore producing areas, while pipeline connectivity to other parts of the country remains underdeveloped. This limits the ability of natural gas to support broader industrialisation and energy access beyond the main coastal economic corridor.
The next phase of Congo’s gas development will therefore depend on its ability to balance growing LNG exports with deeper domestic gas penetration. Continued investment in processing facilities, transmission and distribution infrastructure, gas-to-power capacity and gas-based industries could transform natural gas from primarily an export commodity into a broader engine of economic diversification. With Congo LNG providing new momentum and major operators continuing to invest in offshore resources, the country has an opportunity to establish itself as both an LNG exporter and an increasingly important gas hub in Central Africa
To support its economic diversification, industrialisation and energy security ambitions, the Republic of Congo is increasingly positioning natural gas as a strategic pillar of its energy development. Long dominated by crude oil production, the country is now accelerating efforts to monetise its substantial gas resources through LNG exports, domestic power generation and industrial applications.
Central to this transformation is the development of the country’s offshore gas resources and the emergence of an LNG export industry. The launch of the Congo LNG project, developed by Eni using gas primarily from the offshore Marine XII block, marked a major milestone in this strategy. First LNG production started in late 2023 with the deployment of Tango FLNG, establishing the Republic of Congo as an LNG exporting country. The subsequent development of a second, larger floating liquefaction unit has significantly expanded the country’s LNG production capacity and reinforced its position in the international gas market.
Historically, Congo’s hydrocarbon industry has been centred on offshore oil production, with international operators including Eni, TotalEnergies and Perenco playing a major role alongside the national oil company, Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC). Gas was initially treated largely as an associated resource, with limited opportunities for commercialisation. Over time, however, investments in gas gathering, processing and power generation infrastructure have progressively created a domestic market for natural gas while reducing the need for flaring.
The development of the Marine XII block has been particularly important in changing this dynamic. Gas from fields such as Nené Marine and Litchendjili has supported both domestic energy supply and the development of Congo LNG. Eni’s integrated approach combines offshore production, gas processing and floating liquefaction infrastructure, providing Congo with a route to monetise resources that would otherwise have limited access to international markets.
Domestically, natural gas has also become an important source of electricity generation. Gas produced from offshore fields supplies power infrastructure around Pointe-Noire, including the Centrale Électrique du Congo (CEC), helping strengthen electricity supply for households and industries. Expanding the domestic utilisation of gas beyond power generation remains an important opportunity, particularly for gas-based industries, LPG production and other industrial applications.
Despite this progress, Congo’s domestic gas market and infrastructure remain relatively limited compared with the scale of its resource base. Most production and processing infrastructure is concentrated around Pointe-Noire and the offshore producing areas, while pipeline connectivity to other parts of the country remains underdeveloped. This limits the ability of natural gas to support broader industrialisation and energy access beyond the main coastal economic corridor.
The next phase of Congo’s gas development will therefore depend on its ability to balance growing LNG exports with deeper domestic gas penetration. Continued investment in processing facilities, transmission and distribution infrastructure, gas-to-power capacity and gas-based industries could transform natural gas from primarily an export commodity into a broader engine of economic diversification. With Congo LNG providing new momentum and major operators continuing to invest in offshore resources, the country has an opportunity to establish itself as both an LNG exporter and an increasingly important gas hub in Central Africa
Congo’s gas supply outlook is being reshaped by the rapid expansion of its LNG industry and the growing role of natural gas in the country’s energy strategy. The development of Congo LNG has created a major new source of demand for offshore gas, alongside existing domestic requirements from power generation and industry. As LNG capacity expands, securing sufficient and reliable feedgas will become increasingly important to sustain exports while continuing to serve the domestic market.
Historically, a significant share of Congo’s gas production has been associated with oil production, making gas availability partly dependent on the performance and development of offshore oil fields. The country is consequently placing greater emphasis on monetising dedicated gas resources and reducing routine flaring. Developing additional gas discoveries and connecting existing offshore resources to processing and liquefaction infrastructure will be essential to support the next phase of growth.
The Marine XII block has emerged as the cornerstone of this transformation. Operated by Eni in partnership with SNPC, the block contains significant gas resources across fields including Nené Marine and Litchendjili. Their development has supported domestic power generation while providing feedgas for Congo LNG. The integration of upstream production with floating liquefaction infrastructure has enabled previously under-monetised resources to reach international LNG markets.
At the same time, Congo’s future gas supply remains concentrated among a relatively small number of major operators. Eni has taken the lead in LNG and offshore gas monetisation, while companies including TotalEnergies and Perenco remain important participants in the wider hydrocarbon sector. State-owned SNPC also plays a strategic role through its participation in producing assets and partnerships with international operators. Continued upstream investment from these players will be critical to maintaining production and bringing additional gas resources to market.
Beyond LNG exports, one of Congo’s main opportunities lies in expanding domestic gas utilisation. Gas already supports electricity generation around Pointe-Noire, but the development of additional transmission and distribution infrastructure could unlock new demand from industries, mining, petrochemicals and other gas-based activities. Increasing domestic gas penetration would enable Congo to capture more value from its resources while supporting industrialisation and economic diversification.
The challenge for the coming years will therefore be to develop sufficient upstream supply while building a broader and more diversified gas market. Continued exploration, development of non-associated gas resources and investment in processing and transportation infrastructure will be essential if Congo is to sustain its emerging LNG industry while transforming natural gas into a long-term driver of domestic economic growth.
Congo’s gas supply outlook is being reshaped by the rapid expansion of its LNG industry and the growing role of natural gas in the country’s energy strategy. The development of Congo LNG has created a major new source of demand for offshore gas, alongside existing domestic requirements from power generation and industry. As LNG capacity expands, securing sufficient and reliable feedgas will become increasingly important to sustain exports while continuing to serve the domestic market.
Historically, a significant share of Congo’s gas production has been associated with oil production, making gas availability partly dependent on the performance and development of offshore oil fields. The country is consequently placing greater emphasis on monetising dedicated gas resources and reducing routine flaring. Developing additional gas discoveries and connecting existing offshore resources to processing and liquefaction infrastructure will be essential to support the next phase of growth.
The Marine XII block has emerged as the cornerstone of this transformation. Operated by Eni in partnership with SNPC, the block contains significant gas resources across fields including Nené Marine and Litchendjili. Their development has supported domestic power generation while providing feedgas for Congo LNG. The integration of upstream production with floating liquefaction infrastructure has enabled previously under-monetised resources to reach international LNG markets.
At the same time, Congo’s future gas supply remains concentrated among a relatively small number of major operators. Eni has taken the lead in LNG and offshore gas monetisation, while companies including TotalEnergies and Perenco remain important participants in the wider hydrocarbon sector. State-owned SNPC also plays a strategic role through its participation in producing assets and partnerships with international operators. Continued upstream investment from these players will be critical to maintaining production and bringing additional gas resources to market.
Beyond LNG exports, one of Congo’s main opportunities lies in expanding domestic gas utilisation. Gas already supports electricity generation around Pointe-Noire, but the development of additional transmission and distribution infrastructure could unlock new demand from industries, mining, petrochemicals and other gas-based activities. Increasing domestic gas penetration would enable Congo to capture more value from its resources while supporting industrialisation and economic diversification.
The challenge for the coming years will therefore be to develop sufficient upstream supply while building a broader and more diversified gas market. Continued exploration, development of non-associated gas resources and investment in processing and transportation infrastructure will be essential if Congo is to sustain its emerging LNG industry while transforming natural gas into a long-term driver of domestic economic growth.
The Republic of Congo is increasingly seeking to leverage private investment to accelerate the development of its gas industry, with the government positioning natural gas as a strategic resource for LNG exports, electricity generation, industrialisation and economic diversification.
Private-sector participation has so far been concentrated around Pointe-Noire and the country’s offshore producing areas, where most gas production, processing and energy infrastructure is located. International operators have played a central role in developing the infrastructure required to monetise offshore gas resources, while partnerships with state-owned SNPC remain a key feature of the country’s upstream and midstream development model.
Eni has emerged as the leading investor in Congo’s gas transformation through the development of the Marine XII block and Congo LNG. The project has created an integrated value chain linking offshore gas production with floating liquefaction facilities and international LNG markets. This model has enabled Congo to accelerate the monetisation of its gas resources without relying exclusively on large-scale onshore LNG infrastructure.
Other international operators are also contributing to the evolution of Congo’s gas industry. Perenco has expanded its focus on gas monetisation alongside its mature oil operations, including investments aimed at capturing and processing associated gas and increasing LPG supply. TotalEnergies remains one of the country’s major upstream operators and continues to invest in offshore production, reinforcing the broader hydrocarbon infrastructure that supports Congo’s energy sector.
Domestic gas utilisation represents another significant opportunity for private investment. Natural gas already supplies power generation and industrial consumers around Pointe-Noire, but distribution infrastructure remains limited outside the country’s main production and industrial centres. Developing additional pipelines, processing facilities, LPG infrastructure and small-scale gas distribution solutions could help extend the benefits of Congo’s resources to a wider range of industries and consumers.
While LNG exports currently provide the strongest commercial driver for new gas developments, expanding the domestic market will be essential to Congo’s longer-term gas strategy. Greater participation from private developers, combined with continued investment from established international operators and SNPC, could support the emergence of new gas-to-power, industrial and gas-processing projects and position natural gas as a stronger pillar of Congo’s economic diversification.
The Republic of Congo is increasingly seeking to leverage private investment to accelerate the development of its gas industry, with the government positioning natural gas as a strategic resource for LNG exports, electricity generation, industrialisation and economic diversification.
Private-sector participation has so far been concentrated around Pointe-Noire and the country’s offshore producing areas, where most gas production, processing and energy infrastructure is located. International operators have played a central role in developing the infrastructure required to monetise offshore gas resources, while partnerships with state-owned SNPC remain a key feature of the country’s upstream and midstream development model.
Eni has emerged as the leading investor in Congo’s gas transformation through the development of the Marine XII block and Congo LNG. The project has created an integrated value chain linking offshore gas production with floating liquefaction facilities and international LNG markets. This model has enabled Congo to accelerate the monetisation of its gas resources without relying exclusively on large-scale onshore LNG infrastructure.
Other international operators are also contributing to the evolution of Congo’s gas industry. Perenco has expanded its focus on gas monetisation alongside its mature oil operations, including investments aimed at capturing and processing associated gas and increasing LPG supply. TotalEnergies remains one of the country’s major upstream operators and continues to invest in offshore production, reinforcing the broader hydrocarbon infrastructure that supports Congo’s energy sector.
Domestic gas utilisation represents another significant opportunity for private investment. Natural gas already supplies power generation and industrial consumers around Pointe-Noire, but distribution infrastructure remains limited outside the country’s main production and industrial centres. Developing additional pipelines, processing facilities, LPG infrastructure and small-scale gas distribution solutions could help extend the benefits of Congo’s resources to a wider range of industries and consumers.
While LNG exports currently provide the strongest commercial driver for new gas developments, expanding the domestic market will be essential to Congo’s longer-term gas strategy. Greater participation from private developers, combined with continued investment from established international operators and SNPC, could support the emergence of new gas-to-power, industrial and gas-processing projects and position natural gas as a stronger pillar of Congo’s economic diversification.
The Republic of Congo’s path to fully harnessing its gas potential presents both significant opportunities and challenges. The rapid development of Congo LNG, supported by major offshore investments and partnerships between the government, SNPC and international operators, is transforming the country’s gas landscape. By balancing growing LNG export ambitions with greater domestic gas utilisation, Congo can strengthen energy security, support industrialisation and diversify its economy beyond crude oil. Continued investment in upstream supply, gas processing, power generation and distribution infrastructure, combined with a supportive regulatory framework, will be essential to unlocking the full potential of Congo’s gas resources.
