Chevron’s subsidiary in Angola, Cabinda Gulf Oil Company, has successfully reached a major milestone in the Sanha Lean Gas Connection project by initiating first gas production. The project aims to supply natural gas from the Sanha field in Block 0 to the Soyo power plants and the Angola LNG plant. This marks a critical step in Angola’s efforts to diversify its economy, improve energy security, and stimulate economic development.

The Sanha Lean Gas Connection project, which achieved Final Investment Decision (FID) in 2021, involves the design and construction of a new platform, integrated with existing Sanha facilities and the Congo River Crossing Pipeline. In the first phase, the project will provide 80 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d) of gas to the Angola LNG plant. The second phase will increase capacity by an additional 220 mmscf/d, following the commissioning of the Booster Compression module. Currently, Chevron supplies the LNG facility with 300 mmscf/d through the Congo River Crossing Pipeline. With the Sanha Lean Gas Connection now operational, Chevron will boost its feedstock by an additional 300 mmscf/d, bringing the total supply to 600 mmscf/d.

The successful launch of the Sanha Lean Gas Connection is a key development in Angola’s long-term strategy to strengthen its position as a major gas producer in Africa. NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC), commended the achievement, emphasizing that natural gas is essential to Africa's future energy needs. He stated, “Chevron’s efforts and the milestone achieved by the company and its partners on Block 0 are important steps towards economic diversification and improved energy security in Angola. This is a clear demonstration of Angola’s growing role as a regional hub for crude oil, LNG, LPG, and associated gas products.”

The Sanha Lean Gas Connection project is just one of several significant gas developments taking place in Angola. In November 2024, Angola’s New Gas Consortium, consisting of energy companies Azule Energy (operator), Cabinda Gulf Oil Company, Sonangol E&P, and TotalEnergies, finalized commercial agreements aimed at accelerating gas production from the country’s first non-associated gas project. The $2.4 billion Quiluma and Maboqueiro gas fields development project is already 50% complete and is on track to begin production in late 2025 or early 2026. This project will start six months ahead of schedule, a development that further highlights Angola’s commitment to boosting its gas output.

The Quiluma and Maboqueiro project is expected to significantly contribute to the country’s energy sector and is a cornerstone of Angola’s strategy to meet domestic energy demand while expanding its natural gas exports. By accelerating these projects, Angola is strengthening its energy infrastructure and positioning itself as a key player in the global gas market. The Sanha Lean Gas Connection project, in conjunction with other initiatives, underscores the growing importance of natural gas in Angola’s economic future and the country’s role as a leading energy producer in Africa.