Understanding domestic gas supply in Southern Africa

 

Southern Africa's domestic gas supply is heavily reliant on imports, primarily from Mozambique, and faces challenges related to declining reserves and infrastructure limitations. While some domestic production exists, notably from Renergen, it's limited. The region is exploring various avenues to diversify supply and develop its own gas resources, including offshore exploration and coal bed methane

  

Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Current Supply: 
Mozambique: 
The Pande and Temane gas fields, operated by Sasol, are the main source of natural gas for South Africa via the ROMPCO pipeline
 
 Domestic Production: 
Renergen is producing small quantities of gas from its Tetra 4 project for the CNG and LNG markets
 
 Limited Domestic Reserves: 
South Africa has limited domestic natural gas reserves, making it reliant on imports, according to the IEA.
 
Challenges: 
Declining Reserves: 
Mozambique's Pande and Temane gas fields are experiencing declining production, with reserves projected to be depleted by 2026, according to Moore South Africa.
 
Infrastructure Limitations: 
Existing infrastructure, particularly the ROMPCO pipeline, is at its maximum capacity
 
Import Dependence: 
Reliance on a single import source (Mozambique) creates energy security risks.
 
Future Prospects: 
Offshore Exploration: 
Exploration efforts are underway off the southern African coast, including projects by Sasol, Total, ENI, and Eco Atlantic, which could lead to new discoveries
 
Rovuma Basin: 
The Rovuma gas resources in Mozambique and Tanzania are a major potential source, but the development of floating LNG plants will primarily focus on exports rather than domestic supply.
 
Karoo Shale Gas: 
Exploration for shale gas in the Karoo region has been delayed for years due to regulatory and environmental concerns
 
Coal Bed Methane: 
Several CBM resources exist in the region, which could be a potential source of gas supply
 
Diversification of Supply: 
South Africa's Gas Master Plan aims to diversify gas supply sources, including imports from other countries and the development of domestic resources.
 
Infrastructure Development: 
The Gas Master Plan emphasizes the need for an extensive infrastructure network to support the gas industry, including pipelines and regasification facilities.
 
 Regional Cooperation: 
South Africa aims to collaborate with other Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries to ensure regional energy security.
 
Link:
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