DRC showing strong will for gas monetisation projects

Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi has made energy security and investment a top priority. He is seeking to get massive hydropower projects off the ground but also to diversify the country’s energy basket and create jobs in the process. As a result, he is pushing to fast-track legal processes and permits for the valorisation of the natural gas produced onshore by Perenco. The move is expected to monetise natural gas through power generation, to address the DRC’s energy deficit and provide stable supply of power to its booming mining industry.

Perenco is currently producting an average 25,000 boe/d from 11 fields onshore DRC.

‘We are extremely optimistic about the future of oil and gas in the DRC given current political support for the industry. While market-driven policies are needed to ensure investments in gas monetisation, an enabling environment is key to unleashing the massive potential of the DRC,’ comments NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman at the African Energy Chamber.

‘The DRC also offers 100 GW of hydropower potential, and its upcoming hydroelectric stations are expected to require billions of dollars. It is a chance for investor and local players to participate and support the ambitious growth plans of President Felix Tshisekedi fighting energy poverty and boosting energy for industrial development that will create jobs and transform the economy with a post COVID-19 recovery strategy, adds Ayuk.

Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, DRC
Photo: African Energy Chamber