The Central Térmica de Ressano Garcia (CTRG) gas-to-power plant was inaugurated in August. This is Mozambique’s first permanent large-scale gas-to-power facility in Ressano Garcia, which is on the border between Mozambique and South Africa.

The CTRG power plant is a partnership between Mozambique State power utility Electridade de Mozambique (EDM) (51%) and energy and chemicals company Sasol (49%).

Natural gas will be supplied to the new power plant from the Sasol-operated central processing facility (CPF) in Temane, in the Inhambane province.

Together with its partners, Sasol has expended about $3-billion in capital investments, which include the development and expansion of the CPF and natural gas fields in southern Mozambique, the construction of a cross-border pipeline, and the completion of the CTRG gas-to-power project.

The 175 MW gas-fired power plant will supply electricity to more than two-million Mozambicans – this equates to 23% of the country’s current demand.

The Mozambique economy is one of the fastest growing on the African continent, and is seeing electricity demand increasing by about 14% yearly.

The opening of the CTRG power facility comes as Sasol celebrates its tenth anniversary of the development of the Temane and Pande stranded gasfields in Mozambique through strong in-country partnerships and its technical expertise.

The company’s investments over the past decade have contributed to the creation of a favourable investment climate for Mozambique, while establishing an exploration and natural gas production sector in the region. These investments also serve to support economic growth and development in both Mozambique and South Africa.

“By working together with our Mozambique and South African partners, we are well placed to unlock the ultimate potential of Mozambique’s hydrocarbon resources in an integrated and sustainable manner, which will benefit not only the country but also the broader region,” says Sasol president and CEO David Constable.

“Despite Mozambique’s extensive hydrocarbon resources, EDM is currently experiencing an electricity deficit which necessitates importing power. “CTRG will help enhance the country’s energy self-sufficiency and will also help to diversify our energy base,” comments EDM chairperson Augusto Fernando.

The gas-fired power plant is expected to reach beneficial operation this month.

The plant was inaugurated by Mozambique President Armando Guebuza, Mozambiqie Energy Minister Salvador Namburete, Fernando and Constable.