The Coral Norte facility will match Coral Sul in design and is projected to produce 3.5 million metric tons of LNG annually for 30 years. Plans for this second platform in the Area 4 concession were noted as early as October 2023, when Eni discussed the project with Mozambican authorities. Coral Sul began operations in June 2022 and started shipping LNG five months later, now delivering 22,000 barrels of oil equivalents daily to international markets.
Mozambique’s vast LNG reserves could generate up to US$100 billion in revenue, per estimates from consultancy firm Deloitte. This highlights the country’s growing significance in the global energy landscape, particularly as natural gas is seen as a transitional fuel due to its lower carbon emissions compared to coal. However, experts point out limitations in this perspective.
Although natural gas burns cleaner than coal, its overall process—from extraction to transport—releases methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. The Environmental Defense Fund states: “Methane sets the pace for warming in the near term,” emphasizing its potency, over 80 times that of carbon dioxide in the first 20 years, despite a shorter atmospheric lifespan. This complicates its role as a bridge fuel.
Scientists urge a direct shift to renewable energy, a challenging option for resource-dependent nations like Mozambique. The country relies on its oil and gas reserves for economic stability in the short term, even as climate change threatens its future. This tension shapes its energy strategy.
Eni, leading both Coral projects, underscores its commitment to reducing methane emissions. A 2023 report from the company claimed direct methane emissions dropped by more than half since 2018, with leaks reduced by 95% and methane intensity in upstream operations cut by 86% since 2014. Eni aims for near-zero methane emissions by 2030, though small amounts of the gas may still be released.
The Coral Norte project reinforces Mozambique’s place in the energy sector. Under Eni’s management, it promises economic benefits while addressing the complexities of sustainable production. The initiative reflects a broader effort to balance resource use with environmental considerations in a changing global market.
