Expanding FLNG capacity strengthens Congo’s gas-focused energy strategy

The Republic of the Congo is moving towards a more flexible and export-focused gas sector as new floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) developments emerge alongside existing capacity. According to the African Energy Chamber (AEC), what started as a single LNG export project is increasingly becoming a broader multi-unit system for commercialising offshore gas.

Congo’s entry into international gas markets began with the Tango FLNG unit, which started exporting LNG in late 2023 as part of the Congo LNG project operated by Italy’s integrated energy company Eni (BIT:ENI, NYSE:E).

Since then, the Nguya FLNG unit has been commissioned under the project’s second phase, expanding liquefaction capacity and bringing total output to around 3mn tonnes per year (tpy). Together, the two facilities position Congo among the few countries in Sub-Saharan Africa operating multiple FLNG units, creating a stronger base for gas monetisation and future offshore development.

Further growth could come through a proposed FLNG project led by London-based independent oil and gas company Trident Energy. Unlike existing facilities, which are closely tied to particular fields, the proposed unit is expected to function more as shared infrastructure capable of processing gas from several operators across the basin. Beyond handling Trident’s own volumes, it could provide a route for associated gas that might otherwise remain unutilised.

This development is especially important given Congo’s restrictions on routine gas flaring, says the AEC. Historically, limitations around managing gas that could not be reinjected or exported have constrained oil production. According to the Chamber, additional FLNG capacity would reduce production bottlenecks by improving options for handling associated gas and allowing offshore projects to progress with fewer operational limitations.

The trend is becoming increasingly relevant for companies developing offshore assets in the country. In April 2026, TotalEnergies (EPA/NYSE/LSE:TTE) announced another hydrocarbon discovery at the Moho G structure, adding to earlier discoveries in the area and bringing combined recoverable resources close to 100 million barrels. Although future developments are expected to make use of existing offshore infrastructure, sustained production growth will depend on having reliable gas processing and export options.

As Congo strengthens enforcement of flaring restrictions and encourages greater gas utilisation, access to existing and planned FLNG infrastructure offers a practical solution. It allows operators to manage associated gas while supporting continued oil production. With both TotalEnergies and Trident active in the Moho licence area, expanding offshore gas infrastructure could have wider implications across multiple developments, says the Chamber.

FLNG also provides a more incremental development model than traditional onshore LNG plants. Facilities can be deployed more quickly and expanded in phases as new resources are brought online.

“What’s happening in Congo shows that when the infrastructure is in place, everything else follows,” says AEC’s executive chairman NJ Ayuk. “Companies can produce, governments can earn and gas doesn’t sit idle. That’s been the missing link in many African markets.”