TotalEnergies applies for gas production license at Tilenga

Summary:

• TotalEnergies seeks a license to produce LPG at Tilenga in Uganda, aiming to reduce environmental impact and promote clean cooking solutions.

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TotalEnergies EP Uganda has expressed its intention to produce Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) at the Tilenga Development Area in the Albertine Graben, Uganda. The company, a part of the French super-major TotalEnergies, aims to construct an LPG facility capable of producing 80,000 tonnes of LPG annually.

Prior to seeking the license, environmental concerns were raised, particularly regarding potential gas flaring. TotalEnergies has pledged to eliminate routine gas flaring in Uganda, emphasizing its commitment to environmental stewardship.

Gas conversion, governed by the Petroleum (Refining, Conversion, Transmission, and Midstream Storage) Act 2013, mandates upstream licensees to explore optimal utilization of excess associated gas. LPG recovery from excess associated gas is a recommended strategy to meet local and regional demand.

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development is legally required to issue a license for the construction and operation of gas conversion facilities, subject to public inspection and objection. TotalEnergies EP Uganda’s application is open for public review until the end of February.

Meanwhile, CNOOC Uganda Limited has been granted licenses for constructing an LPG facility as part of the Central Processing Facility (CPF) at Kingfisher oil fields in Kikuube district.

Utilizing oil industry by-products like LPG is deemed critical for environmental sustainability, as it reduces reliance on wood charcoal for cooking, contributing to forest conservation efforts.

Mr. Stephen Enach, Manager of Refining, Gas Processing, and Utilization at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, projects an annual LPG production of 100,000kg at the peak of commercial oil production from the Albertine Graben. The combined efforts of various projects are expected to produce about 330,000 tonnes/year of LPG at peak production.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) recognizes LPG as a key solution for clean cooking access, aiming to address the harmful health impacts of traditional cooking methods still prevalent in many parts of the world.

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