With US natural gas production increasing at a geometric rate and LNG exports “galloping,” leading American energy companies are looking to expand their network into new markets. In this context, ExxonMobil appears to be “betting” on South Africa, which it considers a top destination for its LNG exports.
In particular, according to statements by ExxonMobil Vice President, Shahrukh Mirza, the American giant is examining projects in South Africa, which will allow the achievement of long-term LNG supply agreements in the country. In fact, recent ExxonMobil studies highlight the need to construct natural gas power generation stations, with a total capacity of 6-7 GW, in South Africa.
It is worth noting that ExxonMobil subsidiaries have already signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) with Royal Vopak to conduct a feasibility study, which will assess the commercial and technical aspects of an LNG regasification terminal in the African country. It is recalled that Vopak was selected last year by the South African government to manage the LNG terminal at the port of Richards Bay for the next 25 years.
