Namibia, Equatorial Guinea boost energy ties, focus on LNG knowledge-sharing

Namibia and Equatorial Guinea are looking to strengthen energy ties and specifically focusing on LNG development and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
A high-level delegation led by Namibia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, visited regional gas leader, Equatorial Guinea, earlier this week aimed at strengthening energy ties and expanding dialogue between the two nations. A series of bilateral meetings, collaborative discussions and site visits are expected to pave the way for further cooperation between Namibia and Equatorial Guinea. Specifically the delegation’s site visit to Equatorial Guinea’s Punta Europa Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) complex has provided it with insights into facility operations, challenges and successes.
Having made two sizable oil and gas discoveries this year, Namibia is very much interested in learning firsthand how the facility operates, while Equatorial Guinea is keen to share its best practices regarding gas monetization in Africa. Therefore, bilateral meetings discussed specifically the role national oil companies play in driving oil and gas developments in Africa, the training and development of nationals and the role gas plays in boosting the local and regional economies.
In May 2007, EG LNG’s first cargo was delivered, making it one of the fastest LNG projects in terms of the timeline it took from final investment decision to first cargo — and Namibia’s Minister Alweendo is hoping to replicate the project’s development. Hoping to mirror this success, a group of Namibian engineers will stay on in Equatorial Guinea for the next four months, training and working closely with Equatorial Guinean nationals.