The Energy Ministries of Mauritania and Senegal announced on Wednesday the official opening of the first well of the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project, a gas field located on the maritime border of the two countries. This milestone in the project is a sign of major progress in the development of a strategic energy resource for the region.
The inauguration of this first well constitutes a key moment in the GTA project, which marks the end of the technical preparation stages and paves the way for the commercialization of gas. According to an official press release, this successful operation is a prelude to the launch of commercial production, expected in the coming months. The Mauritanian Minister of Energy, Mohamed Ould Khaled, announced that the first well was put into production on December 31, 2024 at 5 p.m., a symbolic date for the project, which should play an important role in the energy economy of both country.
First phase of gas production
The GTA project is considered one of the largest deepwater gas discoveries in the West African region. After this first phase of production, the next step will consist of liquefying the extracted gas in order to be able to export it, with the start of exports planned for the first quarter of 2025. The two countries hope that this collaboration, which is based on a solid partnership with the international companies “British Petroleum” (BP) and “Kosmos Energy”, will be a model for other cross-border energy projects in Africa.
The Mauritanian minister added that the objective of the project is ambitious. The initial phase of production is expected to generate around 2.5 million tonnes of gas per year. However, a significant increase in production is expected for the following phases. “Production is expected to double in phase 2, and reach 10 million tonnes per year in the third phase,” said Ould Khaled. This progressive development of the GTA project highlights the enormous gas potential of the region, which could not only meet local energy demand but also become a key player in international markets.
Successful energy collaboration model
For Senegal, the opening of the first well represents a historic milestone. Birame Souleye Diop, Senegalese Minister of Energy, welcomed this progress. Not without emphasizing the importance of cooperation between Senegal and Mauritania within the framework of the GTA project. According to him, this project illustrates the vision shared by the two countries to make the GTA a model of successful energy collaboration. He also insisted that this partnership is an example of the ability of the two nations to achieve ambitious and sustainable goals together in the field of energy. The Senegalese minister expressed his conviction that the region's energy future is promising thanks to this project.
The GTA project is part of a broader dynamic of cooperation between Mauritania and Senegal in the energy sector. The collaboration of the two countries on this gas field could have significant repercussions on their respective economies. The exploitation of natural gas, an abundant resource in this area, could not only contribute to the diversification of energy sources in the region, but also allow both countries to strengthen their position in the global natural gas market.
Improved access to energy
The authorities of both countries emphasized that the successful implementation of the GTA project will depend on effective resource management and continued bilateral cooperation. The development of natural gas as a sustainable energy source could also boost other regional infrastructure and trade initiatives. As a result, this project could play a key role in the economic development of West Africa.
In addition to its economic impacts, the GTA project offers opportunities to strengthen energy integration in the region, opening prospects for future collaborations in energy production and distribution. It is also part of a broader vision for the continent aimed at improving access to energy while respecting environmental and sustainable development commitments. The Senegalese and Mauritanian authorities say they are confident about the future of this energy partnership, and anticipate that the economic benefits of this project will be felt in the years to come.
