TotalEnergies and partner AMNI have reached a Final Investment Decision (FID) to develop the Ima gas field, a move designed to secure critical feedstock for Nigeria’s expanding liquefaction capacity. By leveraging offshore licenses OML 112 and 117, the project aims to stabilize the supply chain for the Nigeria LNG facility. This development signals a strategic push to capitalize on new Nigerian government incentives for non-associated gas resources.
Ima Project Infrastructure and Production Targets
The development involves constructing a single platform in shallow waters near Bonny Island, which will connect to the Nigeria LNG plant via a 22 km pipeline. TotalEnergies and AMNI expect production to commence in 2028, targeting a plateau of 350 million cubic feet per day, or over 60,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. This output is positioned to supply approximately one-third of the gas required for the Nigeria LNG Train 7 expansion. This expansion project is intended to increase the total liquefaction plant capacity from 22 million tons per annum (Mtpa) to 30 Mtpa. The project utilizes a simplified platform design and an electric power supply from shore to manage costs and emissions.
Strategic Integration with Nigeria LNG Expansion
The Ima gas field serves as a vital component of TotalEnergies' integrated gas strategy in Nigeria, following the recent sanctioning of the Ubeta project. By linking Ima directly to the Nigeria LNG infrastructure, the partners are addressing the massive feedstock requirements of the Train 7 expansion. The company is framing Ima as a low-cost, low-emissions asset, incorporating permanent methane detection, monitoring, and a zero-flaring policy. Furthermore, the project emphasizes local economic integration, with the company stating that all key contractors will be local entities. TotalEnergies expects to source approximately 60% of the workforce from host communities during the development phase, aiming to align industrial growth with regional socio-economic development goals.
Key Takeaways
- TotalEnergies and AMNI reached FID for the Ima gas field located in offshore licenses OML 112 and 117.
- The project expects a production plateau of 350 million cubic feet per day starting in 2028.
- Ima is expected to supply one-third of the gas needed for the Nigeria LNG Train 7 expansion to 30 Mtpa.
EnergyInsyte's Take
In our view, the Ima FID demonstrates how integrated majors are navigating the transition by prioritizing "low-emissions" gas to secure long-term feedstock for LNG. By utilizing shore-based electric power and zero-flaring designs, TotalEnergies is attempting to de-risk the project against future carbon scrutiny while meeting the immediate capacity needs of the Train 7 expansion. This move suggests that the profitability of large-scale LNG expansions in Nigeria remains heavily dependent on the rapid deployment of adjacent, low-cost non-associated gas fields.
Questions & Answers
How will the Ima gas field support Nigeria's LNG capacity increases?
The Ima field is expected to provide roughly one-third of the gas required for the Nigeria LNG Train 7 expansion, which aims to raise total plant capacity from 22 Mtpa to 30 Mtpa.
What technical features are being implemented to manage emissions at Ima?
The project plans to use a simplified platform design with an electric power supply from shore, a zero-flaring policy, and permanent methane detection and monitoring systems.
What is the expected production scale and timeline for the Ima project?
Production is expected to start in 2028, reaching a plateau of 350 million cubic feet per day, which represents over 60,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.
How does the Ima project integrate with local Nigerian content requirements?
The partners intend to use local companies for all key contractors and expect to source approximately 60% of the workforce from host communities during project development.
Source: TotalEnergies
