Five Decarbonization Initiatives to Watch in Angola

In addition to driving the expansion of its oil and gas sector, Angola is actively emphasizing decarbonization and environmental responsibility, in line with its recently ratified National Strategy for Climate Action. This strategy places a central focus on adopting a low-carbon development model, leveraging state resources, and enhancing local capabilities to embrace new environmentally-driven technologies. With a long-term goal of achieving 60% electricity access by 2025, of which 70% will be derived from renewable sources, Angola’s development strategy aligns with global sustainability objectives. The upcoming Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2024 Conference & Exhibition in Luanda, returning for its fifth edition in October, will delve into Angola’s latest decarbonization initiatives and forthcoming developments, including the top five initiatives to watch.

1. CABGOC (Chevron’s Angolan Subsidiary) Chevron’s Angolan subsidiary, Cabinda Gulf Oil Company (CABGOC), inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Angolan Government in November. This collaboration aims to explore low-carbon business opportunities, utilizing technological carbon offsets, biofuels such as hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage solutions. Chevron plans to establish a regional center of excellence to attract investments in low-carbon energy, supporting Angola’s emissions reduction goal of 14% by 2025.
2. Sonangol and Azule Energy Last September, Angolan national oil company Sonangol and Azule Energy joined forces through an MOU to advance decarbonization efforts. This agreement focuses on renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, and low-carbon hydrogen. The partnership aims to conduct joint studies on carbon taxes and credits, improve national regulations, and implement best practices in the sector. Sonangol commits to reducing its emissions by 15% by 2030.
3. Sonangol and TotalEnergies In the recent MOU signed between TotalEnergies and Sonangol, a decarbonization initiative was outlined to modernize and transition Angola’s oil and gas sector activities. This partnership introduces proprietary drone technology for identifying, quantifying, and reducing methane and carbon dioxide emissions from oil and gas operations, contributing to the country’s sustainable energy goals.
4. Azule Energy and Yinson Production FPSO provider Yinson Production and Azule Energy announced plans to pioneer an offshore carbon capture and storage plant on the Agogo FPSO vessel in offshore Block 15/06. This groundbreaking initiative involves integrating various emission-lowering technologies, marking the world’s first post-combustion carbon capture unit on an FPSO.
5. Sonangol and Eni Eni and Sonangol signed an MOU last May to collaborate on decarbonization initiatives, focusing on agro-industrial supply chains for low-carbon fuel production, biomass valorization, and green ammonia for agro-industrial applications. This collaboration aims to explore innovations in transition minerals and evaluate opportunities in Angola’s energy transition.

Be part of the AOG 2024 conference to gain insights into Angola’s journey towards an energy-secure and sustainable future. Visit www.angolaoilandgas.com for more information.