Morocco’s Energy Future: Tendrara Gas Field Prepares for 2025 Production
Morocco is taking significant steps towards energy independence with the development of the Tendrara gas field, a project spearheaded by UK-based Sound Energy. This ambitious endeavor recently celebrated a major milestone: the construction of the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tank, a crucial component in bringing domestically-sourced natural gas to Moroccan homes and businesses.
The Tendrara field, located in eastern Morocco, is poised to play a key role in the nation’s energy landscape. Sound Energy, holding a 20% stake in the project, has been diligently working on a small-scale LNG plant at the site. This plant, featuring the recently completed storage tank, represents a critical step towards fulfilling Morocco’s growing energy demands.
Standing tall at 22 meters, the impressive LNG tank boasts a capacity of 6,200 cubic meters. This substantial storage capability will be essential when production commences at Tendrara, which is projected for 2025. Initial production is estimated to reach 100 million cubic meters annually, with plans to significantly ramp up to 280 million cubic meters once the field is connected to the existing pipeline linking Morocco and Spain.
This ambitious project has been a multi-year endeavor, with construction on the LNG plant beginning in March 2022. The project consists of two primary phases: connecting the gas wells to the liquefaction plant and installing a 120-kilometer pipeline. Italfluid Geoenergy, an Italian firm specializing in energy infrastructure, was awarded the contract for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the LNG plant in December 2020.
The construction of the LNG storage tank has been marked by steady progress and collaboration. In December 2022, the project celebrated the completion of 50% of the tank’s construction, a feat requiring approximately 1,000 cubic meters of concrete and 120 tons of steel reinforcement. Further milestones were achieved in 2023, including the pouring of the tank’s foundation and the fabrication of key internal and external components. Sound Energy marked the first welding of the LNG tank’s steel plates in March 2024, followed by the completion of the foundation pouring in June of the same year. With construction slated for completion after the summer of 2024, the Tendrara gas field is on track to become a vital source of energy for Morocco.
The development of the Tendrara gas field represents a significant step forward for Morocco’s energy independence and economic growth. By utilizing its own natural resources, Morocco can reduce its reliance on energy imports and foster a more sustainable energy future. The project also holds the potential to create jobs and stimulate economic activity in the eastern region of the country. As the Tendrara gas field prepares to come online in 2025, it stands as a testament to Morocco’s commitment to a brighter and more energy-secure future.
