TotalEnergies reboots $20 billion LNG project after years-long hiatus

January 29, 2026, by Melisa Cavcic

France’s energy giant TotalEnergies has hit the reset button for the construction of a multibillion-dollar liquefied natural gas (LNG) development off the coast of Mozambique. The reignition comes almost five years after the project was put on ice, with force majeure declared in April 2021.

During a meeting in Afungi, Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, and Daniel Chapo, President of the Republic of Mozambique, announced the full restart of the Mozambique LNG project’s onshore and offshore activities on January 29, 2026. This resumption follows the decision on November 7, 2025, to lift the force majeure and begin project activities anew.

The government of Mozambique has confirmed its commitment to work with Mozambique LNG to support the restart of activities and to draw the consequences of the force majeure period, reaffirming all measures taken in the field of security and the continuation of cooperation with Rwanda in this area.

Pouyanné underlined: “The full resumption of project activities is a major milestone for Mozambique LNG and for the country. I would like to thank President Chapo and all the Mozambican authorities for their commitment to this project. We are now working together to make this project a great success for the Mozambican people.

“This landmark project will make Mozambique a major LNG exporter. Thanks to its strong local content, it will also bring sustainable economic benefits to the Mozambican people.”

TotalEnergies explains that construction work has now resumed both offshore and at the Afungi site, with more than 4,000 workers currently mobilized, including more than 3,000 Mozambicans.

As a result, LNG production is expected in 2029, given the level of progress of the project, which is at 40% at this stage, with almost all of the engineering and procurement of key equipment having been carried out during the force majeure period.

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Mozambique’s President highlighted: “The restart of the project represents a significant milestone for the national economy and strengthens the confidence of international partners in energy as well as Mozambique’s human and institutional potential. This restart will have a direct and significant impact on job creation, during the construction and operation phases, will stimulate the labour market in Mozambique and the upskilling of Mozambican workers.

“This restart also consolidates Mozambique’s position as a regional energy hub and reaffirms the country’s credibility and importance in the liquefied natural gas market, strengthening its geostrategic position and role in the global energy supply.”

The $20 billion Mozambique LNG project is anticipated to generate significant economic benefits for the country from the construction phase, including through an ambitious local content plan.

This is illustrated by up to 7,000 direct jobs that will be created for Mozambicans during this phase, and contracts awarded to local companies, which are expected to be worth more than $4 billion.

Mozambique LNG is a joint venture formed by TotalEnergies EP Mozambique Area 1 (26.5%, operator), Mitsui E&P Mozambique Area 1 (20%), ENH Rovuma Área Um (15%), ONGC Videsh Rovuma (10%), Beas Rovuma Energy Mozambique (10%), BPRL Ventures Mozambique (10%) and PTTEP Mozambique Area 1 (8.5%).