Mozambique is taking a step toward balancing economic development with environmental protection.
The country’s National Maritime Spatial Planning Plan (POEM) intends to promote carbon sequestration by using reservoirs created by liquefied natural gas (LNG) extraction.
This move is a part of the nation’s broader efforts to manage it vast natural resources sustainably. Mozambique intends to do this while addressing global climate change concerns.
Also read: Shell Faces Shareholder Scrutiny Over LNG Growth Plans
Utilizing LNG Reservoirs for Carbon Sequestration
One of the fundamental elements of POEM is its proposal to leverage the reservoirs formed during LNG extraction for the purpose of sequestration. Carbon sequestration helps reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, essential for combating climate change. The country intends to repuurpose these reservoirs and turn a environmental concern into a potential solution for global warming.
The plan envisions carbon sequestration as a method to balance the environmental impact of LNG operations. Carbon capture could become an essential strategy for reducing emissions. Especially with multinational corporations like TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, and Eni targeting Mozambique’s LNG reserves
Carbon capture may prove to be an essential strategy for reduced emissions. Estimated revenues for the country’s LNG reserves are about $100 billion by 2024.
Economic Growth, Environmental Protection
The POEM underscores that sustainable economic growth must go hand in hand with responsible environmental management. Mozambique is expected to feature among the top ten LNG-producing countries by 2040 , accounting for 20% of Africa’s overall LNG production.
However, the plan acknowledges the need for a strong legislative framework to minimize environmental impact.
Coastal Protection and Tourism Development
The coast of Mozambique spans a distance of 1,677 miles and consists of sandy beaches, mangroves, and coral reefs. POEM emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the resource from impacts such as overfishing and pollution.
The plan also mentions the importance of cultural heritage. Especially when it comes to protecting the shipwrecks along the coast. Mozambique has ambitions to develop maritime tourism, including wreck diving and archaeological exploration near the island of Mozambique.