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.

The EIB signed a €350 million loan with Adif AV to modernize conventional and high-speed railway infrastructure in Spain. It is an investment that will ensure the quality of services overall is improved, so rail transport will be safer, more sustainable, and more attractive to users all over the country.

The loan is part of an €830 million investment in updating key components of Spain’s railway network. Key projects will upgrade communication systems, add interoperable technologies, and strengthen the network’s resilience to operational and climate related disruptions. These measures will minimize traffic disruptions and improve overall service delivery.

Key Projects on High-Speed Network

The high speed rail network will benefit from several improvements under this investment plan. Key projects include installing safety barriers, improving drainage systems, and enhancing access to technical installations along high-speed rail routes. They will introduce anti-vandalism modules and upgrade telecommunications, security, and energy systems.

The investment in conventional rail will focus on removing level crossings, renewing tracks, and upgrading telecommunications equipment. A key part of the project is expanding the GSM-R system, improving communication across additional rail lines.

Boosting Sustainability and Economic Cohesion

Pedro Marco de la Peña, President of Adif and Adif AV said, “The cooperation with the EIB is essential for Adif and Adif AV to continue to promote railways as a sustainable and resilient means of transport at the heart of the new mobility model demanded by the citizens. The loan signed today will enable us to maintain the highest quality standards already offered by our railway network to users, through a range of renovation and upgrading measures for the different railway systems.”

The loan supports the EIB’s mission to promote sustainable transport solutions and strengthens its role as the EU’s Climate Bank. A large portion of the investment will focus on cohesion regions, improving connectivity and also supporting economic and territorial growth in Spain.

Also read: EIB Provides €25 Million Funding to Resato Hydrogen Technology for Expansion and Innovation

Strengthening Climate Resilience

A key feature of the investment is its focus on climate change adaptation. The EIB and Adif AV have partnered to integrate climate impact assessments, protecting infrastructure from extreme weather events. This approach strengthens the railway system’s resilience, helping it adapt to climate challenges and remain operational in changing conditions.