TotalEnergies Restarts $20B Mozambique LNG Project After Five-Year Halt

SEATTLE (Oil Monster):French energy major TotalEnergies on Thursday officially relaunched its $20 billion Mozambique LNG project, marking a major milestone after a five-year suspension triggered by a deadly jihadist attack.

Chief executive Patrick Pouyanné announced the restart at a ceremony attended by Mozambican President Daniel Chapo, confirming that force majeure declared after the 2021 assault has now been lifted. “I am delighted to announce the full restart of the Mozambique LNG project. The force majeure is over,” Pouyanné said.

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The massive project in Cabo Delgado province, near the Tanzanian border, was halted after an attack that killed about 800 people. TotalEnergies had earlier lifted force majeure in October and is seeking $4.5 billion in compensation for cost overruns linked to the prolonged delay.

Chapo’s office said the restart represents a major boost for Mozambique’s economy and demonstrates renewed confidence from international investors. Once operational, the project is expected to create thousands of jobs and position Mozambique among the world’s leading LNG exporters.

However, environmental groups warn the project could worsen climate impacts while delivering limited local benefits. Northern Mozambique remains volatile, with an insurgency that has killed over 6,200 people since 2017, according to conflict monitors, underscoring persistent security risks.