ExxonMobil expects a final investment decision for its Rovuma liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Mozambique in 2026, the company has stated recently, pushing back the financial go-ahead by roughly a quarter. Reuters reported.

The company had said in May that it expected the final investment decision for the project to be at the end of 2025. The company said it was making progress on the project, despite the ongoing force majeure and expects first LNG by 2030.

A company spokesperson told Reuters, “We will continue to work in close collaboration with the Government of Mozambique and expect the security situation to stabilize. “

ExxonMobil and its partner Eni, opens are developing the Rovuma LNG project in offshore Area 4 in northern Mozambique, and it is expected to produce 18 MTPA of LNG.

The Rovuma Mozambique LNG project will produce, liquefy and market natural gas from three reservoirs of the Mamba complex located in the Area 4 block in the offshore Rovuma Basin. The project includes construction of two natural gas liquefaction trains, with a total LNG nameplate capacity of 15.2 million tonnes annually and associated onshore facilities.

 The venture also announced it has received government approval of LNG sales and purchase agreements for the total capacity of the Rovuma LNG project.

The Area 4 partners will advance midstream and upstream early project activities of more than US$500 million as initial investments. Project work will include developing a construction camp, resettlement activities, construction of an airstrip and access roads, and the start of detailed engineering of the LNG facilities.