bp has confirmed the commencement of gas production from the Quiluma field, part of the New Gas Consortium (NGC) project in Angola. The development marks a significant step in expanding the country’s natural gas capabilities and strengthening its position in global energy markets.
The project is operated by Azule Energy, a joint venture between bp and Eni, with equal ownership. Initial output from the Quiluma field is expected to reach 150 million standard cubic feet per day, with plans to increase production to approximately 330 million standard cubic feet per day by the end of 2026.
The NGC project represents Angola’s first non-associated gas development, meaning the gas is produced independently rather than as a by-product of oil extraction. Production is sourced from the offshore Quiluma field in shallow waters. The gas is then transported to an onshore processing facility before being supplied to the Angola LNG plant for export.
Azule Energy holds a 37.4% operating stake in the project. Other partners include Cabinda Gulf Oil Company with 31%, Sonangol Exploration and Production with 19.8%, and TotalEnergies with 11.8%. The National Agency for Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG) serves as the concessionaire.
The launch of production follows the inauguration of the project’s gas processing plant in Soyo in late 2025. The facility plays a central role in preparing the gas for export, ensuring it meets international standards for liquefied natural gas (LNG) markets.
This milestone adds to a series of recent developments by Azule Energy. In 2025, the company began production at the Agogo field under the Agogo Integrated West Hub project. Earlier in 2026, it also initiated output from the Ndungu development. In addition, several new discoveries have been reported across Angola and neighbouring Namibia, further strengthening the region’s upstream potential.
bp’s broader global operations have also seen strong momentum. During 2025, the company announced multiple discoveries across key basins and brought several major projects online ahead of schedule. These developments are part of its strategy to deliver a series of new production start-ups worldwide by 2027.
The NGC project is expected to play an important role in diversifying Angola’s energy mix. By developing gas resources alongside oil production, the country aims to enhance energy security, support industrial growth and increase export revenues. Natural gas is also seen as a key transition fuel, offering lower emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels.
Collaboration between international partners and local stakeholders has been a defining feature of the project. The successful start-up reflects coordinated efforts across engineering, construction and operations, as well as strong engagement with national authorities.
The project is also expected to contribute to economic development through job creation, infrastructure investment and increased activity in the energy sector. As production ramps up, it will support Angola’s ambitions to expand its presence in global LNG markets.
With the Quiluma field now operational, the New Gas Consortium project moves into its next phase of scaling production. The development highlights the growing importance of gas in the global energy landscape and reinforces Angola’s role as a key supplier in the years ahead.
