Oil & Gas

Benin is planning to expand its natural gas infrastructure to support electricity generation and industrial development. According to a report published by African Energy , a major thermal power plant is expected to double its gas offtake as part of a broader initiative to strengthen the country’s gas transportation network. 

The expansion includes plans to increase gas delivery capacity at the Cotonou gas regulation and metering station, operated by the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo), in collaboration with Benin’s state electricity production company, SBPE. The station’s planned capacity is expected to rise from 27 million to 62 million standard cubic feet per day, representing an increase of approximately 130%. This expansion is intended to improve the delivery of natural gas to power plants and industrial consumers.

The initiative also supports Benin’s broader industrialisation ambitions, particularly the development of the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ). Improved gas connectivity through the interconnection of the WAPCo and Benin Gas Transportation and Solutions (BGTS) networks is expected to facilitate gas supplies to industrial facilities. Greater access to natural gas could help improve electricity generation reliability, support manufacturing activities and attract additional investment.

The expansion could strengthen Benin’s energy security and reduce reliance on more expensive fuels for thermal power generation, potentially lowering operating costs. However, the overall impact will depend on the availability of gas supplies, infrastructure completion, plant operating capacity and the terms of gas supply agreements. Further details on the power plant, project timeline, investment costs and financing arrangements are needed to assess the initiative’s full implications for Benin’s energy sector and economy.