By: Ecofin Agency

TotalEnergies plans to install a solar power plant at its Mozambique LNG project in Afungi, in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, as it seeks to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations. On July 1, the French energy company launched a call for expressions of interest to design, build, install, and operate the facility, according to tender documents reviewed by Portuguese news agency Lusa.

The solar plant will cover about 6.5 hectares and include approximately 13,224 solar panels, which TotalEnergies has already purchased. The selected contractor will be responsible for installing the equipment and operating the facility once it is completed. The plant will have a generating capacity of 7.1 megawatts (MW).

The electricity produced will power construction and operational activities at the LNG site, reducing its reliance on conventional energy sources. According to TotalEnergies, the project is intended to lower greenhouse gas emissions from its own operations—known as Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, which cover direct emissions and those associated with purchased energy.

The announcement comes just days after a Paris court ruled that TotalEnergies' climate strategy was inadequate, at a time when the company has sought to scale back some of its climate commitments.

Work resumes after a five-year suspension

The solar project is part of the broader restart of the Mozambique LNG development, which officially resumed on January 29 in Afungi during a ceremony attended by Mozambican President Daniel Chapo and TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné. Construction had been suspended since April 2021, when TotalEnergies declared force majeure following armed attacks in Cabo Delgado Province.

The $20 billion project is now about 40% complete. Most engineering work and equipment procurement had already been finalized before construction was halted. According to TotalEnergies, more than 4,000 workers are currently on site, including over 3,000 Mozambican nationals. First LNG production is expected in 2029, with an annual capacity of 13 million tons.

TotalEnergies operates the Mozambique LNG consortium with a 26.5% stake. Its partners include Japan's Mitsui (20%), Mozambique's state-owned ENH (15%), India's ONGC Videsh (10%), Beas Rovuma Energy (10%), BPRL Ventures (10%), and Thailand's PTTEP (8.5%).

At the January 29, 2026, ceremony marking the project's restart, President Daniel Chapo said Mozambique LNG is expected to generate $35 billion in government revenue over 25 years of operation.