Upstream Gas Update: Is Domestic Offtake the Key to Unlocking BirAllah?
)
Mauritania's BirAllah gas field is back in the spotlight as the country seeks new partners to develop one of Africa's largest undeveloped offshore gas discoveries. Holding an estimated 80 Tcf of gas, the ultra-deepwater field has long been viewed as a potential LNG export project. Now, reports that a prospective developer is evaluating a lower-cost, domestic gas-focused concept raise a broader question: does BirAllah's commercial future lie in powering Mauritania before supplying global markets?
Discovered in 2015 in Block C8, approximately 80 km offshore Mauritania, BirAllah lies entirely within the country's territorial waters at depths of around 2,800 meters. Following the expiration of bp's operating contract in April 2024 and the subsequent exit of TotalEnergies, national oil company SMH assumed operatorship and is targeting first gas by 2030 while engaging international companies to advance the project.
Momentum appears to be building. In February 2026, industry reports indicated that Energean was evaluating a potential entry into BirAllah, with a development concept reportedly centered on supplying the domestic power market rather than pursuing an export-led LNG project. While the proposal has not been confirmed, it reflects growing interest in lower-cost commercialization pathways that could accelerate development while supporting Mauritania's expanding electricity demand.
The approach would mark a departure from BirAllah's original development concept, which envisioned offshore liquefaction facilities linked to the N'Diago port to serve both domestic consumers and international LNG markets. However, government planning continues to reference both industrial gas supply and LNG exports, suggesting multiple commercialization options remain under consideration as new partners evaluate the project.
Mauritania already has a blueprint for domestic gas development. The Banda and Tevet fields, located 55-70 km offshore Nouakchott, are advancing under a consortium led by Egypt's Taqa Arabia and Go Gas Holding following the signing of a $1 billion exploration and production agreement in 2024. The project is expected to deliver around 90 MMcf/d of gas over a 20-year period beginning in 2027, supplying the national utility SOMELEC and state mining company SNIM while supporting the conversion and expansion of gas-fired power generation around Nouakchott.
The contrast between the two developments highlights the challenge facing BirAllah. Banda and Tevet benefit from clearly defined domestic off-takers and an established development timeline. BirAllah, by comparison, combines a vastly larger resource base with the technical complexity of ultra-deepwater development, making the choice between domestic supply, LNG exports or a phased combination of both a defining commercial decision.
These questions are expected to feature prominently at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026, where government officials, operators and investors will examine the commercial models, infrastructure requirements and partnerships needed to advance Mauritania's gas resources beyond Greater Tortue Ahmeyim. Discussions, including the CEO Regional Leadership Panel and dedicated sessions on LNG infrastructure, will explore the strategies required to unlock the country's next generation of gas developments.
How that question is answered will influence not only the project's economics but also the type of operator, financing structure and partnerships required to move BirAllah toward first gas.
Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region's oil, gas and power sectors. Visit www.msgbcoilgasandpower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.