Tanzania has discovered an estimated 223 billion cubic feet of natural gas in the Mnazi Bay area, marking the country’s first major gas find in more than a decade.

Tanzania has announced its first major natural gas discovery in more than 10 years, with an estimated 223 billion cubic feet found at the Kasa-1X ST2 well in the southern Mnazi Bay area.

Details of the Mnazi Bay gas discovery

Energy Minister Doto Biteko announced the discovery on Tuesday.

The well was drilled as part of operations involving the state-owned Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and French energy company Maurel & Prom.

The company had earlier described Kasa-1X as a “promising gas discovery,” confirming a reservoir with encouraging characteristics.

When production could begin

Maurel & Prom has estimated the discovery at about 200 billion cubic feet of gas in place.

The company said production could begin as early as November, with the well potentially producing up to 50 million cubic feet per day.

Why the find matters for Tanzania

The discovery comes as Tanzania seeks to increase domestic gas production to meet growing demand from the power sector and industry.

Mnazi Bay already produces about 130 million cubic feet of gas per day following the addition of two new wells, MB-5 and MS-2.

Tanzania has about 57.5 trillion cubic feet of identified natural gas resources, much of it offshore.

The government is also pursuing a proposed $42 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project and discussing smaller LNG developments with investors. It aims to turn its extensive reserves into a larger source of energy, investment and export revenue.