MALABO, Equatorial Guinea, Sept. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In just ten years, Equatorial Guinea has become one of the major regional powers in hydrocarbon extraction and processing, leading to an unprecedented economic boom and transformation and a case study in the world, according to a recent report in the ICE Economic Bulletin. The development of the country's energy sector plays a significant role in taking the country closer to become an emergent and sustainable economy by 2020.
ICE Economic Bulletin (Informacion Comercial Espanola) is published by Spain's Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism.
The country has a leading role in the African energy production environment. Two years ago, "Equatorial Guinea was the third largest oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa, the second on the continent in gas liquefaction (and one of only three in the Atlantic basin, along with Nigeria and Trinidad and Tobago) and is also a producer of liquefied petroleum gas and methanol," said the report.
The ICE Bulletin describes several initiatives the government is taking in the petroleum sector that will pay dividends in the future. First, Equatorial Guinea's decision to stop burning off natural gas at the well and build a natural gas pipeline and terminal facility on the island of Bioko will provide several options for use of the gas, including liquefaction and electricity generation. A second liquefied natural gas (LNG) train in Malabo would make the country a regional hub for the product.
Plans to build a new refinery on the continent in Mbini and a petrochemical plant on the island of Bioko will end the country's complete dependence on imports for refined petroleum products.
Equatorial Guinea President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has established the strengthening of the energy sector in Equatorial Guinea as a national priority. Last month, Equatorial Guinea partnered with Energy Allied International to develop the petrochemical sector in the country. Continuing the efforts surrounding energy improvement, President Obiang unveiled plans for nationwide electrification at a National Electrification conference. He predicted that with wise use of the country's natural resources, Equatorial Guinea would enjoy full electrification and energy self-sufficiency.
About Equatorial Guinea
The Republic of Equatorial Guinea (Republica de Guinea Ecuatorial) is the only Spanish-speaking country in Africa, and one of the smallest nations on the continent. In the late-1990s, American companies helped discover the country's oil and natural gas resources, which only within the last five years began contributing to the global energy supply. Equatorial Guinea is now working to serve as a pillar of stability and security in its region of West Central Africa. The country hosted the 2011 Summit of the African Union. For more information, visit http://www.guineaecuatorialpress.com.
SOURCE Republic of Equatorial Guinea
