ROMPCO: driving regional energy security in Southern Africa

Through its successful public-private partnership model, ROMPCO stands as a beacon of regional collaboration between Mozambique and South Africa, enabling access to reliable and sustainable natural gas while promoting inclusive socio-economic development.

ROMPCO was established as a result of a strategic partnership between the governments of Mozambique and South Africa to ensure the safe, continuous supply of natural gas across borders. The company owns and operates the 865 km Mozambique–Secunda Pipeline (MSP), transporting natural gas from the Pande and Temane gas fields in Mozambique to key industrial hubs in South Africa.

“Our mission is to ensure a steady, environmentally safe natural gas supply from across the region,” says Luis Gudo, Technical Manager. “By supplying gas and investing in infrastructure that supports long-term economic growth, we are addressing the growing energy needs of homes and industries and enabling both governments to improve the lives of the communities they serve.”

The MSP serves as a vital lifeline for the region’s energy ecosystem. Through its daily operations, ROMPCO guarantees uninterrupted natural gas supply to homes and businesses, reducing dependency on coal and contributing to regional decarbonisation goals.

“ROMPCO plays a critical role in Southern Africa’s energy landscape by ensuring the reliable and efficient transport of natural gas from Mozambique to South Africa,” says Gudo. “This infrastructure supports key industries such as petrochemicals, manufacturing, mining, and power generation, particularly Sasol’s Secunda plant, while also supplying around 700 commercial and industrial users.”

To strengthen supply resilience, ROMPCO has implemented several innovations. “We have introduced advanced monitoring systems that detect issues in real-time, predictive maintenance programmes to prevent breakdowns, and infrastructure upgrades that have significantly increased pipeline capacity,” adds Gudo. These technical interventions ensure consistent access to cleaner energy, stabilising supply to urban centres and industrial users even as regional demand surges.

ROMPCO’s impact extends far beyond energy delivery. By fuelling critical industries and enabling a shift from coal to gas, the company supports industrial growth and promotes cleaner production methods. Its public-private partnership model is a catalyst for cross-border cooperation and investment, providing a reliable foundation for economic expansion.

“ROMPCO plays a vital role in driving industrial growth and regional development,” notes Gudo. “Our infrastructure supports sectors such as petrochemicals, manufacturing, mining, and power generation, while also enabling energy access for smaller commercial hubs. We are not just supporting industry but are actively building the future economy of the region.”

Importantly, ROMPCO’s operations also generate significant socio-economic benefits. “We prioritise local hiring, create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and offer technical training and apprenticeships to build capacity in pipeline operations, safety, and maintenance,” says Gudo. “Small and medium enterprises are integrated into the gas value chain, while community investments support education, infrastructure, and gender diversity.”

These initiatives form part of ROMPCO’s broader commitment to local empowerment. From building schools and health infrastructure to promoting gender inclusion in traditionally male-dominated sectors, the company’s efforts contribute to a skilled, inclusive, and sustainable industrial landscape.

In the context of Southern Africa’s broader energy transition, ROMPCO positions natural gas as a bridge fuel, an essential component in reducing emissions while meeting current demand. “ROMPCO is playing a key role in the region’s shift to cleaner energy,” explains Gudo. “Natural gas is a significantly lower-emission alternative to coal, and through strategic investments in infrastructure, we ensure a stable energy supply even as traditional reserves decline.”

ROMPCO continues to modernise its pipeline systems with advanced monitoring technologies to reduce leaks and improve efficiency. The company is also exploring the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, into its broader strategy. “Our infrastructure enables industrial users such as Sasol, ArcelorMittal, and many SMEs to retrofit their operations for natural gas, reducing their carbon footprint by up to 50% compared to coal-based processes,” adds Gudo.

Moreover, ROMPCO’s infrastructure supports gas-to-power initiatives that help stabilise energy supply in areas affected by load-shedding, laying the groundwork for long-term decarbonisation. “By working with governments and stakeholders to shape policy and champion innovation, ROMPCO is not just a fuel provider, but a catalyst for sustainable industrial transformation,” says Gudo.

ROMPCO’s success is underpinned by its role as a driver of cross-border collaboration. Established through a trilateral partnership between Mozambique’s CMG, South Africa’s iGas, and Sasol, the company represents a unique fusion of public and private interests with shared regional goals.

“ROMPCO has grown from a cross-border infrastructure project into a powerful symbol of cooperation between Mozambique and South Africa,” states Gudo. “Our work has strengthened regulatory alignment, deepened economic ties, and attracted investment across sectors.”

Through investments in compressor stations and new offtake points, ROMPCO has increased transport capacity and enabled local communities to connect to the energy grid. “We consistently engage with governments, communities, and the private sector to promote mutual trust, skills development, SME inclusion, and sustainable economic activity along the pipeline corridor,” highlights Gudo.

ROMPCO’s model has become a reference point in regional forums for balancing national interests with shared development goals. “Our success demonstrates the importance of strong political backing, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and adaptable infrastructure,” says Gudo. “We believe other African nations can replicate this model to build cross-border energy partnerships that are both resilient and inclusive.”

Looking to the next decade, ROMPCO is focused on expanding capacity and integrating new sources of gas to maintain supply reliability and support regional development. “Our key priorities include integrating regasified liquefied natural gas (R-LNG) from the Matola terminal to offset declining reserves at the Pande and Temane fields and increasing our pipeline capacity from 212 to 400 petajoules per year,” reveals Gudo.

The company is also enhancing its presence on the ground, with the opening of a new office in Maputo underscoring its long-term commitment to local engagement, policy alignment, and regional growth. “We are positioning ROMPCO as a regional leader in energy transition, economic integration, and community development,” affirms Gudo. “With a focus on sustainable growth, innovation, and collaboration, ROMPCO is not just securing energy supply, it is helping to shape the future of Southern Africa’s energy landscape.”

Image: Luís Gudo, Technical Manager at ROMPCO.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/project-news/18082025/rompco-driving-regional-energy-security-in-southern-africa/