ExxonMobil’s proposed Longtail development is planned as its eighth major project in Guyana’s Stabroek Block and its first project primarily focused on gas and condensate production. The project is currently in the regulatory review phase, with a final investment decision (FID) targeted for 2026.
Unlike previous oil-focused developments, Longtail is a gas and condensate project that will prioritize the recovery of a light, high-value hydrocarbon (condensate) while re-injecting most of the natural gas in its early years to maintain reservoir pressure.
The development is located in the easternmost part of Exxon’s current offshore developments and will tap the Longtail, Tripletail, and Turbot discoveries.
The project is designed to produce up to 1.5 billion cubic feet of gas per day and up to 290,000 barrels per day of condensate.
A new, super-sized Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit is planned with a storage capacity of up to two million barrels.
The project is expected to have a production life of 30 years, longer than Exxon’s typical oil projects in the region, with production potentially starting around 2030.
Investment: The estimated cost for the development is US$12.5 billion.
ExxonMobil operates the Stabroek Block with a 45% stake, alongside partners Chevron (30%) and CNOOC (25%).
Exxon has submitted an application for environmental authorization, and the Guyanese Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required due to potential significant impacts. Public consultation on the scope of the EIA has occurred.
The Longtail project is a significant part of the Guyanese government’s strategy to develop its gas resources for domestic use, including power generation and the potential for a future liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry.
Note by Alessandro Bazzoni