The US has approved a $4.7 billion loan for TotalEnergies’ controversial Mozambique LNG project, facing environmental and human rights criticism. The investment is part of a broader $20 billion initiative marked by an ambitious timeline despite previous delays due to violence in the region. Concerns persist about emissions and safety, as investor reassessments continue amid conflicting commitments to climate goals and fossil fuel financing.
The US government has pledged a $4.7 billion loan to support the construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in Mozambique, operated by TotalEnergies. This project, located in the Cabo Delgado region, has faced criticism for its environmental impact and allegations of human rights violations. The US Export-Import Bank’s approval is considered crucial for advancing this ambitious energy project with an estimated total cost of $20 billion.
Funding for the Mozambique LNG project was initially approved in 2019, but the approval has returned for review due to a construction halt following militant attacks in the area. The assault, attributed to the Al-Shabaab group, led to numerous civilian casualties. An ongoing investigation has raised further concerns about safety and accountability regarding TotalEnergies’ operations.
TotalEnergies has been subject to inquiries concerning potential involuntary manslaughter due to claims that the company did not adequately protect subcontractors during the attacks. While Total denies the allegations, reports indicate that Mozambican military personnel have participated in serious human rights abuses linked to the project, leading to an extensive narrative of violence surrounding the facility.
Despite the challenges, TotalEnergies aims to resume construction in 2024, although it now expects operations to start no earlier than 2029 due to ongoing security and financing issues. The project’s support is heavily influenced by its connections to US companies, a topic emphasized by the company’s CEO, Patrick Pouyanné, amid efforts to gain US governmental backing for the project.
Opponents have labeled the Mozambique LNG project a “carbon bomb,” projecting significant greenhouse gas emissions over its operational lifetime. Campaigners argue that the project exacerbates global climate issues while linking economic support to severe human rights violations. Critics highlight the hypocrisy of the funding moves, contrasting them with the administration’s domestic policies that reduce federal jobs and support programs.
Moreover, the UK and Dutch export credit agencies, which had initially supported the project, are reevaluating their commitments in light of the ongoing situation. The UK government is reportedly seeking legal counsel regarding its financial involvement, while calls for reexamining support for such projects continue.
Despite prior pledges to phase out public financing for fossil fuels, the US has resumed funding under the current administration, reflecting tensions between environmental commitments and ongoing fossil fuel interests. The geopolitical landscape’s shifts since the Trump administration complicate international discussions aimed at curtailing fossil fuel investments abroad, showcasing the challenges inherent in aligning national policies with global climate goals.
The commitment of a $4.7 billion loan by the US government to TotalEnergies’ Mozambique LNG project highlights the tension between energy development and environmental protections. This decision raises serious implications for human rights and climate change, given the project’s controversial reputation and its history of violence. As global dynamics shift, the scrutiny over fossil fuel investments continues to grow, emphasizing the need for comprehensive policy adjustments that reconcile energy needs with sustainability and human rights protection.
Original Source: www.climatechangenews.com
