Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Kenya: GDC, Turkana County Ink Sign Collaboration Agreement To Promote Geothermal Opportunities
The Turkana County Government and Geothermal Development Corporation (GDC) in the Republic of Kenya have signed a Collaborative Framework Agreement (CFA) to pursue various areas of mutual interest.
Key highlights of the agreement include joint marketing of geothermal opportunities to investors, cooperation in scientific surface studies, the establishment of industrial parks, and GDC’s support in providing roads and water to the communities where it will operate.
The agreement was signed at a brief ceremony held in Lodwar.
Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai lauded GDC’s efforts in geothermal development.
The governor described the visit and the CFA as “a good starting point” and encouraged GDC and the county team to “work together to develop policies that are supportive” of both parties.
“This step is critical and encouraging. Partnerships like this will help move Turkana County in the right direction,” the Governor said.
The GDC team was led by the Board Chairman, Hon. Walter Nyambati, who was accompanied by the MD and CEO, Mr Paul Ngugi, who highlighted the vast opportunities in the geothermal sector, particularly those that Turkana County can tap into.
“This CFA is a milestone that will unlock many opportunities as we move forward,” Mr Ngugi noted.
“We appreciate Turkana County’s interest, cooperation, and support as we work to deliver geothermal energy for Kenyans.”
The two teams agreed to establish a working committee to facilitate the implementation of the CFA.
The Chairman and the CEO reaffirmed GDC’s commitment towards geothermal development in the country.
They assured the Governor that GDC’s procurement processes remain open to all qualified entities, as guided by government procurement frameworks.
The CEO assured the team that GDC’s Supply Chain team will engage and train local businesspeople in Turkana on government procurement procedures.
Also, present at the meeting were County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Roads Transport & Public Work, Mr. Benson Lokwang, CECM Education, Sports & Social Protection Mr. Wiljustus Elim Lopeyok, CECM Trade, Cooperatives, Gender & Youth Affairs Ms. Roseline Aite Onakuta, and CECM Ministry of Tourism, TCG Ms. Leah Audan.
Other attendees included Deputy County Secretary Mr Joseph Nyang’a, County Attorney Ms Ruth Emanikor, and Deputy County Director for Resource Mobilization Mr Mike Aupe.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com The Gambia: NAWEC Receives US$20 Million To Settle Debts
The Gambian Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy Keita, has confirmed that the government has allocated US$20 million (equivalent to D1.4 billion) to the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) to settle outstanding arrears.
This follows recent revelations by the Minister for Petroleum and Energy, Hon. Nani Juwara, who informed lawmakers that NAWEC owed Senegal’s electricity provider, Senelec, &S$16.1 million, along with an additional US$8.4 million debt to Karpower.
“Every Gambian knows the legacy issues (with NAWEC) and even part of our expenditure pressures in the 2024 budget implementation, and I will repeat this: the government of The Gambia has allocated IS$20 million, equivalent to D1.4 billion, to help pay the arrears of NAWEC. And why did we do that? To protect the population from tariff hikes,” the Minister said.
He further elaborated: “The government had to come in to pay that US$20 million (D1.4 billion), and this happened because we had to repurpose the budget. It’s an emergency. What economic management will you be talking about if there’s no water, If there’s no light? So that’s why, when these emergencies come, that’s where you rise to the occasion, and the government did that consciously.”
Minister Keita also assured the public that measures are underway to address NAWEC’s longstanding challenges, including the development of an energy roadmap.
“But all is not lost. A lot of work is in progress. There’s an energy roadmap that by 2025-2027, and once implemented, we believe (most problems will be solved) because the cost pressure is what is affecting NAWEC.” he stated.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kosmos Energy Terminates Tullow Acquisition Interest
Kosmos Energy, a Dallas-based oil and gas firm, has announced that it is no longer interested in acquiring all the shares of Tullow Oil Plc, an independent Africa-focused oil and gas firm.
“Kosmos Energy can now confirm that it does not intend to make a firm offer for Tullow at this time,” Kosmos revealed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, 17th December 2024.
As a result of not making a firm offer, Kosmos Energy said it is bound by the restrictions set out under Rule 2.8 of the Takeover Code.
Rule 2.8 of the Takeover Code is designed to prevent companies from making misleading or confusing statements about potential takeovers.
It would be recalled that Tullow Oil, in a statement on 12th December 2024, confirmed media reports that it is in a preliminary discussion with Kosmos Energy regarding the possible all-share offer by Kosmos Energy.
Tullow, in a circular to its investors, announced that Kosmos Energy has up to January 9, 2025, to announce a firm takeover intention before 5 pm on that day.
“The deadline can be extended with the consent of the panel on takeovers and mergers in accordance with the rule on takeovers,” Tullow said.
Responding to Kosmos Energy’s decision to withdraw its planned acquisition, Tullow Oil, in a statement on Tuesday, said its Board remains confident in Tullow’s stand-alone business.
“Tullow is well positioned to optimise its capital structure, and it continues to progress plans to address its remaining debt maturities, following receipt of the outcome on the Branch Profits Remittance tax arbitration.
“Tullow has been informed by the ICC that it has received the draft decision from the arbitration tribunal and the ICC is now undertaking its customary final review. The company expects to be notified of the results of the award imminently and further updates will be made in due course,” the company said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: President-Elect Mr Mahama Hints At ‘Massive’ Reforms At ECG
Ghana’s President-elect Mr. John Dramani Mahama has stressed the need for urgent reforms at the country’s largest power distribution company, Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), to ensure reliable power supply and prevent any adverse impact on the nation’s broader financial commitments.
He said, “The energy sector can derail everything that we have done with regard to the debt exchange and with regard to the IMF programme because debt continues to pile up there. ECG’s governance is in a very bad way and so it is making commercial and technical losses of more than 32%.
“No utility company can survive with 32% of technical and commercial losses and continue to be a viable utility…so as quickly as possible, we need to do reforms in the whole electricity value change.”
Mr Mahama made these remarks when religious leaders, under the umbrella of Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, paid him a visit.
According to Mr Mahama, these unsustainable losses are severely damaging the sector and must be addressed immediately to secure the country’s energy future.
He warned that failure to tackle these challenges could undermine progress achieved through the debt exchange programme and the ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement.
Mr Mahama, who was the flag bearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress for the just-ended general election held on Saturday, 7th December, was declared the president-elect after beating the flag bearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
Mr Mahama polled 6,328,397 representing 56.55%, while Dr Bawumia secured 4,657,304 representing 41.61%.
Mr Mahama is expected to be sworn in as President on 7th January 2025.
But even before he takes over, Mr Benjamin Boakye, Executive Director of Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), in an open letter, made a passionate appeal to Mr Mahama to undertake reforms in the energy sector.
Mr Boakye revealed that the new administration would inherit an energy sector burdened by waste of over GH¢50 billion a year.
Delving into how the challenges in the sector manifest, Mr Boakye pointed out that the energy sector is riddled with agencies and companies that are 4-5 times larger than what was needed to perform the same task eight years ago.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: PURC Directs GWCL To Restore Water Supply To Customers In The Greater Kumasi Area
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has directed the Ghana Water Limited (GWL) to restore water supply to Greater Kumasi area (Bantama, Atonso, Santasi, Ridge) and surrounding areas with immediate effect.
A statement issued by Dr Ishmael Ackah, the Executive Secretary of PURC, noted that water supply to Greater Kumasi and its environs were curtailed since last Friday, 13th December.
Dr Ackah described the situation as unacceptable, stating that it undermines the fundamental right of access to clean and safe water for all citizens.
He directed GWCL to restore water supply to all affected customers in the Greater Kumasi area and surrounding areas with immediate effect.
He has also directed GWCL to engage with the affected communities and to provide alternative supply as needed.
According to him, public utility disconnection procedures, interruption in services and denial of service are governed by Regulations 2, 3 (d) & (e) and 4 of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (Consumer Service) Regulations 2020 (L.I. 2413).
Specifically, he mentioned that regulation four provides that: “Subject to these regulations, a public utility shall not deny the right of access of a consumer to a service except for stated reasons which are subject to review in accordance with the guidelines of the Commission.”
Making reference to the above regulations, Dr Ackah argued that a utility provider is obliged by law to use appropriate channels to address any challenges without punishing consumers.
“The denial of water supply not only affects the daily lives of residents but also poses significant public health risks.
Dr Ackah indicated that GWCL shall submit a detailed report on the reasons for the service interruption and measures being taken to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Shell Makes Final Investment Decision On $5 Billion Bonga North Deepwater Project
A subsidiary of Shell Plc in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, SNEPCo, has announced its final investment decision (FID) for the Bonga North deepwater project off the Nigerian coast.
The project, which will help maintain oil and gas production at Bonga, will be connected to Shell’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility, where the oil major holds a 55% stake.
According to Shell, Bonga North has an estimated recoverable resource volume of more than 300 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe) and will reach peak production of 110,000 barrels of oil per day (boepd), with first oil expected by the end of the decade.
In a statement issued on Monday, December 16, 2024, the oil company said the project would involve drilling, completing, and commissioning of 16 wells, comprising eight production wells and eight water injection wells.
Additionally, modifications will be made to the existing Bonga Main FPSO, alongside the installation of new subsea infrastructure connected to the facility.
Zoë Yujnovich, Shell’s Integrated Gas and Upstream Director, described the development as a critical investment.
“This is another significant step towards maintaining stable liquids production from our advantaged upstream portfolio,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) and its partners for their FID on the Bonga North Deepwater Project, marking Nigeria’s first deepwater oil development in over a decade.
A statement from the presidency issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, welcomed SNEPCo’s decision to invest $5 billion in the West African nation, which is expected to produce an estimated 350 million barrels of crude oil.
The Bonga North oilfield, located 130 kilometres offshore in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 118, is operated by Shell with a 55% stake, in partnership with NNPC Limited, ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, and Eni.
The statement emphasised that the FID demonstrates the success of his administration’s efforts to create a more competitive and investor-friendly environment.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda fundamentally focuses on attracting investments to transform the Nigerian economy and deliver prosperity to our people,” the statement said.
“Shell and its partners’ decision to invest in Bonga North affirms the effectiveness of our policies and reforms. We will continue to support their success and the realisation of Nigeria’s energy potential,” it added.
The statement further mentioned that “The FID on Bonga North signals renewed confidence in Nigeria’s energy sector and underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to fostering a robust and competitive investment climate,” he added.
Ms. Olu Arowolo Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, has underscored the significance of the Bonga North FID, calling it a pivotal moment that challenges prevailing misconceptions about international oil companies (IOCs) exiting Nigeria.
Verheijen remarked, “The Bonga North FID dispels the misconceptions about international oil companies leaving Nigeria. Instead, we are witnessing a strategic pivot of IOC-powered capital and technical capacity to deepwater and integrated gas projects, which align with President Tinubu’s vision of transforming Nigeria into a global energy hub.”
She further explained that while IOCs are divesting from onshore operations, this transition creates opportunities for indigenous oil and gas companies to grow and thrive.
“These divestments are building a strong foundation for Nigeria’s energy future,” she said, adding that this shift enhances local participation in the energy sector while enabling IOCs to focus on high-value offshore and gas projects.
Verheijen further lauded the success of the Bonga North and Ubeta projects as clear evidence of the effectiveness of the Tinubu administration’s reforms.
“These achievements demonstrate the efficacy of the President’s directives in unlocking capital and enabling projects that will not only sustain production but also drive broader investments across Nigeria’s economy,” Verheijen stated.
She mentioned how the projects are set to revolutionize critical sectors, including power generation, transportation, and manufacturing, through expanded energy availability and infrastructure development.
Looking ahead, Verheijen expressed confidence in a wave of additional Final Investment Decisions from both international and domestic players.
She described this as heralding a new era of growth for Nigeria’s energy industry.
“The success of Bonga North and Ubeta is just the beginning. We anticipate further FIDs in the coming year, marking a transformative period of growth and opportunity for Nigeria’s energy sector and economy,” she concluded.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Zimbabwe: Lake Mutirikwi Power Plant To Be Inaugurated
The President of Zimbabwe,Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, will next month inaugurate the US$14.6 million Lake Mutirikwi mini-hydro power plant to boost electricity supply in the country.
The plant is already up and running and is feeding five megawatts into the national grid.
The project was executed by the Great Zimbabwe Hydro Power Company.
The firm’s project coordinator, Mr Hubert Chipfumbu, said the plant’s official inauguration is set for next month.
“The plant is now up and running. We are working on arrangements for its official inauguration by the President next month,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa, said the power plant’s completion signals the province’s baby steps towards clean energy.
The plant’s construction started in March 2022.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Zambia: Arnold Simwaba Appointed New Permanent Secretary For Electricity
Zambia President H.E Hakainde Hichilema has appointed Mr. Arnold M. Simwaba as the new Permanent Secretary for Electricity at the Ministry of Energy, a statement from the Presidency has revealed.
Mr Arnold M. Simwaba is currently a non-executive member of Copperbelt Energy Corporation Plc.
He holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering certificate and a Master of Mechanical Engineering certificate from the Russian People’s Friendship University, Moscow, Russia.
Arnold Milner Simwaba has held several positions at the Ministry of Energy since taking up his first role as Senior Electrification Officer in 2004.
In March 2017, he was appointed to act as Director in the Department of Energy, a position he has held to date, whose chief purpose is the management and coordination of the development of energy policies and programmes to improve accessibility and sustainable resource utilisation.
Notable achievements during his service include the development of Zambia’s first Rural Electrification Master Plan in 2006 and the Power Systems Development Master Plan.
He has been part of the teams that have successfully negotiated various IPP and PPP Implementation Agreements for the development of power generating plants, including Ndola Energy and Itezhi-Tezhi; and participated in the final review of the Electricity Bill (now the Electricity Act, 2019).
Arnold is a registered member of the Engineering Institution of Zambia
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Zanzibar Attracts Oil & Gas Majors In Maiden Licensing Bid Round
Zanzibar’s inaugural licensing bid round has garnered significant interest from international oil companies (IOCs).
The Zanzibar Petroleum Regulatory Authority (ZPRA), the petroleum regulator of the semi-autonomous region of the United Republic of Tanzania, is optimistic about securing a deal for its 8 oil blocks.
Although the exact number of interested IOCs is undisclosed, ZPRA authorities expressed satisfaction with the response.
The bid submission deadline is set for Monday, December 16, 2024.
This development marks a significant milestone in Zanzibar’s efforts to develop its oil and gas sector, and the successful conclusion of the bid round is expected to attract substantial investments to the region.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya: Kenya-Tanzania 400kV Power Transmission Line Energized
The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has successfully completed and energized the 400kV transmission line linking Kenya and Tanzania.
This significant milestone enhances regional electricity trade and strengthens energy ties between the two East African nations.
The $309.26 million project, financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Kenya, involved the construction of a 510km High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) transmission line from Kenya to Tanzania.
The project also included the extension of Isinya (Kenya) and Singida (Tanzania) substations, as well as the construction of the Arusha substation.
The Kenya-Tanzania Interconnector project forms part of the Eastern Electricity Highway, facilitating trade in the region.
This development comes as 13 member states of the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) prepare to officially begin cross-border transmission and trade in other energy platforms from March 2025.
The Kenya-Tanzania line will harness renewable energy mix in the region.
Additionally, the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) and Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) outlines a power trade between Ethiopia and Tanzania, transmitted through Kenya’s transmission network.
The EKT power transaction will be the first wheeling transaction within the EAPP and will serve as a case study for developing the EAPP power market transmission pricing methodology, set for early 2025.
Speaking during the EAPP conference which focused on strategies for energy integration, KETRACO Managing Director, Dr. Eng. John Mativo, MBS, highlighted key outcomes and benefits of the regional integration.
“This regional interconnector will enhance the reliability of the interconnected power system, ensuring more sustainable and dependable electricity access. It will also create opportunities for large-scale, efficient renewable energy projects across the region, while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions by exporting affordable renewable power to countries reliant on fossil fuels.” said Mativo.
He added that the project will facilitate power exchange between Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, the Southern Africa Power Pool and Sudan and Egypt in the north as well as enhance access to cheap electricity through the East African power pool by economic merit order dispatch.
The EAPP power trade has been approved and all the required regulations and tariffs are in place to ensure full transparency and implementation.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: ECG Restores Power To Affected Areas Following WAPCo’s Gas Supply Resumption
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has restored power supply to affected areas in the country, following the resumption of gas supply from the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo).
A joint statement issued by the Ghana Grid Company Ltd (GRIDCo) and ECG on Friday, December 13, announced that gas supply to thermal power plants in Tema has resumed, and all power plants that were shut down have been restored to operation.
The statement read: “Gas supply from WAPCo to thermal power plants in Tema has resumed. All power plants that were shut down have been restored to operation, and power supply to all affected customers has also been restored.”
GRIDCo and ECG assured stakeholders and customers that they will continue to collaborate to ensure a reliable power supply. They also expressed gratitude to their stakeholders and customers for their patience and understanding during the outage.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Zambia: UK Gov’t Committed To Support Zambia’s Efforts To Address Drought Induced Power Deficit
The United Kingdom Government has reaffirmed its commitment to support Zambia’s efforts to navigate and address the drought induced hydropower generation deficit.
Addressing the media after touring ZESCO Limited National Control Centre, on Wednesday, 11th December, 2024, United Kingdom Minister For Development and Women and Equalities, Anneliesse Dodds MP said: “Obviously am more aware about the drought situation and I want to offer my solidarity to all those who have been impacted. I know this is a very difficult time for many Zambians, but it is really a privilege that I have been able to see how this is being dealt with in practice and also that the UK has been able to work with ZESCO and with Zambia on these challenges.”
She added: “The UK government is working with the Zambian government through ZESCO on the interconnector through Tanzania and we are also working together on other aspects on energy and the long-term plan that is needed. That partnership is incredibly important to the UK. So, we are pleased to actually see it in action.”
Acting Managing Director of ZESCO Limited, Justin Loongo, thanked the United Kingdom Government for their unwavering support to the National Power Utility.
“Over the past years and many years to come the UK government through the government of the Republic of Zambia have been present to ZESCO through various technical support programs and funding support. The Zambian government and the UK government is supporting ZESCO Limited with $17 Million Dollar grant through the World Bank Group Energy Sector Management Assistant Program Multimillion Dollar trust fund for the Zambia Tanzania-interconnector project implementation.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
AEC Endorses Haitham Al Ghais’ Renewal As OPEC Secretary General
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) – as the voice of the African energy sector – wholeheartedly supports the decision to renew Haitham Al Ghais as the Secretary General of OPEC for a further three-year term, effective 1 August 2025.
The renewal of Secretary General Al Ghais’ mandate was confirmed during the 189th meeting of the OPEC Conference, which concluded recently, affirming his significant contributions to the organization and the global energy sector.
As Secretary General, Al Ghais has been instrumental in navigating OPEC through a challenging energy landscape, characterized by fluctuating markets and evolving global demands. His leadership has not only strengthened OPEC’s role in global energy governance, but also fostered greater cooperation among member countries, promoting stability and sustainability within the oil market.
Under his guidance, OPEC has advanced initiatives aimed at addressing both short-term energy security concerns and long-term sustainability goals, making his continued leadership crucial for the future of the organization.
The Chamber recognizes Secretary General Al Ghais’ key role in advocating for dialogue and collaboration among energy-producing nations, which is essential for ensuring stability and advancing energy security.
His efforts to engage with non-OPEC producers and the broader energy community reflect his commitment to a cooperative approach in managing the world’s energy needs. His renewal as Secretary General signals continuity in leadership during a time of critical transitions in the global energy landscape.
Secretary General Al Ghais has also played a significant role in strengthening OPEC’s ties with African energy producers, underscoring the organization’s commitment to supporting the continent’s energy aspirations.
OPEC has worked to foster strategic partnerships and dialogue with African countries, including promoting investments in upstream oil and gas sectors, supporting energy diversification and addressing Africa’s energy security challenges.
OPEC’s role in Africa is pivotal, with member countries – including Nigeria, Algeria, Libya, Gabon, the Republic of Congo and Equatorial Guinea – being major contributors to global oil supply.
“The renewal of Haitham Al Ghais as OPEC Secretary General is a testament to his exceptional leadership and the vital role he plays in shaping global energy policies. His vision aligns with the AEC’s mission to foster strategic cooperation and enhance energy security through sustainable oil and gas development,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “We look forward to continued collaboration with OPEC under his leadership as we work towards an energy future that benefits all nations, particularly those in Africa.”
The AEC’s endorsement reflects its strong support for OPEC’s continued leadership in the energy sector and its efforts to balance energy security with climate goals. Through collaborative leadership and a forward-thinking approach, the Chamber remains committed to fostering partnerships that will shape the future of the energy sector, ensuring that Africa’s energy resources are developed in a way that benefits its people and contributes to global energy sustainability.
Source: Africa Energy Chamber
France Supports Financing Of Polish Nuclear Power Plant
France’s Bpifrance Assurance Export and Sfil have joined the growing list of overseas financial institutions expressing interest in helping to finance Poland’s first nuclear power plant project. Meanwhile, a poll shows record public support for nuclear energy in Poland.
Export credit agency Bpifrance Assurance Export and public development bank Sfil have submitted letters of intent to Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ) regarding financing of the Pomeranian power plant for the equivalent of more than PLN15 billion (USD3.75 billion).
“The letters of intent from two French institutions are yet more proof of the growing interest in Polish nuclear investment,” said PEJ Vice-President Piotr Piela.
“We are pleased to have acquired such experienced and reliable partners. We are consistently implementing our strategy of obtaining financing for the project and are expanding the group of leading entities cooperating with us, financing the nuclear sector.”
The announcement came just days after PEJ received a letter of intent from Export Development Canada, for up to CAD2.02 billion (USD1.45 billion) to potentially support the project.
Last month, the US International Development Finance Corporation – the USA’s development bank – signed a letter of interest with PEJ to provide more than USD980 million in financing for Poland’s first nuclear power plant. A similar declaration, for the equivalent of about PLN70 billion, was made earlier by the US Export-Import Bank.
“Close cooperation with foreign credit entities is an important element of PEJ’s strategy, which ensures financing of the company’s investments and assumes building relationships with suppliers from countries with an extensive supply chain in the nuclear industry,” PEJ said. “The aim is to maximise the share of export credit agencies in the project’s debt financing structure.”
Based on the letters of intent received so far, PEJ has collected declarations of financial commitment totalling more than PLN95 billion.
In November 2022, the then Polish government selected Westinghouse AP1000 reactor technology for construction at the Lubiatowo-Kopalino site in the Choczewo municipality in Pomerania in northern Poland.
An agreement setting a plan for the delivery of the plant was signed in May last year by Westinghouse, Bechtel and PEJ – a special-purpose vehicle 100% owned by Poland’s State Treasury. The Ministry of Climate and Environment in July issued a decision-in-principle for PEJ to construct the plant. The aim is for Poland’s first AP1000 reactor to enter commercial operation in 2033.
Under an engineering services agreement signed in September last year, in cooperation with PEJ, Westinghouse and Bechtel will finalise a site-specific design for a plant featuring three AP1000 reactors.
The design/engineering documentation includes the main components of the power plant: the nuclear island, the turbine island and the associated installations and auxiliary equipment, as well as administrative buildings and infrastructure related to the safety of the facility.
The contract also involves supporting the investment process and bringing it in line with current legal regulations in cooperation with the National Atomic Energy Agency and the Office of Technical Inspection.
In September, the Polish government announced its intention to allocate PLN60 billion to fund the country’s first nuclear power plant.
A survey conducted last month on behalf of the Ministry of Industry shows that 92.5% of respondents support the construction of a nuclear power plant in Poland, with 67.9% strongly in support. Just 5.9% of respondents oppose the construction of a plant, with 2.8% being strongly opposed.
The ministry noted that the survey results show support for nuclear at its highest level since the annual poll began in 2012.
In addition, 79.6% of respondents said they would approve of a plant being built in the area in which they live, while 18.8% are opposed. The number of supporters of building a nuclear power plant in their neighbourhood increased by 3 percentage points compared with a year ago.
Just over 90% of respondents believe that building a nuclear power plant as a low-emission source of energy generation was a good way to combat climate change, while 4.2% believe that constructing a nuclear power plant in Poland will contribute to increasing the country’s energy security.
While 65.1% of respondents said they had a good or higher knowledge of nuclear energy, 96.6% said they believe that an information campaign on nuclear energy was needed in Poland. When asked where they got their information about nuclear energy from, 72.3% of respondents said the Internet, 34.7% said television, and 29.1% said conversations with friends.
The nationwide telephone survey commissioned by the Ministry of Industry was carried out by DANAE on 12-28 November on a group of 2060 Polish residents aged 15-75.
Source: World Nuclear News