South Africa: Electricity Minister Visits Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant, Thanks Staff For Restoring Unit 1
South Africa’s Minister for Electricity, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, on Tuesday paid a working visit to the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant situated at Duynefontein, 27km north of Cape Town on the Atlantic coast, and interacted with staff of the facility.
The Minister, who was accompanied by Eskom Generation Group Executive, Mr. Bheki Nxumalo, thanked the workers for delivering Koeberg Unit1 and encouraged them to do better on Koeberg Unit 2 LTO to deliver it by end of September 2024 as planned.
In a post on X formerly Twitter, Eskom said the Minister emphasised the importance of committing to the delivery date as planned so as to reduce stages of load-shedding.
“This afternoon we are on an oversight visit to Koeberg Nuclear power station in the Western Cape.
“We are hosted by Eskom’s Group Head of Generation Mr. Bheki Nxumalo and the station’s General Manager Mr. Velaphi Ntuli,” the Minister also wrote on X formerly Twitter.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Russia’s Novatek Opens China Office To Sell Natural Gas Amid Tighter Sanctions
Amid U.S. sanctions stalling progress on natural gas exports from a new Arctic LNG plant, Russian gas producer Novatek is opening an office in China and creating a team based there to sell gas, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing sources with knowledge of the plans.
Novatek, which is the biggest LNG producer and exporter in Russia, has been working to set up a marketing and business development team based in China for months, according to multiple undisclosed sources who spoke to Reuters.
Novatek’s new Arctic LNG 2 project has been basically on ice since the U.S. imposed in November fresh sanctions on Russian project.
The Arctic LNG 2 project is being developed by Russia’s largest independent natural gas producer, Novatek, and was on track to begin first production in late 2023.
Novatek holds a 60% stake in Arctic LNG 2. The other shareholders include CNOOC of China and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), French supermajor TotalEnergies, and Japanese firms Mitsui Group and Jogmec.
In September, the U.S. levied some sanctions on the Arctic LNG 2 project, designating Russian services companies connected with its development.
Two months later, the U.S. Department of State designated limited liability company ARCTIC LNG 2, the operator of the Arctic LNG 2 Project, as part of additional sanctions against Russia “to further target individuals and entities associated with Russia’s war effort and other malign activities.”
At the end of December, reports emerged that Chinese state energy giants plan to ask the United States for exemptions from the sanctions on the Arctic LNG 2 project in a rare request to the U.S. as LNG deliveries could be threatened.
CNOOC and CNPC are preparing to apply for sanctions exemptions to buy cargoes from Arctic LNG 2, to make sure that they don’t run afoul of the U.S., from which the Chinese firms also buy LNG, Bloomberg reported at the time, citing sources familiar with the issue.
Source: Oilprice.com
Biden’s Approval For Willow Oil Project Challenged In Court
An appeals court is considering whether to let President Biden’s decision to greenlight the Willow oil project stand or strike it down as opponents want.
The case was heard by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco yesterday but the court has yet to make a decision.
The focus of the hearing was on the plaintiffs’ claim that the Bureau of Land Management did not include a “reasonable” range of alternatives to its assessment of the project, limiting itself only to those that would allow Willow to proceed, the AP reported.
The approval was granted, per the plaintiffs, “on the flawed premise that it must allow ConocoPhillips to extract all economically viable oil from its leases and assessed only a narrow range of action alternatives that each allowed nearly identical oil production.”
President Biden gave the go-ahead to the Willow oil project last March.
The massive project covers three drill sites in the National Petroleum Reserve in an area that is estimated to hold up to 600 million barrels of oil.
Willow incited much controversy from climate activists and some of Biden’s supporters from the left, many of whom argue that the project is a major setback in fighting climate change, with the Interior Department’s estimate that the project could see 278 million metric tons in emissions over its 30-year lifespan.
The $8-billion project could see peak production of 160,000 barrels of oil daily, according to 2020 estimates but since then, this has been revised up to a maximum of 180,000 barrels daily.
Immediately after the federal government’s decision to give the go-ahead to the project, opponents took them to court, arguing it would exacerbate climate change.
The judge who heard the case ruled against the plaintiffs, basing her decision on internal inconsistencies in their declarations arguing that the project will cause irreparable harm.
Opponents have been quick to challenge that judge’s decision in what is the second lawsuit against the Willow project.
Source: Oilprice.com
Ghana: Ghana Gas Spends Gh¢268 Million On CSR Projects In Ten Years
The Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC) has spent about Ghc268 million to execute more than 398 projects across the country as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) since the inception of the company.
The company has also awarded scholarships and mentored more than 100 students from its catchment area.
The projects are under education, health, water and sanitation, sports and community development.
Mr Stephen Donkor, the Senior Manager for Community Relation and Corporate Social Responsibility, said this at a training programme in Takoradi to update the media on their operations, the oil and gas industry value, and its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects in the past 10 years.
The workshop, attended by more than 30 journalists, was on the theme: ‘Training the Media for Effective Oil and Gas Industry Reporting’.
Mr Donkor said the company, from its inception in 2014, had undertaken various CSR activities across the country, focusing on bringing some sustainable development goals into reality.
The activities were in two folds where need assessments were done in some cases for communities directly affected by the company’s operations, while others were done through request by traditional authorities, district assemblies, political and opinion leaders.
He said about 78 of the CSR projects were executed in communities directly affected by their operations in the Ellembelle and East Nzema areas.
On education, he said 139 school projects had been completed and handed over to the beneficiaries, while 86 were at various stages of completion.
Twenty-four health facilities had been completed across the country, while three were still under construction, he said, adding that hundreds of people had been registered under the National Health Insurance Scheme, especially in the company’s catchment areas.
Mr Donkor said 38 sports facilities had been constructed and handed over to beneficiary communities, with 21 others still under construction across the country.
On water and sanitation, the Senior Manager said 172 boreholes had been drilled with some mechanised.
Under community development, he said 25 projects had been executed and that 60 women in the Ellembelle and Nzema areas had been trained to establish small-and medium-scale enterprises and given start-up kits to help address unemployment in the two areas.
He said 40 men were currently being trained in corrosion controls to take jobs in the construction of a second gas processing plant.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Mr Donkor said 38 sports facilities had been constructed and handed over to beneficiary communities, with 21 others still under construction across the country.
On water and sanitation, the Senior Manager said 172 boreholes had been drilled with some mechanised.
Under community development, he said 25 projects had been executed and that 60 women in the Ellembelle and Nzema areas had been trained to establish small-and medium-scale enterprises and given start-up kits to help address unemployment in the two areas.
He said 40 men were currently being trained in corrosion controls to take jobs in the construction of a second gas processing plant.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Petrol, Diesel Prices Go Up
Oil Marketing Companies in the Republic of Ghana have reviewed their pump prices upward in response to the exchange rate volatility and rising crude oil prices on the international market.
Leading oil marketing companies—GOIL Plc and TotalEnergies—are selling petrol at Gh¢12.49 per litre, while diesel is sold at Gh¢13.69 per litre.
Shell, one of the market leaders, is selling petrol at Gh¢12.29 per litre, while diesel is sold Gh¢13.19 per litre.
Star Oil is selling petrol at Gh¢11.69 per litre, while diesel is selling at Gh¢12.99 per litre.
Petrosol Ghana Limited, one of the top ten OMCs, has also adjusted its pump prices and is selling petrol at Gh¢12.26 per litre, while diesel is sold at Gh¢13.19 per litre.
Allied Oil is selling petrol at Gh¢11.55 per litre, while diesel is sold at Gh¢12.55 per litre.
Pacific Oil is selling petrol at Gh¢11.98 per litre while diesel was sold at Gh¢12.98 per litre.
Dukes is selling petrol at Gh¢11.18 per litre, while is sold diesel at Gh¢12.18 per litre.
Engen is selling petrol at Gh¢12.59 per litre and diesel at Gh¢13.39 per litre.
Lucky Oil is selling petrol at Gh¢11.19 per litre, while diesel is sold at Gh¢12.24 per litre.
Unlike in other parts of Africa where fuel prices are reviewed monthly, in Ghana, fuel prices are reviewed every two weeks.
This portal understands that the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) had revised the UPPF Margin from 75 pesewas to 70 pesewas but increased the Primary Distribution Margin from 13 pesewas to 19 pesewas.
Data from the regulator, National Petroleum Authority (NPA), also showed prices of finished products—diesel and petrol—jumped on the international market within two weeks.
Petrol went up to US$800.84 per metric tonnes, while diesel went up to US$807.14 per metric tonnes.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Germany To Subsidize 10 GW Of New Natural Gas Power Plant Capacity
Germany will tender 10 gigawatts (GW) of new natural gas-fired capacity power plants that could be converted to hydrogen in the 2030s, as part of plans to ensure stable electricity supply as wind and solar power generation and installations grow.
The plan for Germany’s power plants is in its early stages of development and today the Economy Ministry said that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Economy Minister Robert Habeck, and Finance Minister Christian Lindner had agreed a program with which the federal government will fund the new gas plants with money from the Climate and Transition Fund.
Germany, which last year closed all its remaining nuclear power plants – is now seeking to balance the generation and transmission systems with new gas power plants, which, however, need to be ready to be converted to hydrogen at some point between 2035 and 2040, the economy ministry said, outlining the strategy.
Germany’s power plant strategy was delayed for several months after a budget crisis at the end of last year, with the funds for transition strained by a recent recent ruling of the Federal Constitutional Court.
The top court ruled in November 2023 that the government’s plans to transfer $65 billion (60 billion euros) from unused emergency COVID funding to Germany’s new Energy and Climate Fund is unconstitutional and the climate fund should be reduced by that amount.
Now Germany has agreed that 10 GW of new gas power capacity would be put up for tenders, the economy ministry said today, without giving a timeline.
The plans for the plants to be converted to hydrogen should be completed by 2032, the ministry added.
The federal government of Germany also plans to subsidize hydrogen power plants with a capacity of up to 500 megawatts (MW) for energy research purposes.
In the draft power plant strategy, the German government also pledged to reduce “as much as possible” all regulatory hurdles to clean energy.
Germany installed a record-high power capacity from solar and wind in 2023, but only solar additions met government targets, while wind power installations fell short of goals.
Source:Oilprice.com
Nigeria: Shell Agrees To Develop Nigeria Gas Field For Dangote Fertiliser
Shell Plc has made a final investment decision to build a gas supply facility in Nigeria to feed a fertiliser plant owned by Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, the company said in a statement.
The new facility will supply 100 million standard cubic feet of gas per day from the Iseni field to the Dangote Fertiliser and Petrochemical plant for 10 years, according to the deal agreed by Shell and its joint venture partners TotalEnergies, Eni and the state oil firm NNPC Ltd.
The $2.5 billion plant, Africa’s largest urea complex with a 3-million-tonne output per year, accounts for 65% of Nigeria’s fertiliser needs and can supply all the major markets in the sub-region.
“The agreement is a critical step in pursuing the development of the gas-rich Iseni field, which is part of the Okpokunou Cluster in Oil Mining Lease 35” in the oil-rich Bayelsa state, Shell’s Nigeria chief, Osagie Okunbor, said in an email.
Nigeria holds Africa’s largest gas reserves of more than 200 trillion cubic feet and is seeking to develop the reserves to boost supply to industries, power plants, and for exports.
Okunbor said the project will increase the delivery of gas to the domestic market and help stimulate economic growth.
Source: Reuters
Ghana: Deputy CEO Of GNPC Benjamin Kweku Acolatse Elected Global President Of Prempeh College Old Student Association
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Finance and Administration at the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Mr. Benjamin Kweku Acolatse Esq., has been elected the Global President of Prempeh College Old Student Association.
Mr. Acolatse and other new executives of the Association were sworn into office on 27th January 2024.
Among the new executives are Snr. Kwame Baah Acheamfour, Global Vice-President; Snr. James Frimpong-Asante, Global General Secretary; Snr. Baffour Gyem Darkwa, Deputy Global General Secretary; Snr. Nana Yaw Sekyere-Ababio, Global Treasurer; Snr. Sarpong Antwi-Tanoh, Global Organising Secretary, and Snr. Robert Nimako Brefo, Global Publicity Officer.
Mr. Acolatse, who doubles as the Board Chairman of the College, served as Amanfoo President during his days at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (KNUST).
Delivering a speech after being sworn in, Mr. Acolatse thanked all the Amanfoo fraternity for the trust bestowed on him and the new executives and promised to hold the forth to lift the image of the College high.
Mr. Acolatse charged the other executive members to work hard in order to achieve success during their tenure.
He enumerated a number of projects that would be undertaken during their tenure to enhance teaching and learning and also provide a conducive environment for students to study.
He mentioned an athletic oval which is estimated at $250,000.00, a cooking mechanism project for the College’s kitchen which will cost about $110,000.00, a Security Camera Installation project estimated at GH¢500,000.00 which will check undisciplined behaviour on campus, a computer software platform to host alumni, a move to proactively aid communication and boreholes water project, with estimates being done.
He posited that even though this year seems to be a challenging year looking at the number of events and programmes such as the national elections and Asantehene’s 25th anniversary celebration coinciding with the 75th anniversary celebration of the College, he was optimistic that they would celebrate the 75th anniversary in a grand style.
He called on all Amanfoo far and near to come and support in any means possible for the sustainability of the College.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: National Grid Restored After Partial Collapse – Says TCN
The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, says the national grid has been fully restored after a partial disturbance at about 11:21 a.m. on Sunday.
Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s general manager Public Affairs in a statement in Abuja on Sunday said that the company initiated immediate restoration of the affected part of the grid.’
”The Transmission Company of Nigeria, hereby states that the grid experienced a partial disturbance at about 11:21hrs with Ibom power islanded feeding Eket, Ekim, Itu and Uyo transmission substations, during the period of partial disturbance,” she said.
Mrs Mbah said that prior to the incident, total generation on the grid was 3,901.25 Mega Watts (MW) at 8 a. m, a little over three hours before time of partial collapse.
According to her, It is important to note that low power generation has persisted since January to date, exacerbating daily due to the lingering gas constraint.
According to the National Control Centre, NCC, the Internet of Things, IoT, revealed that just before the partial disturbance, which occurred at Sapele, Steam and Egbin Substations lost 29.32MW and 343.84MW at 11:20:14 hrs and 11:20:17hrs respectively, totalling 373.16MW.
”This, combined with the current low power generation due to gas constraints, caused the imbalance leading to the partial system disturbance.
”Gas constraints continue to impact grid flexibility and stability. Ensuring sufficient gas supply to power generating stations is crucial for grid stability,” she said.
Mrs Mbah said that sufficient generation allows for better grid management in the event of sudden generation losses like this.
She said that TCN would investigate the cause of tripping of Sapele Steam and Egbin power generating units.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
African Energy Chamber Mourns Death Of President Hage G. Geingo Of Namibia
Tribute has started pouring in for oil reach South African nation, Namibia, following the passing away of President H.E. Dr. Hage G. Geingob on Sunday at the age of 82.
Namibia holds about 11 billion barrels oil reserves, according to recent data released by the state-owned National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR).
In a tribute, the African Energy Chamber expressed profound sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the people of Namibia on the passing of H.E. Dr. Hage G. Geingob.
According to the Chamber President, Geingob was a visionary leader who played a crucial role in advancing the energy sector and fostering the socio-economic development of his people.
“His unwavering commitment to the well-being of Namibians has left an indelible mark on the nation, where his leadership has maintained peace, stability and will be remembered for its momentous traction in the delivery of prosperity for generations to come,” the Chamber said in a statement by NJ Ayuk, Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
Mr Ayuk said, “We mourn the loss of a true statesman and a dedicated leader.
President Geingob’s strides in the energy sector were instrumental in positioning Namibia as a key player in the region.
His vision for sustainable energy development and commitment to the welfare of his people have set a benchmark for leadership.”
President Geingob’s leadership was characterised by a deep understanding of the energy sector’s role in driving economic growth and ensuring energy security.
His efforts to attract investments, promote local content, and implement progressive policies have contributed significantly to Namibia’s energy landscape.
The President’s initiatives and policies have played a pivotal role in fostering a conducive environment for investments in the energy sector, contributing to the economic advancement of Namibia.
He said President Geingob’s legacy extends beyond the energy sector; he was a liberation struggle icon, the chief architect of Namibia’s constitution, and a pillar of the Namibian development strategy.
The imprint he left on the nation and the continent will endure for a long time to come.
“As we reflect on the achievements of President Geingob, the African Energy Chamber stands in solidarity with the people of Namibia during this challenging time.
We have complete confidence that the nation will continue to uphold its robust institutions, efficient processes, and effective systems, maintaining Namibia’s hallmark of stability and smooth transitions of power in the political arena.
We join the nation in mourning the loss of a leader whose legacy will continue to inspire progress in the energy sector and beyond,” he said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Madame Monica Geingos, the Geingob family, the entire Namibian nation, and the rest of the African continent during this period of deep mourning,” he said.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya: Ruto Orders Arrest Of Owner Of Exploded Embakasi Gas Plant
Kenyan President, William Ruto, has directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) to hunt for the owner of the gas filling plant in Embakasi that exploded Thursday night, killing three people and leaving hundreds injured.
This was revealed by the Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, when he saw and survivors of the tragedy at the Kenyatta National Hospital and Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital.
According to a report by ‘The Star’ of Kenya, which quoted Gachagua, the owner would face the law for the deaths, injuries and displacement of hundreds of residents affected.
“It is now clear that this incident took place at an illegal gas filling station.
The person operating it was declined a licence for the plant.
They have been carrying out the activities at night,” the Deputy President said.
According to the Deputy President, investigative agencies had commenced investigations and were in pursuit of the owner of the plant.
“DCI officers are in hot pursuit of the owner.
The DCI has clear instructions to do whatever it takes and to have the culprit apprehended and presented before the court of law with a litany of charges,” he said.
The DP added that the owner must take responsibility for the deaths of innocent Kenyans and for the injuries and destruction of property.
The DP noted that it was wrong for unscrupulous businessmen to look for shortcuts to quick riches at the expense of the lives of innocent Kenyans.
“I appeal to businessmen not to put money ahead of humanity and lives.
It is unthinkable and unfortunate that in pursuit of quick riches by some of the businessmen, the lives of Kenyans are endangered,” he added.
He also conveyed President William Ruto’s condolences to the bereaved families and sympathies to the patients.
Gachagua said the government would push MPs to pass tighter laws with stiffer penalties for those found in violation of laws on trading illegally in petroleum products.
“We will ask the lawmakers to tighten regulations of the handling of petroleum products because of the danger they pose to Kenyans,” he said.
Energy Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) said in a statement that the plant had been operating illegally after it was banned from running the business.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Zambia: ZESCO Breaks Ground For 100MW Solar PV Project
Zambia’s power utility company, Zesco Limited, has performed a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of 100 megawatts solar PV project at the Kafungalubala community in the Chisamba District.
The company said the project is expected to be completed in about 12 months.
The cost of the project is not yet known.
The groundbreaking ceremony was witnessed by top officials of Zesco, community members, and leaders.
“We’ve laid the first stone, setting the stage for a future filled with sustainable growth and innovation. This 100MW Solar Power Project is not just about development; it’s a testament to our commitment to renewable energy and a better tomorrow for our community.
“As we move forward, let’s keep the energy alive! This is just the beginning of our journey towards sustainable development and lasting positive impact,” the company said in a post on Facebook.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Zambia: Power Outage In Meamwood Kwamwena Due To Emergency Works–ZESCO
Zambian power utility Company, ZESCO Limited, has explained that the power supply interruption being experienced in Lusaka’s Meanwood Kwamwena is due to emergency works at the Meanwood substation.
A statement issued by Zesco said the corporation is working around the clock to restore power supply to the affected areas.
“The corporation is doing its best to resolve the fault and normalize power supply to the affected areas in the shortest time possible.
“During this period, our customers and the public are urged to treat all supply lines as live at all times, as power supply could be restored before the stated time.
“ZESCO regrets the inconvenience the power supply interruption will cause its valued customers,” the statement said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Labour Unions Fix February 13 To Protest Against Imposition Of VAT On Electricity
Labour unions under the umbrella of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in Ghana have set February 13, 2024, to embark on a nationwide demonstration against the government’s imposition of a 15 per cent VAT on electricity consumption beyond the lifeline threshold of 0-30kWh.
The Secretary-General of TUC, Dr Anthony Yaw Baah, announced this on Friday at a press conference in Accra, the capital of Ghana.
He had in the previous week issued a 7-day ultimatum to the country’s Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, to withdraw a letter directing power distribution companies– ECG and NEDCo–to charge VAT on electricity consumption.
A statement issued by the Finance Ministry earlier this week indicated that there was going to be an extensive dialogue on the matter and urged the labour unions and the power distribution companies to exercise restraint.
However, the labour unions seemed not to be ready for any dialogue which is likely to get them to buy into the policy.
“In our earlier statement, we said if by the 31st of January 2024, the government had not withdrawn its directive, we would advise ourselves.
So, this afternoon, we’ve met here and we’ve advised ourselves.
It is that advice that we will communicate to the President.
“Our advice is straightforward.
We have advised ourselves that this government is taking us for granted, so we are going to lead massive demonstrations in all the 16 regional capitals of Ghana on 13th February,” Dr Yaw Baah stated.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com