Vivo Energy Ghana, the exclusive distributor and marketer of Shell branded products has proudly marked an exceptional milestone in its commitment to safety and operational excellence, celebrating 5000 Goal Zero Days (no harm to people and minimising its impact on the environment).
This achievement reflects the tireless dedication of employees, contractors, transporters, and all its stakeholders in maintaining the highest safety standards and incident-free operations.
The commemorative event was held at the company’s head office in Accra and saw key stakeholders in attendance, including the company’s Managing Director, the Vice President-Group HSSEQ-MS, the company’s Board Director, and representatives from its contractors and transporters, all of whom who shared remarks and applauded the collective effort that has made this milestone possible.
In his remarks, Mr. Jean-Michel Arlandis, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana highlighted the crucial role of teamwork, vigilance, and the earnest commitment to safety: “I am grateful to all contributors for their roles in sustaining an incident-free environment including my predecessors under whose tenure this achievement has been made possible,” he said.
He emphasised the company’s ongoing commitment to ensuring workplace safety and excellence.
The Vice President, HSSEQ-MS of Vivo Energy Group Mr. Grant Bairstow in his goodwill message commended the proactive measures and rigorous safety protocols that have become the foundation of the company’s culture and expressed his appreciation towards this great feat by the Ghana team.
He further encouraged the team to keep up the good work towards achieving more Goal Zero Days in the business operations both internally and externally.
The Company’s Board Director, Mr. Samuel Sarpong also reflected on the journey thus far and underscored the importance of continuing this path to sustain this impressive record.
He also expressed his enthusiasm and hope for the company to clock 7500 Goal Zero Days in some few years to come.
As part of the celebrations, the company’s transporters and contractors were acknowledged and presented with citations of appreciation, symbolising the collective pride in achieving this feat.
Well wishes from both internal and external stakeholders were shared, further highlighting the broad support for the company’s safety-first approach.
As Vivo Energy Ghana celebrates this achievement, it also looks ahead to the future with renewed determination.
The 5000 Goal Zero days stand as a testament to the company’s long-standing commitment to Health, Safety, Security, Environment, and Quality Management Systems (HSSEQ-MS). But more importantly, it serves as a reminder that when a team comes together with a shared purpose, no goal is out of reach.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has cautioned commercial drivers against refuelling vehicles with passengers onboard.
The Authority said such a practice endangers the lives of passengers as they are exposed to harmful chemicals.
Speaking at the NPA Central Regional sensitisation durbar in Cape Coast, the Central Regional Manager of the NPA, Mr Michael Opoku-Obiri, said one of the primary risks associated with refuelling is the inhalation of toxic fumes.
He explained that gasoline contains harmful chemicals like benzene, a known carcinogen.
These fumes can easily enter vehicles through open windows or doors, exposing passengers—especially children and the elderly—to health risks such as nausea, dizziness and respiratory issues.
He noted that despite the open, well-ventilated nature of most fuel stations, drivers often overlook the dangers of trapped fumes inside vehicles.
Many drivers routinely stop at gas stations without asking passengers to exit the vehicle. Whether rushing to drop kids at school, heading to work, or running errands, refuelling with passengers inside the car is a common practice.
However, this seemingly harmless habit has serious safety implications, with the most significant danger being the risk of fire.
From January to July 2023, Ghana recorded 3,819 fire incidents across various sectors, with commercial and fuel-related fires being major contributors.
In light of the frequent fire outbreaks at fuel-filling stations in recent years, Nana Aduam stressed the need for increased public education on safety measures related to fuel and gas usage.
Mr Opoku-Obiri indicated that the Authority had implemented several safety regulations to ensure public safety at fuel stations.
He explained that while refuelling may seem like a routine task, it carries significant risks that are often underestimated.
“By taking simple precautions, such as ensuring passengers exit the vehicle and remaining vigilant about potential hazards, drivers can significantly reduce the dangers associated with refuelling,” he said.
Mr Opoku-Obiri also noted that although specific rules governing the refuelling of commercial vehicles are not publicly available in one comprehensive document, general safety guidelines and warnings are emphasised.
He gave the assurance that the NPA would continue its efforts to raise awareness, educate and inform dealers of petroleum products, consumers, and passengers about the dangers of neglecting safety measures in the use of gas and fuel.
In her speech, the Paramount Queen Mother of Agona Nsaba, who also serves as the President of the Central Regional Queen Mothers Association, Nana Adwoa Nkansah Aduam III, called for stricter enforcement of the NPA regulations on refuelling vehicles with passengers onboard. She noted that this practice posed significant health and safety risks to the public.
Nana Adwoa Nkansah Aduam III emphasised that the NPA must ensure stricter enforcement of its public safety mandate.
She commended the Authority for its ongoing efforts to educate the public on safety protocols within the petroleum industry. However, she also called for further action, especially as the country approaches the dry season when the risk of fire incidents is heightened.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana National Gas Company has resolved the technical fault that occured at its Atuabo Gas Processing Plant, which resulted in limited gas supply for power generation plants.
In a statement issued by Ernest Kofi Owusu- Bempah Bonsu, Corporate Communications Manager, he said there was a plant equipment trip on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, which resulted in limited gas flow rate from the plant to power generators.
He explained that immediately, the company’s engineers started working and successfully resolved the issue and restarted the plant.
“We are currently flowing at 40MMscfd which is about 45% of our normal flow,” he said.
He added: “Our team is working assiduously around the clock to ensure power stability of the plant.”
He apologised to Ghanaians for the inconvenience caused and assured that there would be full gas flow for power generation in due course.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Board of Electricity Company of Ghana has announced the appointment of Mr. David Asamoah as the Acting Managing Director following the resignation of Samuel Dubik Mahama on Wednesday, September 25.
Mr Asamoah previously served as the Deputy Managing Director in charge of Commercial Services at the ECG.
His new role is temporary, pending a decision by the Government of Ghana, the sole shareholder of ECG.
The appointment was announced by the Board Chairman of the ECG, Alexander Afenyo Markin.
Asamoah has experience working with ECG, having previously served as the Sectional Manager of Revenue in charge of Technical Investigation.
He has demonstrated expertise in handling complex cases, including testifying in court against companies accused of illegal power connections.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
U.S. supermajor ExxonMobil has proposed an investment of $10 billion in Nigeria’s deepwater oil resource development, Stanley Nkwocha, spokesman and senior special assistant to the Nigerian President, said in a statement on Thursday.
Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima “welcomed ExxonMobil’s proposed $10 billion investment in Nigeria’s deep-water oil operations, describing it as a clear testament to the administration’s economic reforms and investment-friendly policies,” says the statement.
Shettima on Wednesday held a high-level meeting with ExxonMobil executives on the sidelines of the ongoing 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Nigerian presidency said Oil theft and pipeline vandalism have long plagued Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas industry, often resulting in force majeure at the key crude oil export terminals.
International majors have shrunk their exposure to Nigeria’s energy sector in recent years, with transparency in the licensing rounds one of the reasons for Big Oil to divest from their Nigerian assets, on top of oil theft and frequent pipeline damages.
ExxonMobil intends to sell its shallow water business in Nigeria to Seplat, the biggest Nigerian energy company by market value, in a $1.3 billion deal, which has yet to be approved by the regulator.
Now ExxonMobil’s new strategy in Nigeria will focus on the Owo project, a substantial subsea tie-back that could represent a $10 billion investment, the presidential spokesman said today.
“We’re working closely with the President’s office and the Special Adviser to the President to secure favorable fiscal arrangements that will make this significant investment possible,” said Shane Harris, chairman and managing director of ExxonMobil affiliates in Nigeria, as quoted by the press release from the presidency.
“Our commitment to Nigeria remains unwavering. As we celebrate 70 years of oil production and 8 billion barrels produced, we’re not retreating but refocusing our investments on deep-water opportunities,” Harris was further quoted as saying.
Source: Oilprice.com
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni is set to commission the Karuma Hydroelectric Power Station, a 600 MW hydroelectric power project today Thursday 26th September/ 2024.
This is the largest power-generating installation in the country and 14th of the kind in the world.
Karuma Hydropower Station commenced commercial operations on June 12, 2024, with an installed capacity of 600 MW.
According to Eng. Emmanuel Nsubuga, Project Manager the project faced a number of challenges but said the construction was successfully completed in August 2024.
He said the project was packaged in a way that it supports the national grid, with a number of substations spread across the country.
“We built a substation connecting power to the central business region through Karuma-Kawanda, we have another taking power to West Nile through Olwiyo Substation and Lira substation connecting the Northern region” Eng Nsubuga added.
Dr. Patricia Litho, Assistant Commissioner of Communications Ministry of energy said Karuma Hydropower Station is strategically situated on the Kyoga Nile, upstream of the Nile River—the longest river in the world making it a tourist attraction.
“This project will bring social economic development, stable power but is also a tourist attraction site.
Karuma was funded through a loan; however it is purely a public project. Govt contributed an equity of 15% and borrowed 85% from Exim Bank of China which has to be paid over a period of time.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana National Gas Company is close to resolving the technical fault that occured at its Atuabo Gas Processing Plant, which resulted in limited gas supply for power generation plants.
This resulted in power outage in some parts of the West African nation.
In a joint statement issued by the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) and Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), it said due a challenge at the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant, gas supply for power generation has been limited.
The statement said engineers of Ghana Gas were actively working to resolve the issue and restore the full gas supply required to stabilise power generation.
However, speaking to Ernest Kofi Owusu- Bempah Bonsu, Corporate Communications Manager for Ghana Gas, he said the plant tripped for about three hours on Wednesday but the issue had been resolved.
This means power supply is likely to be restored in the affected areas.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana National Gas Company (Ghana Gas), Dr Ben K.D. Asante will join hosts of speakers at this year’s African Energy Week scheduled for 4th—8th November 2024, in Cape Town, South Africa.
The event unites global investors and project developers with African projects.
Dr Asante’s return to the event underscores a commitment to driving projects forward in the country, as Ghana Gas seeks foreign funding to fuel development and production.
Under the Gas Master Plan—a market growth plan covering the period up to 2040—Ghana is targeting increased investments in gas-related infrastructure.
In addition to increasing oil production, the country seeks to diversify the energy sector by bolstering the natural gas value chain.
Aiming to achieve universal access to electricity by 2030 while boosting petrochemical production, the country offers a wealth of opportunities for investors and project developers.
Dr Asante will delve into these opportunities at AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024.
‘The African Energy Week (AEW) Invest in African Energy’ is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and governments, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy.
In line with efforts to boost national gas production, Ghana expects the Tema FLNG plant, situated near the capital city of Accra, to start production by the end of the year.
The project comprises the requisite infrastructure to import, store, regasify and deliver LNG to off-takers in the Greater Accra Area.
Operated by private equity company, Helios Investment Partners, the US$350 million project will have a capacity of 1.7 million tons of gas per year and is set to play a major part in meeting domestic demand.
In addition to Tema FLNG, Ghana expects production to start at the Atuabo II Gas Processing Plant in 2025.
The project, developed by Ghana Gas and joint venture partners, features a second processing plant at the Atuabo project in the Ellembele District of the Western Region of the country.
With an initial capacity of 150 million standard cubic feet per day, the project can be expanded to 300 million standard cubic feet per day and will process LNG, propane, butane and pentane condensates.
Downstream, the country is focusing on expanding gas infrastructure to not only support the development of new concessions but also strengthen the domestic uptake of gas.
Energy company, Genser Energy, inaugurated a 100km natural gas pipeline in April 2024, transporting gas from western Ghana to power the 250MW Kumasi I Thermal Power Plant.
Known for its small- and medium-scale commercial and industrial enterprises, northern Ghana stands to benefit from a direct supply of gas from the country’s resource-rich provinces.
Upon completion, the project will form part of a network that spans 420km, supplying gas to power generation facilities such as the 500MW AKSA and 330MW CENIT facilities.
“Natural gas stands to play a major part in spurring electrification and industrialisation in Africa. Ghana, rich in gas resources and with attractive energy policies, is laying the foundation for a new era of gas development in the country.
Ghana Gas continues to be instrumental in the market as it collaborates with foreign companies, promotes newfound investment and drives long-term economic growth through inclusive projects,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
During the AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, Dr Asante will provide an update on the country’s natural gas project pipeline, delving into emerging opportunities and industry challenges.
His participation opens new pathways for collaboration, representing a strategic opportunity for companies across the entire gas value chain.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Belgium is seeking a ban on Russian LNG imports into the European Union as the current sanctions regime cannot halt rising imports at EU import terminals, Belgian Energy Minister, Tinne Van der Straeten, has told the Financial Times.
Belgium – alongside the Netherlands, Spain, and France – has been one of the top importers of Russian LNG in recent months, especially after the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the cutoff of many EU gas customers from Russian pipeline gas.
Now Belgium sees the recent EU attempts to reduce Russian LNG revenues as insufficient to allow European companies to exit long-term LNG contracts with Russia, most of which were signed before 2022.
“We have Russian gas coming into Belgium. I have looked under every stone and the gas [legislation] is not going to help,” Van der Straeten told FT, adding “We need a European approach.”
The EU’s latest package of sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine includes banning reloading services of Russian LNG in EU territory for the purpose of transshipment operations to third countries, after a transition period of 9 months.
This covers both ship-to-ship transfers and ship-to-shore transfers, as well as re-loading operations, and does not affect import but only re-export to third countries via the EU, the bloc said.
To further try to restrict Russian LNG revenues, the EU also agreed to prohibit new investments, as well as the provision of goods, technology, and services for the completion of LNG projects under construction, such as Arctic LNG 2 and Murmansk LNG.
Moreover, the package now bans the import of Russian LNG into specific import terminals that are not connected to the EU gas pipeline network.
Yet, these measures haven’t curbed EU imports of Russia’s LNG.
Sophie Hermans, the Minister of Climate Policy and Green Growth of the Netherlands, this week also called for additional sanctions via “a common European approach” as Russian LNG imports into Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port, have increased in the third quarter.
Source: Oilprice.com
The Managing Director of Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Mr Samuel Dubik Mansubir Mahama, has reportedly resigned.
It is not clear what could be the possible issue that has influenced his decision to resign barely three months when the West African nation will be going to the polls.
This portal has made several calls to industry players and within the ECG but none could disclose the reasons behind Mr. Dubik Mahama’s resignation.
Several attempts to reach Mr Dubik Mahama via phone and WhatsApp for him to confirm or deny the information in the media have been unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, a report by citinewsroom claimed that Mr Dubik Mahama, in a letter addressed to the Board of ECG, cited personal reasons for his resignation.
“I am writing to formally resign from my position as Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana, effective two weeks from the above date. The decision has not come easily, but after much reflection, I have concluded that it is in my best interest to step away for personal reasons.
“Over the past two years and four months, I have had the profound honour of serving this esteemed organisation, and I am truly grateful for the opportunities I have received. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Board for your unwavering support and guidance throughout my tenure. I also wish to express my sincere gratitude to the President for the trust placed in me, which has been a significant aspect of my journey here,” part of his letter said as carried by citinewsroom.
Energy think tank, African Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), has put a spotlight on ECG specifically its management, accusing them of failing to live up to expectation.
Kodzo Yaotse, who is a Policy Lead for Petroleum and Conventional Energy at ACEP, demanded that the entire ECG management be relieved of their respective positions.
Mr Dubik Mahama was appointed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and assumed the role on May 16, 2022.
At the time of assuming office, ECG’s monthly revenue collection was around GH¢400 million.
However, with the introduction of PowerApp and digitisation of their revenue collection platforms, monthly collection has risen to in excess of GH¢800 million.
This, however, falls short of the required monthly revenue collection of over GH¢2 billion.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s technical regulator for electricity and natural gas, Energy Commission, has set June 2025 for a nationwide implementation of the Electrical Wiring Cables and Electrical Wiring Accessories Regulations, LI 2478.
LI 2478 was passed into law by Ghana’s Parliament during the fourth quarter of 2023, and it is expected to ensure that only quality and approved electrical wiring cables and accessories are used in both households and public buildings.
As part of the implementation processes, the Energy Commission was required to develop guidelines for LI 2478 for its smooth implementation.
On Friday, September 13, 2024, the Commission held a stakeholders engagement to give stakeholders an opportunity to make an input into the guidelines.
The attendees included members of Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Ghana Electrical Dealers Association, Ghana Standard Authority (GSA), Environmental Protection Agency and Ghana Revenue Authority.
Speaking to the press, Mr. Stephen Yomoh, who is the Project Co-ordinator, recalled that the Electrical Wiring Regulations, LI 2008 which was passed in 2011 had been implemented successfully; however, there was a big gap in that law because regulation 4 only talks about certified practitioners or electricians using materials that have been approved by GSA.
Mr. Stephen Yomoh, Project Co-ordinator at the Energy Commission
He said LI 2008 does not talk about the importation or the production of materials that have been approved by GSA and, therefore, there was a need to come up with another regulation that sought to regulate the importation of electrical wiring materials.
He highlighted the steps the Commission would be undertaking ahead of the full implementation of LI 2478.
He said from January 2025, the Commission would commence sensitisation and public awareness about electrical wiring cables and electrical accessories, register all importers and manufacturers, as well as issue conformance certificate or certificate of conformance.
He said this would be followed by the selection of few areas for piloting in March 2025.
“Following the passage of that law, a guideline had to be developed to establish the implementation process and that is why we have gathered here together with stakeholders for their inputs on how we are going to implement the enforcement of the Electrical Wiring Cables, Electrical Wiring Accessories Regulations, LI 2478,” he stated.
He said the Commission would deploy a testing van to markets where electrical cables are sold and conduct on-the-spot test to ascertain whether the cables and electrical accessories meet the standard.
Touching on the penalty that would be applied, he said unlike LI 2008, which only prescribed maximum penalty, LI 2478 prescribed both minimum and maximum penalty to those who flout the law.
He said if after testing of the products it proved to be substandard, they would be withdrawn from the market, re-exported or destroyed.
Awal Sakib Mohammed, President of Ghana Electrical Contractors Association (GECA), said his outfit fully supports the Commission in its effort to rid the market of substandard electrical wiring cables and accessories.
Mr. Awal Sakib Mohammed
Asked whether June 2025, which the Commission has set for a nationwide rollout was enough time, Mr Awal Mohammed said if there is a better time for electrical safety, then it is nothing better than now.
“If you’re on retirement and (God forbid) your building is razed down by fire…how are you going to sustain it?…So for us we are happy and we encourage everybody to support the implementation so that we can have safer electrical installations in Ghana,” he said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Equinor ASA has signed “all major contracts” to build a major natural gas development offshore Brazil that is expected to start production in 2028, Chief Executive Officer Anders Opedal said Monday.
The Norwegian oil major has secured suppliers to build a floating production vessel, drill production wells and install sea-bed infrastructure such as a pipeline, Opedal told reporters on the sidelines of an oil conference in Rio de Janeiro.
Valaris Ltd earlier this year won a $498 million contract to drill wells for the project, known as Raia. The project will cost an estimated $9 billion and could supply 15% of Brazilian gas demand when it comes online.
Raia is part of Brazil’s efforts to increase domestic gas supplies and bring down prices for industrial and residential consumers.
In addition to producing from offshore fields, Brazil is looking to import gas from the Vaca Muerta region in Argentina, and also wants oil producers including Petroleo Brasileiro SA to send more gas ashore instead of reinjecting it in offshore fields.
Equinor is developing another offshore oil project in Brazil known as Bacalhau. Opedal said it isn’t clear yet if it will be economically viable to build a pipeline and related infrastructure to ship gas to shore, and such an undertaking might need to be done in partnership with other producers to share costs. First oil at Bacalhau is on target for 2025.
Source: Worldoil.com
The Republic of Angola has announced the completion of the 7.19 megawatts photovoltaic solar plant which was under construction since 2022, in the municipality of Lucapa, Lunda Norte province.
The Southwestern African nation plans to commence electricity generation from the plant in October this year.
The energy project will ensure the supply of electricity, via the solar system, to more than 24,000 families in the district that is more than 100 kilometers from the city of Dundo.
The municipal administrator of Lucapa, Agostinho Paiva, who disclosed this stressed that the definitive load tests are currently underway for the start of operation of the project with 12,900 solar panels.
He said that the project started in 2022 is practically completed and also covers the expansion of the distribution network, 1,700 household connections and public lighting.
He informed that the installation of the ten Transformer Poles (PT) foreseen in the project, 22 kilometers of the low voltage line, 600 poles, with the respective connections, are also completed, with only the placement of luminaires in some missing.
The plant installed in an area of 13.52 hectares, is valued at 19,706,428 euros, 80 percent of which is financed by Sweden and 20% by South Africa.
Currently, electricity in the municipality of Lucapa is produced through generator sets, from private individuals, which charge 40 to 60 thousand kwanzas per month, the consumption of the product.
Angola is being a pioneer in the field of renewable energy installation, with seven projects in the provinces of Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Moxico, Benguela, Bié and Huambo.
The authorities expect solar energy to benefit about 1.2 million families across the country, with a view to promoting access to clean and cheap electricity.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa’s state-owned power utility has asked the electricity regulator, NERSA, for permission to raise prices by 36% in its 2026 financial year, far exceeding inflation in the continent’s most industrialised economy.
In its submission, Eskom told the National Energy Regulator of SA that it sought the hike because prior increases had been “inadequate” for its financial needs. The nation’s annual inflation rate for August was 4.4%.
South Africa has grappled with rising electricity costs that have roughly tripled over the past 14 years.
The cash-strapped utility, which amassed R400 billion in debt, has benefited from multiple bailouts from the National Treasury to keep its power plants running.
Conditions of that support mean that the loss-making company can’t take on additional loans.
The company, which is responsible for most of South Africa’s power provision, has for years struggled to provide consistent electricity supply, crippling businesses and economic growth.
While the country has now gone for more than 177 days without power cuts, record blackouts last year prompted many rich households and businesses to spend thousands of Rands each on clean-energy solutions.
Eskom has made its revenue application based on the costs it will incur to efficiently provide electricity to the customer.
It is a critical component in ensuring Eskom continues to provide reliable electricity services while improving its financial sustainability.
The utility has applied for an 11.8% increase in fiscal 2027 and 9.1% in 2028.
Eskom said, “Although government’s debt support assists with liquidity requirements, it does not adequately enhance our long-term financial sustainability.”
The government, through the minister of finance, has stressed that Eskom needs to migrate towards cost-reflective tariffs that will make it sustainable.
The government has also said that it will not continue providing support beyond its current guarantee, leaving the power utility to apply for the above-inflation tariff increases.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
