A nationalized firm in Germany, which was formerly associated with multinational energy corporation Gazprom, is to cease cooperation with Russia in the sphere of gas procurement, according to a statement from Philip Steinberg, an official from the German Ministry of Economic Stabilization and Energy Security.
It is reported that the company Securing Energy for Europe GmbH, known as SEFE, has an outdated contract it is trying to get rid of through various means.
“This is something that needs to be terminated asap,” Steinberg wrote.
He also notes that the German government has to deal with “certain facts.”
Background
Germany nationalized the company during the height of the energy crisis in Europe last year.
Last week, it was reported that Securing Energy for Europe GmbH planned to ship LNG produced at the Yamal plant in Siberia early next month.
Critics argued that this contradicts Germany’s promise to avoid using Russian LNG after the start of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
“This contradicts pretty much everything the German government has said on the subject in the past,” said Christian Leye, a member of the opposition Left Party.
Gas supply from Russia to Europe
The EU has stated that it could survive the winter without Russian gas if Moscow were to stop its supply.
The spokesperson for the U.S. House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, has stated America’s intention to replace Russia in the European gas market.
Spain has been increasingly relying on Russian natural gas, with its deliveries in July increasing by 65% compared to the previous year.
Recently, Deputy Head of the European Commission Maroš Šefčovič stated that a complete cessation of Russian gas supplies was nearly an impossible task for EU countries at that moment.
Source: Daria Shekina
Police in South Africa have put a truck driver and two weighbridge clerks before the Middelburg Magistrate Court for allegedly stealing coal.
The suspects were arrested on Thursday and held at the Blinkpan Police Station where they were charged with the alleged theft.
Each of them was subsequently granted R2000 bail, a statement issued by Eskom, South Africa’s power utility, on Friday, September 22, 2023, said.
Coal theft has been an ongoing headache for Eskom, with nine arrests having taken place at Kusile earlier this month.
The power utility has previously said it suspects “highly organised” syndicates to be at work.
Authorities were acting on a tip-off received late in August about a truck that had been loaded with 34,900kg of coal at New Clydesdale Colliery and was destined for delivery at the Majuba power station.
It diverted from its route to an illegal coal yard next to the R35 Middelburg Bethal Road, where the driver allegedly offloaded the coal.
A team consisting of members of the Middelburg Organised Crime Unit and Eskom Security investigated, Eskom said.
“The truck which was located close to the coal yard was suspected of having received the stolen coal,” Eskom said.
The driver told the investigation team that he had delivered the coal to Majuba and produced a weighbridge ticket purported to confirm the delivery.
However, investigators established that the truck had never entered Majuba and that the weighbridge ticket was fraudulent, Eskom said.
The accused are set to appear in court on 6 October and more arrests are expected as investigations continue, Eskom said.
“Arrests like these demonstrate Eskom’s resolve to work together with the law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to book,” said Botse Sikhwitshi, acting General Manager for security at Eskom.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana National Gas Company (Ghana Gas) has cut sod for the construction of a 200-bed hospital at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani.
The project will be completed in two phases, with the first phase providing 80 beds and relocating the existing UENR Clinic.
The facility will include specialised units like a dentist block, eye clinic, pediatric ward, pharmacy and laboratory.
The medical facility is intended to address the healthcare needs of not only students and staff but also serve the community.
Speaking at the sod cutting ceremony, Prof Nsiah Gyabaah, Chair of the University Council, commended Ghana Gas for their initiative, highlighting that it is a transformation of a long-held dream into reality.
He stressed the significance of accessible healthcare services.
Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Elvis Asare-Bediako, highlighted his vision for the hospital to be a centre for cutting-edge medical research, a teaching ground for future healthcare professionals, and a beacon of quality healthcare for students, faculty, staff, as well as the community.
Prof Asare-Bediako also emphasised that the hospital’s construction signifies the university’s unwavering commitment to the comprehensive development of its community.
Mr. Anyimah Edomgbole, Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Relations at Ghana Gas, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to providing high-quality healthcare and other essential social services.
The ceremony was attended by various stakeholders, including representatives from the Ghana Health Service, UENR and representatives from the community.
Ghana’s national oil company, GNPC, is seeking parliamentary approval to acquire a loan facility to the tune of $620 million to refinance existing Litasco SA loan facilities and Bank Guarantees.
This is contained in GNPC’s 2023 work plan which was submitted to Parliament and referred to Parliamentary Select Committee on Mines and Energy for deliberation.
Officials of GNPC, who appeared before the Parliamentary Select Committee, according to the Committee’s report sighted by energynewsafrica.com, indicated that GNPC is seeking the loan acquisition as a result of the withdrawal of the lead bank of LITASCO SA and issuer.
In another document by Lukoil which provides details of the terms of the LITASCO SA loan, it is revealed that part of the loan will also be used to settle the debt owed by the Government of Ghana (GOG) to Karpowership Ghana Limited and also extend their contract.
According to the document, US$155 million would be used to refinance LITASCO’s debt, US$150 million would be used to settle the debt owed by the Government of Ghana (GOG) to Karpower while US$126.50 million to renew the Karpower bank guarantees.
Interestingly, this has received criticism from the Minority in Parliament with Ranking Member on the Mines and Energy Committee, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor accusing President Akufo-Addo of a purported directive to GNPC to secure the loan without parliamentary approval to borrow $431.5 million from Lukoil International Trading and Supply Company (LITASCO SA).
According to him, the purported directive by the President is an attempt to violate the laws of Ghana.
He recalled that before Parliament went on recess, the Committee on Mines and Energy directed GNPC to submit the full terms of the loan agreement for consideration and approval in line with Article 181 of the 1992 Constitution.
He claimed President Akufo-Addo unfortunately directed GNPC to avoid Parliamentary scrutiny of the agreement.
He said by this action, the President is effectively committing Ghana to yet another loan but this time, using oil from the TEN fields as collateral for over five years.
“This loan is being contracted at an interest rate of SOFR 1 Month+ Margin, and a structured fee of 2.5% flat rate.
“Also worth noting is the fact that this shady arrangement is being routed through the tainted and controversial SPV called Jubilee Oil Holdings Limited (JOHL), from which the government intends to rely as a source of repayment instead of relying on proceeds from the Government of Ghana,” he said.
Apart from the clear breach of the laws of Ghana regarding approval of such loan agreements, Jinapor said the whole arrangement would further hinder GNPC’s ability to obtain the needed funds to focus on its core mandate such as continuing the reconnaissance works on the Voltain Basin Project and fulfilling its cash call obligations.
The other challenge is that this agreement affects all participating interests held directly or indirectly by the Government of Ghana (GOG), including royalty entitlements.
The arrangement requires GOG to substitute cargoes from other interests held by Ghana should production volumes from the TEN fields prove insufficient to meet the minimum quantity.
“This is a worrying development that Ghanaians must rise and speak against. The country belongs to all of us and the laws of this country must be respected by all including the President,” he concluded.
However, in a swift rebuttal, the Ministry of Energy, in a statement on Friday, September 22, 2023, said the move by the Minority is only a calculated attempt to sully the reputation of the government including the President and other government officials for political reasons.
The Ministry indicated that the said agreement has now gone through various processes and is yet to be sent to Parliament when the House reconvenes in mid-October.
“It is important to state that this particular facility the Minority mischievously alludes to is being re-financed for the sixth time. In the 2023 Work Programme of the GNPC, the Corporation indicated clearly their intentions to raise $620 million from the LITASCO facility to finance their work programme and proceeded to obtain the necessary parliamentary approval, including the refinancing of the loan. Now, GNPC settled on the terms and conditions of this facility with LITASCO just last week Thursday, September 14, 2023, duly obtaining its Board’s approval.
“The record will show that on the same day, the document was sent to the Ministry of Energy for a ‘no objection’. After the Ministry of Energy expressed its objection, it then forwarded the document to the Ministry of Finance for its ‘no objection’ and approval, in line with the dictates of the Public Financial Management Act (PFMA). MOF’s approval was given on Friday, September 15, 2023.”
The Ministry bemoaned why the ranking Member and the Minority group, given their expected knowledge of these procedural requirements, would allege wrongdoing on the part of government actors.
“The only possible reason one can latch unto for the Minority’s action is to cause disaffection for the government for possible electoral gains, given the proximity to the electioneering campaign season,” it said.
The Ministry said the general public should ignore and treat with contempt the claims by the Minority, describing them as inaccurate.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Chief Finance Officer of PETROSOL Ghana Ltd., Lawrencia Himans, received the prestigious “Exemplary Leadership Award” at the recently held Women in Mining and Energy Awards (WIMEA) at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Acca, capital of Ghana.
This recognition underscores Lawrencia’s long years of senior leadership experience, invaluable contribution to the energy sector and professional standards as a chartered accountant.
After receiving the award, she expressed her joy at the recognition, dedicating it to all women who work hard to drive growth in their respective organisations.
She also dedicated it to all the fraternity of women at PETROSOL and to her core team within the company’s Finance and Planning Department.
She also expressed appreciation to her colleagues in the senior leadership team for their immense support as well as the directors for providing congenial environment for female staff.
She added that, such recognitions go a long way to inspire women to break barriers and build bridges.
Driven by a passion for excellence and integrity, Lawrencia Himans is an accomplished chartered accountant with considerable experience in the energy sector.
Having worked previously with KPMG and Private Enterprise Federation, Lawrencia joined So Energy Limited (a subsidiary of Sahara Energy Resources Limited) as Senior Accountant in 2006.
Among other things, she provided financial leadership by developing accounting systems and internal controls that ensured the integrity of financial information.
From 2009 to 2010, in her capacity as Financial Controller of UBI Petroleum (now PUMA Energy), Lawrencia used her considerable skills in financial management, corporate accounting and financial reporting to transform the accounting function of the company.
In 2011, Lawrencia was hired as the Head of Finance for Springfield Energy, a Bulk Oil Distribution Company (BDC) then.
She played this role for seven (7) years, eventually becoming a member of the Board of Directors.
She was instrumental in raising US$160 million in documentary lines of credit to support the company’s trading activities.
After serving briefly as the Head of Treasury of AirtelTigo, Lawrencia joined PETROSOL Ghana Limited as Head of Finance and Planning in 2019.
For the past four years, she has contributed to the sustainable growth and long-term viability of the company through the proper management and efficient allocation of resources.
In April of 2023, the Board of Directors promoted her to Chief Finance Officer, in recognition of her exceptional leadership skills, commercial acumen, industry insight and consistent performance.
She holds an MBA in Finance from Wuhan University of Technology (China), a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from the University of Ghana, Legon and is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa’s power utility company Eskom on Friday said it will be suspending loadshedding over the long weekend.
This is due to the sustained improved performance of generation availability as well as the anticipated lower demand over the long weekend.
It said Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented at 16:00 this afternoon until 05:00 on Saturday.
Thereafter, loadshedding will be suspended over the long weekend and will resume at Stage 1 from 05:00 on Tuesday.
“During the long weekend, Eskom will address minor defects on some generating units by performing planned maintenance. Eskom will closely monitor the power system and communicate any changes to loadshedding should it be required,” the company said in a statement.
Breakdowns are currently at 14 364MW of generating capacity while the capacity out of service for planned maintenance is 5 731MW.
Over the past 24 hours, a generating unit each at Arnot and Kendal power stations was taken offline for repairs.
The anticipated return to service of a generating unit at Kendal Power Station has been delayed, further contributing to the current capacity constraints.
Eskom said their teams are working tirelessly to return these generating units to service.
Eskom’s load forecast for the evening peak demand is 27 406MW. We appeal to the members of the public to continue reducing demand by switching off non-essential appliances.
“We would like to thank those who do heed the call to use electricity sparingly and efficiently, including switching off geysers and pool pumps from 17:00 to 21:00, as this lowers demand and helps in alleviating the pressure on the power system and contributes to lower stages of loadshedding,”Eskom concluded.
Source: httsp://energynewsafrica.com
The Volta River Authority (VRA), managers of Akosombo and Kpong hydroelectric dams has indicated that it is increasing the spilling of Akosombo and Kpong hydroelectric dams as a result of continuous rise in the water level at the upstream of Akosombo Dam.
In a statement issued by the Corporate Affairs and External Relations Unit, to update Ghanaians on the ongoing spillage, VRA said it is collaborating with all the relevant stakeholders to educate and inform the downstream communities to minimise any potential impact.
“The Authority will continue to monitor the situation and provide regular updates to the general public, accordingly,” VRA said.
Source: httsp://energynewsafrica.com
A gas explosion at the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua in the Republic of Ghana has led to the death of a security personnel at the hospital.
According to report, the incident occurred on Thursday evening at the Oxygen Unit of the hospital.
It is unclear what caused the oxygen cylinder to explode, but two other health workers who were in the building at the time of the explosion escaped unhurt.
The deceased who sustained head injuries was immediately rushed to the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital where he was placed on a ventilator but passed on shortly.
Meanwhile, the management of the hospital who have informed the family of the deceased about the unfortunate incident said they are cooperating with the police who have started with the investigations.
Source: httsp://energynewsafrica.com
Seplat Energy PLC, a leading Nigerian independent energy company listed on both the Nigerian Exchange and the London Stock Exchange, will be leading discussions around energy transition, energy security and gas development in Africa at the 2023 edition of the Africa Oil Week (AOW) at Cape Town, South Africa.
Mr. Roger Brown, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, has confirmed to deliver a Keynote Address dubbed ‘How Seplat is Driving Sustainability Through Energy Transition and Security in Nigeria’.
Mr. Brown is also billed to speak on a panel session titled ‘Monetising Africa’s Gas in the Next Seven to Ten Years’.
The event organised by Hyve Events, will be focusing on ‘Maximising Africa’s Natural Resources in the Global Energy Transition’.
The 2023 AOW, which will bring together stakeholders in the global energy industry, aims to chart the path for sustainable development, in the quest to combat climate change and build a sustainable future for the planet, the global energy landscape is undergoing a profound transformation.
The shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources in response to the challenges of climate change and resource depletion is however uneven in its adoption.
There are profound and fundamental differences between the capacity of the global north and that of the global south to effect a just energy transition that protects the economic stability and food security of its people.
The African continent which holds massive reserves of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas, also has abundant renewable energy resources including solar, wind, hydro and geothermal energy. The continent needs to leverage these resources to contribute to the decarbonisation of the planet at the same time as increasing energy security for itself.
In Africa, economic growth and development is inextricably connected to access to a reliable and affordable energy supply. Most of the world’s 800 million people who do not have that luxury live in the African continent. The just energy transition and provision of energy security in Africa cannot be determined by environmental objectives alone.
Energy poverty perpetuates economic poverty and the Paris Accord goals need to be balanced against Africa’s own ability to ensure energy security leads to economic prosperity.
Increased access to traditional forms of energy derived from fossil fuels will necessarily generate more greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and this is naturally a concern for African countries who want to contribute to decarbonisation.
But solutions to the imperative to scale up access to safer and more sustainable energy need to be politically expedient and transparent, economically viable, to include social goals including ending energy poverty and social marginalisation and to be sustainable.
As we prepare for a lower carbon world, we must balance those imperatives with climate resilient systems on a continent that is susceptible to adverse weather conditions such as floods and droughts that threaten food security.
Benefits of the transition
The benefits for Africa of making a transition from fossil fuels to green energy sources are multiple. Although many countries in Africa mine rich fossil fuel reserves, many others rely on imported fuel.
This leaves them vulnerable to supply chain disruptions (for example due to port closures during the Covid-19 pandemic) as well as currency volatility.
Localisation of energy supply and production is an opportunity to reduce the continent’s reliance on external and unpredictable sources.
Renewable energy sources including wind and sun are not as susceptible to fluctuating weather patterns as other supplies and are relatively constant. Transitioning to these alternative energy sources ultimately makes the continent more resilient to climate change.
Renewables can also feed into independent power grids. This means that communities in remote and rural areas can more easily have access to a reliable energy source which takes the pressure off existing national infrastructure.
The development of alternative energy sources is also a driver of job creation and additional economic activity. Improved socio-economic conditions and stability can also contribute to energy security by reducing social disparities.
Energy transition not without its challenges
There are many considerations for African countries when making the transition to renewable energy. One of these includes communities’ reliance on mining extraction and exploration operations for their livelihoods. Seplat is already assisting those communities in which it is present to prepare for a time when the company is no longer there. With new technologies comes the need for new expertise and so skills training and transfer can assist when the end of fossil fuel extraction leads to job losses.
The costs of establishing infrastructure to support power generation of renewables is high.
It is essential that African governments seeking to make the transition find innovative funding models and work in public private partnerships to drive appropriate investment.
As Africa grapples with energy security and the eventual transition from fossil fuels to lower carbon alternatives, new regulatory and legislative frameworks need to be put in place to promote that investment and to create a conducive environment for energy transition.
Balancing priorities
Striking a balance between energy security, poverty reduction and economic growth when effecting the energy transition is a complex process. Each country has its own development goals and a ‘one size fits all’ solution does not apply.
Energy transition holds immense potential for Africa to contribute to global decarbonisation goals, to mitigate the impact of climate change on the continent, and to improve energy security for its people. It offers opportunities for job creation, skills transfer and economic growth and development.
Multi stakeholder collaboration between governments and the private sector will be pivotal in the supporting African nations in their move to greater self-reliance and a greener and more sustainable future. At Seplat Energy, the role of leaving a positive legacy for future generations is taken very seriously. The company is committed to its environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals, with an emphasis on social considerations. When scaling sustainability solutions, affordability and accessibility remain reference points.
Africa Oil Week (AOW) is the premium and most established forum for stimulating deals and transactions in the African upstream. For 29 years, it has united decision-makers across the entire oil and gas value chain to facilitate new business and joint-venture and policy discussion to enable the betterment of the continent.Source: Africa Oil Week
Oil prices rebounded from $1 down to $1 up in trading on Thursday, after a Russian ban on fuel exports snapped focus away from Western economic headwinds and back to throttled crude supply to the end of 2023.
Brent futures for November delivery were up $1.02, or 1.09%, to $94.55 a barrel by 1348 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) climbed $1.27, or 1.42%, to $90.93 after falling to their lowest price since Sept. 14 earlier in the session. Both benchmarks had fallen more than $1 earlier on Thursday.
Russia temporarily banned exports of gasoline and diesel to all countries outside a circle of four ex-Soviet states with immediate effect in order to stabilise the domestic fuel market, the government said on Thursday.
The shortfall will mean that Russia’s fuel buyers will have to shop elsewhere, prompting refiners to process more of a dwindling crude supply to meet that demand, said Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM.
“The Russian news came out and tension from the longer-term outlook immediately shifted back to supply,” said Vargas, referencing the U.S. Federal Reserve’s hawkish signals.
The Fed on Wednesday maintained interest rates, but stiffened its hawkish stance, projecting a quarter-percentage-point increase to 5.50-5.75% by year-end.
That may dampen economic growth and overall fuel demand, and led to the U.S. dollar surging to its highest since early March, making oil and other commodities more expensive for buyers using other currencies.
Central banks’ moves elsewhere also signalled potential pressure on oil prices. The Bank of England mirrored the Fed and held interest rates on Thursday after a long run of hikes, but said it was not taking a recent fall in inflation for granted.
Meanwhile, Norway’s central bank raised its benchmark interest rate on Thursday and, in a surprise move, said it would probably hike again in December.
Earlier price falls were limited by continuous concern on tight supply globally entering the fourth quarter, with crude stocks at Cushing – the WTI delivery hub – at their lowest since July 2022 and production cuts continuing by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies.
Source: Reuters
Nigeria’s new Minister for Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has promised to increase the West African nation’s power generation capacity to, at least, 20,000 megawatts (MW) from about 12,522MW, within the next three years.
To realise this vision, Adelabu said he would implement the 2023 Electricity Act which set out initiatives for the power and also prioritised universal metering to close over eight million metering gaps.
Addressing a gathering of power sector players, academia, policymakers and the business community on Day 1 at Nigeria Energy 2023 in Lagos, on Tuesday, he said he would use the limited time in the Power Ministry to make a lasting impact in the sector before leaving.
“In an attempt to set targets for the power sector, we also need to set short-term targets and ensure that between now and the next three years, we can diagnose the issues to a large extent and make a significant impact.
“I found out that the solutions in the power sector are not as difficult as we all believe. I will hasten the pace of fact-gathering and leverage the views and experience of stakeholders to understand the sector and build workable solutions that will transform the power sector in Nigeria,” he said.
He noted that energy is the lifeblood of any modern economy, and Nigeria is no exception.
He stated that no meaningful economic growth or industrial development can be achieved without power.
“Sustainable Energy is fundamental to fueling our industries, power our homes, drives economic growth and it is the cornerstone upon which the progress and prosperity of nations are built.
“Nigeria, with its abundant natural resources, growing population and expanding economy, stands on a pivotal stage in its energy journey because the demand for accessible, reliable and sustainable energy has never been greater than we have now,” he said.
The Power Minister promised to balance energy developments that drives socio-economic transformation, adding that the Power Ministry is focused on ensuring that energy development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
“We are committed to identifying the challenges and seeing the inert opportunities in the energy sector in Nigeria. We seek collaborations to implement concrete action plans that will lead us toward a brighter and more sustainable energy future.
“I am confident that the narrative in the power sector, which is confronted with several challenges, will change shortly.
“Nigeria’s power sector was privatised a decade ago to establish the competitive markets intended to improve management and efficiency, attract private investments, increase generation, and provide a reliable and cost-efficient power supply to Nigeria. Although some progress has been made across the power sector value chain, there is still a huge gap, especially in the delivery of adequate and stable power supply to consumers nationwide.
“The truth of the matter is all these programs that we say we are best at, they remain, an effort is an energy that is reliable and affordable, but cannot reach the end consumers and households, small businesses, institutions, and industries.”
The Minister reiterated the need for Nigeria to invest in technology to address the over eight-million-metering gap and ensure accurate billing for electricity consumption.
He said, ” We need to come up with technology to ensure that power connections are monitored, and DisCos can improve their collection to 90 per cent of distributed power monthly.
“We need to ramp up our investments in collection technology to close the metering gap as much as possible.
“All households, companies, government institutions, and industries in Nigeria must be properly metered so that everybody accounts for the power they consume and then pays for the utilization,” he told the gathering.
Adelabu said the recently passed Nigerian Electricity Act of 2023, would play a fundamental role in transforming the power sector by unlocking the potential of the energy mix and promoting the integration of renewable energy technologies into the existing grid system.
According to him, the new Act aims to create an environment that supports sustainable growth and investment in the power industry by focusing on accelerated private investment and the promotion of renewable energy sources.
He said, “These challenges also lie in incredible opportunities such as annexing power from renewable energy sources for example, solar, hydro, wind, etc. which will not only reduce our carbon footprints in terms of the nation but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
“As a game changer that reformed the NESI, the Electricity Act will undoubtedly engender increased access to electricity and regulatory oversight, clean energy transition, improved service delivery, and infrastructural developments.
“In particular, the act will stimulate economic growth by creating a conducive environment for investment and competition. It will generate job opportunities, encourage entrepreneurship, and attract foreign direct investments,” Adelabu said.
The Minister for Power called on players in the power sector to intensify their efforts towards improving communication with the general public, emphasizing that the Nigerian masses have a lot of roles to play in safeguarding power infrastructure.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Power distribution companies (Discos) in the Federal Republic of Nigeria have been ordered by the regulator, NERC, to reimburse customers who paid for the acquisition of meters under the meter assets provider (MAP) framework.
The order for the reimbursement was contained in a document issued in March 2023 and sighted by energynewsafrica.com.
Per the document, the Discos were to commence disbursement to their customers effective April 1, 2023.
NERC said the 2021 MAP and national mass metering regulations provide for the reimbursement of the cost of meters procured by customers under the MAP framework.
“Section 8 (f) of the Regulations provides that distribution licensees are obligated to reimburse customers who pay for meters under the MAP framework through equal installments of energy credits, at the time of vending, with the cost of the meter amortised over a maximum period of 36 months,” the document says.
“Section 24 (1) (b) of the regulations provides that where a customer elects to make upfront payments for meters under these regulations, the cost of the meter shall be refunded through energy credits by the distribution licensee.
“The reimbursement schedule shall be as approved by the commission, having regard to an evaluation of the financial standing of the distribution licensee.
“This provision also applies to upfront payments made by customers upon commencement of the MAP framework in 2018.”
According to NERC, it evaluated the financial standing of the DisCos, which led to a review of the 36-month reimbursement period that was in place.
The regulator said the order also mandates that all meters installed under the MAP framework should be included in the regulatory asset base (RAB) of the DisCos by the commission at the next major or extraordinary tariff review.
NERC stated that the cost of a prepaid meter paid by a customer under MAP shall be amortised over 120 equal instalments and reimbursed through energy credits computed based on the prevailing tariff at the time of vending.
“Where a customer does not vend in a given month or months, the DisCo shall, at the point of the next vending, refund the accumulated energy credits due to the customer for the period not ended,” the document further reads.
“Where a post-paid customer purchases a meter, reimbursement by the DisCo shall be in the form of a rebate on the customers’ monthly invoice to reflect the fixed monthly reimbursement computed on the cost of the meter spread over 120 months.
“All DisCos shall ensure that the refund of the cost of a MAP meter appears as a distinct line item on the vending receipt of prepaid customers and monthly bill of the post-paid customers. The line item should indicate the energy cost, the corresponding energy value being refunded and the outstanding balance of the cost of the meter.
“All DisCos shall file monthly reports with the Commission containing a breakdown of the total monetary value of refund to customers through energy credit by the Commission’s prescribed template.”
In 2018, the NERC introduced the MAP regulation to new investors in the power sector to fast-track the rollout of meters through the engagement of third-party investors and end the estimated billing regime.
Also in 2019, the commission issued permits to asset providers to begin the rollout of new prepaid meters by May 1, approving 26 contractors under the programme as of December 31 of that year.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The General Manager of Corporate Affairs at the West African Pipeline Company (WAPCo), Dr Isaac Adjei Doku, has assured its customers that the company will not do anything deliberately to jeopardise any of the countries it transports gas to.
Dr. Doku gave the assurance during a training programme for some selected journalists in Accra, the capital of Ghana.
The programme sought to educate the Ghanaian media on the role WAPCo plays in the power sector of four West African nations namely; Nigeria, Benin, Togo and Ghana.
WAPCo is a midstream gas transportation company with over 670 kilometres of pipeline infrastructure from Nigeria through Benin, Togo and Ghana.
There have been times when the media have erroneously described WAPCo as a gas processing company instead of a gas transportation company and Dr Doku used the training programme to clarify the role of WAPCo.
He said in Ghana, WAPCo has signed a contract with Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and transports gas on their behalf to power generation companies in the Western and Eastern enclave.
Dr Isaac Doku in a group picture with some journalists who attended the training programme at the company’s head office in Accra.
WAPCo transports natural gas to customers in Nigeria, Benin, Togo and Ghana.
It operates the Takoradi Regulating and Metering Station in the western enclave and the Tema Regulating and Metering Station in the eastern enclave.
In 2019, WAPCo began reverse flow transportation of gas from the Western Region to Tema, following the successful completion of the Takoradi phase of the Takoradi to Tema Interconnection Project.
According to Dr Doku, WAPCo transports about 47 per cent of gas used in power generation in Ghana.
He told the media that the company transports more gas for Ghana than it does for Togo and Benin.
Recently, WAPCo suspended gas transportation in Ghana over US$13 million in debt.
The company resumed gas transportation after GNPC and ECG paid US$6 million.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana National Gas Company has dismissed media reports suggesting that some of its board members had been engaging in deals which had become a source of worry to some staff.
The Herald Newspaper in the Republic of Ghana claimed in a report on Monday, September 18, 2023, that there were reports about procurement deals among other challenges with claims that a future government would have to thoroughly investigate.
However, reacting to the report, Ghana Gas, in a statement issued by the Head of Corporate Communications, Ernest Kofi Owusu-Bempah Bonsu described the report as completely false, malicious and unfounded.
“Indeed, there is no scintilla of evidence to back the Herald story,” he said.
He stated that the reportage passed for irresponsible media aggression and certainly not journalism.
“There has never been any rot associated with our operations here at Ghana Gas, and we find it very unusual for a journalistic outlet to throw away the cardinal journalistic standard of fairness and the responsibility, to tell the truth as it engages in news reporting.
“We demand a retraction of the story and a formal apology to repair the damage caused to our organisation.
“Ghana Gas remains committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in all our operations,” he concluded.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The African continent which holds massive reserves of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas, also has abundant renewable energy resources including solar, wind, hydro and geothermal energy. The continent needs to leverage these resources to contribute to the decarbonisation of the planet at the same time as increasing energy security for itself.
In Africa, economic growth and development is inextricably connected to access to a reliable and affordable energy supply. Most of the world’s 800 million people who do not have that luxury live in the African continent. The just energy transition and provision of energy security in Africa cannot be determined by environmental objectives alone.
Energy poverty perpetuates economic poverty and the Paris Accord goals need to be balanced against Africa’s own ability to ensure energy security leads to economic prosperity.
Increased access to traditional forms of energy derived from fossil fuels will necessarily generate more greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and this is naturally a concern for African countries who want to contribute to decarbonisation.
But solutions to the imperative to scale up access to safer and more sustainable energy need to be politically expedient and transparent, economically viable, to include social goals including ending energy poverty and social marginalisation and to be sustainable.
As we prepare for a lower carbon world, we must balance those imperatives with climate resilient systems on a continent that is susceptible to adverse weather conditions such as floods and droughts that threaten food security.
Benefits of the transition
The benefits for Africa of making a transition from fossil fuels to green energy sources are multiple. Although many countries in Africa mine rich fossil fuel reserves, many others rely on imported fuel.
This leaves them vulnerable to supply chain disruptions (for example due to port closures during the Covid-19 pandemic) as well as currency volatility.
Localisation of energy supply and production is an opportunity to reduce the continent’s reliance on external and unpredictable sources.
Renewable energy sources including wind and sun are not as susceptible to fluctuating weather patterns as other supplies and are relatively constant. Transitioning to these alternative energy sources ultimately makes the continent more resilient to climate change.
Renewables can also feed into independent power grids. This means that communities in remote and rural areas can more easily have access to a reliable energy source which takes the pressure off existing national infrastructure.
The development of alternative energy sources is also a driver of job creation and additional economic activity. Improved socio-economic conditions and stability can also contribute to energy security by reducing social disparities.
Energy transition not without its challenges
There are many considerations for African countries when making the transition to renewable energy. One of these includes communities’ reliance on mining extraction and exploration operations for their livelihoods. Seplat is already assisting those communities in which it is present to prepare for a time when the company is no longer there. With new technologies comes the need for new expertise and so skills training and transfer can assist when the end of fossil fuel extraction leads to job losses.
The costs of establishing infrastructure to support power generation of renewables is high.
It is essential that African governments seeking to make the transition find innovative funding models and work in public private partnerships to drive appropriate investment.
As Africa grapples with energy security and the eventual transition from fossil fuels to lower carbon alternatives, new regulatory and legislative frameworks need to be put in place to promote that investment and to create a conducive environment for energy transition.
Balancing priorities
Striking a balance between energy security, poverty reduction and economic growth when effecting the energy transition is a complex process. Each country has its own development goals and a ‘one size fits all’ solution does not apply.
Energy transition holds immense potential for Africa to contribute to global decarbonisation goals, to mitigate the impact of climate change on the continent, and to improve energy security for its people. It offers opportunities for job creation, skills transfer and economic growth and development.
Multi stakeholder collaboration between governments and the private sector will be pivotal in the supporting African nations in their move to greater self-reliance and a greener and more sustainable future. At Seplat Energy, the role of leaving a positive legacy for future generations is taken very seriously. The company is committed to its environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals, with an emphasis on social considerations. When scaling sustainability solutions, affordability and accessibility remain reference points.
Africa Oil Week (AOW) is the premium and most established forum for stimulating deals and transactions in the African upstream.
For 29 years, it has united decision-makers across the entire oil and gas value chain to facilitate new business and joint-venture and policy discussion to enable the betterment of the continent.
Source: Africa Oil Week 
