Nigeria: Association Advises Dangote, Refiners to Sell In Naria
Nigeria’s Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association (NOGASA), has advised the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals and other modular refineries in the country to sell refined products to oil marketers in Naira.
The association said that “this is imperative as the refiners will also be getting the crude in Naira”.
Its National President Benneth Korie made this appeal while briefing newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.
President Bola Tinubu recently directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL) to sell crude oil to Dangote and other modular refineries in the country’s currency.
“I also want to express our support for the president’s directive to sell crude oil in naira.
“We hope that our refineries will reciprocate by selling refined products in naira, thus stabilising the market”, he said.
Korie said that to ensure a balanced distribution, the Dangote’s refined products should be made available to a broader range of stakeholders.
He listed the stakeholders as the NNPC Trading, NNPC Retail, Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).
He included others as the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) and NOGASA.
This inclusivity, according to him, would facilitate sustainable and widespread distribution across the country.
He urged the Federal Government to expedite the commencement of the Port Harcourt Refinery slated for September to alleviate the current shortages and ensure that the products were distributed among the same stakeholders.
He called for the reduction in the price of Automotive Gas Oil – diesel – to lower transportation costs and reduce the price of petroleum products.
“With Dangote’s refinery production and crude oil transactions in naira, we expect a reduction in diesel price.
“NNPC Ltd. should leverage its shares in Dangote’s refinery to drive down these costs, which will lower transportation expenses and reduce market prices”, he said.
On issue of smuggling, he said, there was the need to redesign distribution channels to prevent illegal exportation of petroleum products.
Korie, while explaining that “road constitutes 45 per cent of the delay in the delivery of the petroleum products”, urged the government to improve transportation network.
He advised the government to expand and revamp railways for bulk cargo to enhance logistics.
He also urged the federal, states and local governments to discourage the multiple taxation on the nation’s highways.
On inflation, he urged the government at all levels to prioritise agriculture by making farming more attractive, profitable.
According to him, this can be done by subsidising agricultural inputs and equipment to address public apprehension over rising costs.
“Extension workers should also be deployed to educate farmers on modern techniques such as irrigation and fumigation,” he said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Eskom Invites Bids For 30 MWp Solar PV Plant At Komati Power Station
Eskom Holdings SOC Limited has announced the initial selection process for the design, supply, installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of a Solar PV plant with a capacity of up to 30 MWp at the Komati Power Station.
This initiative is part of the Eskom Just Energy Transition Project (EJETP), which aims to promote sustainable energy solutions and reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels.
The project, supported by financing from the World Bank marks a significant step towards South Africa’s transition to cleaner energy.
The Solar PV plant will be constructed on a turnkey basis, ensuring a seamless integration of design, procurement, and construction processes.
The proposed contract is expected to last for three years, during which the successful contractor will be responsible for the complete lifecycle of the solar plant, including its design, installation, and ongoing operation and maintenance.
Eskom has outlined a comprehensive plan to ensure that the project adheres to international best practices and is in line with the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, Fifth Edition, and September 2023.
The initial selection of applicants will be conducted according to the procedures specified in the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations.
Interested and eligible applicants are encouraged to participate in this process by downloading the Initial Selection Document (ISD) from the Eskom tender bulletin, the National Treasury e-tender portal, the CIDB website, UNDB online, and the World Bank website.
Applications must be submitted by 10:00 AM South African Standard Time (SAST) on October 29, 2024.
Late applications will not be considered. Prospective bidders are invited to submit their applications to Eskom Holdings SOC Limited, Attn: Hellen Lebjane, Senior Advisor Procurement, at the provided address in Sandton, South Africa.
The announcement of this project is a key component of Eskom’s broader strategy to transition to renewable energy sources.
With an anticipated Request for Proposals (RFP) set to be issued in December 2024, this project is expected to contribute significantly to South Africa’s energy sector, aligning with the country’s goals for sustainable development and reducing carbon emissions.
Source: SolarQuater.com
South Africa: Eskom Hopeful That Power Will Be Restored In NMB By Sunday
Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says work is under way to restore power to several areas affected by a power outage in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
Eskom along with the municipality aim to restore power to all affected areas by Sunday.
Electricity Minister Ramokgopa gave this assurance after assessing damage caused by the collapse of four transmission towers last Friday, which plunged at least 14 areas into darkness.
According to the Minister, they are doing everything they can to restore the electricity as fast as possible.
“The target of reconnecting everyone by the 1st of September is doable. Of course, the only headway that we are confronted with is the inclement weather, the precipitation and also the wind speeds which is derailing the work that the contractors and Eskom are doing on site to ensure that we are able to get the work going.
“But from the briefing that we got this morning, I think we are relatively comfortable that, that timeline will be met.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: NEDCo Cautions Public Against Fake Meters In Northern Ghana
The Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) has cautioned the public against the purchase of fake and substandard electric meters that have been brought to its operational areas by some unscrupulous people.
According to NEDCo, the fake meters are brought from neighbouring countries like Togo and La Cote d’Ivoire.
Over 200 pieces of such substandard meters were confiscated on the Kenyase-Atronie road in the Sunyani metropolis during a snap inspection by the Ghana Police Service at a checkpoint.
“These meters are not tested and calibrated by NEDCo to meet the requirements set by regulatory bodies, such as the Energy Commission and the Ghana Standards Authority.
“They, therefore, pose dangers such as fire outbreaks as well as overloading of and damage to transformers, resulting in prolonged outages and increased distribution losses to NEDCo; the negative consequences touch both the consumer and NEDCo,” a statement, which was issued by NEDCo’s Communications Manager Maxwell Kotoka, said.
The statement reminded the general public that it is illegal for individuals and/or organisations to import meters into the country without necessary approvals from the Energy Commission and other regulatory bodies.
The statement added that it is also illegal for potential or existing electricity consumers to acquire meters from sources other than licensed distribution companies (i.e. NEDCo, ECG, etc).
“NEDCo will take all necessary legal actions against individuals and/or organisations engaged in the distribution (sale, purchase and transportation inclusive) of these fake meters.
“A special surprise operation will be rolled out soon to detect and arrest perpetrators and beneficiaries of the distribution of these fake meters.
“All those who have acquired these meters are advised to take them to the nearest NEDCo office to avoid arrests and prosecution,” the statement added.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: AMCON Considers Sale Of IBEDC
Nigeria’s Assets Management Corporation is considering the sale of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to viable investors to make the company more efficient and responsive to the needs of Nigerians.
Gbenga Alade, the Managing Director of Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria, expressed the belief that looking for viable investors to take over IBEDC is the right way to go.
To him, since assumption of office five months ago, his outfit has tried to resolve the issues affecting the IBEDC, but the process has yet to be concluded.
Alade believes that no economy can grow and move forward without a stable power supply.
“In the power sector, we have Ibadan DisCo, which is under AMCON. We’ve tried as much as possible to get that resolved. And we’re in the process.
“We are yet to conclude the sale, but we are making very good headway in resolving Ibadan DisCo,” Alade said during an interaction with media executives in Lagos as quoted by The Punch.
Alade expressed optimism that the IBEDC would be profitable if sold, saying it covers different states, including Ogun industrial areas.
”I believe that Ibadan Disco is the largest disco that we have because it goes across so many states like Ogun, including all the industrial areas of Ogun State.
“We believe that it can be made more efficient if sold to people with deep pockets who can invest, not people who just buy and not invest. They don’t have money to invest.
“With people who have deep pockets to invest in making that company more efficient and more effective, it will go a long way to helping the power sector,” he noted.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
China: Former Chairman Of China National Petroleum Corp. Arrested For Bribery
The former chairman of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), Wang Yilin, has been arrested on suspicion of bribery, Xinhua reported on Wednesday, citing a statement from Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP).
Wang was expelled from the Communist Party of China, according to an official statement released in late July.
The case of Wang, who is also a former secretary of the leading Party members group of the CNPC, was handed over to prosecutors for examination and prosecution following the conclusion of an investigation carried out by the National Commission of Supervision, the SPP said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Russia: Atoms Empowering Africa Winners Visit Russia To See Nuclear Innovations
Twenty talented young individuals from across Africa who emerged as winners of Rosatom’s Atoms Empowering Africa competition have visited Russia to familiarise themselves with nuclear power development.
This transformative trip, organised by ROSATOM, is a part of the initiative aimed at fostering curiosity and enthusiasm for science and technology among African youth.
The competition, in this round, challenges participants to create captivating videos on the topic: ‘Benefits of Nuclear Energy in Africa’.
This year’s winners, hailing from South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Egypt and Sudan have demonstrated exceptional creativity and dedication in showcasing the potential of nuclear energy on the African continent.
“This part of the competition is always the most thrilling. Seeing the excitement and wonder in the eyes of these young individuals as they explore the heart of nuclear technology in Russia is incredibly rewarding.
“It’s not just about the technical knowledge they gain, but also the cultural exchange and the inspiration they draw from experiencing a different part of the world.
“We believe that these experiences will ignite a lifelong passion for science and technology.
“As we look forward to next year’s competition, we are eager to see even more innovative and creative entries. We hope to continue expanding the reach of the competition, engaging more young minds across the African continent, and fostering a deeper understanding of the pivotal role that nuclear energy can play in sustainable development,” Ryan Collyer, CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa noted.
One of the highlights of the winners’ itinerary was Obninsk City, renowned as the birthplace of the nuclear industry and Russia’s premier nuclear technology hub, which has celebrated, this year, the 70th anniversary of the launch of the world’s first nuclear power plant.
“We toured the Rosatom Technical Academy and received a first-hand tour of Russia’s first Nuclear Power Plant (NPP).
“It was truly a privilege to witness the behind-the-scenes operation of an NPP and to see the amount of effort channeled into operational safety and security at the NPPs.
“But more than that, it was a lovely drive through the beautiful city of Moscow,” Munachimso Oguine, a young participant from Nigeria, stated.
“This trip has been a life-changing experience for me. Visiting the birthplace of the nuclear industry in Obninsk and seeing the real-world applications of nuclear technology has broadened my understanding and fueled my aspirations to contribute to Africa’s energy future,” said Yasmin Ehab from Egypt.
Participants also explored the Atom Pavilion, a remarkable venue dedicated to showcasing the advancements and prospects of nuclear technology, and the Cosmos Pavilion, which offers a deep dive into the history and achievements of space exploration; both in VDNH park.
“It is very insightful to see everything, starting from history, because it leads you right through where it started in terms of nuclear energy and its application across the world, and it brings you to what it is today.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to see this; I have a little something to take with me back home,” Kamogelo Sehoole, a participant from South Africa, mentioned.
The cultural immersion continued with visits to iconic landmarks such as Red Square and the Kremlin, providing a backdrop for understanding Russia’s cultural heritage, as well as offering insights into the country’s political and historical narrative.
“This trip has been nothing short of exciting, fascinating and eye-opening. I’m especially grateful for the warm and wonderful welcome we received from the Rosatom team. They’re amazing! I can’t wait to learn and explore more of Moscow with them,” Munachimso Oguine added.
“Sharing this experience with other winners from Africa, was the most exciting part as we get to exchange a lot of life experiences and laughter,” said Ahmed Abdel Rahman from Sudan.
Since its inception in 2015, Rosatom’s Atoms Empowering Africa competition has been a driving force in empowering young individuals to delve into the realm of nuclear energy.
By encouraging African youth to explore and present the benefits of nuclear energy, the competition is not only fostering scientific curiosity but also paving the way for a sustainable energy future in Africa.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Angola: Police Arrest Eleven Fuel Smugglers… Seizes Quantities Of Fuel Destined To Namibia
Angolan national police, on Monday, seized at least 2.455 liters of fuel (petrol and diesel), which were to be sold in the Republic of Namibia.
The quantities of the petroleum products were seized in Namacunde, Angola’s southern province of Cunene.
The seizure occurred in homes and on public roads, as well as fuel pumps, mainly in the border area of Santa Clara municipality of Namacunde.
Chief Superintendent Nicolau Tuvecalela, local director for communication and press for Angolan national police, explained that the fuel was packed in 25 and 200-liter drums destined for Namibia, passing through illegal routes, which constitutes a crime.
Following the anti-smuggling operation, eleven citizens were arrested, including two Namibians.
The province of Cunene shares 460 kilometers of border with Namibia, 340 of which are land and 120 on river.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Nungua ECG Applauds Customer Compliance
The Nungua District of the Electricity Company of Ghana, which operates under its Tema Region, has commended its customers for their compliance and for allowing the staff to work in comfort.
This was shared by the District Manager, Ing James Teye who was giving an overview of their revenue mobilization activity, which is currently ongoing.
There have been previous reports where some customers had prevented ECG officials from accessing the meters.
This time around, however, Ing Teye said that “there has been a generally good and welcoming stance of our customers as we are on this revenue mobilization agenda.”
He added that “as part of this activity, we are also checking on the integrity of meters to ensure they are working well.”
Ing Teye called on the customers and the public to “continue to be supportive of ECG, to enable us to work and should there be issues of staff misconduct, please inform ECG via our customer service center or on social media and the issue will be addressed.”
The ECG is currently undertaking a revenue mobilisation exercise across its operational areas as part of measures to get customers to pay for the electricity they have consumed.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Russia Defuses Unexploded Munition Near Kursk Nuclear Power Plant
Russian National Guard (Rosgvardiya) troops have defused an unexploded HIMARS cluster munition near the Kursk nuclear power plant.
“Upon arrival … the Rosgvardiya officers discovered a missile fragment filled with 180 unexploded strike elements,” according to a Rosgvardiya statement on Wednesday, adding that the munition was found 5 kilometers from the Kursk plant.
Russian forces successfully neutralized the munition while observing safety measures, it said.
HIMARS is a U.S.-developed light multiple rocket launcher.
Russia and Ukraine have traded blame for endangering nuclear security since Ukraine launched an offensive into Russia’s Kursk region on Aug. 6.
Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi visited the Kursk nuclear power plant on Tuesday.
He noted the risk of a nuclear incident in Russia’s Kursk region while adding that the plant is operating normally under the current circumstances.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi Visits Kursk Nuclear Power Plant
The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA), Rafael Grossi, on Tuesday led a delegation to the sites of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant and the Kursk II NPP, as well as the town of Kurchatov.
The visit was organized at the invitation of Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev.
The IAEA delegation visited the site of the first and the second phases of the Nuclear Power Plant and assessed the plant’s operation against the background of relentless Ukrainian provocations.
Rafael Grossi was able to see that the Kursk NPP Unit 3 continues to operate at its installed capacity, and Unit 4 has been on scheduled preventive maintenance.
The design features of RBMK-type reactors were demonstrated to the IAEA Director General.
The IAEA delegation also observed the progress of the Kursk II NPP construction, which is proceeding as planned.
The IAEA Director General could witness the impact of the strikes launched by Ukraine against the industrial site of the Kursk NPP and had an opportunity to assess the nuclear safety risks posed by attacks on the facility.
The results of the visit are planned to be discussed by Alexey Likhachev and Rafael Grossi in the established interdepartmental format in Kaliningrad in the near future.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
QatarEnergy, KPC Sign 15-Year Agreement For LNG Supply To Kuwait
QatarEnergy has signed a 15-year LNG Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) for the supply of up to three million tons per annum (MTPA) of LNG to Kuwait.
Per the terms of the SPA, the contracted LNG volumes would be delivered ex-ship to Kuwait’s Al-Zour LNG Terminal onboard QatarEnergy’s conventional, Q-Flex and Q-Max LNG vessels, starting in January 2025, QatarEnergy said in a statement on Monday, August 26, 2024.
The agreement was signed during a ceremony in Kuwait City by His Excellency Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs and the President and CEO of QatarEnergy, and Shaikh Nawaf Saud Al-Nasir Al-Sabah, Deputy Chairman and CEO of KPC.
“I am pleased to be in Kuwait, a country that is dear to our hearts, and to build a new long-term partnership between KPC and QatarEnergy that constitutes a central element in supporting Kuwait’s sustainability goals, particularly in the electricity generation sector,” Minister Al-Kaabi said after he welcomed the signing of the agreement.
“It also reflects our commitment to supporting the future needs of all our clients, foremost of which is KPC.
“Our bilateral relations continue to grow and achieve the aspirations and interests of our people under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, which underlines the deep brotherly ties and the long-term partnership between Kuwait and Qatar,” he added.
This new agreement is the second long-term LNG SPA with KPC and is considered pivotal in further boosting bilateral trade between Qatar and Kuwait.
In recent months, QatarEnergy has been steadily scaling up its global LNG delivery capacity–and in June, it entered a deal with Qatar Gas Transport Company Limited (Nakilat) for the ownership and operation of nine LNG vessels, which is part of the state-owned petroleum firm’s fleet expansion strategy.
As part of the long-term agreement, Nakilat will charter and operate nine QC-Max vessels, each with a capacity of 271,000 cubic metres.
The vessels, which are part of QatarEnergy’s LNG expansion plans, will be built in China at Hudong-Zhonghua shipyards.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
China’s Oil Giant CNPC Looking For Acquisition Targets Overseas
China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and its listed company PetroChina are looking to buy oil and gas exploration and production assets and LNG opportunities globally in what could be a revival of deal-making for the Chinese state giant after two decades.
CNPC could seek to expand its current investments in LNG in Qatar, one of the world’s biggest LNG exporters, Lu Ruquan, director of the Chinese firm’s Economics and Technology Research Institute (ETRI) who is involved in strategy discussions, told Reuters on Tuesday.
CNPC already has an agreement for a 27-year LNG supply deal from state company QatarEnergy and a 5% stake in one of the trains of the massive North Field expansion project in Qatar.
The Chinese state energy firm is also looking for opportunities to acquire deepwater acreage in South America near the giant oil discoveries offshore Guyana, Lu told Reuters.
Exxon has announced in recent years massive oil discoveries offshore Guyana in a consortium comprising another Chinese state operator, CNOOC.
Earlier this year, ExxonMobil – which currently pumps in a consortium with U.S. Hess Corporation and CNOOC of China all the crude oil that Guyana produces – announced that it plans to develop a seventh offshore oil project on the prolific Stabroek block.
Guyana expects to receive the development plan for Exxon’s seventh oil project offshore the South American country early next year, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat said earlier this month.
CNPC and PetroChina now plan to extract more oil from aging fields and face complex geopolitical realities with sanctions on Russia, Iran, and Venezuela.
According to Lu, CNPC could be faced with the highest geopolitical hurdles since it first invested outside China in the early 1990s.
CNPC and PetroChina’s international buying spree continued until the early 2000s. During that timeframe, PetroChina bought Devon Energy’s business in Indonesia, as well as assets in Kazakhstan.
Source: Oilprice.comZimbabwe: Prolonged Power Cuts Loom Amid Technical Glitch
Zimbabweans should brace themselves up for prolonged power cuts as the country’s power utility company ZESA Holdings hints of reduced electricity generation due to a technical challenge that occurred at Unit 8 of the Hwange Thermal Power Station.
As a result of this generation shortfall, the utility has had to implement increased load shedding schedules across the country in order to balance electricity supply and demand.
“Our technical teams are frantically working on resolving the fault so as to minimise the impact on customers.
“We apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding during this period,” ZESA said in a statement on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com