Ghana: NPA Donates Equipment To Ghana Atomic Energy Commission
Ghana’s petroleum downstream, National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has donated a laboratory equipment to the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) to facilitate pharmaceutical, biological and forensic analysis.
The Chief Executive of the NPA, Dr.Mustapha Abdul- Hamid, said the gesture by the Authority was in to protect public health and wellbeing as well as ensure quality of petroleum products in the country.
The instrument procured with the support of the NPA through Authentix will be used at the organic chemistry laboratory of the National Nuclear Research Institute (NNRI) of GAEC and avail to all laboratory analysts the opportunity to work with a user-friendly, high output, sensitive instrument with multiple detectors that can handle various products types thus improving timelines of analysis of pharmaceuticals, forensic, biological cal, industrial and other regulated products.
It will also facilitate the ability of all analysts to detect and pronounce on substandard and falsified medical products as well as unwholesome foods in a collective effort to protect public health.
Addressing the gathering at the commissioning of the Agilent Gas Chromatography Equipment with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) at the GAEC premises, the NPA Boss, Dr. Abdul-Hamid indicated that his outfit would continue to support research activities to help protect public health and ensure the quality of not just petroleum product but also, support research institutions in all facet to help protect public lives and maintain a conducive and healthy environment for all .
The event, he said, demonstrated the utility of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative by the NPA aimed at skill and knowledge development and importantly to provide stronger relationship between industry and research -based institution for the promotion of cutting-edge research.
He used the opportunity to commend the Quality Assurance Directorate of the NPA for their hard work in keeping the quality of the petroleum product in Ghana.
The Board Chairman of GAEC, Dr. Kwaku Aning, expressed appreciation to the NPA and Authentix for this kind gesture and expressed optimism for the future of this initiative.
He said, the new equipment would greatly enhance the institute and the commission’s ability to perform timely and accurate biological, environmental amd chemical residue analysis on a wide range of samples.
He further hinted that the Environmental Resources Center (ERRC) at the National Nuclear Research Institute (NNRI) are currently in the process of acquiring ISO/IEC 17025:2005 Labrador accreditation for the Organic Child Laboratory.
This he believes when acquired, would contribute to the modernization of the organic chemistry Laboratory with the donated GC-MS.
On his part, the Director General of GAEC, Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare, assured GAEC’s commitment to using the research and development activities to further impact the mining and minerals exploration, human health and medicine, food and agriculture, petrochemical, and other sectors.
He also called for more support from the NPA in related equipment like a Fourier Transform Infra -red (FYIR) set up to make the laboratory fully functional.
The NP team included the Director of the Unified Petroleum Price Fund (UPPF) Mr. Jacob Amoah who also doubles as a Board Member of GAEC committee that managed the GC-MS project.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya: REREC Targets 75% Power Connections In Rural Kenya
Kenya’s Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) is seeking approval of KSh14.5 billion in the current financial year to facilitate power connections in rural areas.
If approved, the fund will enable the corporation to connect 690,000 households in rural areas with electricity.
Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira observed on Saturday that power connections in rural areas are currently at about 75 percent, and with approval of the funds, REREC will strive to increase the connections to more than 78 per cent by the closure of the financial year.
Wachira, who spoke at Mugira village in Muragua constituency when he launched a power project, said increased electricity connections, especially in rural areas, will spur economic growth and create more employment opportunities.
According to a report by Kenya News Agency, REREC is targeting to attain 100 per cent power connection in rural Kenya by 2030, an initiative that will require more than Sh42 billion.
“With the ongoing power connection projects in various rural parts, we target to attain 78 per cent by the close of this financial year, but this will be realised if the amount we need is approved by the National Treasury.
“The increase in power connections in rural areas is aimed at boosting economic growth and creating employment since some projects and income generating initiatives depend on electricity supply, “he added during an occasion he co-hosted with Maragua MP Mary Waithera.
The PS further noted that theft of transformers and vandalization of power infrastructure that had cost the Energy Ministry Sh2 billion every year has gone down, calling on residents to be vigilant against anyone who is causing damage to the power infrastructure.
“As a country, we witnessed increased vandalism of power infrastructure, especially last year and early this year.
“With collaboration with key stakeholders, the crime has gone down, and we are working to stop and end the vandalism completely.
“Theft of transformers and cables, among other equipment, has caused the Kenya Power Company to incur huge losses per year. We appeal to residents to help us stop this crime,” added Wachira.
At Maragua constituency, Wachira launched a Sh10 million power connection project that will see 130 homes connected within Makuyu ward.
He pointed out that Murang’a County, since last financial year, has benefited from a power connection project worth Sh597 million that has seen over 15,000 homesteads access electrical power.
Maragua MP, on her part, lauded the government’s initiative to increase power connections in rural areas of the country, saying that in her constituency, the three villages of Mugira, Mathingira, and Kanderendu have already been connected to electricity.
She observed that Maragua is one of the areas that are in dire need of power connections, having 55 per cent power connections currently.
Residents of Mugira village narrated how they used lumps to light their houses at night, especially when their children were doing homework from school.
They added that insecurity in the area will drop with the residents promising to open up businesses that use power as a source of energy.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Saudi Arabia Raises $12.35 Billion From Aramco Share Sale After Increasing Offer
Saudi Arabia raised a total of $12.35 billion from selling more shares in Aramco, after increasing the offering in the world’s most valuable oil company, a document seen by Reuters showed.
The success of the share sale and additional proceeds will help further fuel Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to invest in new industries and wean its economy away from oil under its Vision 2030 plan.
The kingdom raised an additional $1 billion after exercising a so-called greenshoe option, according to the document, which allows banks to place more stock when there is demand from investors.
The government last month sold a 0.64% stake, or about 1.545 billion shares, in Aramco at 27.25 riyals ($7.27) a share.
Another 154.5 million shares were placed via Merrill Lynch, which was acting as a stabilization manager on the deal.
Aramco’s shares have risen 3.3 percent since the offering last month, trading at 28.15 riyals.
In the document, published late on Tuesday, Merrill Lynch said it exercised the over-allotment option and that the month-long stabilization period ended with no such transactions undertaken.
Source: Reuters
Nigeria: Fuel Stations To Operate Longer Hours To Aid PMS Supply – NNPC
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited says fuel stations are to operate longer hours for the supply and distribution of petrol, calling on fuel stations to aid availability given the current tight situation.
The company said the turnaround period of Premium Motor Spirit trucking is also elongated to ease the situation being witnessed.
The Executive Vice President, Downstream, NNPC Ltd, Dapo Segun, said this on Monday in Abuja during a joint inspection of stations by the firm and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority officials.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the NNPC and the NMDPRA embarked on a joint monitoring of the supply and distribution of fuel stations in the Federal Capital Territory and across the country to ensure that queues disappear.
NNPC had said that fuel queues in the FCT and parts of the country were a result of disruption of ship-to-ship transfer of fuel between Mother Vessels and Daughter Vessels resulting from recent thunderstorms.
It said adverse weather conditions; including rainstorms and lightning, had also affected berthing at jetties, truck load-outs, and transportation of products to filling stations, disrupting station supply logistics.
Speaking during the inspection, Segun said there was a gap in the ship-to-shore discharge of PMS which he described as a volatile liquid, adding that during thunderstorms it could not be discharged rather it had to suspend ship-to-shore movement.
“This also affected the loading of trucks at the depot because of safety reasons, so we have to suspend all that during thunderstorms and that’s why you see this tightness.
“Though we have a challenge over the bad portions of motorways which deteriorated due to rains and flooding across the country, we will ensure that we are loading out all through the weekend and that we are mobilizing trucks.
“We are getting fuel stations to run for longer hours and we are getting marketers to collaborate and share stocks, rather than have a station with more trucks, they can release those trucks to other stations for circulation,’’ he said.
Executive Director, Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure, NMDPRA, Mr. Ogbugo Ukoha, said the tightness in Abuja and parts of Lagos arose from the inclement weather which affected operations offshore and routes trucks ply.
When asked about its effort to stop hoarding and the nefarious activities of black-marketers, Ukoha said its officials were on the ground going through the stations and depots to make sure that there was no hoarding.
“Due to the tightness in supply, there may be elements who will try to take advantage of that. We assure Nigerians to go about their businesses and purchase the volume they need without panic,’’ he said.
On any plan to increase fuel pump price, Ukoha said there was no intention or any anticipated plan to increase pump price, adding that the two organisations would continue to collaborate to ensure energy security.
On this background, he said, the authority had done its regulation on national strategic stock and framework, adding that it was at the threshold of operationalising the framework.
“Again the sensitivity on the pump price is another matter, once those national strategic stocks are in place the logistic issues we have will be mitigated to a large extent and stabilise both supply and prices,” Ukoha added.
NAN reports that the team inspected fuel stations in the FCT, including the NNPC Ltd. Retail Outlet at Katampe and the AP fuel station located at Ibrahim Way, Garki 2, which have long queues.
The stations’ managers also confirmed the availability of enough stock, adding that the stations’ pumps dispensed accurately and relied on constant energy to dispense fuel to motorists.
Motorists on the ground also appealed to the government to find lasting solutions and expressed mixed feelings as some have spent longer time queuing for fuel while some did not waste time before their turns.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: IBEDC Announces Availability Of Meters For Customers; Advises Against Paying Cash To Unauthorised Agents
The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) in the Federal Republic of Nigeria has announced the availability of meters following the recent acquisition of a new stock through the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) Scheme.
This initiative aims to improve service delivery and address concerns over estimated billing among IBEDC customers.
According to Engr. Francis Agoha, the acting Managing Director of IBEDC, customers are encouraged to register for meter acquisition through a dedicated platform at msms.ibedc.com.
He said the platform had been designed under the MAP Scheme to ensure a seamless and secure metering experience for all customers.
In the light of recent reports regarding unauthorised individuals collecting cash payments for meters and other services, Engr. Francis Agoha strongly advised IBEDC customers against making cash payments to third parties.
“To safeguard your transactions, we recommend visiting our official website at msms.ibedc.com for meter registration and payments,” he emphasised.
IBEDC provides multiple secure payment options, including IBEDCpay, USSD, 24-hour Self-Service Kiosks, IRecharge, and Fets Wallet designed to facilitate convenient and secure customer transactions.
For those who must make cash payments due to limited access to online services, Engr. Agoha underscored the importance of obtaining a valid receipt for every transaction.
“Ensure the receipt issued bears the customer copy to prevent any potential fraud,” he added.
“We urge all customers to exercise caution and refrain from engaging with unauthorised agents claiming to represent IBEDC,” Engr. Agoha stressed.
For further inquiries or assistance, customers are encouraged to contact IBEDC customer service at 07001239999 or visit www.ibedc.com.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya Slaps Uganda With Fresh Hurdle On Fuel Imports
Kenya has increased the bond fee for imported oil consignments destined for Uganda to $45 million.
Uganda’s Energy and Mineral Resources minister Ruth Nankabirwa said Kenya increased the requirement on the size of bond fees at the Vitol Tank Terminal International (VTTI) storage facility in Mombasa from $15 million —posing a bottleneck to Uganda’s hopes of lowering pump prices of the commodity.
VTTI is a privately owned terminal that ties into the Kenya Pipeline Company pipeline network in Mombasa and gives access to the Ugandan market and other landlocked countries further west.
A bond fee is a bank guarantee that an oil company importing fuel for the transit market (usually duty-free fuel) uses to secure duties and taxes payable to the relevant revenue authority should goods be disposed of locally.
The bond can be used to offset taxes in case the company decides to dump the fuel locally and help KRA avert losing billions of shillings in taxes and levies.
Sources privy to the matter say that the Ministry of Energy in Kenya wrote to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to increase the fee —a change that is expected to be passed on to consumers in Uganda.
“We expect prices to be more competitive for as long as we are not pushed to incur extra costs at the port because as we speak now, I am going back to Kenya to meet my colleague, Mr (Davis) Chirchir because of one thing….” said Mrs Nankabirwa as carried by The East Africa.
Banks issuing the bonds are likely to take time to increase the amounts to reflect the new bond fees, leading to more time demurrage charges before the cargo is cleared by KRA.
The higher demurrage charges will be passed to consumers in Kampala “They (Kenya) have increased the bond fee at Vitol terminal where we are offloading our products and when you increase the bond fee by the tune of 40 million dollars, that means you are pushing Unoc (Uganda National Oil Company) to also increase and Ugandans are not likely to see reduced pump prices,” she added.
CS Chirchir had not responded to the claims by his Uganda counterpart by press time.
Uganda and Kenya have the joint costliest fuel in the East African region at $1.46 per litre of super.
A litre of diesel is going for $1.37 in Kampala compared to $1.33 in Kenya.
Kampala had hinged on the direct importation of fuel to lower pump prices, months after President Yoweri Museveni blamed the costly fuel on middlemen in the Kenyan fuel importation structure.
Revelations of the higher bond fee demands from Kenya once again bring to the fore the spats that are largely attributed to Kenya’s decision to enter into a Government- to- Government-backed importation of fuel.
This is the latest setback coming months after delays in issuing Unoc with a licence, prompted Kampala to take Kenya to the regional court towards the end of last year.
Kenya had in September last year declined to issue Unoc with a license, prompting Uganda to move to the East African Court of Justice.
Unoc got the license in March year, putting to an end a diplomatic spat between the two neighbours.
Nairobi had while rejecting Unoc’s application cited a raft of reasons, including lack of local footprint of at least five retail stations and five licensed retail stations.
Unoc had also failed to show proof of annual turnover of $10 million for the last three years, even as Kampala held that Kenya was placing unrealistic conditions.
Unoc’s maiden cargoes arrived at the port of Mombasa last week, as the country moves to end decades of relying on Kenyan oil companies.
The Ugandan government-owned firm signed a five-year deal with Vitol Bahrain, amid a fallout with Kenya’s decision to drop the Open Tender System for a Government to Government deal with three Gulf oil majors.
Kenya inked a deal with Saudi Aramco, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, and Emirates National Oil Company for the supply of fuel on credit for 180 days.
The deal was meant to arrest the weakening of the shilling by ending a monthly demand of an estimated $500 million that oil companies needed to pay for fuel.
But President Museveni accused Kenya of a lack of consultations, prompting Uganda to opt for a similar deal with Vitol Bahrain.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Citizens Groan As Petrol Scarcity Worsens In Kaduna, Katsina, Kano
Petrol scarcity has hit several states in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a situation that is biting motorists in Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina States harder.
The scarcity of the commodity has forced most of the major and independent marketers to close their filling stations, a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said.
Also, the few ones that were operating had jerked off the price of the commodity to between N800 to N1000, aggravating the already precarious situation.
Similarly, it was observed that petrol black marketers, especially the roadside fuel hawkers were having a field day, with a four-litre gallon selling for between N5000 to N6000.
A cross-section of the motorists interviewed told NAN, “We are very dismayed as the obnoxious situation has negatively affected our activities.”
“A civil servant, Salisu Baso, lamented that he had to pay double the transport fare he used to pay to reach his office at the Federal Secretariat, Kawo-Kaduna,” the report said.
Baso said, ”We don’t even know who is right now. Is it the government or the marketers? Unfortunately, they are just passing the buck.
”But, in whatever case, urgent action should be taken to redress the ugly situation that is jeopardising socio-economic activities in the country.”
For Mrs Franscisca Idika, a trader at the Chechnya market in Kaduna, the lingering petrol scarcity and the soaring prices have badly affected their businesses.
She said, “I have to pay more now to reach the market and we just have to increase the prices of our wares to break even.”
Reports from Kano and Katsina States also revealed a similar disheartening situation of higher prices and endless queues at the few filling stations operating.
Mr Alao Jaremi, an IT expert in Katsina, called on the authorities concerned to take urgent measures to ensure the availability of petrol across the country.
”We need the government to swing into action and do the needful to alleviate the suffering of the hapless Nigerians,” Malam Ibrahim Dan-Musa told NAN in Kano.
NNPCL and the oil marketers have been shifting the blame on the real causes of the paucity of the commodity.
NNPCL was insisting that the long queues across Nigeria were a result of disruption of the ship-to-ship loading of petrol between Mother Vessels’ and ‘Daughter Vessels’, adding, ”This resulted from a recent thunderstorm.”
The national oil company said that adverse weather conditions had also affected berthing at jetties and truck load-outs transportation of products to filling stations, causing a disruption in station supply logistics.
The marketers, however, maintained that they were unable to access the NNPCCL portal to place orders for the commodity.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Eni Strikes Natural Gas Offshore Mexico
Italy’s supermajor Eni has announced a new natural gas discovery in the Gulf of Mexico, in the mid-deep waters off the Mexican coast.
The discovery contains an estimated potential reserve of 300 to 400 million barrels of oil equivalent, the company said.
The block where Eni was drilling for gas is in the Sureste Basin, where Eni has an estimated total of over 1.3 billion barrels of oil equivalent in resources in place.
The company plans to turn the area in what it called “a hub development”, tapping several discoveries in the area.
The news about Eni’s discovery comes on the heels of a report that Carlos Slim, Mexico’s wealthiest man, is investing $1.2 billion in the development of another gas field offshore—the Lakach project led by state energy major Pemex.
Mexico has been expanding its gas-powered generation, building new power plants, and consequently developing more of its gas resources to reduce its overwhelming dependence on imports from its northern neighbor, with imports running at record rates.
Mexico recently updated its proven oil and gas reserves estimate, revising the total upwards, to a total of 8.383 billion barrels of oil equivalent.
Proven reserves, classified as P1, are the best estimate of recoverable resources under current technological and economic conditions.
According to Mexican government data, released in June by the National Hydrocarbons Commission, Mexico’s proven crude oil reserves declined slightly to 5.978 billion barrels from 6.155 billion barrels the previous year.
However, proven natural gas reserves saw a significant increase, rising to 12.297 trillion cubic feet from 11.029 trillion cubic feet.
Mexico’s president-elect, Claudia Sheinbaum has pledged to boost investments in natural gas generation.
Sheinbaum’s energy plan envisages the addition of some 13.7 GW of new power generation capacity to the grid over the next six years, with a portion of this coming from solar installations.
For context, Mexico is set to add 3.3 GW in new capacity from gas and solar this year.
Source: Oilprice.com
How Uganda’s Oil Earnings Have Been Growing Before Start Of Commercial Production
Uganda has in the last five years seen earnings from oil and related activities grow substantially.
Yet the country is yet to sell a single drop of oil. In fact, commercial oil production, government has indicated, can only be expected in the fourth quarter of 2025.
But heightened activity ahead of first oil since government and joint venture partners signed the final investment decision in February 2022, has seen Uganda rake in huge earnings in form of tax and non-tax revenues.
Government first announced the discovery of commercial oil reserves about 18 years ago.
However, over the years, production has been rolled over into several unrealised timelines.
Of course, during the period, there have been some solid earnings here and there, with the average income from oil-related activities standing at an annual average of Shs99.6b in the four years to June 2023, according to data contained in the Petroleum Fund report released by the Ministry of Finance last Tuesday.
The report indicates that oil-related earnings held in the Petroleum Fund and managed by Bank of Uganda, have grown four-fold in the four years from Shs35.4b in June 2020 to Shs125.9b in June 2023.
The Fund registered its largest earnings in the period ended June 2021, which rose by Shs119.6b from Shs35.4b in June 2020 to Shs155b due to tax proceeds from the sale of Tullow Oil’s interests to Total Enrgies.
Detail indicate that Uganda earned at least Shs54b in capital gains tax from the Shs2 trillion transaction, in which Tullow Oil sold its interest, before exiting the country’s oil sector.
Other earnings have over the years been generated from income tax, withholding tax, value added tax, stamp duty, surface rentals, sale of data and educational or instruction-related levies.
However, the report indicates that earnings substantially declined in June 2022, dropping by Shs73b from Shs155b in the period ended June 2021 to Shs81.9b.
The report does not explain the cause of the decline, but indicate a massive recovery, in which earnings grew substantially, expanding by 54 percent or Shs44b in the period ended June 2023 from Shs81.9b to Shs125.9b.
The revenues were largely generated from tax-related activities, which, during the period, contributed 94.13 percent of total oil incomes, while non-tax activities contributed 5.86 percent.
In real value, of the Shs125.9b earnings, tax and related activities contributed Shs118.5b, while non-tax activities contributed Shs7.3b, the report shows.
During the period ended June 2023, Uganda earned the largest amount from oil-related activities from withholding tax, which raked in Shs90.6b, while income tax and educational or instruction-related levies raked in Shs27.9b and Shs4.4b, respectively.
Other income sources included surface rentals, earning Shs2b, signature bonuses (Shs740.3m) paid by Uganda National Oil Company and DGR Energy Turaco, following the signing of production sharing agreements for Kasuruban and Turaco, respectively, and production licenses (Shs107.5m).
The 54 percent increase in earnings during the period ended June 2023, details indicate, has seen the value of the Petroleum Fund more than double to Shs246.6b as of June 30, 2023 from Shs121.1b, which signals that Uganda is pressing all buttons to realise first oil next year.
The signing of the final investment decision about three years ago has provided the required momentum, and in a status report to Parliament in October last year, Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa said “we [government and joint venture partners] are on track to have first oil by the end of 2025”.
More than 11 oil wells, eight in the Tilenga and three in the Kingfisher area, with capacity to produce up to 190,000 barrels and 40,000 barrels of oil per day respectively, have already been drilled.
Idle fundsHowever, the Petroluem Fund reported a foreign exchange loss of Shs499.8m due to exchange of dollars to shillings.
Additionally, in his report, Auditor General John F.S. Muwanga, who has since retired, noted that whereas the Charter for Fiscal Responsibility provides that a maximum of 0.8 percent of the preceding year’s estimated non-oil gross domestic product outturn is transferred to the Consolidated Fund for budget operations, with the remaining balance directed to the Petroleum Revenue Investment Reserve for sustainable investment, during the 2022/23 financial year no funds were allocated to either, which undermines the economic benefits from prudent oil revenue investment.
“Shs206.6b of the entire Fund balance remained unallocated.
The failure to appropriate funds, results in idle financial resources and undermines the economic benefits from prudent oil revenue investment,” he wrote in comments contained in the Petroleum Fund
Source: The Monitor
Ghana: Takoradi Technical University Petroleum Department Unveils Industry Best Reservoir Simulation Software
The Department of Oil and Natural Gas Engineering at the Takoradi Technical University (TTU) has added a significant asset to its advanced technology-driven research and training capabilities in oil and gas engineering.
In addition to hosting the Jubilee Technical Training Centre, TTU has now secured a Petroleum Engineering Software Suite valued at over £3.3 million.
This comprehensive software suite, donated by PE Limited (PETEX), supports various aspects of petroleum production, including reservoir works, well-completion intervention, and control.
It also boasts robust simulation capabilities that enable users to model complex reservoir behaviour, optimise well performance, and predict production outcomes.
At the launch, Vice Chancellor of TTU, Rev Prof John Frank Eshun, emphasised the importance of the oil and gas industry as a hub for economic development.
He stated that the University is dedicated to equipping students with the tools and knowledge necessary for them to excel in this field.
Rev Prof Eshun highlighted the various ways the software supports Petroleum studies and research. He said, “With its advanced algorithms and intuitive interface, the software enables a realistic and interactive environment for students and researchers to explore, experiment, and learn.
“Its applications span various disciplines, from reservoir engineering and production optimisation to economics and environmental impact assessment.”
He added that the software would enable researchers and students to develop and test new reservoir modelling techniques, optimise well completion and intervention strategies, predict and analyse production scenarios, and evaluate the economic and environmental impact of petroleum production.
Expressing his appreciation to PETEX for the software, the Vice Chancellor was optimistic that the software would not only enhance teaching and learning but also bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry application.
Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof John Bentil, spoke about how technological advancements have changed the ways of technical and vocational education.
He said, “In our part of the world, limited resources from the government, rising student numbers and escalation of prices of teaching and learning materials, present the arduous tasks to managers of technical, and vocational education and training in Ghana.
“We are privileged that the import of 21st-century technological advancements presents to us an innovation and a game changer by way of simulation software.
“As we are all aware Takoradi Technical University has a niche program in oil and gas.”
He thanked all stakeholders who worked to ensure the acquisition of the all-important software for TTU.
Head of the Department of Oil and Natural Gas Engineering of TTU, Dr Joseph Sekyi Ansah, extended TTU’s gratitude to PETEX for its visionary support and commitment to technical education.
He highlighted the benefits of the software and its resourcefulness to academic work and industry.
He stated, “Students will gain hands-on experience with tools used by leading professionals, preparing them for successful careers in the oil and gas industry.
“Faculty and researchers can conduct advanced studies and innovate, positioning our TTU as a leader in oil and gas research.
“Aligning our resources with industry standards strengthens partnerships, opening opportunities for collaborative projects, internships, and job placements.
“Graduates equipped with advanced skills will drive progress and sustainability in the industry.”
“At Takoradi Technical University, we are committed to producing the next generation of engineers and innovators.
“This donation is a testament to our shared belief in the power of education and the importance of investing in the future.
“We look forward to celebrating more achievements together and ensuring our students are well-prepared to excel in the evolving landscape of oil and gas engineering.”
Industry players from Baker Hughes and GNPC praised the software acquisition by TTU for the training of Ghana’s next generation of Oil and Gas professionals.
Source: Akwasi Agyei Annim
Ghana: VRA Hints Of Spilling Akomsobo Dam Again
The Volta River Authority (VRA), managers of Akomsobo and Kpong Hydroelectric Power Dams, has announced plans to engage relevant stakeholders regarding a potential spillage of excess water from the Akosombo Dam.
According to a notice on July 5, 2024, signed by Eng Ken and addressed to stakeholders including the Minister for the Interior and all the assemblies within the dam’s catchment areas, indicated engagement is commencing immediately, awaiting the possibility of spillage if necessary.
“The Volta River Authority (VRA) intends to commence engagements regarding the potential controlled spillage of water from the Akosombo Dam. This precautionary measure is crucial to maintaining the structural integrity of the dam and ensuring the safety of our communities.
“We propose to engage you and the relevant team to discuss the potential implications, mitigative measures and information dissemination,” the notice said.
In September 2023, the VRA began releasing excess water from the Akosombo Dam, resulting in significant flooding in surrounding areas, particularly in the Lower Volta Region.
The controlled spillage continued until October 30, 2023, when VRA officially announced its conclusion.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: CRM Creating More Investment Opportunities And Jobs–NPA Boss
The implementation of the cylinder recirculation model (CRM) is allowing entrepreneurs with limited capital to invest in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) distribution chain, Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid has said.
He said unlike the traditional LPG distribution system which requires huge capital in the establishment of LPG filling stations and related distribution costs, little investment is needed for the setting up of LPG depots and exchange points under the CRM.
Speaking at this year” ‘s NPA’s Consumer Week Celebrations in the Eastern Regional capital, Koforidua, on Thursday, July 4, 2024, the NPA Boss said the CRM would also create more jobs for the youth at the LPG depots, exchange points and transportation of cylinders.
The occasion, which was preceded by a CRM and a safe LPG educational campaign in the region, was held on the theme: ‘CRM: Making LPG accessible to all safely and efficiently’.
It was attended by market women, drivers, professionals and students. Board Members and Directors of NPA, security capos and heads of state institutions also graced the occasion under the chairmanship of the Omanhene of the New Juaben Traditional Area,
Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III.
Dr Abdul-Hamid explained that huge capital was needed to acquire a licence for the importation of petroleum products.
He said a substantial amount was also needed by an investor for the setting up of filling stations and indicated that the investor would start with seven filling stations, comprising four state-of-the-art and three ordinary.
However, the NPA Boss who is also the President of the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA) said people who own land or students with limited capital could use their parents’ land to establish LPG depot exchange points.
Besides, he said people could procure vehicles to engage in the transmission of filled cylinders to customers.
The NPA Boss said the Authority was engaging with the government to reduce taxes on LPG to make it affordable, accessible and available to the majority of Ghanaians.
He, therefore, urged the people to embrace CRM to improve safety in the distribution and use of LPG and ensure the attainment of 50 per cent penetration by 2030.
In his remarks, a Deputy Minister of Energy, Mr Collins Adomako Mensah, said the CRM was geared towards encouraging the use of LPG for cooking and saving the lives of women from the harmful effects of smoke from charcoal and firewood.
It would also reduce the felling of trees and preserve the environment.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Seth Kwame Acheampong, and a Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Michael Okyere Baafi, urged the public to opt for the CRM to ensure safety in the use of LPG to protect lives and property.
For his part, the Industry Coordinator of the Association of Oil Marketing Companies, Dr Clement Amoako, gave the assistance that the association would collaborate with the NPA to ensure the successful implementation of the CRM.
The General Manager of Blue Ocean, Mr Zwelithini, and the Head of Brands and Communications of New Gas, Mr Samuel Bonnuedie, said their bottling companies had started dispatching filled cylinders to selected exchange points in Accra and would be extended to the other regions.
In his remarks, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III urged all people to embrace CRM since it is the surest way to save their lives and prevent the harmful effects of climate change.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Blackout Across Nigeria As National Grid Collapses Again
Nigeria has been plunged into total darkness as the country’s national electricity grid experienced a system collapse again on Saturday afternoon.
Although the system operator, TCN, is yet to issue an official statement, some of the power distribution companies (Discos), in a notice to their customers, mentioned that the system collapse occurred at about 15:09 hours on Saturday, 6th July, 2024.
A notice by Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) attributed the loss of power supply in the Southeast states–Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi and Enu to the situation.
“Due to this development, all our interface TCN stations are out of supply, and we are unable to provide services to our customers in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states.
“We are on standby awaiting detailed information of the collapse and restoration of supply from the National Control Centre (NCC), Osogbo,” the notice reads.
Kaduna Electric in a notice posted on X said “We regret to inform you that the power outage being experienced in our franchise states is due to System Collapse of the National Grid.
“The collapse occurred at about 3:10 PM, hence the loss of supply on all our outgoing feeders.
“Power supply shall be restored as soon as the National Grid is powered back.
“Our sincere apologies for any inconvenience,” the company said.
The situation has generated discussions on X, formerly Twitter.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Sahara Group Highlights Sustainability Milestones In Third Edition Of Gree’n’lectric
Leading responsible energy and infrastructure conglomerate Sahara Group has restated its commitment to effective management of its environmental footprint through strategies that reduce carbon emission across its businesses.
Speaking during the unveiling of third edition of Gree’n’lectric, a Sahara Power Group digital publication dedicated to promoting clean energy and environmental sustainability in Africa’s power sector, Bethel Obioma, Head, Corporate Communications, Sahara Group said, “Gree’n’lectric highlights Sahara’s intentional steps towards fostering sustainable practices in the power sector.”
Tagged ‘Securing our collective Future’, the publication outlines Sahara’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) milestones within its power affiliates, Egbin Power Plc, First Independent Power Limited (FIPL), and Ikeja Electric.
The third edition of Gree’n’lectric was unveiled at Asharami Square, a Sahara Group initiative aimed at promoting sustainability through media advocacy, amidst experts in the energy sector and media professionals.
Ejiro Gray, Director, Governance and Sustainability, Sahara Group said: “At Sahara, our commitment to sustainability is evident in all our operations.
Gree’n’lectric not only speaks on the major projects that we have undertaken as we bring energy to life responsibly.”
She added: “It also highlights the initiatives invested in ensuring a greener tomorrow – from installing renewable energy sources such as the Egbin wind turbines, to reducing environmental impact, Gree’n’lectric offers insight into Sahara’s advocacy for a sustainable future.”
Reaffirming the commitment of the business to global sustainable practices, Folake Soetan, CEO, Ikeja Electric, Nigeria’s largest power distribution company, said, “Here at Ikeja Electric, we will continue to enlighten both host communities and employees through educative initiatives, such as the IE-Safetainability School and Safety Starts with Me, aimed at promoting safety and environmental consciousness.”
According to Mokhtar Bounour, CEO, Egbin Power Plc,“Gree’n’lectric continues to serve as a reference point of our commitment at Egbin to bringing energy to life responsibly while reducing carbon emissions through several clean energy initiatives, resulting in improved livelihoods and a cleaner environment.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com