Ghana: Minority Raises Alarm Over Inactivity At Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam Site Despite $12M Payment
Ghana’s Minority group in Parliament has raised concerns about the seeming inactivity on the land for the construction of the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam in the Upper East Region nearly four years after President Akufo-Addo performed a ground-breaking ceremony for the project to commence.
The group is alleging that $12 million has been sunk into the project but the land for the project is still lying bare and grown with weeds.
Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo cut the sod in November 2019 for the $993 project which consisted of a hydro-solar hybrid system with 60 megawatts hydropower and 50 megawatts solar power.
The project was to be completed in the second half of 2024.
However, a visit by the Minority group, led by the Ranking Member on Mines and Energy Committee, showed that the site was virtually abandoned as there was no activity ongoing at the time of the visit.
Speaking to some journalists during a visit to the site, the Member of Parliament for Yapei-Kusawgu, John Jinapor, said $12 million had been sunk into the project, yet there was nothing to show apart from the bare land.
He said their visit to the site revealed that parts of the site had been turned into farming areas by locals.
“We will activate all the parliamentary processes to retrieve that amount of money; almost 200 million cedis has been dashed to this contractor. Somebody must be held accountable. $12 million can do a lot in this country.
“So we’ll use every legitimate means, every legal means to retrieve the money and punish those who have caused this financial crime and financial loss to the state,” he said.
Earlier this month, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) addressed questions about the $12 million payment made to MS Power China International Group Limited for the project.
Some lawmakers had raised concerns that the money was released despite a lack of visible progress on the project.
The BoG clarified that it acted as a custodian of government accounts and followed proper procedures by releasing the funds after receiving government authorization.
It emphasised that verifying project progress after payments are made falls outside their area of responsibility.
Government is yet to respond to the Minority’s claim.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: NPA Boss Receives Exemplary Leadership Award At CEO Summit
The Chief Executive Officer of NPA, Ghana’s petroleum downstream regulator, Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, has been adjudged the Best CEO of the Year 2023 in the petroleum sector (Regulations).
The award was in recognition of Dr Abdul-Hamid’s outstanding contributions and exemplary leadership in the country’s petroleum downstream industry.
The prestigious ceremony to honour some well-deserving Ghanaian CEOs was held at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast in Accra on Monday.
The Summit highlights and commends the accomplishments of CEOs and businesses, emphasising their success, innovation, leadership and contributions to the economy.
This year’s event was under the theme: ‘Reigniting Business and Economic Growth: Charting a Path Forward; Economic Diversification and Artificial Intelligence Transformation. A Private-Public Sector CEO Dialogue and High Impact Learning’.
It was organised by the Chief Executives Network Ghana in collaboration with Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (Pwc), Ministry of Public Enterprises, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), University of Ghana and Multimedia group.
In his remark, the NPA boss who doubles as the President of the Africa Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA) said he was grateful to the Board, Management and staff of the NPA for their continuous support.
It is recalled that Dr Abdul-Hamid received the Outstanding Public Sector Leadership Award for the Year 2022 for his exemplary leadership, innovation and transformation in the petroleum downstream industry in the country.
He emerged as the Public Sector CEO for the Year 2022 at the Ghana Business Awards.
Similarly, in 2021, the NPA Boss was awarded for his sterling leadership, business excellence and professionalism at the Ghana CEO Excellence Awards.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
New Zealand: Essev Launches World’s First Premium Tourism Electric Hydrofoiling Vessel
Vessev, a global leader in sustainable marine technology, has revealed the VS-9 which will unlock entirely new opportunities for premium passenger transport on the water.
By partnering with Fullers360, New Zealand’s largest ferry operator, the VS-9 will become the first fully electric passenger vessel to operate in Auckland and the first hydrofoiling tourism vessel to operate in the world.
NetZero Maritime, Fullers360’s specialist maritime green technology and innovation team, has played a pivotal role in the adoption of this new type of vessel.
Designed and built by Vessev (formerly Seachange) the VS-9 delivers smooth and quiet travel on the water like never before.
The state-of-the-art vessel is currently undergoing sea trials out of Auckland, New Zealand, and the first VS-9 will be certified this year, entering commercial operation with Fullers360 thereafter.
The nine-meter VS-9 will transport up to 10 passengers at a service speed of 25 knots providing an experience that is more like flying than sailing The VS-9 has a range of 50 nautical miles (57 miles/92.6km) thanks to state-of-the-art efficient hydrofoiling technology.
Eric Laakmann, Vessev CEO, said: “We are in the earliest stage of a global transition to sustainable energy use. Our partnership with NetZero Maritime is one of the most powerful in the world in accelerating the adoption of new technologies. There are 33 million vessels in the world today with sustainable vessels representing the smallest fraction. Through significant enhancements in efficiency, hydrofoiling will play a key role in this once-in-a-generation shift.
Vessev’s expert team of marine engineers and boat builders, combined with Fullers360’s NetZero Maritime decarbonization team, has ensured the VS-9 is designed and built to align seamlessly with commercial and tourism transport requirements.
“Our partnership integrates New Zealand’s largest ferry transport and tourism operator with one of the country’s foremost sustainable marine technology providers. At Vessev, our ethos of ‘engineered for safety’, ‘built to last’ and ‘impact through performance’ is vital, and that’s exactly what the VS-9 delivers”, added Laakmann.
Unlocking New Opportunities
The VS-9 will unlock new opportunities on the water that haven’t been possible until now.
Laakmann commented: “Traditionally, larger vessels are required to deliver a comfortable passenger experience as they can handle the impact of waves and wake. By flying above the waves the VS—9 delivers a large vessel experience on an agile platform that can be berthed and charged in nearly any marina.
“The development and commercialization of the VS-9 unlocks entirely new possibilities on the water enabling a shift toward more efficient, more reliable and more comfortable marine transport. The VS-9 will enable thousands of new routes around the world that are currently impractical for traditional vessel.
“The cost of maintaining and fueling commercial fossil fuel vessels is quite substantial. We expect that in almost any commercial application, the lifetime cost of ownership of these vessels will be substantially less than comparable fossil fuel vessels. That is not including any additional revenue for operators which may come from operating vessels that deliver the best possible passenger experiences’.
Laakmann further commented: “The benefits of the VS-9 scale up to larger vessels. We are already working to develop the VS-18, a 100-passenger vessel using the same technology and design of the VS-9, which will have additional seakeeping capability and unlock even more opportunities”.
Incredibly Efficient Foiling Technology
The VS-9 features ultra-high authority hydrofoil systems, where the foils change shape using high precision flaps under the water to optimize efficiency. This enables the VS-9 to handle adverse weather and provide far better seakeeping than other technologies. Vessev’s engineers used some of the same techniques employed by winning America’s Cup teams to make its systems ultra-efficient and resilient.
“To our knowledge, the VS-9 will be the only certified passenger electric hydrofoiling vessel to utilise this technology. We use techniques similar to America’s Cup vessels which provide very high control authority when compared to other systems. That means we can handle more wind and bigger seas. The system is more difficult to engineer up-front, but results in a very performant vessel that is both more capable and more efficient,” Says Laakmann.
“The VS-9 is so efficient that we are able to use very safe and longer lasting battery technologies when compared to other vessels of this type”.
Vessev’s technology reduces energy consumption by up to 95%, facilitating a range of up to 50 nautical miles at a service speed of 25 knots and significantly reduced operational costs. The energy efficiencies deliver much faster charging, more range and energy cost savings already evident after just two weeks of sea-trials.
“To put it into perspective, the VS-9 is undergoing on-water testing with a petrol-powered chase boat following, doing the same motions and distance. At the end of each day, the cost of the petrol fueling the chase boat is 25 times the cost of the electricity used to charge the VS-9”, explains Laakmann.
Fullers360 CEO Mike Horne says the business is thrilled to partner with Vessev as part of its transition to zero emission solutions.
Mike Horne, Fullers360 CEO, commented: “It’s our intention for Fullers360 to be 100% electric or hydrogen operated by 2040 and foiling is absolutely a part of that vision for us. The establishment of NetZero Maritime has enabled us to dedicate a team to enabling zero emissions projects with the VS-9 being the first fully electric passenger vessel to operate in Auckland.
He continued; “Auckland is quickly becoming a case study for the adoption of green technology and the IP within NetZero Maritime is playing a fundamental role in accelerating the understanding and adoption globally. Seeing this project come to fruition reinforces our move to establish NetZero Maritime to enable the commercialization of new technology such as the VS-9.
“The VS-9 combines the first fully electric passenger vessel to operate in Auckland with the latest hydrofoiling technology to deliver premium tourism experiences. Our understanding is there are currently no electric hydrofoiling vessels certified for commercial tourism use in the world and the testing done here in New Zealand will set a new standard for bringing this new class of vessel into service globally”.
Enhanced Stability To Master Any Sea Condition
The VS-9’s foils enable it to ride completely above the waves, providing an infinitely smoother passenger experience than conventional vessels and enhancing its operational capability. The VS-9 takes off at 18-19 knots, transitioning from foil assist to full foiling mode, and cruises with optimum efficiency between 22-25 knots. The foil stabilization systems enter operation at 12 knots – actively reducing pitch and roll motion, even when not fully on foils and ‘flying’.
Constructed using carbon fibre laminates, the VS-9 is incredibly resilient and built to last. For maximum durability, the VS-9’s foils are fully retractable which enables the vessel to operate in shallow water and protect the foils so the vessel can be transported on a trailer.
“The ability to remove the foils from the water completely is a design element we’re particularly proud of. We were told it would be impractical, but we’ve delivered a system which makes it easy for operators to maintain pristine foils for maximum efficiency. To our knowledge, the VS-9 will be the only certified passenger electric hydrofoil in the world capable of this”, says Laakmann.
Accessible charging capability
The VS-9 is so efficient it can be charged using existing electric charging infrastructure commonly available in most marinas, accelerating the speed to service. Once highspeed DC charging is in place, recharge times will be up to 0.8 nautical miles of range per minute of charging.
Laakmann said, “Our objective is to break down the barriers to adopting electric vessels. From the outset, our goal was to design a commercial electric vessel that can use the charging capacity already available in many marinas to run serious commercial businesses. Through a combination of size and efficiency, we have succeeded with the VS-9. During sea-trials we have been running up to three test sessions a day using a standard AC 3-phase connection. We think that operators and tourism businesses around the world will see the benefit in that.”
Not Just An Electric Boat Experience – A Better Boat Experience
With seating for ten passengers, the VS-9 will deliver premium experiences and completely transform how people travel on the water. Vessev’s hydrofoilling technology enables the vessel to glide above waves at 25 knots providing an experience more similar to travelling in a quiet airplane to deliver previously undreamt-of premium tourism experiences.
“Customers will glide across the Hauraki Gulf enjoying smooth travel that feels more like flying than sailing thanks to the foils that slice through waves usually uncomfortable for a vessel of this size to operate in. This means that rolling sensation you feel on traditional boats just disappears when the VS-9 enters foiling mode, creating an onboard experience unmatched by conventional vessels,” explained Horne.
An Exciting Voyage Ahead
Utilizing the design of the VS-9, Vessev is already working through further enhancements to the vessel performance and applying this to larger foiling vessels with capacity for more passengers suitable for a range of routes.
“We eagerly anticipate our continued partnership with Vessev to deliver zero-emission foiling vessels, cementing Auckland’s position as a global leader in innovation and sustainability,” concluded Horne.
“We are honored by our partnership with Fullers360. They are one of the most innovative operators in the world and are leading the way in genuine decarbonization of marine transport. We thank both Fullers360 and NetZero Maritime for their support and their vision,” finished Laakmann.
The VS-9 entered the water for the first time earlier this month at Auckland’s Westhaven Marina where it is undergoing robust sea trials and risk mitigation testing before gaining certification by Maritime New Zealand. The VS-9 is on track to be the first vessel of its kind in the world to be certified for commercial use.
Intended for premium tourism services the VS-9 signifies a defining moment in Auckland’s decarbonization journey as the city welcomes its first fully electric passenger vessel.
Energy Investments Are Propelling An African Natural Gas Revolution In Angola(Opinion)
Africa is witnessing a natural gas drive in Angola that is set to revolutionize the continents natural gas industry. From exploration to production to exports, the Angolan oil and natural gas industry is bustling with new initiatives.
This past year alone, international oil companies and the Angolan government partnered to award numerous regional operators with service contracts worth billions of dollars in combined value.
The African Energy Chamber has been particularly pleased to see Angola driving its natural gas industry forward.
In August 2022, solidified plans to develop the Quiluma and Maboqueiro gas fields in the Lower Congo Basin offshore Angola saw Italian multinational oilfield services company Saipem granted USD900 million between three engineering, procurement and construction contracts for both onshore and offshore work associated with the project at three separate sites.
Movement on these endeavors is due in part to the establishment of the New Gas Consortium (NGC) and its relationship with Angola’s National Agency for Oil, Gas & Biofuels.
Investment in the NGC is multi-national, with Italian hydrocarbon giant ENI at the helm and France’s TotalEnergies, Britain’s BP, Angola’s Cabinda Gulf Oil Company and Sonangol signed on as shareholders.
The NGC expects production at the Quiluma and Maboqueiro fields to begin in 2026 and to produce at an estimated rate of four billion cubic meters (bcm) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per year.
The Right Approach
This success story, just one among many in Angola, wouldn’t be possible without the welcoming and investment-friendly environment that Angolan leadership has worked to cultivate in recent years.
Despite its status as sub-Saharan Africa’s second-largest oil producer, boasting an approximate output of 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil – a similar level to its output before it left the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) -,it expects to increase production in the near future especially with ExxonMobil’s Block 15 deepwater discovery at the Kizomba B area.
The working interest partners in the block – Azule Energy, Equinor and Sonangol – have not held back on investing in this project.
Angola rejects complacency and strives to grow those numbers by starting new wells while reevaluating its more mature facilities. Angola’s approach and its commitment to continued progress should serve as a template for every other African country to follow.
Angola sits atop 27 trillion cubic feet of natural gas — a largely untapped wealth of resources that represents a path toward vast employment opportunities, a route away from energy poverty, and a bridge to an eventual energy transition.
One of the key elements ensuring that this economic development evolves in both Angola’s and Africa’s favor is a competent administration to help guide it.
Political Will And Leadership Is Key.
Since taking office in 2017, President João Lourenço has maintained a positive bearing on strengthening and enhancing Angola’s oil and gas sector and focusing on enriching its population.
Employing a rational, long-term mindset in the effort to expand Angola’s LNG exports and further develop its gas industry, President Lourenço has been managing a multi-faceted master plan that he hopes will set Angola in an exponentially more prosperous position over a 30-year timeframe.
Lourenço’s actions in this regard have been proactive and comprehensive and performed in support of a healthy national oil and gas industry.
By working to improve Angola’s business environment and rooting out internal corruption, Lourenço has made the nation much more attractive and favorable to foreign investment.
The reappointment of Diamantino Pedro Azevedo as Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas — a key player in Angola’s regulatory overhaul and an outspoken advocate for the African energy industry — demonstrates Lourenço’s commitment to preserving a cabinet that produces meaningful results.
President Lourenço’s outlook includes much more than the successful export of Angola’s hydrocarbon resources.
His plan includes provisions for expanding the country’s refining and storage facilities as well as preparations for the transition to a low-carbon economy through the implementation of photovoltaic power plants, the production of green hydrogen, and a pledge to increase Angola’s own use of energy from clean sources like hydroelectric.
Lourenço has confidence that his country will be able to achieve these goals in part by fostering productive international relationships, a practice that he contends will also secure future business partnerships.
A Ready-Made Market
President Lourenço’s 2023 Whitehouse meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden saw a declaration of Angola as a strategic partner and the announcement of billions of U.S. investment in a system that will supply four provinces in southern Angola with photovoltaic power.
The wide-ranging difficulties extending from the ongoing war in Ukraine have put Europe in a precarious situation concerning its natural gas provisions, the bulk of which came from Russia until the start of the conflict.
President Lourenço has confidence that Angola can offer Europe an alternative source of LNG through European investment in the country and cooperative relations between the two regions.
Angola may get to a more sizeable position in the global LNG market, and sooner than expected, even without Europe’s immediate support.
Lourenço foresees an economic boom on the horizon that will put Angola’s LNG production and export on the fast track in the coming years.
System-Wide Improvements
In addition to the developments at the Quiluma and Maboqueiro fields, other Angolan natural gas projects are well underway.
The Angola LNG Project, a joint venture led by Chevron and Sonangol north of Luanda in the province of Soyo, processes and monetizes 1.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day while reducing gas flaring and greenhouse gas emissions.
Sonangol has also been hard at work in Cabinda, modernizing, automating and subsequently tripling their plant’s gas filling capabilities from 3,000 12-kilogram gas cylinders per day to 9,000 cylinders per day, which should increase regional gas availability by 28%.
By next year, Angola expects the 750 MW Soyo II combined-cycle power plant to be operational, which will contribute to a nationwide effort to expand the population’s electricity access by nearly 20% via gas-to-power generation.
Angola’s Falcão Natural Gas Project promises to diversify the country’s stake in the natural gas industry by providing a means of producing fertilizer, reducing reliance on importation while cutting overall agricultural costs.
These developments — paired with Minister Diamantino Azevedo’s assurances at the 2022 International Conference on Angola Oil and Gas that Angola will soon have floating liquid natural gas platforms off its shores — paint a positive picture for Angola’s energy future.
The African Energy Chamber celebrates Angola’s progress in the LNG sector. Natural gas offers a clean and practical energy source with the power to eradicate energy poverty and boost local economies across the continent while also providing a pathway toward a just energy transition. We encourage all the nations of Africa to join Angola on the trail they are currently blazing.
Source: https:// energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Lagos State, Dutch Firm Sign Deal To Generate Power From Solid Waste
Lagos State in the Republic of Nigeria has taken a major step towards turning tonnes of solid waste generated in the metropolis to usable energy.
The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday formalised a partnership with a Dutch firm, Harvest Waste Consortium, for the construction of a high efficiency Waste-to-Energy plant on Epe landfill, which will utilise advanced technology to generate clean energy from municipal solid waste, commercial and industrial waste.
The innovative waste management solution is expected to take some 40,000 homes off the national electricity grid, as the technology would enhance energy security and diversification, generating between 60 and 75 megawatts of baseload electricity annually.
The partnership with the Amsterdam, Netherlands-based firm was at the instance of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, while the agreement was signed under the supervision of the Lagos State Office of the Public Private Partnership (PPP).
Sanwo-Olu said the inadequacies of the current waste disposal practices in the State led to the sealing of the partnership to bring about innovative alternatives towards reducing environmental pollution, improving air quality, and stemming degradation and contamination of water resources that posed threats to the life quality in the State.
The governor said the partnership represented a “monumental step” forward of his administration’s waste management strategy, stressing that the move marked another milestone in the journey to build a clean, healthy, and more sustainable city.
He said: “Today marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lagos, as we formalise a partnership with Harvest Waste Consortium. This is a collaboration that promises to transform waste management and energy production in our State.
“The growth of our population signifies progress and opportunity, just as it presents challenges, particularly in managing the increasing volumes of municipal solid waste. We sought innovative and sustainable solutions through extensive consultations, visits, and a thorough exchange of information with our partners from the Netherlands.”
Sanwo-Olu said the technology had not only proven reliable but had also been tested by the European Commission as the best available technology in terms of efficiency.
“The facility will ensure that the potentially harmful effects of municipal solid waste are minimised, thereby protecting public health and the environment.
This project will not only enhance public health and well-being but also contribute to the circular economy by reducing landfill dependency and promoting recycling,” the governor said.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said the partnership created a new mandate for Lagos to seek solid waste management solutions.
He said the partnership would make the State turn its burden to wealth and create new value from waste conversion. The partnership, Wahab said, is fully backed by the Dutch government.
Deputy Consul General of the Netherlands Consulate, Ms. Leonie Van der Stijl, said the partnership presented the possibility of international collaboration to solve local challenges, noting that Lagos, through the pact, became the first partner of the Dutch waste management.
The envoy gave assurance of the Dutch government’s commitment to the success of the agreement.
Managing Director of Harvest Waste Consortium, Mr. Evert Lichtenbelt, said the firm had built international reputation in managing solid waste in a proper way.
Source: https:// energynewsafrica.com
Source: https:// energynewsafrica.com Russia Seals Nuclear Power And Gas Deal With Uzbekistan
During a visit to Uzbekistan on Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly agreed to a deal to build the first Central Asian nuclear power plant in history with Russian state-run Rosatom, Reuters reports, in a move likely designed to showcase Moscow’s adaptability under sanctions.
Domestic Russian-language and international media reported on Monday that Putin had committed $400 million to a $500-million joint investment fund in Uzbekistan, which prompted Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to refer to the visit as heralding “the beginning of a new age in the comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance relations between our countries”, as reported by Reuters.
Kremlin documents cited by Reuters indicate that Rosatom is planning to build six nuclear reactors in Uzbekistan, targeting 55 megawatts each.
The new nuclear project, which, if pursued, would represent the first-ever nuclear power project in Central Asia, is smaller than a previous project agreed upon in 2018, according to Reuters, but which has not been finalized.
Both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are home to uranium deposits, making them prime ground for nuclear energy projects.
Nor is it just nuclear energy Uzbekistan is now interested in from Russia. Mirziyoyev also reportedly expressed interest in Russian gas imports, which Putin obliged with a pledge to significantly increase gas exports to the Central Asian nation.
Putin reportedly said during the meeting in Tashkent that work was “under way” to significantly raise gas export volumes to Uzbekistan to 11 billion cubic meters in 2025, Baron’s reported.
Russian gas makes its way to Uzbekistan via a pipeline in Kazakhstan that began operations last year, with an expected 2024 capacity of 3.8 billion cubic meters.
With its energy products cut out of European markets, Moscow has been reinvigorating energy and technology relations with Asian nations, beginning in its former Soviet satellite backyard, Central Asia.
Source: Oilprice.com
Nigeria: TCN Reports Collapse Of Tower On Jos-Gombe Transmission Line
The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, says its tower T290, one of the four new towers erected by its contractors along the Jos – Gombe 330 Kilo Volt transmission line, collapsed during the cable stringing process.
Ndidi Mbah, TCN’S General Manager, Public Affairs in a statement in Abuja said the incident occurred at about 7 a.m. Monday (Today)
Mrs Mbah said the incident occurred while the contractor was stringing the cable on the last tower, which was supposed to enable the final joining of the power cable in time for energising of the line today.
”In spite the security challenges in the area, TCN contractors and some of our engineering staff worked tirelessly to fast-track the project, doing all that was humanly possible to meet the time-line.
” Everyday, the contractor, TCN engineers accompanied by security operatives consistently left the site by 10 pm in the night and resumed work at 6 a.m. every day.
”Constructing towers and stringing power cables at such heights is highly technical, although TCN contractors and staff have successfully completed similar projects in other parts of the country.
”The collapse of the fourth tower is a significant setback, given the extensive efforts to ensure that May 27 power restoration timeline was met, ”she said.
Mbah said that TCN contractor was currently dismantling the collapsed tower members, to enable reconstruction and final restringing of the cable.
She said it was unfortunate that while TCN is working on reconstructing and restringing the four vandalised towers, three towers along the Biu – Danboa 132kV transmission line were also vandalised with 16 spans of conductors stolen.
She said the towers, which had all collapsed, included towers T1690, T1691 and T1692.
According to her, TCN has mobilised a contractor to commence their reconstruction. This discovery was made by TCN patrol team last Friday.
”This morning also, the TCN lines patrol team discovered that tower T540 along the Makurdi – Jos 330kV double circuit transmission line has been vandalised.
”Sections of the tower have been removed, although the tower remains standing. TCN has contracted emergency repairs, to prevent its collapse.
”We reiterate our commitment to restoring normal bulk power supply through the distribution companies serving the North East and other areas affected by vandalism.
”There is, however, an urgent need for everyone to join hands with TCN in protecting our collective assets by being vigilant, and reporting any suspected acts of tower and line vandalism promptly,”she said.
Source: https:// energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Petrosol Ghana Appoints Lawrencia Himans To Its Board
Petrosol Ghana Limited, an indigenous oil marketing company in the Republic of Ghana has appointed Lawrencia Himans, the Chief Finance Officer of the company as a member of its reconstituted Board of Directors.
She officially assumed this role on Thursday, 16th May, 2024, a statement issued and copied to energynewsafrica.com said.
Ms Lawrencia is an accomplished and highly respected accounting and finance professional, with close to two decades of experience in Corporate Finance, with 16 years spent in playing senior leadership roles in the oil and gas sector.
She is a chartered accountant and a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), UK.
In recognition of her outstanding performance and leadership, she received the Exemplary Leadership Award, 2023 at the Women in Mining Energy Awards (WiMEA).
Ms Lawrencia also received our CEO’s Special Award for Outstanding Female Leadership, during our Women in Leadership Conference organized on International Women’s Day in March 2024.
Ms Lawrencia joined PETROSOL in August 2019 as the Incoming Head of Finance & Planning and assumed the substantive role on 1st October 2019.
For the past four years, she has contributed to the sustainable growth and long-term viability of the company through the proper management of financial resources. She has overseen improvements in financial reporting, reinforced compliance with regulatory and statutory obligations and improved accounting processes.
As a result of her excellent performance, she was promoted to be the Chief Finance Officer in April, 2023.
Prior to joining PETROSOL, Ms Lawrencia served as the Head of Treasury Operations of Airtel Ghana Ltd (AirtelTigo); the Commercial Manager of Maranatha Oil Services, a Bulk Oil Import, Distribution and Export Company; the Head of Finance of Springfield Energy/Springfield E&P, formally a Bulk Oil Import, Distribution and Export Company and now an oil exploration company; the Financial Controller of UBI Petroleum (now PUMA Energy Ltd), an Oil Marketing Company; and Senior Accountant of SO Energy Ltd, an OMC and a subsidiary of Sahara Energy Resources Limited of Nigeria.
Ms Lawrencia began her career as an Audit associate with KPMG, a global audit firm, and went on to become the Finance Manager of the Private Enterprise Foundation (now Private Enterprise Federation).
Ms Lawrencia holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Wuhan University of Technology, China, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from the University of Ghana, Legon.
She has also undergone the following courses: International Financial Reporting Standards for Oil and Gas (Johannesburg), Oil Market Fundamentals (Accra), BP Third Party Traders course (London), Excel Application in Financial Management and Modeling (Accra) and Contract Administration (Accra).
Commenting on her appointment, Lawrencia said, “I am deeply honoured by the vote of confidence of the shareholders. I am thrilled by the opportunity to work with the other directors in our determination to make PETROSOL a model of excellence in the energy sector.”
Commenting on her appointment, the Chief Executive Officer of PETROSOL, Michael Bozumbil, said, “the decision to elevate Lawrencia to the Board of PETROSOL was taken in recognition of her excellent and consistent performance over the years; her unwavering commitment to our vision, which is, to be a model of excellence in the energy sector; as well as her personal demonstration of our core values of professionalism, service quality delivery, integrity, ethical conduct, empathy, respect for humanity and respect for the environment.”
He added that “Lawrencia is an amazing asset and deserves this elevation.
Though the recent 5 years have been very challenging, due to the global economic turbulence, the struggling national economy, and the myriad of challenges in the downstream petroleum sector, Lawrencia has demonstrated professionalism, focus, fortitude, diligence and integrity as she has played her role excellently by ensuring that PETROSOL successfully meets our financial obligations to all our stakeholders, namely the Ghana Revenue Authority, our customers, bankers, suppliers, regulators, staff, contractors, among others. She has what it takes to excel on the Board.”
PETROSOL Platinum Energy Ltd, formerly PETROSOL Ghana Ltd, operates over 100 fuel stations across the country and also supplies petroleum products to bulk corporate consumers.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Eskom Wants Electricity Prices Overhauled
South Africa’s power utility company, Eskom has applied to the National Electricity Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) for a review of its tariff structures before opening up South Africa’s electricity market.
According to a report by mybroadband.co.za, the power utility is preparing for the implications of its unbundling — including the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) coming into operation in July.
“We’ve learned a lot from our journey on transmission into NTCSA. We would then take that on board as we embark on the distribution unbundling.
“But the [ERA Bill] is also clear on the TSO [transmission system operator] eventually migrating towards a market.”
“It’s important that the regulator is aligned to the ERA Bill, and my understanding is it does allow the regulator to have some transition mechanisms that they would have to announce,” Eskom CFO Calib Cassim Eskom said as carried by mybroadband.co.za.
Cassim said the focus of Eskom’s new application is to help the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) more clearly separate the revenues and costs between the different unbundled Eskom companies.
This includes determining where fixed costs and variable costs will reside between the new companies.
“If we look at our current fixed-cost/variable-cost split, it’s probably about fixed-cost 70% [and] 30% variable,” said Cassim.
“But in the tariff structure, we are charging more than 70% linked to the energy, and 30% fixed. So you see the switch that needs to happen, and it can’t happen overnight.”
Eskom tariff pain
Tariffs are a touchy topic for South Africans, who are projected to pay over five times more for electricity in 2025 than they did in 2010.
Nato Oosthuizen, partner and renewable energy expert at BDO, noted that this is due to Eskom implementing many above-inflation tariff increases while performance has declined.
Oosthuizen said pricing challenges are only set to become a bigger problem due to reduced demand for Eskom’s electricity from households, who can turn to alternative energy sources, and the introduction of Independent Power Producers to serve some of Eskom’s biggest clients.
Furthermore, a study by South African Reserve Bank economists Zaakirah Ismail and Christopher Wood last year found that electricity has become more expensive in South Africa due to Eskom’s growing debt financing costs.
Ismail and Wood found Eskom’s finance costs more than doubled in the past decade.
In contrast, said the experts, the utility’s other costs have increased slightly above inflation.
Between 2007 and 2021, Eskom spent R680 billion and achieved generally poor results on major projects — like returning three end-of-life power stations to service, developing two additional peaking plants, and constructing Medupi and Kusile.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Two Top Ghanaian Energy Reporters, Others In Russia To Tour First Floating Nuclear Power Plant
Russian state-atomic corporation, Rosatom, has invited two celebrated Ghanaian energy reporters to join other reporters from international media outlets to tour the world’s first mobile small-sized Floating Nuclear Power Plant at Pevek in the northern city of Russia.
The duo, Michael Creg Afful, Editor of energynewsafrica.com, a Pan-African independent online news portal, and Emmanuel Aboagye-Wiafe, host of Energy 101 on Accra-based Asaase Radio, departed Accra, capital of Ghana, at the weekend and have arrived safely in Russia.
With passion for promoting dissemination of credible information in the energy sector among industry players and non-industry players, Michael Creg Afful founded energynewsafrica.com in 2018 and has since increased the readership of the website from just readers from Ghana to readers from over hundred countries across the world.
He has built a network of industry players in Africa and beyond and contributed to energy discussions in Ghana.
This is the third term Michael is visiting Russia on a similar trip.
In 2022, he attended the Atom Expo with Emmanuel Aboagye-Wiafe and some selected journalists from Nigeria, Zambia, Kenya and Tanzania.
He also attended the Russia-Africa Summit in 2023 and visited the Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant in St Petersburg.
While in Russia, Michael and the team of reporters would also visit some historical sites as well as Atom Class and the Port of Pevek beginning Tuesday, 28th May, 2024.
Named after 18th-century Russian scientist, Mikhail Lomonosov, the Akademik Lomonosov is equipped with two KLT-40S reactor systems each with a 35MWe capacity similar to those used on icebreakers.
Designed by Russian nuclear scientists and naval architects, the vessel is 144 metres long and 30 metres wide, and has a displacement of 21,000 tonnes.
Commenting, Michael Creg Afful, said: “This is rare. For me to visit a land-based nuclear power plant in St. Petersburg, Russia and now visiting the world’s first floating nuclear power plant in Pevek is a great opportunity.’’
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
This is the third term Michael is visiting Russia on a similar trip.
In 2022, he attended the Atom Expo with Emmanuel Aboagye-Wiafe and some selected journalists from Nigeria, Zambia, Kenya and Tanzania.
He also attended the Russia-Africa Summit in 2023 and visited the Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant in St Petersburg.
While in Russia, Michael and the team of reporters would also visit some historical sites as well as Atom Class and the Port of Pevek beginning Tuesday, 28th May, 2024.
Named after 18th-century Russian scientist, Mikhail Lomonosov, the Akademik Lomonosov is equipped with two KLT-40S reactor systems each with a 35MWe capacity similar to those used on icebreakers.
Designed by Russian nuclear scientists and naval architects, the vessel is 144 metres long and 30 metres wide, and has a displacement of 21,000 tonnes.
Commenting, Michael Creg Afful, said: “This is rare. For me to visit a land-based nuclear power plant in St. Petersburg, Russia and now visiting the world’s first floating nuclear power plant in Pevek is a great opportunity.’’
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Nigeria: We’ll End Gas Flaring By 2030 — Environment Minister
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to end gas flaring in the country by 2030.
The West African nation’s Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako, stated this in Abuja at the inaugural workshop on quarterly reporting of utilisation efforts and initiatives toward the reduction of carbon footprints (emissions) in Nigeria.
According to him, available data showed that from 2016 till date, 1.621 billion metric tonnes of gas worth 5.654 billion dollars had been flared.
Salako said the gas flared had moved toward 86 million metric tonnes of Carbon (CO2 ) and 31.3 million tonnes of methane to the atmosphere.
He said the Ministry was determined to change this scenario which was in line with the commitment of the country to end gas flaring by 2030.
”I seek cooperation of all stakeholders in the oil and gas industry within the upstream sector to achieve this,” he said.
The minister said efforts of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, led to the development of a mechanism for fact-checking gas flared volumes.
He said this was a crucial step in enhancing accountability and revenue generation within the sector.
”By advocating for a Hybrid Emissions Data Gathering Approach which combines satellite and ground-based data.
‘We ensure the accuracy and reliability of our emission reports.
”Data extracted from the gas flare shows that from 2016 to date, 1.621 billion metric tonnes of gas worth 5.654 billion dollars has been flared, pushing 86 million metric tonnes of Carbon (CO2 ) and 31.3 million tonnes of methane to the atmosphere.
”This, of course, is an unacceptable scenario environmentally and economically,” he said.
In a remark, the out- going Director- General, NOSDRA, Idris Musa, said that since inception,the agency had been at the forefront of efforts to combat oil and gas pollution.
He said that NOSDRA was also at the forefront of championing a technology- driven approach to environmental regulations.
Mr Musa said the introduction of the Nigerian Gas Flare Tracker, NGFT, as a tool stood as shinning example of the agency’s commitment to invocation and excellence.
”This state – of – the art platform not only identifies and quantifies gas flare emissions but also provides invaluable data and insights to government agencies for informed decision-making,” he said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Algeria: Exxon Signs Gas Exploration Deal With Algeria
Exxon has signed a deal with the Algerian government for exploration at two natural gas fields in the North African country.
The supermajor, in partnership with Algeria’s state energy firm Sonatrach, will “study the existing opportunities to develop the hydrocarbon resources in the Ahnet basin and the Gourara basin” in the southern part of the country, the New Arab reported.
Details about the amount of the investment were not disclosed by the companies. Information about the potential resources in the two basins was also not disclosed. The agreement is preliminary but it could become a firm commitment if exploration work yields positive results.
Algeria is a large natural gas producer and wants to become an even larger one. Talks about the participation of U.S. supermajors in this expansion emerged last year when the Wall Street Journal reported that Exxon and Chevron were in advanced talks on exploration and production deals in the North African nation.
By early 2024, there was still no news of a deal but it appears that now talks have finally produced a result with one of the U.S. supermajors.
Algeria holds huge conventional natural gas reserves, and it is also estimated to have the third–largest shale gas reserves in the world after China and Argentina.
Most of Algeria’s gas exports are heading to Europe, which is increasingly betting on Africa to import large volumes of pipeline gas and LNG to replace pipeline gas supply from Russia, which was Europe’s top gas supplier before the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Italy’s energy major, Eni, has been particularly active in securing more natural gas supply for Europe from Africa and has fast-tracked projects in Africa to meet Europe’s gas demand in the absence of Russian pipeline deliveries.
Earlier this year, the biggest LNG import terminal, in the UK, secured 10-year gas supply deal with Algeria’s Sonatrach.
Source: Oilprice.com
Chinese Energy Major Inks Oil Deal With Mozambique
The China National Offshore Oil Co, or CNOOC, has signed an exploration and production deal for five oil and gas blocks in Mozambique, Reuters reported, citing a CNOOC statement.
The five blocks are offshore the African country, in depths ranging between 500 meters and 2,500 meters, the Chinese state-owned company said.
The exploration stage of the deal will last for four years, CNOOC also said, with five of its subsidiaries acting as operators for each of the blocks, which the Chinese company will be exploring in partnership with Mozambique’s state energy company, ENH.
Mozambique has substantial natural gas reserves that could turn the country into a major LNG producer, according to the U.S. International Trade Administration. With reserves estimated at more than 180 trillion cu ft, the potential for development is indeed significant.
However, the actual development of these reserves has proven to be challenging. There are two significant LNG projects in progress in Mozambique, the Rovuma LNG led by Exxon and the Mozambique LNG project led by France’s TotalEnergies.
The chief risk for the projects, which has led to delays for both, is political instability and activity by Islamist organizations. Despite this risk, however, Exxon recently signaled it will press ahead with Rovuma LNG, planning to make the final investment decision on the project at the end of 2025.
“We recognise there are challenges and there are. We recognise that those challenges can be overcome if we work together,” the head of Exxon’s Mozambique operations said earlier this month.
Meanwhile, the UAE’s Adnoc became a shareholder in the Rovuma project, after it recently bought the stake previously held by Portugal’s Galp.
“This strategic investment is ADNOC’s first in Mozambique and complements ADNOC’s efforts to expand its lower-carbon LNG portfolio to meet growing gas demand and support a just, orderly and equitable energy transition,” the Emirati company said after the 10%-stake acquisition.
Source: Oilprice.com
Kenya: Kenya Power Loses 365 Transformers Worth KSh328 Million In 2023
Kenya’s power utility company, Kenya Power, lost 365 transformers worth KShs328 million (the equivalent of $2,466,165.38) in 2023 to vandalism.
Between May and December 2022, the company lost 76 transformers worth KSh68 million and from January 2024 to date, 78 transformers worth 78 million have been vandalised so far.
This was revealed by Dr Joseph Siror, Managing Director of Kenya Power, in a statement issued by the company.
He called for the vetting of all stakeholders engaged in the scrap metal trade including local collectors, main scrap dealers, smelters and exporters.
“We propose that all traders dealing with scrap metal, especially copper and aluminium, must declare their sources to ensure traceability and accountability,” he added.
Ing Siror hailed the provisions in the Energy Act 2019, which criminalises tampering with electricity installations, energy theft, vandalism and damage to streetlights and power infrastructure, which, he said was playing a big role in combating vandalism.
The Act prescribes a KSh5 million fine and a five-year prison sentence, or both for offenders.
He called on all stakeholders to join in rooting out the unscrupulous scrap dealers to ensure a sustainable and reliable power supply for all Kenyans.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com