Drone Attacks Take Khor Mor Gas Field Offline, Claims Lives
Four expatriate workers lost their lives, and two others sustained injuries in a recent drone attack on the Khor Mor gas field in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.
This attack, reported by an advisor to the Iraqi Kurdish Prime Minister and a senior Kurdish political source, has also resulted in the suspension of production at the site.
The ramifications of the assault extend beyond casualties, impacting electricity generation in the region. Kurdistan’s electricity ministry stated that the drone attack disrupted gas supplies to power plants, leading to an approximate 2,500 MW reduction in electricity output.
Pearl Petroleum—a consortium comprised of Dana Gas and Crescent Petroleum (operators of the Kurdistan Gas Project), along with OMV, MOL, and RWE hold the rights to develop Khor Mor and Chemchemal, two of Iraq’s largest gas field.
Earlier lask week, U.S. troops shot down two drones outside a base in Iraq, the Pentagon has said, although the U.S. military could not confirm whether the attack was targeting U.S. forces.
No group has taken responsibility for Friday’s attack on the gas field that contains more than 7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves.
“Good efforts have been made in the past to improve the energy sector and economic infrastructure in Iraq, especially in the Kurdistan Region, and while steps are being taken to resolve the disputed, evil and destructive hands once again targeted the Khor Mor gas field in a terrorist act. These repeated strikes must be stopped, and we urge the Iraqi government to find the perpetrators of this terrorist act and bring them to justice,” Peshawa Hawramani, KRG spokesperson said in Friday a statement following the attack.
The KRG spokesperson said that the four who lost their lives were Yemeni.
Source: Oilprice.com
Sierra Leone: Energy Minister Resigns Over Electricity Crisis
Sierra Leone’s Minister for Energy Alhaji Kanja Sesay has resigned due to electricity crisis in the West African nation.
Having accepted responsibility for the energy crisis, he tendered his resignation letter on Friday.
Turkish power company – Karpowership – has been supplying power to the country.
However, Sierra Leone appears not to be paying promptly for the electricity supply, resulting in accumulated debts.
In September 2023, Karpowership switched off power supply to Freetown, the capital, over unpaid debt of about $40 million.
Following the resignation of Alhaji Kanja Sesay on Friday, the office of the President, Julius Maada Bio, later announced that it had paid $17 million of the US$48 million owed to Karpowership, which provides electricity to Freetown.
A spokesman for the company confirmed the payment and said full electricity supplies had been restored to the capital.
“We are pleased to confirm that the power supply at full capacity to Sierra Leone has been restored,” the company said in a statement.
Since mid-April, Freetown and the cities of Bo, Kenema and Koidu have experienced multi-day stretches without electricity.
At that time, it said it had not received payment from the government of Sierra Leone for “a protracted period” and was therefore unable to pay fuel suppliers on behalf of the West African country.
According to the office of President Maada Bio, the energy ministry would fall under the direct supervision of the president.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Ivorian Power Regulators Visit ERERA
A three-member delegation from the National Electricity Regulatory Authority of Cote d’Ivoire (ANARE-CI) on April 24, 2024, ended its three-day working visit to ERERA to gather first-hand information on some of ERERA’s regulatory activities.
The working visit is part of an agreement between the Chairman of ERERA, Engr. Laurent Tossou and the
Director General of ANARE-CI, Mr. Amidou Traore, in February 2024, in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, to allow the delegates to learn about ERERA’s regulatory activities: in particular, its tariff methodology for the Regional Electricity Market.
In his welcome remarks, Engr. Tossou expressed optimism that the visit would further strengthen the relationship between the two institutions and serve as a model for other institutions to copy.
Members of the ANARE-CI delegation which consisted of Messrs. Doffou Marc Elisée Monsoh, Economic and Financial Director; Ekra Laurent Bledou, Technical Director and Chiapault Gilles-Arnaud Mondon, Head of the Financial Control Department, were treated to presentations on ERERA’s tariff methodology and related matters.
ERERA’s Senior Power Expert, Mr. Yawovi Negbegble, its Senior Legal Expert, Mr. Oumar Bangoura as well as its Power Expert, Mr. Nutifafa Fiasorgbor, addressed the tariff-related issues with the members of the ANARE-CI delegation
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
ExxonMobil Underwhelms With Q1 Earnings
ExxonMobil reported on Friday underwhelming earnings for the first quarter that were lower than consensus estimates, due to declining natural gas prices and refining margins and non-cash adjustments.
The U.S. supermajor booked first-quarter earnings of $8.2 billion, down from $11.4 billion for the first quarter of 2023. Earnings per share were $2.06 for the first quarter of 2024, down from $2.79 for the same period last year.
The U.S. supermajor booked first-quarter earnings of $8.2 billion, down from $11.4 billion for the first quarter of 2023.
Earnings per share were $2.06 for the first quarter of 2024, down from $2.79 for the same period last year.
Exxon’s Q1 2024 earnings per share were below the analyst consensus forecast of $2.19 compiled by The Wall Street Journal.
The yearly decline in earnings was the result of industry refining margins and natural gas prices coming down from last year’s highs to trade within the ten-year historical range, Exxon said in a statement
Compared to the fourth quarter, earnings fell by $1.8 billion, due to timing effects, lower base volumes, higher expenses from scheduled maintenance, and other primarily non-cash effects from tax and inventory adjustments.
Strong production growth in Exxon’s Guyana assets only partially offset lower natural gas realizations in the upstream and weaker industry refining margins and unfavorable timing effects in the downstream.
Earnings in Exxon’s chemical products business rose to $785 million, an increase of $414 million compared to the same quarter last year, thanks to higher margins, on the back of lower North American feed costs and higher margins from performance chemicals more than offsetting the decline in industry margins for polyethylene and polypropylene.
Exxon’s shareholder distributions were $6.8 billion in the quarter, including $3.8 billion of dividends and $3.0 billion of share repurchases.
“We delivered a strong quarter with continued growth in advantaged assets, such as Guyana, where production continues at higher-than-expected levels, contributing to historic economic growth for the Guyanese people,” Exxon’s chairman and chief executive officer Darren Woods said.
Exxon’s stock was down by 1.3% in pre-market trade after the underwhelming Q1 results.
Source: Oilprice.com
Zambia: Zesco Announces Power Outage In Kitwe Due To Maintenance Works At 66/11KV LUANGWA Substation
Zambia’s power utility company, Zesco Limited has served a notice to its customers and the public in Luangwa, Mulenga, Kamfinsa, New Ndeke, Chamboli, Zamtan, ZNS, Cedrice’s, Prisons and Mobile Police, Mwekera, Prof John Lungu Farm and surrounding areas that there will be power supply interruption on Friday 26 April from 08:00 hours to 17:00 hours.
The power supply interruption has been necessitated by maintenance works at 66/11kV Luangwa substation.
As a safety precaution, our customers and the public are urged to treat all supply lines to be live at all times, as power supply could be restored before the stated time.
ZESCO Limited regrets the inconvenience the power supply interruption will cause its valued customers.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Ashanti Regional Minister Owes ECG Unpaid Bills
Ghana’s Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, has incurred the wrath of the workers of the area’s ECG for orchestrating the arrest of the Ashanti East Manager of the Electricity Company of Ghana, Mark Wiafe Asomani.
The Minister allegedly ordered the arrest of the manager a few days ago after the ECG’s National Revenue Mobilisation Taskforce disconnected the electricity supply to the Kumasi Technical University for unpaid bills.
The action of the Minister infuriated the entire workforce of the power distribution company in all its operational areas.
On Wednesday, the workers of ECG hoisted red flags in all their operational areas in protest of the Minister’s conduct.
They demanded an apology from the Minister for his wrongful action but the Minister appeared to be unfazed.
The workers threatened to disconnect the Minister’s private residence over unpaid bills if he failed to render an unqualified apology.
Responding to the workers’ demand for an apology at a press conference in Kumasi on Thursday, 25th April, the Regional Minister, Osei-Mensah, defended his actions, citing security concerns as the basis for requesting the police to arrest the Ashanti East Manager of ECG, Mark Wiafe Asomani.
“Do I have to apologise for doing my security work?” the minister questioned, asserting his authority under the Securities and Intelligence Agencies Act of 2020.
“What I want to tell you is that I asked the police to invite Ing. Mark Wiafe Asomani on security grounds because of the happenings in the electricity sector in the region and the fact that a taskforce can always come from outside to disconnect without the proper information,” he said.
He also refuted claims that certain ECG managers are members of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and criticised ECG for failing to maintain uninterrupted power supply at the residences of the President and Vice President when in the Ashanti Region.
“It is a palpable falsehood. They are not members of the Regional Security Council. Regional Security Council invited them to brief us on the adequacy or otherwise of security measures put in place at the various installations of the ECG.
“I had informed ECG that where the President and the Vice President lodged anytime they are in Kumasi is declared a security zone.
“Unfortunately, ECG had never observed this and keeps on flouting this [directive],” he said.
Furthermore, the Minister alleged overcharges by ECG for electricity at his residence while denying any outstanding payments to the power company.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: CBOD Raises Alarm Over Govt Plan To Let BOST Act As Sole Off-Taker Of Sentuo Oil Refinery Petroleum Products
The Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) has raised the alarm over a plan by the Government of Ghana to make the Bulk Energy Storage and Transportation (BEST) Company, formerly known as Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST) Company, the sole off-taker of refined petroleum products by Chinese firm, Sentuo Oil Refinery Limited, under the Gold for Oil (G4O) programme.
The G4O programme is a government-led initiative to address the depreciation of the local currency, Cedi, against international trading currencies.
Sentuo commenced operations recently and has since been selling products like diesel and petrol to bulk oil distributors who then sell them to oil marketing companies before retailing to final consumers.
But a statement issued by Patrick Kwaku Ofori (Ph.D.), the Chief Executive Officer of CBOD, on Thursday, 25th April 2024, and copied this portal, claimed that Sentuo’s petroleum would be sold to a single off-taker who would then resell to BDCs if the plan goes through.
According to members of CBOD, information available to them indicates that the plan has been necessitated by government’s aim to control the exchange rate by indirectly ceding Sentuo’s cedi liquidity through BEST for the latter to manage USD allocations under the G4O programme.
“We are convinced that this plan is inconsistent with the deregulation policy that guides the activities of the petroleum downstream sector.
“We object to this proposal and respectfully appeal to the Economic Management Team (EMT) & the Vice-President, Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, to review this proposal,” CBOD said.
CBOD cautioned that this proposal would create market challenges and deficiencies, which will in the medium to long term inevitably cripple the downstream sector.
“Providing the needed USD liquidity under the G4O programme can still be achieved without necessarily anchoring the entire output of Sentuo Oil Refinery Limited (SORL) with BEST, formerly known as Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST) Company,” CBOD stated.
The Chamber has given an assurance that it is committed to working with the government to develop a workable G4O framework that fosters fair market practices and transparency, while promoting innovation, sustainability and an efficient downstream petroleum sector in Ghana.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Equinor Upbeat About Investor Interest In US Offshore Wind Farm
Norway’s Equinor is confident of finding an investor for its planned Empire Wind 1 offshore wind farm in New York after a new power off-take agreement improved the project’s economics, the company said on Thursday.
New York State authorities in Feburary awarded the project a new conditional power purchase contract, replacing a previous deal that was no longer competitive due to rising construction costs, higher interest rates and supply chain snags.
Equinor was glad to have received the new contract, which significantly changed the economics of the project, CFO Torgrim Reitan told analysts during an earnings call on Thursday.
“2024 is the year of de-risking for the Empire Wind 1 project in New York and we are progressing,” he said.
The company plans to sell a stake as part of a so-called farm down to a new partner to reduce capital expenditure, with Reitan saying there was “a broad set of potential interested parties”.
It would mark the second farm down for Empire Wind 1, after Equinor earlier this year parted ways with its previous partner BP .
Equinor will reveal the price of its new contract with New York once it is firmly signed, with only an average for several awarded projects given in February, the CFO said.
All necessary procurement contract were more or less settled for the project, however, with very little remaining exposure to inflation, he added.
Equinor has opted for 15-megawatt (MW) Vestas wind turbines for the project, a proven technology, Reitan said.
“We feel confident in the delivery of that,” he added.
Reitan’s comment followed news last week that New York had rejectedcontracts for three other projects that had been hoping to utilise 18-MW wind turbines, as the chosen manufacturer, GE Vernova, had decided not to produce those turbines.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: LPG Dealers In Upper East Region Welcome CRM Policy …Say It Will Increase Access And Create Jobs
Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) dealers in the Upper East Region of the Republic of Ghana have welcomed the implementation of the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) policy which is being implemented by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).
They noted that the CRM will improve their distribution of LPG to more consumers and create jobs.
The dealers expressed their support for the CRM policy in separate engagements when officials of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) visited their LPG refilling stations as part of a consumer sensitisation on the CRM programme in the region.
Some of the dealers had earlier raised concerns about the potential loss of jobs due to the implementation of the CRM.
However, after explanations by officials of the NPA, the LPG dealers realised that their transition to the CRM model would enable them to reach new customers efficiently and create new jobs in the process as more hands would be required at their stations.
The purpose of the visit by the NPA officials was to further engage LPG dealers who interface with consumers at the regional level to further explain the CRM policy to them, address their concerns and inform them of the processes they need to go through to transition.
During the discourse, the paramount concern of making LPG accessible and safe for all was emphasised.
This resonated with the attending operators of LPG refilling outlets, who expressed apprehension about potential business disruptions arising from the implementation of the CRM policy.
In response to these concerns, Mr Obed Boachie Kraine, Head of commercial Gas Regulation at the NPA, who led these engagements, reassured the dealers/operators that the CRM would not lead to job losses.
Mr Boachie debunked that assertion, explaining that on the contrary, the CRM would create new job opportunities as the value chain would be expanded.
He said, “Additional personnel will be required for the operation of the LPG dealers particularly in the distribution of cylinders to their resellers.”
He added that new jobs in areas such as the transportation of cylinders, the construction of cages, cylinder maintenance and refurbishment, cylinder delivery services and related services would increase jobs in the sector.
He said this engagement underscores the collaborative approach adopted by the NPA to address industry challenges and foster sustainable growth.
The NPA remains committed to facilitating constructive dialogue and supporting stakeholders as Ghana progresses towards a safer, more efficient energy future, he added.
The Head of Consumer Services at the NPA, Mrs Eunice Budu Nyarko, stressed that it was important for customers of petroleum products, especially LPG to feel safe in their use of LPG.
She said the CRM would improve the relationship between LPG dealers and their customers as they would be closer in their communities.
The Upper East Regional Manager of NPA, Bashiru Natogma, on his part, encouraged dealers in the region to embrace the CRM.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Tanzania: Tanesco Shuts Down Five Hydroelectric Power Plants Due To Excess Power
Tanzania has shut down five hydroelectric stations in a bid to reduce excess electricity in the national grid, the country’s prime minister Kassim Majaliwa has said.
According to a report by BBC, Tanzania’s main plant, Mwalimu Nyerere Hydroelectric Station, has alone generated enough electricity to power major cities, including Dar es Salaam, the country’s commercial hub.
“We have turned off all these stations because the demand is low and the electricity production is too much, we have no allocation now, “ an official from state-run power company, Tanesco, told BBC.
The 2,115 MW Julius Nyerere hydropower dam is said to be almost full with water, following heavy rains that started early this year.
A current spell of extreme weather has caused at least 58 deaths in Tanzania and devastated other East African nations like Kenya.
It is the first time Tanzania, which suffers chronic power shortages, has closed hydroelectric stations due to excess production.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Refinery Fires Force Mexico To Reverse Its Plan To Cut Oil Exports
Mexico has changed a plan to curb oil exports as fires at two Pemex refineries have affected local demand for the commodity.
According to Pemex employees who spoke to reporters, the company had notified some U.S. buyers of its crude that it could offer additional cargos for May.
Earlier this month, reports said Pemex would reduce the rate of exports in order to feed local refineries, with Reuters putting the size of the cut at 436,000 barrels daily.
For May, the export reduction was seen at 330,000 barrels daily.
The reduction in oil exports was necessary because Pemex’s output has been on a steady decline due to natural depletion and nowhere near enough new discoveries.
In February, the daily average fell to the lowest in 45 years.
About a week ago, however, the Salina Cruz refinery suffered a fire that started at a gasoline tank and while the fire was quickly extinguished, the facility’s operations were disrupted.
Then, a couple of days later, Mexican media reported an explosion had occurred at the Lazaro Cardenas refinery in Veracruz.
Separately, Pemex said in a recent update that the brand-new Dos Bocas refinery—a flagship project of the Lopez Obrador government’s energy policy—was going to reach its full capacity in September. This is six months behind schedule for the 340,000-bpd refinery.
The Mexican energy ministry expects oil processing rates in the country to rise to 1.04 million barrels daily this year.
This, based on 2023 export figures suggests Mexico might well have to stop exporting crude as a whole if it plans to feed more crude oil to domestic refineries.
Last year, Pemex exported an average daily of 1.03 million barrels, according to Reuters. This year, the average for the first two months of the year fell to 945,000 barrels daily.
Source: Oilprice.com
Ghana: Power Outages Will End In A Few Days–ECG Board Chair
The Deputy Minister for Energy and Board Chairman of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Herbert Krapa, has expressed confidence that the current erratic power supply facing Ghana will come to an end in the next few days.
According to him, the government has implemented some measures to ensure that the intermittent power supply is ended to enable Ghanaians enjoy regular power supply.
Mr Krapa gave the assurance in a post on his Facebook page on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, after joining President Akufo-Addo to inaugurate the 15MW peak solar project in Kaleo in the Upper West Region.
“As I said earlier today at Kaleo, at the inauguration of VRA’s 15MW Solar Plant, the government has put in place immediate measures to ensure the return of uninterrupted supply of power to consumers. I can, therefore, state that the unfortunate power challenges Ghanaians are facing should be over in the next few days.
“We are fully confident that the measures being put in place should resolve the service interruptions. We empathise with all consumers and apologise unreservedly for the effects of the outages on our daily lives. Please bear with us. We are fixing it and we are nearly there,” Herbert Krapa’s post further read.
Although his post did not detail the measures being implemented to end the current erratic power supply, this portal has chanced on a release suggesting that West Coast Gas Ghana Limited will redirect gas supply to certain power plants in a bid to optimise and offer the country with more generation.
“Half of gas being supplied to TICO by VRA is expected to be redirected to Cenpower to run a full combined cycle while VRA will redirect gas supply from Kpone Thermal Power Plant to Sunon Asogli for its Phase 1 to run in full combined cycle.”
The statement explained that “a more efficient way of utilising natural gas is to dispatch available combine cycle plants ahead of simple cycle plants. This proposal is based on current gas supply constraints and available thermal plants.”
The proposed redirection of the usage of gas in powering the available thermal plants is “expected to add 100NW to the grid, making use of the same gas available,” the statement noted.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana Signs Deal With China For The Construction Of HPR1000 Nuclear Power Project
Ghana has signed an agreement with China National Nuclear Corporation Overseas Limited for cooperation and construction of HPR1000 nuclear power plant, and the agreement will include the upgrading of Ghana’s power grid.
HPR1000 is an advanced mega-kilowatt-class third-generation pressurised water reactor (PWR) nuclear power technology. It was developed by China based on more than 30 years of experience in the scientific research, design, equipment manufacturing, construction, and operation of nuclear power.
Ghana’s Minister for Energy Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh disclosed this without further details of the deal on his Facebook page after the signing of the agreement during the 26th World Energy Congress in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
The agreement, which was witnessed by the Energy Minister, was signed between Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG), the entity spearheading the construction of Ghana’s first nuclear power plant, and China National Nuclear Power Corporation Overseas Limited.
“Nuclear power stands as a reliable, efficient, and environmentally-friendly source of energy, offering a stable supply of electricity to power our industries, businesses, homes and, indeed, the West African Power Pool. It is a testament of President Akufo-Addo’s vision for a diversified energy portfolio that prioritises clean and sustainable sources of power.
“This agreement represents a profound commitment to advancing our nation’s energy sector, ensuring sustainable development, and meeting the growing demand for electricity in our country,” Dr Opoku Prempeh wrote.
According to him, Ghana is at a crucial juncture in its journey towards economic prosperity.
“The integration of nuclear power into our energy mix will play a pivotal role in achieving our goals,” he noted.
Ghana is at the second stage of the processes required by the International Atomic Energy Agency for the establishment of nuclear power plant.
The NPG has identified two suitable sites for the siting of the nuclear power plant in the Central and Western regions.
The Executive Director Dr Stephen Yamoah disclosed that the NPG is in the process to request for IAEA site and external events design SEED mission.
This assessment will afford the IAEA experts the opportunity to review Ghana’s siting activities for construction of nuclear power plant up to the point of preferred site identification.
The mission will thus afford NPG the opportunity to fill in gaps when undertaking the detailed site characterisation studies, which is the next stage of the siting activities and seek regulatory approval before the site can be ready for construction.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
According to him, Ghana is at a crucial juncture in its journey towards economic prosperity.
“The integration of nuclear power into our energy mix will play a pivotal role in achieving our goals,” he noted.
Ghana is at the second stage of the processes required by the International Atomic Energy Agency for the establishment of nuclear power plant.
The NPG has identified two suitable sites for the siting of the nuclear power plant in the Central and Western regions.
The Executive Director Dr Stephen Yamoah disclosed that the NPG is in the process to request for IAEA site and external events design SEED mission.
This assessment will afford the IAEA experts the opportunity to review Ghana’s siting activities for construction of nuclear power plant up to the point of preferred site identification.
The mission will thus afford NPG the opportunity to fill in gaps when undertaking the detailed site characterisation studies, which is the next stage of the siting activities and seek regulatory approval before the site can be ready for construction.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Burkina Faso Receives US $48M Boost For Donsin Solar Power Plant Project
Burkina Faso has received US $48M boost from Export-Import Bank of China to aid in development of the Donsin solar power plant project and its accompanying electricity storage system.
According Pumps Africa report, the project involves the construction of a 25 MWp solar power plant at the Donsin airport site, located in the council of Loumbila in central Burkina Faso
Additionally, a 5 MW/20 MWh battery electricity storage system will be installed.
This initiative underscores Burkina Faso’s commitment to enhancing its energy security and expanding its domestic generating capacity.
By increasing its generating capacity through renewable energy sources like solar power, Burkina Faso aims to reduce its reliance on imported electricity.
Currently, a significant portion of Burkina Faso’s electricity, around 220 MW, is imported.
This project aligns with the country’s objective to bolster its energy self-sufficiency and reduce dependency on external sources.
Furthermore, Burkina Faso’s role as one of the leading producers of solar energy in the West African region is highlighted by its installed capacity of 92 MWp, surpassing neighboring countries such as Mauritania, Ivory Coast, and Mali.
The completion of the Donsin solar power plant is expected to further enhance Burkina Faso’s position in the renewable energy sector.
Source: https:// energynewsafrica.com