Ghana: Students Learn How To Earn “Cash From Trash” Thanks To Circular Economy
Vivo Energy Ghana, the exclusive marketer and distributor of Shell branded fuels and lubricants in partnership with the United Way Ghana, have commemorated Earth Day at the La Enobal Basic School under the theme “Cash from Trash”.
Earth Day is an annual event day celebrated on April 22 globally. On this special occasion, businesses, individuals or any organisations are invited to promote activities that help preserve the environment.
For United Way Ghana and Vivo Energy Ghana, it was the opportunity to involve employees and volunteers of both companies to mark the day with an educational activity.
Pupils from the La Enobal Basic School were taught how they could generate revenue from their waste to help finance their basic needs; an act that is geared towards promoting sustainable waste management practices and protecting the environment under the Sustainable Development Goals 3, 13 and 15.
At the event, Vivo Energy Ghana’s Green Champions, a dedicated group of employees leading green initiative in the company, demonstrated various ways of recycling waste into cash, including recycling and upcycling. They also provided practical tips on how to reduce waste and conserve the environment.
Commenting on the partnership, Vivo Energy Ghana’s Managing Director, Mr. Kader Maiga, said, “We are delighted to partner with United Way to commemorate Earth Day. At Vivo Energy, we are committed to promoting sustainable waste management practices and protecting the environment. We believe that by working together, we can make a difference and create a more sustainable future for all.”
The Head Teacher of La Enobal Basic School, expressed his appreciation to Vivo Energy and the United Way for organising the event.
He said, “This event has been very informative and educative. Our students have learned a lot about the importance of protecting the environment and how to recycle waste to generate cash. We are grateful to Vivo Energy Ghana and the United Way for their support.”
Vivo Energy Ghana in line with its sustainability framework has engaged in various environmental projects to encourage individuals and organizations to take actions towards building a circular economy.
Ghana: Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Hosts Students From Kpone
Ghana’s largest independent power producer, Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited, has hosted students of Kpone Community Day Senior High School, Kpone Community Basic School, The Brilliant Soul Int. School and Kingdom Stars Academy at their power plant.
The three schools are all located in Kpone where the Sunon Asogli Power Plant is located.
Sunon Asogli has been a promoter of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in the Kpone community and so on Friday, as part of efforts to deepen the relationship with the community, Sunon Asogli organised an Open Day for about 100 students.
The students were taken through safety drills and operations of the company and later toured the power plant, including the control room.
The students especially those who want to pursue engineering courses, were excited to be taken around the plant to know for the first time, how electricity is produced.
Addressing the students, the Chairman of Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited, Yang Qun noted that Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is a gateway to the nation’s innovation, progress and prosperity.
He said in an ever-changing world driven by technological and scientific advancements, “we must provide our children with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in this changing landscape.
“By focusing on STEM education, we provide our young learners with the foundation to unlock their potential and pursue rewarding careers in fields that are shaping the future. STEM education fosters critical thinking, problem-solving abilities and a thorough understanding of the world around us,” he stated.
He noted that knowledge does not lie in theory only but also in practical application, stating that it is essential that not only children should learn the concepts but also gain hands-on experience, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
“Today’s Open Day aims to accomplish this. As we open the doors of Sunon Asogli Power to our young ones, we have arranged a tour to understand how electricity is generated, a career talk from our engineers and other fun activities.
“We hope that they leave here today with a renewed sense of wonder, knowledge and the belief that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The students were taken through safety drills and operations of the company and later toured the power plant, including the control room.
The students especially those who want to pursue engineering courses, were excited to be taken around the plant to know for the first time, how electricity is produced.
Addressing the students, the Chairman of Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited, Yang Qun noted that Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is a gateway to the nation’s innovation, progress and prosperity.
He said in an ever-changing world driven by technological and scientific advancements, “we must provide our children with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in this changing landscape.
“By focusing on STEM education, we provide our young learners with the foundation to unlock their potential and pursue rewarding careers in fields that are shaping the future. STEM education fosters critical thinking, problem-solving abilities and a thorough understanding of the world around us,” he stated.
He noted that knowledge does not lie in theory only but also in practical application, stating that it is essential that not only children should learn the concepts but also gain hands-on experience, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
“Today’s Open Day aims to accomplish this. As we open the doors of Sunon Asogli Power to our young ones, we have arranged a tour to understand how electricity is generated, a career talk from our engineers and other fun activities.
“We hope that they leave here today with a renewed sense of wonder, knowledge and the belief that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Gold-For-Oil Programme Compelled BDCs To Import Cheaper Fuel-BOST MD
The fuel consignment brought into the West African nation under the ‘Gold for Oil’ programme compelled the Bulk Oil Distribution Companies to negotiate with their fuel suppliers for lower prices, Managing Director for Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST), Edwin Alfred Nii Obodai Provencal, has stated.
According to him, before the implementation of the ‘Gold for Oil’ programme introduced to stem rising fuel prices and depreciation of Ghana’s local currency, the Cedi, BDCs were bringing in products with a premium of US$120 per metric ton.
He said after BOST brought in the first cargo in February 2023 with a premium of US$70 per metric and subsequent cargoes, BDCs were compelled to negotiate with their suppliers for lower prices.
For instance, he said about three weeks ago, BOST brought in products with a premium of US$50 per metric ton, and some BDCs managed to bring in products with a premium of about US$45 per metric ton, which is lower than the premium on the products BOST brought.
“The last time we brought products with a premium of US$50, some BDCs managed to bring products at US$45 premium,” Mr Provencal revealed on Accra-based Oman FM.
According to him, the conditions that persisted when the BDCs were bringing in products at a premium of US$120 per metric ton had not changed and wondered why they are now able to bring in products cheaper.
“How come that some BDCs are sometimes able to bring in products lower than fuel under the ‘Gold for oil’ programme?” he quizzed.
Responding to the comments made by the BOST MD, Dr. Patrick Ofori, who is the CEO of the Chamber of Bulk Distribution Companies (CBOD), commended the government for the introduction of the programme.
He, however, accused the government of skewing the programme in favour of BOST.
Again, he expressed unhappiness about the preferential treatment being given to BOST, saying it is threatening the financial viability of most BDCs.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya : Joseph Siror Appointed As New CEO Of Kenya Power
The Kenya Power Board of Directors has appointed Dr. (Eng.) Joseph Siror as the new Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of the company.
Siror takes over from Eng. Geoffrey Muli who has been holding the position in an acting capacity since May 2022.
Prior to his appointment, Siror was General Manager in charge of Technical Services (System Operations and Power Management) at the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO).
Siror holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Engineering from Shanghai Jiaotong University (China) majoring in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Nairobi.
He also holds a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of London, a pre-Kenya School of Law certificate from Riara University and a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Radiation Protection from the University of Nairobi.
He previously worked as a Director of Science, Technology Innovation and Communication at the National Economic and Social Council (NESC).
He has also served as a Senior Assistant Commissioner at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA); the Kenya Posts and Telecommunications Corporation and at Firestone East Africa Limited as an Executive Engineer and Senior Systems Analyst respectively.
Siror is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and a licensed Professional Electrical Engineer with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK).
He is also a Corporate Member of the Institute of Engineers in Kenya (IEK).
“The Board also wishes to recognize and appreciate the services of both Eng. Muli and Eng. Rosemary Oduor, who served in an acting capacity from April 2021 to May 2022 and remain key to the Company’s transition strategy,” Kenya Power Board chair Joy Brenda said in a statement.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Norway Set To Accelerate Arctic Oil And Gas Drilling
Companies operating in the Norwegian Continental Shelf are planning for more drilling in the Arctic areas in the Barents Sea, encouraged by Norway’s government which wants more oil and gas discoveries to boost energy security and help European partners with energy supply.
At a conference on the Barents Sea in Hammerfest last week, Norway’s Petroleum and Energy Minister Terje Aasland called on oil and gas companies to fulfill their “social responsibility” and “leave no stone unturned” to find more natural gas resources in the Barents Sea, the area estimated to hold most of Norway’s undiscovered oil and gas resources.
“The petroleum adventure in the north has only just started,” Aasland said, adding that the government would help the Barents Sea industry as Norway must develop, not liquidate, its petroleum industry.
Apart from being in a harsher environment so far north, the Barents Sea poses another roadblock to developing oil and gas resources—the north lacks the infrastructure in the more developed areas on the shelf that would make tie-ups and resource development easier.
Still, operators are not giving up.
“Even if we want to maintain production, we have to explore more, we have to find more,” Torger Rod, CEO of Barents-focused energy producer Var Energi, told Bloomberg in an interview.
In March, Var Energi confirmed an oil discovery in the Countach well in a production license northwest of Hammerfest near Goliat, one of two operational oil and gas fields in the Barents Sea.
Var Energi will consider potential commercial development options and tie-in of the discovery to Goliat FPSO.
“This discovery is yet another in a series of successful exploration wells in the Barents Sea in recent years, including Lupa – the largest discovery on the Norwegian shelf in 2022. At the same time, the discovery confirms our exploration strategy and our position in the area,” said Rune Oldervoll, EVP Exploration and Production in Var Energi.
Equinor, which plans to start production from the Johan Castberg field in the Barents Sea at the end of 2024, is also betting on obtaining more licenses in the Arctic.
Early this year, the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy proposed including additional areas in the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea in the next licensing round for Awards in Predefined Areas (ARA) expected to be awarded in early 2024.
“The North has always been important for us,” Grete Birgitte Haaland, senior vice president for exploration and production north at Equinor, told Bloomberg.
“We want to explore more and we think we will find more.”
Source: Oilprice.com
Congo: Eni Begins Development Of Congo LNG Project
The President of the Republic of the Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso, and the Chief Executive Officer of Eni, Claudio Descalzi, last week laid the foundation stone of Congo LNG, the country’s first natural gas liquefaction project and one of Eni’s core supply diversification initiatives.
The project is expected to reach an overall liquefied natural gas (LNG) production capacity of 3 million tons per year (approximately 4.5 billion cubic meters/year) from 2025.
Congo LNG will exploit the huge gas resources of Marine XII, fulfilling the country’s power generation needs while also fuelling LNG exports, supplying new volumes of gas to international markets focusing on Europe.
The project, made though an accelerated development schedule and a zero-flaring approach, will see the installation of two floating natural gas liquefaction plants (FLNG) at the Nenè and Litchendjili fields – already in production – and at the fields yet to be developed.
The first FLNG plant, currently under conversion and with a capacity of 0.6 million tonnes per year (MTPA), will begin production in 2023. The second FLNG plant – already under construction – will become operative in 2025 with a capacity of 2.4 MTPA.
Claudio Descalzi, Eni’s Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Today we celebrate the launch of one of Eni’s main projects, made possible by the collaboration with the Republic of the Congo and destined to significantly contribute to both Italy and Europe’s energy security and industrial competitiveness.
”This outcome speaks to the importance of long-term collaboration with our African partners at a time when important strategic choices need to be made in regards to future diversification of supply routes and European energy mixes, in the direction of energy accessibility and availability and progressive decarbonisation.”
Eni has been operating in Congo for over 50 years and – to date – is the only company active in the development of its gas resources, guaranteeing 70% of national electricity production through the Centrale Electrique du Congo (CEC).
Eni is strongly committed to promoting energy transition in the country.
Recently, the Oyo Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency was handed over to the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Technological Innovation of the Republic of the Congo, which will manage it together with UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization).
Furthermore, the company is developing agri-feedstock production initiatives destined for biorefining and not in competition with the food supply chain.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
TotalEnergies To Buy LNG From ADNOC Gas For $1 billion
The United Arab Emirates’ state energy company has signed a deal to supply TotalEnergies SE with liquefied natural gas (LNG), as Europe tries to secure more of the fuel following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
ADNOC Gas Plc, a listed subsidiary of Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., will provide the super-chilled fuel to the French firm under a three-year agreement running until 2025, according to a statement on Monday.
Its value is expected to be between $1 billion and $1.2 billion at today’s prices, ADNOC said, without disclosing the volumes involved.
The LNG will “be delivered to various export markets around the world,” ADNOC said.
European gas prices have plummeted this year after surging following Russia’s attack and decision to cut supplies to Europe in retaliation against sanctions. But at almost €40 a megawatt-hour, they’re still above historical averages and many analysts predict they will rise ahead of Europe’s next winter.
The continent has bought more LNG from the U.S. and piped gas from Norway in the past year. Officials from European Union states have also traveled extensively to gas-rich nations such as Algeria, Qatar and the UAE in an attempt to lock-in more supplies.
The UAE is spending billions of dollars to almost triple its LNG production capacity to 15 million tons annually in the next fear years.
Source: Worldoil.com
Ghana: Petrol, Diesel Prices Reduced Marginally
Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in the Republic of Ghana have adjusted their pump prices downward, with some selling both petrol and diesel below Gh¢12 per litre.
Unlike other parts of Africa where fuel prices are reviewed monthly, in Ghana, fuel prices are reviewed every two weeks.
Given this, Oil Marketing Companies, on Tuesday, started reducing their pump prices to reflect the fall in prices of both finished products and crude oil prices on the international market.
A litre of petrol and diesel is now selling between Gh¢11.99 and Gh¢12.64.
As at Tuesday morning, leading indigenous Oil Marketing Company GOIL , Totalenergies and Shell lowered their pump prices with both petrol and diesel selling at Gh¢12.64 per litre.
Both Goil and Shell sold petrol and diesel at Gh¢13.10 and Gh¢12.99 per litre while Totalenergies sold both petrol and diesel at Gh¢12.99 during the last pricing window
Petrosol is selling petrol at Gh¢ 12.28 while diesel is sold at Gh¢12.32 per litre.
Engen Ghana is selling petrol at Gh¢ 12.55 while diesel is sold at Gh¢12.50 per litre.
Star Oil adjusted its pump prices to GH¢11.99 per litre for both petrol and diesel.
Allied Ghana is selling petrol at Gh¢11.95 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢12.35
Dukes is selling petrol and diesel at Gh¢11.98 per litre.
Goodness Energy is selling both petrol and diesel at Gh¢11.80 per litre.
Zen Petroleum is selling both petrol and diesel at Gh¢11.80 per litre.
During the first pricing window which ended on Saturday, April 30, 2023, petrol was sold between Gh¢13.10 and Gh¢12.64 while diesel was sold between Gh¢12.99 and Gh¢12.50 per litre.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Soldiers, ECG Staff Fill Potholes On Bad Roads In Yilo Krobo
Some military personnel and staff of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have joined the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly in the Eastern Region of Ghana to seal potholes on roads in the area.
The sealing of the potholes occurred on the Djaba and Somanya-Dodowa roads.
They used limestone from Odugblase.
Even though Monday is World Labour Day—a day set aside to celebrate galant workers across the globe—the soldiers and ECG staff took time to undertake this exercise to make the roads motorable.
Ghana: GNGC Hosts Board Members Of Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company Limited
The Board of Directors of Ghana National Gas Company Limited (GNGC) has hosted the new Managing Director of Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company Limited (GCMC), Madam Genevieve Sackey.
Madam Genevieve Sackey was appointed in March after the resignation of Frances Awurabena Essiam, who held the position from 2017 until her resignation.
Ghana Gas’ decision to host the new MD follows President Akufo-Addo’s approval for GNGC to acquire Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company Limited and support it to turnaround.
The new Managing Director of Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company, Genevieve Sackey, was full of praise after the discussion and assured the board of Ghana Gas of her readiness to cooperate and commitment to deliver on the mandate of the company.
As the Cylinder Manufacturing Company’s mission states, ‘they will make available safe and affordable LPG cylinders, cookwares and other fabricated products on the domestic and export markets by highly motivated staff providing an acceptable level of returns to stakeholders.
Already the company has acquired 16 acres of land to build a new production plant in a bid to take advantage of the Cylinder Recirculation Model Programme.
The Cylinder Recirculation Module was formulated as a result of a deadly gas explosion that occurred at the Atomic Junction in the Greater Accra Region in 2017.
So far, the National Petroleum Authority, the implementing agency has piloted the programme in parts of the West African and three LPG Bottling Plants are currently under construction.
Also, Ghana Gas has secured a licence to construct an LPG bottling plant at Axim in the Western Region.
The LPG bottling plant is designed to take LPG from the source of its production and bottle the commodity in LPG cylinders, which will be sent to the market.
The LPG cylinder recirculation module, when fully implemented, will put a stop to the situation where individuals take their cylinders to the gas filling station for a refill before taking them to their various homes.
Ghana Gas being an LPG producer and a licensed company for the recirculation module, Ghana Gas recognizes the need to have a reliable LPG cylinder manufacturing company.
It is against the backdrop of this recognition that Ghana Gas is taking over GCMC to give it a financial phase lift and to promote the market viability of GCMC.
At the board meeting were the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Gas Dr. Ben K. D. Asante, Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli, Stephen Sumani Nayina, Madam Delphine Dogbegah, and Nana Asiaa Benneh Beyeemah I.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: TCN Reconnects Three Discos Disconnected From National Grid
Nigeria’s electricity market operator, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), has reconnected the three Distribution Companies earlier disconnected from the Electric power grid as a result of non-compliance with market rules.
The reconnection was done following the intervention of the Minister for Power, Engr Aliyu, who considered the collateral consequences on the paying Disco customers.
The Market Operator last week suspended APLE Electric Limited, Kano and Kaduna Electricity Distribution Companies for breach of the Market Rules, which governs and sanitizes the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
However, the three Discos were reconnected to the national grid the Mid-night of Sunday April 30, 2030, a statement issued by Engr E.A. Eje, Market Operator/TCN confirmed.
It said the intervention by the Honorable Minister for Power has automatically prolonged the grace period to 60 days from this publication.
“All market defaulters should comply with the provisions of the market rules concerning payment of their outstanding invoices, posting of adequate Bank Guarantees (BG), and forwarding of their active Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) as the case may be, to the Market Operator/TCN.
“It should be noted that other defaulters who are yet to be Suspended/Disconnected should cure their defaults within these sixty (60) days. At the expiration of this grace period, the Market Operator will resume sanctions in line with the Market Rules.
“The MO/TCN is hereby urging the erring Discos to seize this opportunity to fix their defaults as we applaud the intervention of the Honorable Minister of Power,” the statement concluded.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Uganda: EACOP Opens Office In Masaka City To Address Project-Related Challenges
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) has said it will use the newly opened liaison office in Masaka City to solve existing challenges and grievances among project affected persons in the pipeline districts of Sembabule, Lwengo, Rakai, Kyotera and surrounding areas.
According to the Managing Director of EACOP, Mr John Bosco Habumugisha, whereas the office will seek to support implementation of the land acquisition process for the pipeline’s right of way in both Uganda and Tanzania, it will also enhance extensive engagement between EACOP and other stakeholders along the pipeline.
“EACOP project is committed to a meaningful engagement with all its stakeholders based on principles of participation, respect for human rights, non-discrimination, empowerment, transparency and accountability and this office is here to realise the above principles,” he said in an address at the opening of the office as carried by Monitor Newspaper.
Mr Habumugisha also indicated that the process of acquiring land for the main right of way involves extensive engagement with all stakeholders, which therefore requires EACOP to create a channel through which its services can easily be accessed.
In Uganda, the pipeline, which is expected to be 296 kilometres long, will traverse 10 districts and 25 sub-counties, before crossing into Tanzania, where it will cover 1,147 kilometres in eight regions and 25 districts.
Ms Stella Amonyi, the EACOP communication lead, said Masaka offers a strategic location that connects the pipeline districts of Sembabule, Lwengo, Rakai and Kyotera and will, therefore, enable stakeholders to have easy access to information and comprehensive understanding of project activities.
The pipeline right of way required for the construction phase is 30 metres wide, which, therefore, is expected to leave at least 3,648 project affected persons.
The pipeline route has already been designed after extensive studies that integrated various technical, geographical, environmental and land usage constraints.
Mr Achiles Mawanda, the Masaka City deputy mayor, said EACOP will present opportunities as well as bridging the communication gap that has made a number of people develop a biased view about the project.
“We [people on Masaka region] are optimistic. Already we have benefited with a number of our children getting sponsored by EACOP in technical institutions and now more opportunities are coming through the liaison office,” he said.
The Masaka City liaison office will mainly serve stakeholders in the pipeline districts of Sembabule, Lwengo, Rakai and Kyotera, among others.
Chevron Predicts 50% Increase In Venezuelan Oil Production In 2023
Chevron Corp’s oil production in Venezuela has reached 100,000 bpd and could rise 50% this year, Chief Executive Officer Mike Wirth said in an earnings call Friday.
The U.S. oil major operates three projects in the country along with state-run Petroleos de Venezuela SA.
Since U.S. President Joe Biden eased sanctions on Venezuela last year, Chevron has started lifting so much crude from the country that it’s had to put 600,000 bbl of it in storage in the Bahamas this month.
Chevron is also shipping some of the oil to its U.S. refineries.
But Wirth cautioned that the company’s operations in the sanctions-hit nation depend on waivers from the U.S. government. “It’s not really a negotiation,” he said. “It’s their decision.”
Source: Bloomberg