Ghana: Energy Commission Exposes Importers Of Used Electrical Appliances
Ghana’s technical electricity regulator, Energy Commission (EC), has denied claims by Concerned Importers of Used Electrical Appliances against the Commission on the intended imposition of a ban on used appliances.
According to the Energy Commission, claims by the group that their meeting with the Commission ended inconclusively are inaccurate.
The Commission also rejected claims by the group that used appliances are energy efficient and more durable than new ones.
The Commission said it is equally shocked that the group misunderstood what the use of the term ‘dumping’ means.
It would be recalled that last Wednesday, the Concerned Importers of Used Appliances at a press conference, addressed by Daniel Asare accused Energy Commission of trying to throw hundreds of people who engage in the sale of used appliances out of job by its intended imposition of a ban on the importation of used appliances.
“We tried to meet them through the Trade Ministry which the Ministry assured us to hold a meeting between the Energy Commission, the Energy Ministry and us on the same matter but the meeting has not been held,” he said.
However, the Commission, in a statement issued, denied all the claims made by the group.
According to the Commission, it had a very productive and conclusive meeting with the National Executives of GUTA, of which the Concerned Importers of Used Electrical Appliances are members, on October 6, 2021.
The Commission explained that “at the said meeting, the rationale of the ban and the effect of the used appliances on the national economy, consumers, the environment and the appliance market as a whole was explained to them.”
The Commission said the group misconstrued or misunderstood the use of the terminology ‘dumping’ and, therefore, defined ‘dumping as the practice of exporting to another country or territory products that: contain hazardous substances, have environmental performance lower than is in the interest of consumers or that is contrary to the interests of the local and global
commons; and can undermine the ability of the importing country to fulfill international environmental treaty commitments; or are often too inefficient to sell in the appliances markets of the countries of manufacture or their export inflicts economic, social, and environmental costs on vulnerable populations in the receiving countries.’
The Commission said it is disappointed by the attempt by the group to discredit the health implications of used appliances when a recent study at Agbogbloshie a suburb of Accra, Ghana’s capital, revealed that children living in and around the area, which is known for the sale of used appliances, suffer from upper respiratory diseases, have high lead content in their blood and have low life expectancy rate.
It added that recently, a newly published research by the Francis Crick Institute with Cancer Research UK also revealed how air pollution can cause lung cancer in individuals who have never smoked in their lives.
“This is the sad threat we are exposing our citizens to and we must wake up to this global call and safeguard the health of citizens, especially our children, to whom the future belongs,” the commission said.
“Nobody discounts the claim that importation of used appliances provides jobs for a section of Ghanaians. However, the development should be sustainable to ensure socio-economic development while maintaining environmental integrity. Turning one’s country into a junkyard cannot lead to sustainable development, regardless of the jobs that it creates,” the statement explained.
Last year, the Parliament of Ghana passed Energy Efficiency and Standards Regulations 2022 and the Commission gave a one-year moratorium which will expire in November 2023.
This means that after the end of November 2023, it would be illegal for any importer to attempt to import certain used appliances to Ghana.
Among the appliances, as the Commission is banning, are microwaves, rice cookers, air-conditioners, set-top boxes, water heaters, ventilation fans, distribution transformers, industrial fans, watch washing machines, electric kettles and electric motors.
The Energy Commission said Ghanaians must be aware that Europe has passed stringent environmental laws that make the disposal of obsolete appliances expensive and are, therefore, always on the lookout for countries that do not have environmental laws or have weak enforcement of their environmental laws and ship all the junk to them.
The Energy Commission said it has the mandate to fulfill the Act that established it by ensuring the efficient utilization of indigenous energy resources and “that is exactly what we are doing.
“Our intention is a far cry from what the group wants Ghanaians to believe,” it said.
ENERGY COMMISSION PRESS RELEASE – IMPORTATION BAN_012023
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Use Your Oil, Gas To Address Energy Challenge- Sylva Tells African Countries
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, H.E. Timipre Sylva, has said that the continuous use of Africa’s abundant gas resources would deliver the continent from energy poverty.
Sylva, who made the call when he hosted visiting OPEC President, Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima Tuesday in Abuja, said, with dwindling investment in the oil and gas sector, it was important that the continent’s oil and gas producers create their own market to be able to address the situation.
According to the minister, with an ever increasing population, it is pertinent that the continent looks inward saying local content should play a key role in driving growth in the sector.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I cannot conclude my remarks without alluding to a pertinent challenge that currently threatens the oil and gas industry in Africa. This has to do with dwindling investments. With the fastest growing population in the world, and an unimaginable prevalent energy poverty level across the continent, Africa’s energy needs will continue to grow in leaps and bounds over the foreseeable future.
“It is estimated that about 640 million Africans have no access to electricity, while about 900 million Africans have no access to clean cooking fuels. While taking cognizance of the current global drive towards renewable energy, Africa will undoubtedly need to continue to utilize its abundant oil and gas resources for the continent to be delivered from the shackles of perpetual energy poverty and stunted economic growth.
“Africa has an enormous proven crude oil reserve of over 125 billion barrels, and over 630 trillion cubic foot (TCF) of natural gas reserves. Investment required in the medium term to sustain oil and gas production in the continent was recently estimated at an average of about $40 billion annually.
“I am of the opinion that local content should be at the drivers’ seat for investments in Africa’s oil and gas industry, for the continent to witness a sustainable development. In this context, the on-going move to establish an African Energy Bank is a right move in the right direction,” he explained.
Slyva urged the OPEC President to use the opportunity of his Presidency tenure to promote the cause of Africa and attract more investments into the oil and gas industry in the continent.
He said Nigeria will continue to lend full support to the efforts of both OPEC and GECF in their quest to balance and stabilize the energy market for the benefit of all, as well as strengthening our shared values and protecting our common interest.
“Excellency, be rest assured that Nigeria stands ready to assist you in every way possible to ensure the success of your double tenure as the 2023 President of the OPEC Conference, and the President of the GECF Ministerial Council.”
In his comments, Obiang Lima, who is Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, and 2023 President of the OPEC/GECF, said there was the need to drive local content in the continent’s oil, gas sector as it key to growing the industry.
The OPEC President explained that local content can only thrive when National Oil Companies (NOCs) start producing their own assets.
He said that with more local content involvement in the sector, the continent would be able to address the energy challenge which continues to hamper growth and development.
According to him, “NOCs should operate assets for their own assets and just for export. Control of resources must be through management and control of assets
“Technology transfer is as important as job creation, he added.
While acknowledging the need for climate action to address the devastating effect of climate change, the OPEC chief insisted that developed countries should do more to mitigate the effect of climate change.
Source: Blueprint.ng
Ghana: AGI, GNCCI Kick Against Hikes In Electricity And Water Tariffs
The Ghanaian business community has kicked against the hikes in electricity and water tariffs, arguing that the development will cripple businesses.
The business community, represented by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) said the electricity and water tariffs will dampen hopes of business recovery and employment prospects in the West African nation.
Last Monday, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) announced a 29.96 per cent and 8.3 per cent increment in electricity and water tariffs respectively. And they are expected to take effect from February 1, 2023.
The announcement has generated discussion on both social and mainstream media platforms.
Reacting to the development, the President of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industries (GNCCI), Clement Osei Amoako noted that the high utility tariffs in the country have forced most businesses to look elsewhere for cheaper tariffs while others have folded up.
He expressed shock that despite the current economic challenges, consumers would be made to pay more for utilities.
“There is a way out to get it [downward review of utility tariffs] done. They would have to look at it.
“If it has to go back to Parliament for them to look at it, we will lobby the Parliament Select Committee and all those that matter to make sure we will not keep the current price. This will ensure ordinary Ghanaians and businesses survive,” Mr. Clement Osei Amoako said during an interview with Accra-based Joy FM.
On their part, the Association of Ghana Industries, in a statement issued by its Chief Executive, Seth Twum-Akwaboah described the level of increments as excessive.
He said businesses were hoping to see signs of recovery this year, having been under pressure from an unstable business environment coupled with so much uncertainty since last year; hence, the recent increase in utility tariffs could spell doom for recovery and employment prospects.
“The level of utility tariff increments for water and electricity as captured in the PURC’s release is too high for industry to bear, particularly at this time,” its Chief Executive Officer said.
While acknowledging that the review is in line with the quarterly automatic adjustment as required of the regulator, he said the timing and level of increments would throw cold water on businesses’ ability to recover from economic downturns of the last few years.
“We reckon that our utility companies need to recover the cost to sustain their operations, but when end-user tariffs get to unbearable levels, the effect could be dire for both industry and the utility companies.
“We, therefore, urge the PURC to expedite action toward full reversal of the tariff structure in support of the government’s industrial transformation agenda,” Mr. Twum-Akwaboah added.
Apart from asking the PURC to address what it believes is a punitive tariff regime, AGI urged the government to ensure efficient utility infrastructure and logistics management to save costs in these difficult times.
“We expect the government to control macroeconomic instability—a major trigger and driver for such sudden changes in tariffs—level and price hikes,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of PURC, Dr Ishmael Ackah, has indicated that nothing can be done about the hikes in utility tariffs for now since the tariffs have already been gazetted to take effect in February 2023.
“The decision has been made and it has been gazetted as a law. For now, nothing can be done on the part of PURC,” he said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: GNPC Hands Over New Classroom Block To Ankaful M.A Basic School In Saltpond
Ghana’s national oil company, GNPC, has handed over a new six-unit classroom block to the Ankaful M.A. Basic School in the Mfantsiman Municipality in the Central Region.
At a gathering of community leaders, school authority, parents and pupils, Nana Kofi Ntsiful V, Chief of Ankaful, thanked GNPC for the assistance with a gesture he deemed historic as it is Ankaful’s first classroom block facility for its children who, hitherto, trekked several kilometres daily to school in adjoining communities.
He, however, made further appeals to the national oil company to provide the school with an additional block to serve its JHS students, as well as a sanitary facility.
Receiving the facility on behalf of the school, the Headteacher, Madam Eunice Okuruw expressed appreciation on behalf of the staff and pupils, saying the school block would enhance teaching and learning and boost attendance records in the area.
“Before now, we resorted to makeshift structures with no shed to keep the kids; exposing them to all kinds of debilitating conditions. With this block, we no longer must dismiss class at the instance of the clouds forming in anticipation of rains,” she added.
Madam Betty Kurentsiwa Smith, the Municipal Director of Education, said the facility would ease the burden of school authority in dealing with pupils.
She encouraged parents to see the structure as an opportunity to send their kids to school.
She reminded all that education remains a credible poverty-alleviating tool.
“The school is open to all children of school-going ages. Send your kids to school as a means to curb teenage pregnancy and other social vices,” she advised the parents.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Isaac Lord Enu lauded GNPC for its social intervention programmes in needy communities across the country.
He described the school block, which comes with ancillary facilities, as an essential provision for the people in the Municipality.
He tasked the school’s authority and pupils to exercise good maintenance practices to ensure its longevity.
Madam Lubaabat, on her part, assured that GNPC, through the Foundation has earmarked additional projects for the community and Saltpond as a whole.
She said GNPC, after a successful decommissioning of the Saltpond Field, would invest proceeds into the construction of a three-unit classroom block for JHS students and a 12-seater sanitary facility at the Ankaful M.A Basic school.
Furthermore, she said a six-unit classroom block with a 12-seater sanitary facility is expected to be constructed for Edumanu Onyaapa M.A Basic school in Saltpond while an Accident & Emergency block would be built at the Saltpond Government Hospital in the aftermath of the decommissioning process.
Source: GNPC Foundation
Madam Betty Kurentsiwa Smith, the Municipal Director of Education, said the facility would ease the burden of school authority in dealing with pupils.
She encouraged parents to see the structure as an opportunity to send their kids to school.
She reminded all that education remains a credible poverty-alleviating tool.
“The school is open to all children of school-going ages. Send your kids to school as a means to curb teenage pregnancy and other social vices,” she advised the parents.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Isaac Lord Enu lauded GNPC for its social intervention programmes in needy communities across the country.
He described the school block, which comes with ancillary facilities, as an essential provision for the people in the Municipality.
He tasked the school’s authority and pupils to exercise good maintenance practices to ensure its longevity.
Madam Lubaabat, on her part, assured that GNPC, through the Foundation has earmarked additional projects for the community and Saltpond as a whole.
She said GNPC, after a successful decommissioning of the Saltpond Field, would invest proceeds into the construction of a three-unit classroom block for JHS students and a 12-seater sanitary facility at the Ankaful M.A Basic school.
Furthermore, she said a six-unit classroom block with a 12-seater sanitary facility is expected to be constructed for Edumanu Onyaapa M.A Basic school in Saltpond while an Accident & Emergency block would be built at the Saltpond Government Hospital in the aftermath of the decommissioning process.
Source: GNPC Foundation Ghana: Energy Ministry Prepares To Tackle Cyber Attacks On Energy Infrastructure
Ghana’s Energy Ministry has commenced processes to avert the possibility of cyber-attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure.
As part of the processes, the Ministry, last Friday, inaugurated an Energy Sector Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) implementation committee in line with the dictates of section 44 of the Cyber Security Act 2020 (Act 1038).
The Committee is chaired by Andrew Egyapa Mercer, Deputy Minister for Energy, and supported by Dr Albert Antwi Boasiako, Director General of the Cyber Security Authority.
Inaugurating the committee, the Minister for Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh remarked that Ghana’s energy sector infrastructure within the context of the global energy value chain is not insulated from cyber-attacks, which means there must be deliberate efforts at combating such crimes, as the incapacitation and destruction of this infrastructure would have a devastating impact on the national economy.
The Minister, in a post on the Ministry of Energy’s Facebook page sighted by energynewsafrica.com, further indicated his recognition of the need for effective cyber security control in the energy sector.
“This, I believe, will help us quickly detect and prevent potential cyber incidents and minimise their impacts, even when they occur,” Dr Opoku Prempeh said
The Minister tasked the committee to, among others, harmonise the efforts of all stakeholders to ensure that “we have a firm grip over the cyber security space of our sector.
“As sector Minister, I remain committed to synergizing our efforts with the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) for a smooth implementation process,” he said
He continued: “The cyberspace of the energy sector is very important as far as guarding the sanctity of the work we do is concerned. We are, thus, prioritising it with all the seriousness we can muster.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Germany Eyes 30GW In Wind Power For 2030
Germany has come up with development plans for offshore wind turbine sites, eyeing 30 GW of installed power capacity by 2030, the Economy Ministry said in a statement, according to Reuters.
The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency’s (BSH) plan allows for even more wind power capacity, with adequate space for 40GW or even 50GW by 2035—although the details of the plan have not yet been shared.
One snippet that has been shared its plans to integrate Germany’s wind turbines into the offshore network of its neighbors bordering the North Sea.
“The BSH plan, alongside our offshore agreement of November 2022 (with states and power grid operators), is another piece in our master plan to reach the high goals for the expansion of renewable energies,” Economy Minister Robert Habeck said.
The government agreed in 2021 to reach 30GW of wind power by 2030, and the country has plans to get up to 80% of its power from clean sources by 2030, Reuters said. Germany currently gets less than half of its power from clean sources.
The plans are ambitious and represent a quadrupling of Germany’s current wind power capacity of just 8GW.
In October, a German wind farm was dismantled to make way for an open-pit lignite coal mine at Garzweiler, operated by RWE. RWE saw three of its lignite-fired coal units with 300MW of capacity each fire back up in October after being on standby.
The Ministry for Economy and Energy Affairs of the state of North-Rhine Westphalia urged RWE to abandon its plans to dismantle the wind farm, and argued that “In the current situation, all potential for the use of renewable energy should be exhausted as much as possible and existing turbines should be in operation for as long as possible.”
Source: Oilprice.com
Ghana: Gold For Oil Policy Is A Ploy To Take Share Of Gold And Oil Import Market—Alex Mould
A former Executive Director of Standard Chartered Bank and CEO of GNPC and NPA, Mr. Alex Mould is of the firm belief that the Gold for Oil programme by the Akufo-Addo administration is a ploy by some key players who control the government to take a share of both the gold and petroleum import market.
“These beneficial players, soon to be identified, are taking market share in both gold exports and petroleum products imports under the guise of government policy using government institutions and even the Regulators of these sectors,” Mr Alex Mould wrote in an opinion he shared with energynewsafrica.com.
Last week, about 41,000 metric tons of fuel was delivered under the gold for oil programme.
The information available suggests that BOST has already released the products on the market.
Mr Alex Mould claimed the first 41,000 metric tons (tonnes or MT) of petroleum products which BOST took delivery was brought in by LITASCO.
“On this first G4O cargo contract, did it go through a public procurement bidding process? Was it open and transparent? “Who represents LITASCO in Ghana? And, who is the beneficial representative? Who represents LITASCO in Ghana? And, who is the beneficial representative?” he quizzed.
Below is the full write up of Mr Alex Kofi Mould
What is this Gold for Oil (G4O) really all about?
Key players that control government have devised a cunning ploy to take a share of both markets:
– the export of Ghana’s gold
– the import of petroleum products
Thus these beneficial players – soon to be identified – are taking market share in both gold exports and petroleum products imports under the guise of government policy using government institutions and even the Regulators of these sectors!
Is the oil import programme under this G4O deal going to be a long-term contract with only one International Oil-Trading Company (IOTC), or will there be bidding for each cargo?
More importantly, the bidding process must be open and transparent.
The first 41,000 metric ton (tonnes or MT) of petroleum products imported was brought in by LITASCO.
On this first G4O cargo contract, did it go through a public procurement bidding process? Was it open and transparent?
Who represents LITASCO in Ghana? And, who is the beneficial representative?
BoG Risks Exposure in this G4O transaction
Bank of Ghana is the most exposed government institution in this G4O deal.
The importer on record, BOST, who is directly exposed to the credit risk of the BDCs, does not give cover to BoG via the provision of a bank letter of credit/guarantee.
In this G4O BoG then uses the foreign exchange obtained from the sale of gold (which would normally then flow into the banking system in Ghana) to pay for the petroleum products imports.
BoG is taking the direct risk exposure to buy the oil on behalf of BOST who then takes delivery of the oil and then sells to GoENERGY (and, maybe, some other BDCs) who should then provide some financial guarantee to BOST to cover credit and operational risk.
BoG is using gold reserves or buying the gold from small-scale/community miners using Gov’t money, or by giving a loan to Gov’t (PMMC) from BoG balance sheet to buy the gold.
While all the underlying transactions may be legal, certain government players and advisors are using their influence to direct government policy as well as government institutions including the Regulator, to muscle out existing players in order to enrich themselves;
THIS IS THE UNETHICAL PROBLEM.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Uganda Starts First Oil Drilling
Ugandan President H.E. Yoweri Museveni on Tuesday commissioned the East African nation’s first of four oil rigs to start drilling at the Kingfisher field on the shores of Lake Albert as the country eyes production in 2025.
The three other rigs will be installed at Tilenga.
Uganda discovered crude reserves estimated at 6.5 billion barrels, with 1.4 billion recoverable nearly two decades ago in the western region in the Lake Albertine basin, Kingfisher and Tilenga oilfields.
President Museveni switched on the rig – a LR8001 deluxe land rig – installed in November 2022 at the Pad-2 site at Buhuuka village, Kibuube District.
It is operated by China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and will start drilling 31 oil wells on four well pads.
“The company is now commencing the drilling of production wells less than one year after the announcement of FID,” Ernest Rubondo, the Executive Director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda said.
“The drilling rig, which you have just switched on Your Excellency, will be used to drill all the planned 31 production wells of this oil field. 20 of these wells will be used to produce oil while 11 of the wells will be used to inject water in the reservoir to help improve production,” Rubondo explained.
The brand new state of the art rig was specially designed for this field. It is the strongest that has been used in the country to date, with about 8000 horsepower and consuming about 6 megawatts of power.
With Brent crude oil price trading at about $87.5 per barrel, the Kingfisher project will account for 15 percent of the total oil revenue to the government from upstream operations, equivalent to $6.9 billion for the entire project, or $360 million per year.
The French TotalEnergies’ operated Tilenga Project – which will produce 190,000 barrels of oil per day – will account for 85 percent of the expected oil revenues.
The rig at Kingfisher will drill oil wells at varying depths, the shortest of which is about 2.6 kilometres, while the deepest is 7.4 kilometres, said Mr. Rubondo, adding that the oil field extends about three kilometres into the lake.
The project is expected to produce 40,000 barrels of oil per day in 2025, but CNOOC officials are optimistic they could deliver the first oil ahead of schedule.
Uganda plans to export the oil and refine and support local petro-chemical based industrial projects.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The brand new state of the art rig was specially designed for this field. It is the strongest that has been used in the country to date, with about 8000 horsepower and consuming about 6 megawatts of power.
With Brent crude oil price trading at about $87.5 per barrel, the Kingfisher project will account for 15 percent of the total oil revenue to the government from upstream operations, equivalent to $6.9 billion for the entire project, or $360 million per year.
The French TotalEnergies’ operated Tilenga Project – which will produce 190,000 barrels of oil per day – will account for 85 percent of the expected oil revenues.
The rig at Kingfisher will drill oil wells at varying depths, the shortest of which is about 2.6 kilometres, while the deepest is 7.4 kilometres, said Mr. Rubondo, adding that the oil field extends about three kilometres into the lake.
The project is expected to produce 40,000 barrels of oil per day in 2025, but CNOOC officials are optimistic they could deliver the first oil ahead of schedule.
Uganda plans to export the oil and refine and support local petro-chemical based industrial projects.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Accra West ECG Intensifies Efforts To Deal With Fake Meters
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) Ltd, Accra West Region, has intensified its campaign drive to crack down on users of fake meters with the launching of a campaign dubbed: ‘No to Fake Meters’.
The campaign, which is in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, follows a pilot programme undertaken at Adeiso and surrounding areas in the Eastern Region in November 2022.
The purpose of the ‘No to fake meters’ campaign, according to the Company, is to identify and arrest the syndicates behind the distribution of such meters and to stop the bleeding of the company’s revenue.
Speaking to the media, the Regional Revenue Protection Manager and team leader of the campaign, Dr Mark Owusu Ansah described the fake meters as toys.
“These fake meters are only heavy empty cases that look authentic at a glance,” explaining further that “there is no mechanism inside the meters to measure the energy consumed. A bar directly connects the output and input terminals, creating a direct connection in the device.
“This means that the customer uses electricity without paying anything at all, leading to increased losses for ECG”.
Communities identified for the exercise include Daman, Sakyikrom, Amoakrom, Duadekye, Ntoaso, Daaman, Akuamu, Nkyenkyen and Amanfrom.
Last year, the West Accra Region recovered GH¢ 10,363,755 from 1,900 customers who were apprehended for engaging in various forms of illegal connections.
These customers were surcharged for the power they used while some were tried in court for stealing power.
Dr. Owusu Ansah revealed that this year, about 20,000 customers’ accounts would be remotely monitored to identify prepaid customers who do not purchase credits.
These customers would be visited for a physical assessment of their meters.
The West Accra Regional General Manager of ECG, Ing Ebenezer Ghunney warned customers to desist from using power without paying for it.
He noted that the Company continues to invest heavily in the power distribution network and charged customers to abstain from stealing power, saying, this deprives the company of revenue and affects the quality of the power supply.
The West Accra Region has eight operational districts, viz. Ablekuma, Achimota, Amasaman, Bortianor, Dansoman, Kaneshie, Korlebu and Nsawam.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Pakistan: Electricity Supply Fully Restored After Massive Blackout
Pakistan has announced the restoration of power supply across the country after it was hit by a nationwide power outage Monday morning.
The nationwide outage was reportedly caused by the breakdown of the country’s national grid system, leaving over 220 million people without power.
However, in a post on Twitter on Tuesday sighted by energynewsafrica.com, the Pakistani Ministry of Energy wrote: “All 1112 grid stations within 24 hours nationwide.”
Addressing the press on Tuesday, Pakistani Energy Minister, Khurram Dastgir blamed the power outage on a lack of investment in the network, saying the aid-dependant nation had “learned lessons” from the breakdown that left millions of people without electricity.
“We learned lessons from yesterday (Monday) that we need to invest in the distribution system,” he said.
“There hasn’t been any investment in improving these systems from the previous government,” he added.
The International Monetary Fund has bailed out Pakistan five times in the last two decades. Its latest bailout tranche, however, is stuck due to differences with the government over a programme review that should have been completed in November.
Pakistan has enough installed power capacity to meet demand, but the sector is so heavily in debt that it cannot afford to invest in infrastructure and power lines.
China has invested in its power sector as part of a $60 billion infrastructure scheme that feeds into its “Belt and Road” initiative, but details of this investment are unclear.
Dastgir said the cause of the outage was not yet known, but the ministry was conducting a safety audit of the entire network.
“The government plans to add more power distribution lines within the next 36 months,” he added.
Millions of Pakistanis suffer partial blackouts almost daily, including scheduled “load shedding” power outs aimed at conserving electricity.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: No End In Sight For Nigeria’s Fuel Scarcity As Long Queues Continue Growing
There appears to be no end in sight of the fuel shortages in Africa’s third largest oil producing nation, Nigeria, as Nigerians continue to form large queues at fuel stations.
Last Friday, there were long queues at most fuel stations across the West African nation with the situation in Lagos being the worst, according to reports by local media.
Amidst the fuel scarcity, local reports suggested that some stations increased the price of petrol to N185 per litre without official notification.
According to a report by News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), some of the stations like Mobil, Conoil, TotalEnergies, Nipco, Enyo, Forte and NORTH-WEST adjusted their pump price to reflect N185 per litre against N169 previously.
“Motorists who queued for several hours at filling stations operated by major marketers in Lagos were shocked to notice the adjustment of the pump price.
“Many major filling stations in the Lagos metropolis, especially Ikeja and Agege areas were not dispensing. Only a few stations were dispensing while motorists scrambled to fill their cars,” the report said.
While some marketers sold Premium Spirit (petrol) at N185 per litre, the report said some independent filling stations were rather selling PMS between N260 and N270 per litre along Ikorodu, Somolu, Bariga, Ikotun and Akran, Awolowo road.
The report said sources within the marketers indicated that the Federal Government had begun the subsidy withdrawal, urging marketers to adjust their pump price.
The marketers claimed that the government may have commenced a gradual removal of the petrol subsidy.
The issue which threatens the country’s economy has become a major concern to many Nigerians, thereby, generating discussions on both mainstream and social media platforms.
It is not yet clear what measures the country is putting in place to tackle the issue.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has denied claims that the Federal Government had approved increment for PMS.
“President Muhammadu Buhari has not approved any increase in the price of PMS or any other petroleum product for that matter.
“There is no reason for President Muhammadu Buhari to renege on his earlier promise not to approve any increase in the price of PMS at this time.
“Mr President is sensitive to the plight of the ordinary Nigerian and has said repeatedly that he understands the challenges of the ordinary Nigerian and would not want to cause untold hardship for the electorate.
“This is not the time for any increase in pump price of PMS.
“I appeal to Nigerians to remain calm and be law-abiding as the government is working hard to bring normalcy to fuel supply and distribution in the country,” the Minister said in a statement as carried by Punch.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
London: Nigeria’s Petroleum Minister To Engage Investors At Invest In African Energy Reception
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has announced that Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources of Nigeria, H.E Timipre Sylva will lead investment-focused dialogue during the Invest in African Energy Reception set to take place in London on January 26.
With the Nigerian energy market on the precipice of another transformation on the back of diversification and market-driven policy implementation, the participation of Minister Sylva is key for securing new capital for Nigeria’s rapidly growing market, while enabling new players and financiers to expand their footprint in one of Africa’s biggest oil producing countries.
Nigeria has emerged as one of the most attractive destinations for foreign investment owing largely to the signing into law of the Petroleum Industry Act in 2021.
With the Act having overhauled the country’s regulation and governance, addressing key growth inhibitors by prioritizing transparency, procedural clarity and attractive fiscal terms for regional and international players, the Nigerian energy market is more enabling for business than ever, and the Minister will showcase opportunities in the sector during the Invest in African Energy Reception in London.
The Act itself has already unlocked tangible benefits, with the country positioning itself as the biggest oil producer in Africa in 2023, despite a year of production declines owing to challenges associated with oil theft and reduced exploration. With the state-owned company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation identifying and shutting down an illegal pipeline responsible for the loss of up to 600,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil, production has rapidly increased to approximately 1.2 million bpd in December 2022, setting the country up for an exciting year in 2023.
The country is more ambitious than ever when it comes to expanding the oil and gas market even further, with the government incentivizing E&P activity in a bid to boost production levels further. As such, opportunities for upstream players have opened up and Minister Sylva will be making a strong case for hydrocarbon exploration during the reception in London.
Opportunities in the oil industry, over 200 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of proven natural gas reserves – and opportunities to increase this figure to 600 tcf with advancements in exploration – have positioned the country as the destination of choice for financiers and project developers from across the natural gas landscape. At a time when global markets are urgently seeking alternative gas supplies in light of ongoing supply constraints, Nigerian gas has emerged as a top solution, and investors are encouraged to capitalize on the opportunities present across this rapidly growing market.
However, Nigeria’s oil and gas market opportunities transcend exports, with the country well-positioned to feed into regional supply chains. Having signed a deal with Equatorial Guinea that would see Nigerian gas being processed at the country’s Punta Europa facilities while making steady progress to complete the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and breaking ground of new project developments, Nigeria is opening new opportunities for electrification and industrialization in Africa on the back of intra-African gas trade, made possible through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and the progressing Central African Pipeline System.
“Through his participation at the Invest in African Energy Reception in London – taking place in partnership with the African Export-Import Bank and Rystad Energy – Minister Sylva has made clear his commitment to securing new capital for a suite of large-scale projects across the entire energy value chain in Nigeria. During the event, the Minister will be driving market-focused dialogue on why investing in Nigeria is so critical, both for the African economy and for the global energy market at large. The London event provides financiers and energy players with the unique opportunity to directly engage and connect with a leading government representative from the biggest oil producer in Africa, and the AEC is encouraging all of those interested in expanding their footprint in Africa to join us at this high-level event,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Power Crisis Worsens As Eskom Hints Of Two Years Of Load-Shedding
South Africans would have to brace up for prolonged load shedding as the country’s power utility company, Eskom, has announced plans to implement permanent load-shedding for the next two years.
Eskom chairman, Mpho Makwana, on Sunday, told the press that South Africans should expect continuous stage 2 to stage 3 power cuts for the next 24 months.
“We want to create some predictability,” Makwana said, adding, “Shuttling from one stage to the other is never good.”
The chairman’s statement was later clarified by the outgoing Eskom CEO, André de Ruyter that continuously implementing a specific stage of load-shedding would not be possible.
“Higher stages might sometimes be necessary, and if Eskom’s generating unit breakdown situation improves, lower stages could be possible,” he said.
The state-owned power utility’s power station general manager, Thomas Conradie, also expressed the hope to decrease day-time load-shedding to stage 1 in the coming week.
Mr. Makwana said permanent load-shedding would form part of Eskom’s plan to increase its Energy Availability Factor (EAF) to a point where it could stop load-shedding within the next 24 months.
“The global average for EAF is about 86%. We’re looking to grow from our current 58% EAF to 70% in the next two years,” Makwana said.
Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter added that while there has been much speculation about stage 8 load-shedding, this is no longer a likely scenario.
“The possibility of stage 8 load-shedding is receding, which is comforting and positive,” said de Ruyter.
“However, there is always an inherent risk, and for that purpose, we have to protect our diesel reserves.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Pakistan: Massive Power Outage Leaves Over 220 Million People In Darkness
Millions of Pakistanis have been left without electricity since Monday morning and currently sleeping in darkness following the breakdown of the country’s grid system.
The nationwide power blackout has left about 220 million people, including those in major cities like the capital Islamabad and financial hub Karachi, without electricity.
Senior officials reportedly blamed the aging grid infrastructure for the frequent power outages.
In some parts of Islamabad, the capital, and the neighboring city of Rawalpindi, power was restored after eight hours, officials said.
Local officials said the outage began in southern Sindh Province after an unusual fluctuation in the voltage.
That led to a cascading failure at power plants throughout the country.
Addressing a press conference, Pakistani Power Minister Khurrum Dastgir said that a “frequency variation” was reported in southern Pakistan on Monday morning, which resulted in the power outage.
He, however, downplayed the issue, saying it was “not a major crisis,” even as the people’s concerns deepened as time passed by.
Dastgir assured that power would be restored across the country by Monday night.
The power breakdown caused a major disruption in daily activity.
Internet and mobile phone services blinkered offline in intermittent outages across the country.
Emergency generators helped some hospitals, government offices, schools, and airports continued to operate.
“There was complete chaos in the hospital because of the power outage,” said Akram Shah, a 45-year-old textile worker who was accompanying his sick mother at the state-run Abbasi Shaheed Hospital in Karachi, according to report by New York Times.
“Doctors asked most of the patients, who were at hospitals for surgeries, and tests, to come again tomorrow,” he added.
People in several cities complained that they were facing water shortages as water pumps, which run on electricity, were not working.
“We did not have water to wash the dishes, as water could not be pumped from the underground water tank to the overhead tank,” said Shafiqa Ali, a nurse, 45, who works in a private clinic in Karachi. “We could not book cars from the ride-hailing apps to send our children to schools.”
Many shopkeepers used small generators to keep their lights on. But some people complained that they could not withdraw money from A.T.M.s because they had stopped working.
Most people in the country use backup power devices in case of outages, but the small batteries of these devices often die when the outages last many hours.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a high-level inquiry to determine the exact
.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com