Ghana: BPA CEO Conferred With Honorary Doctorate Degree
The Chief Executive Officer of the Bui Power Authority, Samuel Kofi Ahiavi Dzamesi was, on Saturday, conferred with a Doctor of Professional Studies in Engineering by Azteca University, Mexico.
He was conferred with the doctorate award at a colourful ceremony in Accra, the capital of Ghana.
The ceremony, which was organised by MG Business Solutions and M-GIBES College, also saw some Ghanaians who have made significant contributions to the business environment receive Honorary Doctorates.
According to the university, Mr Samuel Kofi Dzamesi was nominated for the prestigious award due to his diligence and excellence in leadership and engineering brilliance in Ghana.
The award would serve as a recognition of the exemplary work done in the respective sectors Mr. Dzamesi has worked to date.
At the same event, Mr. Dzamesi was named the ‘Global Excellence Business Leader of the Year (Engineering)’.
This recognition would serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring professionals.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Dzamesi thanked Azteca University and the event’s organisers for recognising the good contributions made by professionals from diverse fields.
The CEO was accompanied by his son, Mr. Eli Dzamesi, Board Members, Dr Rebecca Acquah-Arhin and Salifu Saeed, Mr. Kevin Wu and spouse and the Corporate Affairs Manager, Akua Sakyi.
The Board, Management and Staff of BPA congratulated Mr. Samuel Kofi Ahiavi Dzamesi on his award of an Honorary Doctorate.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Fuel Spillage At Maame Water Was Waste Fuel—BOST Clarifies
Ghana’s strategic stock keeping company, Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company, has allayed the fears of the public about the possibility of the company losing money due to a video capturing residents of Maame Water near Akosombo allegedly siphoning fuel from its pipeline.
According to BOST, the reported liquid was actually sludge consisting of water, dirt and fuel residue it had spilled during testing of the integrity of a pipeline being refurbished.
In a video sighted by this portal, residents of Maame Water were seen scooping fuel from an underground tunnel.
While some filled their gallons with fuel, others were heard calling out to get more gallons to fill them.
However, a statement from BOST has explained what occurred.
The company said its 71-kilometre pipeline which stretches from the Accra Plains Depot at Kpone in Tema to the Akosombo Depot at the banks of the Volta Lake had been decommissioned since 2015 due to vandalism by unknown assailants.
As a result, the company said it has since resorted to the use of Bulk Road Vehicle, popularly known as tankers in the haulage of petroleum products, from the Tema to Akosombo depots for onward transmission using badges to the Bui Depot.
BOST stated that repair works on the pipeline was commenced a year ago and was expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2022.
Unfortunately, the exercise delayed due to the impact of the construction of the railway line from Tema to Mpakadan in the Eastern Region, forcing them to re-route the pipeline.
As a further boost, the company said it commissioned the installation of an intrusion & leak detection system on the line for the safety and security of its operations when it is recommissioned.
“For a proper assessment of the degree of damage at the commencement of the repair works, water was pumped up the line to help with the full detection of all leakages for repairs.
“After the repair works, the company carried out a pressure testing of the line to be sure all the intrusions detected has been perfectly worked out. It is this pressure testing which resulted in the push out of a sludge in the Maame Water area which is been reported in the media. The sludge is a combination of water, dirt and fuel residue formed in the pipeline which was pushed out in the pressure testing,” the company explained in the statement.
The company emphasised that the tanks at the Maame Water depot have been empty over the last couple of years and BOST has not pumped products up the pipeline since the repair works are yet to be fully completed for a hand-over and recommissioning.
According to BOST, the exposed content of the line due to the testing has been foamed by the BOST team, with support from the Ghana National Fire Service and works are underway to ensure a clean-up of the area of the spillage.
The content with emphasis is water, dirt and fuel residue.
“We are satisfied with the level of work done and look forward to mending this single section of the 71-kilometre pipeline as we get ready to recommission it for utilisation by the first quarter of the year 2023.
“We wish to assure the public that the situation is under control and there are no financial cost implications of the said spillage since same was carried to check the integrity of the repaired pipeline.”
BOST said it would continue to serve the interest of the government and people of the Republic of Ghana by ensuring that the pipeline is put to use to reduce the cost of transportation of products in the country.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: PURC, GIMPA Partner To Set Up Regulatory Centre Of Excellence
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) for the setting up of the Regulatory Centre of Excellence.
The MoU, signed on Friday at GIMPA, Accra, the capital of Ghana, was witnessed by Mr. Piesie Asante Darko, Council Chairman of GIMPA.
Executive Secretary of PURC, Dr Ishmael Ackah initialed on behalf of the Commission while Prof Samuel K. Bonsu, Rector of GIMPA, did the same on behalf of the institution.
Executive Secretary of PURC, Dr. Ishmael Ackah said the Commission through its research found that there was the need for them to do further studies to understand the dynamics of regulating utilities due to new technologies.
He added that they found out that there was the need to build the capacity of regulatory institutions in Ghana and the West African subregion for them to be abreast with the changing trend.
Touching on why PURC decided to partner GIMPA, Dr. Ishmael Ackah said his outfit noted that GIMPA has been undertaking research work in the area of regulation and therefore decided to partner them so they can bring their expertise in research and together with PURC’s technical expertise in regulation to achieve a common goal of cutting edge research that will inform policy on regulatory development and build capacity of regulators around Africa.
According to Dr Ackah, the Regulatory Centre will not only be used to build capacity of regulators in the energy sector but covers every sector of the economy that is regulated.
“Beyond even teaching we will also encourage peer learning so National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and others can also come here and groom other regulators. So it is the centre of excellence that is looking at General Regulations,” Dr Ishmael Ackah added.
Asked how the centre’s activities will be funded, Dr Ishmael Ackah said they are looking at four main funding sources stating that they are looking at funds from the Commission, GIMPA, fees and also donor support.
Dr Ackah revealed that the centre will be launched in February 2023.
Commenting on the partnership, Council chairman for GIMPA, Mr Piesie Asante Darko hailed the initiative and commended the PURC for enforcing rules and regulations covering utilities notably water and electricity.
Rector of Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Professor Samuel K. Bonsu said he was happy that PURC was partnering his outfit to enable them use their store of knowledge to empower regulators in the country and beyond.
He said his outfit is fully committed to the partnership and will ensure that they do their best to ensure the successful operation of the Regulatory Centre of Excellence.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Executive Secretary of PURC, Dr. Ishmael Ackah said the Commission through its research found that there was the need for them to do further studies to understand the dynamics of regulating utilities due to new technologies.
He added that they found out that there was the need to build the capacity of regulatory institutions in Ghana and the West African subregion for them to be abreast with the changing trend.
Touching on why PURC decided to partner GIMPA, Dr. Ishmael Ackah said his outfit noted that GIMPA has been undertaking research work in the area of regulation and therefore decided to partner them so they can bring their expertise in research and together with PURC’s technical expertise in regulation to achieve a common goal of cutting edge research that will inform policy on regulatory development and build capacity of regulators around Africa.
According to Dr Ackah, the Regulatory Centre will not only be used to build capacity of regulators in the energy sector but covers every sector of the economy that is regulated.
“Beyond even teaching we will also encourage peer learning so National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and others can also come here and groom other regulators. So it is the centre of excellence that is looking at General Regulations,” Dr Ishmael Ackah added.
Asked how the centre’s activities will be funded, Dr Ishmael Ackah said they are looking at four main funding sources stating that they are looking at funds from the Commission, GIMPA, fees and also donor support.
Dr Ackah revealed that the centre will be launched in February 2023.
Commenting on the partnership, Council chairman for GIMPA, Mr Piesie Asante Darko hailed the initiative and commended the PURC for enforcing rules and regulations covering utilities notably water and electricity.
Rector of Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Professor Samuel K. Bonsu said he was happy that PURC was partnering his outfit to enable them use their store of knowledge to empower regulators in the country and beyond.
He said his outfit is fully committed to the partnership and will ensure that they do their best to ensure the successful operation of the Regulatory Centre of Excellence.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: NPA Impounds Gallons Of Illegal Fuel At Hamile
Ghana’s petroleum downstream regulator, National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has in collaboration with the army and security intelligence impounded a commercial vehicle loaded with illicit petroleum products in the Lambussie Karni District of the Upper West Region.
The products contained in jerry cans popularly known as “Kufuor Gallons” are suspected to be smuggled from the neighboring Burkina Faso.
The vehicle with registration number UW113-14, which was plying an unapproved route with the said unwholesome petroleum products on board, was impounded on Tuesday the December 13, 2022.
The vehicle and the products are currently in custody pending further investigations.
Speaking to the media, the Upper West Regional Manager of the NPA, Mr. Bashiru Natogma, cautioned petroleum consumers to desist from buying such smuggled petroleum products.
He said the only facilities authorized to sell petroleum products are the fuel filling stations.
Mr. Natogma urged commercial transport owners to caution their drivers against using their vehicles in transporting such illicit products “because it is illegal and also puts the lives of the public at risk.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Consumers Happy Over Drastic Drop In Fuel Prices
Consumers of petroleum products have expressed happiness over the continuous fall in prices of fuel across various filling stations in the Republic of Ghana.
Fuel prices shot up astronomically in the West African nation with diesel being sold at Gh¢23.49 per litre while petrol sold at Gh¢17.89 per litre.
The increment in fuel prices which was triggered by the weak Ghanaian cedis against major international currencies and rise in crude oil prices pushed goods and services upward.
Fuel consumers lamented over the situation due to unbearable hardships it brought on them.
Interestingly, since November fuel prices have been dropping significantly bringing some form of relief to consumers.
As of December 1, which was the first pricing window, petrol was selling at Gh¢15.41 per litre while diesel sold at Gh¢18.86.
On Friday 16th December 2022, which was the beginning of the second pricing window, most oil marketing companies adjusted their fuel prices downward due to fall of crude oil prices and the stability of the local currency, the cedi.
Leading indigenous Oil Marketing Company, GOIL, is selling petrol at Gh¢13.40 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢16.10 per litre.
This represents Gh¢2 drop in price of petrol while diesel price dropped by Gh¢2.79 per litre.
Shell is selling petrol at Gh¢13.49 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢16.49 per litre.
TotalEnergies is selling petrol at Gh¢13.40 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢15.85 per litre.
Petrosol is selling diesel at Gh¢13.15 per litre while petrol is being sold at Gh¢15.79 per litre.
Star Oil is selling petrol at Gh¢12.55 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢15.39 per litre.
Zen petroleum is selling petrol at Gh12.87 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh15.69.
Alinco oil is selling petrol at Gh¢12.40 while diesel is being sold at Gh¢15.40
Dukes petroleum is selling petrol at Gh¢12.50 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢15.50.
Comments monitored by energynewsafrica.com on social media platforms show consumers are happy.
Mr. Frank Asare, a banker, said he was hopeful that GH¢400 worth of fuel would now be enough for him to commute to work weekly.
“On Monday, I bought GH¢500, but I have been informed that it has been reduced and with the new rate, I am hopeful that GH¢400 will be enough for me,” he said.
Mr. Evans Kwakye, a taxi driver, said the continuous rise in fuel prices in the last few months took a heavy toll on his business, compelling him to purchase fuel on credit, which attracted interest.
“Previously I used to roam in search of passengers, but I had to join a station because I could not afford fuel. The drop in prices will help us a lot and we hope that it will drop further in the coming days,” he said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Dr Ben Asante Elected Onto Global Gas Centre Board
A renowned Ghanaian oil and gas engineer and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana National Gas Company, Dr Ben K.D Asante, has been elected to the board of the Global Gas Centre (GGC).
The Global Gas Centre is a non-profit organisation based in Geneva, Switzerland, and is dedicated to executives and experts of natural gas companies, sharing views and best practices in a neutral, independent and inclusive organisation.
The GGC is a unique platform to promote sustainable energy with a particular focus on issues related to the natural gas sector.
Dr Asante’s election onto the board of the Center is an indication of his expertise in the oil and gas sector and his good leadership as the Chief Executive Officer at the nation’s gas company.
Since the assumption of office in 2017, Dr Asante and the management of Ghana National Gas Company have worked hard to propel the company to its current strong and enviable level in the country and beyond.
Last Saturday in Accra, the capital of Ghana, Dr Ben K. D. Asante was adjudged CEO of the Year (Upstream) at the ninth edition of the Ghana Oil and Gas Awards.
He was given the honour for his incredible and transformative work at Ghana National Gas Company which has seen the company become the foremost service provider in the country.
For Dr Ben Asante, Ghana National Gas Company would continue to become the leading gas processing, transportation, marketing and sale of gas company in Ghana and internationally.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Transport Fares To Be Reduced By 15.3% By Monday
Transport fares in the Republic of Ghana will be reduced by 15.3 per cent effective Monday, 19th December 2022.
The Road Transport Operators communicated this on Friday, 16th December 2022 in a statement signed by the General Secretaries of GRTCC and GPRTU.
The planned reduction follows a petition by a group calling itself Association of Passengers Ghana to the Transport Ministry and Parliamentary Select Committee on Roads and Transport calling for reduction in transport fares due to the fall in fuel prices at the pump.
Fuel prices started dropping for about a month but the transport operators in Ghana did not show any sign to reduce fares to relieve Ghanaians.
“With the recent reductions in the price of petroleum products, it became necessary to engage stakeholders to consider a review of the fares in line with the administrative instrument.
“Following these negotiations and in consideration of the plight of drivers, commuters and the general public, we have resolved to reduce the existing transport fares by 15.3%,” the Road Transport Operators said in the statement.
The body made up of the biggest transport union—Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC)—called on all drivers to “comply with the new fares and post same at their loading terminals.”
Meanwhile, the Association of Passengers Ghana is urging commuters to stay calm following statement by Road Transport Operators announcing 15.3% reduction in transport fares effective Monday, 19th December 2022.
The Association said it will issue an official statement hopefully by Monday.
Below is the full statement:
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com No Power In Ukraine’s Second City After Russian Strikes
Russia has launched another wave of air strikes at Ukraine’s energy infrastructure – leaving the country’s second city, Kharkiv, completely without power.
Kharkiv’s mayor says there’s been “colossal… destruction” of infrastructure in the city and has urged residents to be “patient.”
Two people have died in the central city of Kryvyi Rih, and another has been killed in Kherson in the south, officials said on Friday.
“About nine” power stations have been hit across the country, says Ukraine’s energy minister.
Sixty out of 76 missiles were shot down before hitting their targets, according to the head of Ukraine’s armed forces.
Russia has been targeting the Ukrainian energy grid as winter temperatures plummet – leaving millions with no power, water or heat
Meanwhile, Ukraine has accused its enemy of planning a wide-ranging ground offensive for early in the New Year – despite recent setbacks on the battlefield.
The Biden administration has condemned the new barrage of strikes from Russia into Ukraine, with National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby saying the attacks hit “largely civilian infrastructure.”
Kirby said Russia is “again trying to put fear into the hearts of the Ukrainian people and to make it that much harder on them as winter is now upon them.”
He declined to announce any details on the next security assistance package for Ukraine, but said that there “will be another one” and that additional air defense capabilities should be expected. Conversations with Ukraine on needs continue “in lockstep.”
Kirby also announced that the first tranche of $53 million in energy-related equipment “has arrived in Ukraine coming from the United States.”
“It includes the kinds of equipment that they need to make emergency repairs,” he said, adding that “there will be more coming” to fulfill the US’ $53 million pledge.
Tesla Launches ‘Tesla Electric’ To Become An Electricity Retailer
Tesla has launched “Tesla Electric” to become an electricity retailer through its Powerwall owners – starting with some markets in Texas.
After gaining experience through its virtual power plants (VPPs), Tesla is taking things a step further with the launch of “Tesla Electric.”
Instead of reacting to specific “events” and providing services to your local electric utilities, like Tesla Powerwall owners have done in VPPs in California, Tesla Electric is actively and automatically buying and selling electricity for Tesla Powerwall owners – providing a buffer against peak prices.
It’s a special electric plan for Powerwall owners.
“Solar and Powerwall can help you and your community accelerates the transition to sustainable energy. With Tesla Electric, your Powerwall automatically decides when to charge and when to sell electricity to the grid. Together with other Tesla Electric members, you can maximize the value of your solar energy while using your Powerwall storage to add more renewable electricity to the grid. You can also achieve your own sustainability goals when importing electricity from the grid, as Tesla Electric offsets your usage with energy from 100 percent renewable sources,” Tesla wrote on its website.
The company notes that Tesla Electric’s retail plan is currently only available by invitation to select customers in Texas.
Tesla has been working on this new product for a while now, and it is a big step toward the company’s goal to become a “global distributed clean electric utility,” and it is starting in Texas, a place that badly needs an electric utility revolution.
In May, there was a report in the media that Tesla was lobbying for any homeowner with solar and batteries to participate in Texas’s energy market.
The company was asking for a rule change with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), an organization operating Texas’s electrical grid, that would enable electric utilities with customers with behind-the-meter solar and batteries, meaning people with residential solar, to bid on the extra capacity.
Earlier this week, we reported that Tesla received approval from ERCOT for “a statewide market design pilot for small distributed energy resources to provide grid service exports.”
Kenya: EPRA Announces New Fuel Prices
Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announced new prices for fuel.
The prices of Super petrol remain unchanged and will retail at Ksh177 ($1.44), diesel at Ksh162 ($1.32) and kerosene at Ksh145.9 ($ 1.18)per litre.
The prices took take effect from midnight of December 15, 2022.
“In the period under review, the maximum allowed petroleum pump prices for Super petrol, diesel, and kerosene remain unchanged,” EPRA announced on Wednesday, December 14.
In addition, EPRA noted that the diesel price had been cross-subsidised with that of Super petrol while a subsidy of Ksh25.07 per litre was maintained for kerosene to cushion consumers from the otherwise high prices.
In Nairobi, Super petrol will retail at Ksh177.30, diesel at Ksh162.00 and kerosene will retail at Ksh145.94, while in Kisumu, Super petrol will retail at Ksh177.50, diesel at Ksh162.70, and kerosene at Ksh146.66.
In Nakuru, motorists will part with Ksh172.62 for Super petrol, Ksh161.83 for diesel and Ksh145.79 for kerosene.
Their counterparts in Eldoret will part with Ksh177.50 for Super petrol, Ksh162.72 for diesel and Ksh146.67 for kerosene.
Motorists in Mombasa will pay Ksh174.98 for Super petrol, Ksh159.76 for diesel and Ksh143.69 for kerosene.
“The government will utilise the Petroleum Development Levy to compensate oil marketing companies for the difference in cost,” EPRA affirmed.
“EPRA wishes to assure the public of its continued commitment to the observance of fair competition and protection of the interests of both consumers and investors in the energy and petroleum sectors,” EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria added.
In the past months, Kenyans lamented over the high cost of fuel prices after the new administration removed the fuel subsidies put in place by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
President William Ruto argued that his administration would remove the subsidies that cost taxpayers billions.
“If the subsidy continues to the end of the financial year, it will cost the taxpayer Ksh280 billion, equivalent to the entire national government development budget,” Ruto stated on September 13, 2022.
Following the removal of the subsidies, the Treasury saved an estimated Ksh14.7 billion of taxpayers’ money.
Fuel prices hit an all-time high in September 2022 with Super petrol retailing at Ksh179.30 while diesel at Ksh165 and kerosene at Ksh147.94 a litre.
Some parts of the country, in September 2022, were parting with Ksh250 for a litre of petrol. The high prices were attributed to acute shortages in the country.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: ECG To Close Its Offices For 4 Days
Ghana’s southern power distribution company, Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), has announced plans to close its offices across its operational areas for four days during Christmas and New Year.
In a public notice issued on Thursday, 15th December 2022, the power distribution company said: “In observance of the statutory holidays during the Christmas and New Year Seasons, our offices will not be opened for business.
“The ECG’s offices will be closed on Monday, 26th December 2022, Tuesday, 27th December 2022, Monday, 2nd January 2023 and Monday, 9th January 2023.
“However, customers and the general public can purchase electricity credits through the ECG Mobile App (Power App), or a private vending point.
“It further advised prepaid customers to “purchase enough electricity credits to carry them through the Christmas and New Year holidays.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Eskom Will Pursue De Ruyter’s JUST Transition Plan—Pravin Gordhan
South Africa’s Minister for Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan says the JUST energy transition plans developed under the immediate past CEO of Eskom, André De Ruyter, will remain in place.
De Ruyter played a pivotal role in forming the JUST Energy Transition partnership with wealthy nations.
Gordhan said that the country remains committed to reducing emissions.
The minister was speaking at a media briefing on Thursday about De Ruyter’s resignation.
De Ruyter told the media that his position had become untenable.
His resignation followed reports of Mineral Resources and Energy Minister, Gwede Mantashe, accusing Eskom of “actively agitating for the overthrow of the state” by not dealing with load shedding.
Mantashe has also been openly critical of De Ruyter’s skills which he does not believe are fit to lead the utility.
“Given recent media reports, I am, unfortunately, currently in a position where I do not regard that position as being tenable,” De Ruyter said.
Gordhan and Board Chairperson, Mpho Makwana, however, expressed their gratitude for De Ruyter’s service to the utility.
During his term, De Ruyter promoted a vision for Eskom that supported the rollout of renewables and a JUST transition.
“The plans developed under André’s leadership about the JUST energy transition remains in place, and it will continue to be implemented and the first changes as far as Komati power station is concerned … will continue to happen,” said Gordhan.
De Ruyter was pivotal to the formation of the Just Energy Transition Partnership with wealthy nations—the UK, the US, France, Germany and the EU.
The former head of the Eskom JUST Energy Transition Office, Mandy Rambharos said De Ruyter was “a very important figure” that lenders placed “credibility” on.
Alex Lenferna, secretary of the Climate Justice Coalition, pointed out that compared to past chief executives at the utility, De Ruyter was “leaps and bounds ahead” when it came to pursuing renewables.
Lenferna said that both De Ruyter and Rambharos were instrumental in getting Eskom to move toward shutting down coal-fired power stations and make way for renewables that are coupled with just transitions.
Lenferna said there is a big worry about who might replace De Ruyter and whether his successor would follow the same path.
Rambharos similarly pointed out that while renewables and the just transition are part of Eskom’s corporate strategy, a lot depends on what a new chief executive would do.
“It depends on the leadership change and whether they support our vision for the JET,” said Rambharos.
Makwana said that the board would “stay the course” of the dual strategy to maintain and service the existing fleet while improving the energy availability factor (or the performance) of the plants – all while continuing to embark on the just energy transition.
Gordhan said that the country as a whole is committed to reducing emissions – as outlined in its Nationally Determined Contribution that was presented at the UN climate conference COP26, and reaffirmed at COP27
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: André De Ruyter Resigns As Eskom CEO
South Africa’s state power utility Eskom CEO André de Ruyter has resigned amid a worsening power supply crisis and the fragile electricity grid.
Multiple news sources indicate that De Ruyter informed Eskom’s chairperson, Mpho Makwana, about his resignation earlier this week.
The Board Chairperson, Makwana, relayed the information to the Minister for Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan.
His resignation follows an attack on Eskom last week by Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister Gwede Mantashe, who said the power utility was attempting to overthrow the government by failing to end load shedding, which first started over 15 years ago.
Mantashe said Eskom was “actively agitating for the overthrow of the state” with continued implementation of load shedding.
De Ruyter was appointed CEO of Eskom in December 2019, and his tenure saw him threaten to resign early on in his stint at the power utility, and state unequivocally last year that he would not resign.
De Ruyter has faced many detractors, some of whom—such as the Black Business Council and the National Union of Metalworkers—have called for his resignation in the past.
Before joining Eskom, De Ruyter had a 30-year career spanning various sectors both locally and internationally, as well as in various roles in the energy industry.
He has experience in the management of coal, oil, chemical and gas businesses.
His departure puts further pressure on Eskom, which has already seen a slew of top talent leave and has been struggling with a dearth of much-needed critical skills such as energy generation.
In a statement on Wednesday, Business Unity South Africa (Busa) said De Ruyter’s resignation is a “major blow” to Eskom, urging the utility’s board to speedily find a replacement, even if temporarily.
“The replacement must have the skills and capability to continue all efforts to reduce load shedding, accelerate the Eskom restructure, tackle ongoing corruption and sabotage and work with business to diversify the energy generation and distribution environment, with the focus on cleaner energy,” Busa CEO Cas Coovadia said.
“While this is a blow, it is hardly surprising, given the irresponsible comments by some in govt and some other sectors,” Coovadia said.
He commended De Ruyter for his efforts in his role at Eskom under circumstances he described as unbearable.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said its government has requested a meeting with De Ruyter, citing that his departure triggers a “deep anxiety” about the leadership at Eskom.
“Our deepest concern has been the distinct lack of urgency and leadership on this matter…”
“We are committed to doing all that we can as a provincial government to reduce the disastrous impact that an unreliable electricity supply is having on the Western Cape…,” said Winde.
He said the province is spending R36 million over the medium term on its municipal energy resilience programme, aimed at supporting municipalities, and the private sector, to both, generate and procure their power.
In contrast, the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) said energy availability has been at its worst levels under De Ruyter, saying that his resignation is long overdue.
“We demand that whoever replaces Andre De Ruyter must have an engineering background, and must also work for Eskom so that that person can understand all the technical aspects of this business,” Numsa said in a statement.
The union also called for Gordhan’s resignation, calling him an SOE wrecking ball.
“He must be replaced with someone who will not frequently violate good governance processes by interfering in the day-to-day running of SOEs,” it said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Savannah Energy Announces $1.25 Billion Purchase Of Oil Fields In South Sudan
Africa-focused British independent energy company, Savannah Energy, has announced the acquisition of producing oil fields in South Sudan from Malaysian state oil and gas company, Petronas, a move highly supported by the African Energy Chamber (AEC).
The announcement came on Dec. 12, with the acquisition having been made to the tune of $1.25 billion.
“With Savannah Energy, South Sudan will benefit with more jobs, local content, sustainable energy development, opportunities for women, and an aggressive turnaround of declining fields,” NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC said.
Ayuk added, “the opportunities for independent energy companies to participate in the continent’s energy future and allow Africa to bring energy to its people by making full use of its natural resources, which was highlighted during African Energy Week this year, where discussions were made supporting the presence of independents that can sustainably operate assets acquired from international supermajors.”
Having entered a Share Purchase Agreement with Petronas to procure the company’s entire oil and gas asset portfolio in South Sudan – through the acquisition of its subsidiary, Petronas Carigali Nile Limited – the completed transaction will result in Savannah Energy’s attainment of interests in three Joint Operating Companies (JOCs).
The other partners include international energy company, the China National Petroleum Corporation; India’s flagship energy major, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation; and South Sudan’s national oil and gas company, Nilepet.
The JOCs currently operate in Blocks 3/7, 1/2/4, and 5A in South Sudan and, with a gross output of 153,000 bopd, the Petronas assets comprise interests in 64 producing fields in the East African country.
“The Transaction Consideration is expected to be financed through a combination of the enlarged Group’s available cash resources and debt,” Savannah indicated in a statement.
Subject to the approval of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan as well as Savannah Energy’s shareholders, the announcement follows the procurement by Savannah Energy of oil and gas supermajor, ExxonMobil’s, entire upstream and downstream asset portfolio in Chad and Cameroon for $407 million.
Fully committed to bringing reliable and profitable projects to Africa, Savannah Energy has been unrivaled in its commitment to African energy, with the company’s vast portfolio of renewable energy projects – as well as its impressive upstream and midstream portfolio – contributing towards its Projects that Matter Initiative, which is active in Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria.
The most recent South Sudan acquisition is set to usher in new opportunities for energy security and affordability in Africa on the back of new exploration and production drives by independents.