Nigeria: AEDC Targets 180,000 Meters Installation
The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) is set to reducing its metering gap with the installation of 180,000 meters as it resumed its Meter Assets Provider’s (MAPs) scheme.
The company also launched an online vending platform that allows electricity customers to buy energy directly from the company’s website rather than the various third-party vendors.
Speaking at a briefing in Abuja last Tuesday, the chief technical officer, AEDC, Engr. Oluwafemi Zacchaeus explained that the relaunch of the MAP scheme was to bridge the meter demand gap after the completion of phase zero of the Federal Government’s National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP).
According to him, with the resumed MAPS scheme, willing customers will advance money to MAP/AEDC for the purchase of meters while they will be refunded through vending, after installation.
He disclosed that the MAPS framework will run till the commencement of the phase1 of the NMMP.
Zacchaeus stressed that it currently has six participating MAPS vendors- Mojec, Protogy, Turbo energy, Momas, CIG and Holley.
He noted that the AEDC is in the process of engaging more MAPs but added that only vendors with sufficient stock of meters in Nigeria will be considered.
The Technical Officer also stressed that in a bid to ensure constant availability of meters, each vendor has committed to supply 50,000 meters monthly in the Company stores across all its franchise areas.
Under the framework, AEDC is targeting a total of 135,000 single-phase and 45,000 three-phase meters going for N63,061.32 and N117,910.69 (VAT inclusive) respectively.
On his part, the company’s chief marketing officer, Donald Etim said the new vending platform was borne of the desire to create more access options for customers thus reducing the burden of additional costs.
He said with the platform, customers can now buy power directly from its website.
“With this platform, customers are not only assured of the elimination of extra charges such as service charge, commission and convenience fees, they are also assured of easy reconciliation of their account, 24/7 online real-time service, as well as instant value for the energy purchased from any part of its franchise area,” he said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: NPA To Ban Transporters Whose Truck Engage In Fuel Diversion
Ghana’s petroleum downstream regulator, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has served notice to ban transporters whose fuel tanker will be caught engaging in fuel diversion.
According to Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, who assumed the role of CEO of NPA some seven months ago, the Authority had been lenient in the past but said that this time around, there would be no room for such illegal activities to fester.
The NPA has installed trackers and seals on tankers that transport fuel from the various depots. However, some drivers manage to break the seal and divert fuel without reaching their intended destination.
Speaking during his visit to the BOST depot in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region to end a five-day tour of the Northern Regions of Ghana, Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid said transporters whose tankers would be caught engaging in fuel diversion would be banned indefinitely.
“The loading of the products are done with the aid of technology but when tanker owners leave the BOST depot, instead of them going straight to wherever they are supposed to offload the product, they will go to certain unauthorised yards where they tamper with the seal of the Bulk Road Vehicles and siphon fuel. So now, we have to do real-time monitoring and by that action, immediately we see that a tanker truck is diverting, we will call the nearest police.”
Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid has said his primary objective is to ensure that rules and regulations are adhered to by various players in the petroleum downstream industry.
Touching on the recent explosion at Kaase, which involved a fuel tanker, suggested to be engaging in fuel siphoning, he said the state security is investigating the case, saying the authority would soon let Ghanaians know the outcome of the investigation.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa’s Largest Renewable Energy Project Redstone CSP Achieves First Debt Draw Down
South African Redstone concentrated solar power (CSP) project has achieved its first debt drawdown on the largest renewable energy investment in South Africa to date.
The African Development Bank acted as the Mandated Lead Arranger (MLA) and Coordinating Bank for the ZAR 11.6 billion(US$762,390,628.00) total investment, with a commitment of ZAR 2.306 billion to the transaction.
The project has also secured financing from leading international and South African financial institutions including ABSA Bank, CDC Group, Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG), Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden (FMO) Investec Bank, Nedbank Limited, Sanlam Limited, and the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa.
Redstone is led by ACWA Power, a leading Saudi developer, investor and operator of power generation, water desalination and hydrogen plants in 12 countries, which is also the lead shareholder in Redstone with co-shareholders including the Central Energy Fund, Pele Green Energy and the local community.
Located in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, the Redstone project will be equipped with a 12-hour thermal storage system that will deliver clean and reliable electricity to nearly 200,000 households round the clock.
The construction for the project is well underway and is currently in its ninth month of construction. The engineering works for the project is over 58% completed, whereas procurement and construction works stand at over 45% and 6% respectively. A key construction milestone, tower foundation for the project has been completed with the commencement of operations scheduled for Q4 2023.
Through the successful mobilization of international project finance, Redstone has facilitated approximately ZAR 7 billion in foreign direct investment to fund and support the strategic energy transition goals of the country.
Redstone CSP will offset an estimated 440 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year while also providing value-adding ancillary services to Eskom, and it is the first renewable energy project to offer ancillary services in the country. The project is certified under the Climate Bonds Standard and Certification Scheme and aligned with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement which seeks to limit global warming to under 2 degrees Celsius. In addition to efficiently delivering clean energy to the national grid, the Redstone project will offer tangible socioeconomic value through utilizing local supply chains and creating job opportunities: the project will reach close to 44% local content on procurement during the construction period; create more than 2,000 construction jobs at peak, with about 400 from the local community; and create approximately 100 permanent direct jobs during the operating period.
The strategic importance of this project was recognized by the South African National Energy Association (SANEA) who awarded ACWA Power with the “Leading the way in the energy sector” Prize in October 2021.
AfDB’s Vice President in charge of Power, Energy, Climate Change and Green Growth Dr. Kevin Kariuki said: “Redstone will play an important role in South Africa’s decarbonization efforts. We are therefore pleased to have played such a prominent role in the project’s structuring and financing. Furthermore, the Bank looks forward to playing an even bigger part in supporting South Africa’s just energy transition by harnessing the abundant renewable sources of energy through innovative partnerships with the private sector.”
African Development Bank Director of Energy Financial Solution and Policy Regulations Wale Shonibare said: “This project marks a landmark project finance investment in South Africa and demonstrates the commercial viability of CSP technology in enhancing clean energy generation. Redstone’s capability to convert solar power into baseload energy at scale, aligns with AfDB’s Climate Change & Green Growth Policy and Strategy of investing for clean and inclusive growth.”
The Bank’s Director General of the Southern African Region Leila Mokaddem said: “The African Development Bank is privileged and proud to play the MLA and Coordinating Bank’s role for this largest renewable project in South Africa alongside our partners ABSA, CDC, DBSA, DEG, FMO, Investec, Nedbank, and Sanlam, reflecting our shared objectives of supporting the energy transition to address the threat of climate change across Africa.”
South Africa Boosts Capacity For Electricity GenerationSource: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Security Agencies Chase Persons Behind Laying Wreaths Bearing BOST MD’s Name
Security agencies have begun investigations to identify persons behind the laying of wreaths which read: ‘Rest In Peace In advance’, Mr Edwin Provencal, Managing Director of BOST at the company’s head office at Dzorwulu, a suburb of Accra, Ghana’s capital.
This portal understands that police officers from the Mamobi District were at the company’s head office last Wednesday for a briefing.
This portal can also confirm that National Security has also been informed about the incident.
The Managing Director and staff of the company were shocked last Monday when about ten wreaths, which read: ‘Rest In Peace In Advance, Mr Edwin Provencal’ were discovered at the entrance of the company’s head office.
The company had security personnel at post but the report suggested that none of them noticed the incident.
A statement issued by the Board Chairman, Mr Ekow Hackman stated that the incident has been reported to the appropriate security agencies for appropriate investigations to be conducted.
The statement called on both management and staff to remain calm and refrain from granting interviews to the media.
“Pending the outcome of the investigations, the board entreats the Management and staff of BOST to remain calm and to refrain from granting further interviews which may cast aspersions on any person or group either within or outside of BOST.
“The Board would like to use this opportunity to urge Management and staff of BOST to continue to work in harmony and remain focused on consolidating the gains the company has made in recent times,” the statement concluded.
Ghana: Kamal-Deen, Others Appointed Tema Oil Refinery Board MembersSource: https://energynewsafrica.com
Gabon: AMEA Power Plans 50MWp Solar Plant In Gabon
UAE independent power producer (IPP) Amea Power is currently in talks with Gabonese authorities to develop a 50MWp solar power plant in Oyem, the capital of Woleu-Ntem province in northern Gabon.
The group’s CEO Hussain Al Nowais, met with Carmen Ndaot, Gabon’s Minister for Investment Promotion, Public-Private Partnerships and the Improvement of the Business Environment in Libreville.
According to Gabonese reports, the plant would be sited about 7km from the city centre and near the province substation.
The plant is set to provide clean energy to households and industries in the provinces of Woleu-Ntem and Ogooué-Ivindo.
Amea Power, has completed several clean energy projects in the region.
Last year the company deployed a 50MWp solar PV plant in Togo.
The company also has operational projects in in Mali, Chad and Uganda.
26 Dead After Power Cable Collapsed In A MarketSource: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: ECG Gives Krobo Residents Two Years To Clear Over Four Years Bills
Residents of Kroboland in the Eastern Region of Ghana, whose electricity bills have accumulated for over four years, will be given two years to settle their indebtedness.
The Director for Customer Services at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Mr Anokye Abrebrese gave the hint at a stakeholders’ engagement in Somanya on Wednesday, February 10, 2022.
Although residents of Kroboland owe ECG as far back as 2012, Mr Abrebrese said the power distribution company has decided to ring-fence the debts from 2012 to 2017.
He, however, said residents who are on both prepaid and postpaid meters will be made to pay for all the accumulated bills from January 2018 to date.
Mr Abrebrese explained that management decided to make it flexible for the residents to settle their indebtedness.
“We are giving our customers two years to pay their debts,” he said.
According to Mr Abrebrese, residents who can settle their debts at a go will be allowed to do so.
Touching on how residents can identify how much they owe over the past four years, Mr Abrebrese said ECG would issue them with statements of the amount of money they have ring-fenced from 2014 to 2017 and their electricity bills from 2018 to date.
He assured the residents that the billing would be done transparently.
Touching on the roadmap for the installation of prepaid meters in the area, Mr Abrebrese explained that per the ECG’s policy, all customers under Category ‘A’ districts of EC, which includes the Somanya District, in the country must have prepaid meters installed.
On his part, the Tema Regional General Manager for ECG, Ing Emmaneul Akinie noted that 3,007 postpaid meters in the Somanya district would be replaced with prepaid meters.
He said a survey conducted in the area revealed that some 414 meters have been installed but are yet to be captured in the system of ECG.
In addition to that, he said some 421 faulty meters have been detected in the Lower Manya District but were quick to say that 418 of them have been replaced with three yet to be replaced.
He assured the residents that all ECG offices in the area would soon begin full operation with plans far advanced to add another at Kpong.
Before the installation of the prepaid meters, Mrs Theresa Osabutey, who is a member of the ECG Communication Unit at the head office, said customers in the area would be sensitised on the use of the prepaid meters.
According to her, education would be carried out separately for traditional authorities, religious bodies and traders before the community as a whole.
She said the community members would also be educated through the mass media besides the aforementioned planned sensitisation programmes to re-echo issues.
Ghana: ECG Deploys Clou Smart Meters In Tema RegionSource: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Jerry Hinson To Be Named New TOR MD
Ghana’s premier refinery, Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), is likely to name Jerry Kofi Hinson as its new Managing Director after barely eight months of being without a Managing Director.
Jerry Hinson, who is an executive director for Minecon, responsible for the oil and gas business unit, is being pencilled for the TOR MD post, energynewsafrica.com sources have revealed.
It would be recalled that Edward Boateng was reportedly appointed as the Managing Director of TOR after the then Managing Director, Francis Boateng, and his deputy, Ato Morrison, were dismissed by the Government of Ghana.
However, his appointment turned out to be false as this portal’s sources indicated that the supposed appointment was done on the blind side of His Excellency President Akufo-Addo.
The refinery is currently being managed by a three-member Interim Management Committee (IMC) Chaired by Ing. Norbert Anku.
Last week, a list of the new board members who are yet to be sworn into office was dropped on social media and published on several online portals including this portal.
This has since sparked anger among the staff of the refinery with some casting doubt about the possibility of TOR being revived.
Some of the workers have been making appeals to President Akufo-Addo to rope in the three-member Interim Management Committee since they have demonstrated capacity to turn around the refinery.
While all ears are waiting to hear the announcement of the new Managing Director of TOR, it is the hope of this portal that the new leadership would eschew corruption and bad practices and put the interest of the nation at heart.
Profile of Jerry Kofi Hinson
Jerry holds a BSc. Degree in Physics from KNUST; and MSc. Degree in Computer Science from the University of London.
Mr Jerry previously worked as a Petroleum Engineer with Royal Dutch Shell in both onshore and offshore environments.
With an international career spanning over 26 years, Mr Jerry held various Petroleum Engineering and Technical Management roles in Shell companies operating in the UK North Sea, Onshore Nigeria, Deep Offshore Nigeria and Shallow Offshore Cameroun.
He has a demonstrable track record in delivering large CAPEX projects in Onshore and Deep-Offshore environments, including Bonga, Soku and Shearwater Fields; and has good exposure to the UK and West Africa business environment, including regulatory and commercial elements. Mr Jerry has a wealth of expertise in Technical/Commercial Evaluation, Business Planning, Project Management, Asset Development, as well as Coaching & Development of Petroleum Engineering staff.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: PURC Sets Up Seven-Member Committee
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has inaugurated a seven-member external committee by Section 10 of the PURC Act, 1997 (ACT 538) to serve on three different committees.
Under the Act, the Commission may discharge its functions, appoint committees of the Commission comprising members of the Commission or non-members or both and assign to any such committee such as its functions as it may determine.
https://web.facebook.com/purcgh/posts/249084577408574
The seven-member committee comprised Mr Kwaku Sarpong Manu, Mrs Vivienne Duker and Mr William Amuna who would serve on the Technical Committee, Mr John Addaquay and Mrs Gloria Duah-Sakyi, serving on the Stakeholder Management and Communication Committee while Mrs Mavis Amoah and Prof. Olivia Anku-Tsede would be on the Legal, Complaints and Dispute Resolution (LCDR) Committee.
The Board Chairman of PURC, Mr Ebo Quagrainie, who presided over the ceremony, in his remarks, assured the committee members of the current Commission’s objectivity in ensuring that stakeholders are properly served by the PURC’s mandate.
Ghana Inaugurates National Energy Transition CommitteeGiving them the oath of secrecy, he reminded them of the importance of maintaining the confidentiality and handling information they come across in the course of their work professionally. Mr Quagraine charged the members of the various committees to uphold integrity, objectivity, transparency and accountability by focusing on the mandate of serving all stakeholders interests. He further reminded them that they could be called to duty at any time in the interest of the Commission. The Acting Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Ishmael Ackah thanked members of the Committees for accepting the onerous role. He urged them to embrace their call and do their jobs well while assuring them of management’s full support and cooperation. He emphasised the Commission’s critical role in ensuring that all stakeholders’ interests were met, and urged them to be firm, sincere and honest in their work. Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya, Ethiopia To Expedite $1.3Billion Power Peal
Two East Africa neigbours- Kenya and Ethiopia have agreed to speed up the delayed power purchase deal worth $1.3 billion that will see the former import 400 megawatts of power annually.
According a report by the Star Newspaper, an Ethiopian delegation led by Finance Minister Eyob Tekalign was in Nairobi last week for talks with Kenya’s Energy Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma.
The newspaper said the two delegations deliberated on previously signed Power Trade Agreements.
They agreed that the interconnection project is a mega-project whose benefits spread beyond Ethiopia and Kenya.
Tekalign said it was necessary to ensure that Ethiopia and Kenya fulfil the dreams and aspirations of both countries to see the entire region connected to electricity.
“The value of the interconnection of our power systems is key to powering our aspiration for fast growth,” said Juma as reported by the newspaper.
The system is an investment of $1.3 billion with a modern 500kV line, an important vehicle for East Africa interconnection and nucleus for regional integration and prosperity.
The Ethiopia-Kenya electricity transmission line is expected to integrate power systems of five countries including Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda under the Eastern African Power Pool (EAPP) Master Plan.
The plan seeks to take advantage of excess capacity within the network and facilitate the trade of electricity between member countries.
26 Dead After Power Cable Collapsed In A Market
The power line has been on cards since 2012, with Ethiopia blaming Kenya for delays even after several lenders committed funds.
The World Bank approved $684 million (Sh77.2 billion) for the over 1,000-kilometer power line in 2012, allocating Kenya $441 million( Sh49.8 billion) and Ethiopia ($243 million or Sh27.4 billion ) in the first phase.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) followed suit, approving Sh29.2 billion financing deal for the project.
The lender allocated $232 million to Ethiopia and $116 million to Kenya for the transmission line linking East Africa’s economic powerhouse to the Gilgel Gibe III dam in southern Ethiopia.
Under a power purchase agreement, Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco) was to interconnect the national power grid to the Ethiopia Electricity Power Company by 2016.
This would have paved way for Kenya to import 400 megawatts of cheaper hydropower.
According to the plan, transmission costs between Moyale and Nairobi will provide an additional Sh2 a kilowatt-hour.
At a maximum of Sh9 a kilowatt-hour, the cost of hydroelectricity will still be lower than the current rate.
The talks on the PPA are being revived at the time Kenya is implementing changes in its energy sector after numerous cases of alleged mismanagement spanning several years.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: IBEDC, Oyo State Gov’t Agree To Resolve Impasse
The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc (IBEDC) and Oyo State Government have resolved to settle their differences and work together in the interest of the public.
The power distribution company announced earlier this week of disconnecting power supply to Oyo State Government over N450 million debt.
The IBEDC’s angered Oyo State Government and, therefore, sealed the offices of IBEDC in protest against their action.
In a statement issued and signed by Barr. Temilolu Ashamu, Commissioner for Energy & Mineral Resources, Oyo State, and Engr. John Ayodele, Chief Operating Officer, IBEDC, said this is to notify the general public that the Oyo State Government and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Plc have resolved and agreed to work together in the interest of the public.
“The general public is hereby assured of restoration of electricity supply as soon as possible while the two parties shall continue amicable resolution of the issues in the interest of the public, including working together to make electricity meters available for residents of the state,” a statement copied to energynewsafrica.com said.
Nigeria: Privatization Of Power Sector Not A Failure—IBEDC COO
Make Way For The French Nuclear Power Renaissance
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for 13 new nuclear reactors in what he called a “renaissance” of the country’s nuclear power industry.
France, like its European peers have ambitious plans to move away from fossil fuels. For some, it means an aggressive plan to shift away from natural gas and crude oil and toward wind, solar, geothermal, or hydrogen. For other European countries, it includes a robust nuclear power program.
In the coming years, France will “need to produce a lot more electricity,” Macron said in a speech on Thursday at a turbine plant.
Macron’s plan calls for an order of six new-generation ERP2 reactors (European Pressurised Reactor), and an order for a study of eight additional reactors.
“What we have to build today is the renaissance of the French nuclear industry because it’s the right moment, because it’s the right thing for our nation, because everything is in place,” Macron said.
Nuclear power—and its green label—has caused dissension among European countries. France, a nuclear energy powerhouse, has pushed hard in recent weeks to include nuclear power in its plans to reduce carbon emissions. Germany, for one, has openly chastised the European Commission for its decision to classify nuclear investments as climate-friendly. Nuclear power has been labeled as a transitional green energy source.
Nigeria: Power Minister Inaugurates Working Group To Monitor Electricity SupplyGermany has plans to shutter all of its nuclear plants by 2022. But Macron sees nuclear power as critical to moving away from dirtier fossil fuels—in fact, he sees it as the only way to ensure a smooth energy transition. But Macron’s nuclear energy plans hinges on him winning the upcoming election, which will be held April 10 – April 24. Along with his plans for more nuclear energy, Macron also announced plans for massive investments in renewable energy. His renewable plans call for 50 offshore wind parks in France, which currently has none, and double the onshore solar capacity. Source:Oilprice.com
Equatorial Guinea’s Mines And Hydrocarbon Minister To Drive Strong Investment Narrative At The Namibia International Energy Conference 2022
The Minister for Mines and Hydrocarbons, Equatorial Guinea, H.E. Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima, has accepted an invitation from H.E. Tom Alweendo, Minister of Mines and Energy, Namibia, to attend the fourth edition of the Namibia International Energy Conference.
Organized by Rich Africa Consultancy, under the patronage of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Conference will take place on the 20th-22nd of April 2022 in Windhoek.
Under the theme ‘The Energy Mix: Positioning for Investment, Industrialization and Growth,” the Namibia International Energy Conference 2022 will unite regional energy leaders and international financiers for two days of dialogue and networking.
Recognized as the country’s official thought leadership event, the conference is committed to driving industry growth and development across the country.
With recent sizeable discoveries made by Shell, ongoing drilling campaigns by Reconnaissance Africa, and new explorers demonstrating an interest in Namibia’s high potential oil and gas market, the country is ready to welcome investors into its diverse energy sector.
Relying on petroleum imports for a significant portion of its energy supply, the country is focused on establishing domestic supply chains so as to ensure energy security.
By accelerating exploration and production, particularly through international oil company (IOC) participation, Namibia is committed to its energy future and will emphasize this at the conference.
H.E. Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima will share insights, discuss strategies, and collaboratively work on establishing a competitive oil and gas sector in Namibia.
Equatorial Guinea represents an ideal partner on this front, as one of Africa’s top oil and gas destinations, and will be a valuable asset for Namibia as it moves to drive development across the oil and gas sector.
Leading a strong delegation of Equatorial Guinean industry leaders and national oil companies to Namibia – all eager to collaborate with local Namibian companies to boost the local industry – H.E. Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima will drive a strong oil and gas narrative at the conference. In addition to promoting local company collaboration, the Minister will emphasize the role of IOCs in driving energy sector growth.
Meanwhile, as Namibia pursues the monetization of its oil and gas resources, Equatorial Guinea, as an expert in this area, will be able to share knowledge, expertise and solutions for the development of oil and gas projects such as the Kudu Gas Field, which is estimated to contain 1.3 tcf of gas, and the recent oil discovery by Shell in the offshore Graff-1 Well. Equatorial Guinea has been highly effective, particularly regarding gas monetization and will be able to offer insight into strategies.
Accordingly, Equatorial Guinea has emerged as the ideal partner for Namibia, and the Minister will lead a delegation to Namibia to demonstrate this.
“Namibia is an exciting market with amazing potential, as one of Africa’s latest countries to announce discoveries, it is incumbent upon us to bond together and share our mistakes, success and experiences. When we learn from each other we can do better. I am honored to have been invited by the Minister, my brother and friend, H.E. Tom Aweendo, and I look forward to joining the oil industry in Namibia to support the country and its oil companies and local companies as they work through this journey,” states H.E. Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima.
Namibia’s energy supply largely consists of imported petroleum, hydropower and solar – demonstrating significant expansion potential. Geographically similar to other resource rich basins along the west African coast, the country is likely to contain significant oil and gas deposits as seen in neighboring countries such as Angola. As demand for consistent energy sources increases across the country, Namibia is committed to driving progress within its future oil and gas sector.
With approximately 11 billion barrels of oil reserves and over 2.2 tcf of proven gas reserves, Namibia has attracted the attention of a number of IOCs. The most notable include Shell, TotalEnergies, ReconAfrica, and QatarEnergy. These companies have made significant progress within one of Africa’s final frontiers. Notably, Shell recently announced a significant discovery of light oil in the Graff-1 well; ReconAfrica’s drilling campaigns onshore have, so far, revealed a working petroleum system onshore in the Kavango Basin; in December 2021 TotalEnergies commenced drilling on the ultra-deepwater Venus-1X exploration well offshore; and other IOCs have continued with their own exploration campaigns. As more companies enter the Namibian market, all eager to capitalize on the potential of the country’s basins, the Namibia International Energy Conference will be catalytic in driving investment and development.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: NPA Seeks Police Support To Curb Illegal Fuel Trading In Upper East
Ghana’s petroleum downstream regulator, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) is seeking the support of the police in the Upper East Region to curb illegal fuel trading at the border towns and some fuel stations in the region.
The NPA’s Chief Executive, Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid noted that illegal fuel trading in the region such as fuel smuggling at the border towns, selling of adulterated fuels, operating with expired licences and operating without proper safety standards are a major cause of concern to the authority.
The Chief Executive, who is leading officials of the authority on five days’ visit to the three Northern regions to inspect petroleum installations, said this when he paid a courtesy call on the Upper East Regional Police Commander, Dr Sayibu Pabi Gariba.
Dr Abdul-Hamid said he was worried about how some fuel stations owners and their employees threaten to beat officers of the NPA when their outlets are locked up.
“The only thing we are worried about is that when people are in violation of the law, and I mean the fuel stations or according to the standards of NPA, a certain fuel station is not operating with proper safety standards or that their licences have expired or that their product has failed the quality test and when they are locked up, the people forcibly break the seals and continue selling. Sometimes, they threaten to beat our officers should they go and lock up the stations.”
In response, Dr Gariba assured the NPA of the support of the Regional Command by providing security through “the various platforms to ensure the Upper East Region is peaceful and safe for the people to go about their mandate without any fear.”
He said his command had structured its operations in such a way that the filling stations and strategic storage facilities were safe in the region.
“I assure you of the police support that we are here to serve, and we can have a good collaboration with the NPA to curb the future occurrence of such illegalities. We are providing 24-hour security to some filling stations in Bawku because of the security situation there. All the filling stations where we had intelligence could be a target of some attack are being provided with some security,” he emphasised.
The visit to the Upper East Regional Police Command was part of the five-day tour of the area by the Chief Executive of NPA to the Northern part of the country to familiarize himself with some petroleum installations in the Upper East, Upper West, Northern, Bono and Ashanti Regions.
The Chief Executive and Management of the Authority, on Monday, made the first stop at the Bolgatanga depot of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST).
The team was conducted round the facility by Mr Josiah Kwamina Atta, General Manager in charge of Terminal and Transmission at BOST.
They also visited the Regional Coordinating Council and Custom Officers at the Paga Border to court their support in dealing with fuel supply and export challenges in the region.
The visit to the Upper East Regional Police Command was part of the five-day tour of the area by the Chief Executive of NPA to the Northern part of the country to familiarize himself with some petroleum installations in the Upper East, Upper West, Northern, Bono and Ashanti Regions.
The Chief Executive and Management of the Authority, on Monday, made the first stop at the Bolgatanga depot of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST).
The team was conducted round the facility by Mr Josiah Kwamina Atta, General Manager in charge of Terminal and Transmission at BOST.
They also visited the Regional Coordinating Council and Custom Officers at the Paga Border to court their support in dealing with fuel supply and export challenges in the region.
Ghana: NPA Boss Visits BOST Depot, Ghana Gas, Others To Understand Their OperationsSource: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: IBEDC Disconnects Oyo State Gov’t Over N450 Million Debt
The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has raised the alarm over what it described as retaliatory and illegal action of the Oyo State Government over N450 million debt to the company.
IBEDC, in a statement, said the state government, on Wednesday 9th February 2022 commenced the sealing of its offices within the state over some suddenly contrived debts labeled revenue bills and personal income without due notification, saying that the issue of revenue bills and personal income arising now is quite suspicious.
According to the company’s Chief Operating Officer, Engr. John Ayodele, the state government is owing IBEDC a whopping consumption outstanding of N450 mllion for over a period of three years, adding that the company, as part of efforts to get the outstanding debt paid, initiated several engagements through correspondences and physical meetings, but all these efforts yielded no result.
“No business in this country can run successfully with such a huge outstanding, the power we distribute to customers must be accounted for and paid for, we have no choice but to disconnect the Oyo State Secretariat, so it is worrisome to see that the government has sealed off our offices with this underhand and arm twisting tactics, instead of paying the debt owed. This was not done in good faith and it would have damaging effect on the business and service delivery to our customers.”
Ayodele, however, appealed to the State Governor, Engr.Seyi Makinde to look into the matter in the interest of all concerned as this would further exacerbate the power challenges and pressure on residents and commercial activities within the state.
“IBEDC engages in essential services to the public and the effect of this arm twisting tactics can at best be imagined if not quickly arrested.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com