Under the leadership of Mr. Agyeman-Budu, ECG introduced what has popularly been known as ECG Power App which was designed internally.
The App enables customers to recharge their credit card at their convenience without physically present at the ECG offices.
Additionally, the ECG, under Mr. Agyeman-Budu, introduced web portal which allows customers to access their records.
The Southern power distribution company recently introduced the deployment of drones to assist and enhance its operational efficiency across the country.
The ECG also successfully implemented the government’s reliefs of free electricity for consumers as part of Covid-19 pandemic alleviation programme.
Commenting on the award, Mr. Agyeman-Budu, who expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve the country, dedicated the award to the hard working staff of ECG, the Board of Directors, Management and ECG customers for their loyalty to the company.
Source: www.energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: ECG MD Named Most Respected CEO Of Power Sector
The Managing Director of Electricity Company of Ghana( ECG), Kwame Agyeman-Duah, has won the Most Respected CEO of the Year 2020 award for the Power Supply Category at the Ghana Industry CEO Awards ceremony held last Friday.
The Ghana Industry CEOs’ Awards is an annual awards’ scheme aimed at identifying and publicly recognising the most outstanding Chief Executives in corporate Ghana across a wide range of sectors.
Eligible awardees include CEOs of both private and public sector corporations and institutions.
The awarding panel took into consideration the achievements of ECG under Mr Agyeman-Budu, which were all aimed at improving customer services.
Under the leadership of Mr. Agyeman-Budu, ECG introduced what has popularly been known as ECG Power App which was designed internally.
The App enables customers to recharge their credit card at their convenience without physically present at the ECG offices.
Additionally, the ECG, under Mr. Agyeman-Budu, introduced web portal which allows customers to access their records.
The Southern power distribution company recently introduced the deployment of drones to assist and enhance its operational efficiency across the country.
The ECG also successfully implemented the government’s reliefs of free electricity for consumers as part of Covid-19 pandemic alleviation programme.
Commenting on the award, Mr. Agyeman-Budu, who expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve the country, dedicated the award to the hard working staff of ECG, the Board of Directors, Management and ECG customers for their loyalty to the company.
Source: www.energynewsafrica.com
Under the leadership of Mr. Agyeman-Budu, ECG introduced what has popularly been known as ECG Power App which was designed internally.
The App enables customers to recharge their credit card at their convenience without physically present at the ECG offices.
Additionally, the ECG, under Mr. Agyeman-Budu, introduced web portal which allows customers to access their records.
The Southern power distribution company recently introduced the deployment of drones to assist and enhance its operational efficiency across the country.
The ECG also successfully implemented the government’s reliefs of free electricity for consumers as part of Covid-19 pandemic alleviation programme.
Commenting on the award, Mr. Agyeman-Budu, who expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve the country, dedicated the award to the hard working staff of ECG, the Board of Directors, Management and ECG customers for their loyalty to the company.
Source: www.energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Veep Inspects Work At Pokuase Bulk Supply Point Project
The Vice President of Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has inspected the ongoing construction of Bulk Supply Point (BSP) at Pokuase, a suburb of Accra.
The project is about 84 percent complete.
The U.S$50 million project, being executed by the Millennium Development Authority under the Ghana Power Compact II, is funded by the United States Government through its agency, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).
When completed, it would directly benefit about 300,000 power consumers in the catchment communities including Kwabenya, Anyah, Nsawam, and Ofankor.
Ghana: Fred Oware Builds Innovation Centre For Education At BuiAccording to Ghana News Agency, which reported about the Veep’s visit, the entourage was briefed about the progress of work by Patrick Oppong, the BSP Project Manager. The visit was part of the Vice President’s working tour of the Greater Accra Region. The Pokuase BSP, the fourth Bulk Supply Point in Accra, is designated as A4BSP, and its associated 33 kilovolt and 11 kilovolt interconnecting lines intended to address power supply challenges including frequent outages and low voltages, resulting from increased power demand in Accra and the surrounding communities. The project would also lead to a significant reduction in technical losses in the GRIDCo transmission system and the ECG power distribution, which would contribute to improve the financial viability of the utilities. The Pokuase BSP is the first 330kV in Accra and would be the largest in the country when completed. The contractor for the project is Elecnor S.A. of Spain with SMEC International PTY Ltd. as the Project Engineers. Source: www.energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: AOP Ready To Welcome Investors To Africa’s Energy Event In 2021
Africa Oil and Power (AOP) is set to mobilize the pan-African investment community ahead of its fifth annual AOP 2021 Conference & Exhibition, which unites key stakeholders across oil, gas, power and downstream industries to ring in a new era of African energy growth.
Under the theme, “Invest Without Boundaries,” AOP 2021 represents the premier platform for accessing the entire African energy value chain and fostering dialogue on bankable investment opportunities, the energy transition, industrialization, regional business and economic transformation across the continent. As nations and investors gear up for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which will be implemented on 1 January 2021, AOP will promote investment across African and international borders and a strong post-COVID-19 economic recovery based on sustainable energy development.
Endorsed by and in partnership with the African Energy Chamber and South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, AOP 2021 tackles dynamic challenges facing the African investment community, as the continent progresses toward post-COVID-19 growth.
The three-day event also leverages strategic partnerships with the South Africa Oil & Gas Alliance (SAOGA), South Africa-China Economic and Trade Association (SACETA) and South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, putting the spotlight on opportunities in South Africa, Mozambique, Angola and the region.
“With its advanced infrastructure, diverse economy, sophisticated capital markets and developed manufacturing capacity, South Africa is the ideal location for any company wanting to reach the continental market, with greater effectiveness from a cost and logistical point of view,” said South African President H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, at the third edition of the South Africa Investment Conference 2020 on 18 November.
“South Africa has an amazing industry that is already focused on and active in Southern Africa,” said Adrian Strydom, CEO, SAOGA. “We welcome foreign partnerships and would like to encourage investment into South Africa, as this is an emerging industry with a lot of opportunities. Come and experience South Africa and its possibilities at AOP 2021, at which many of our members will attend the rich programs.”
“AOP is one of the major players in the African energy sector,” said Wenan Wang, Chair of SACETA. “AOP 2021 is important and helpful for both Chinese and international companies, particularly after COVID-19.”
For the first time, AOP 2021 will incorporate virtual formats alongside the in-person conference, as well as co-host collaborative events on the main stage – including the Africa Renewables Forum, Africa LNG Forum and Energy Finance Forum – in line with pan-African objectives to catalyze financing into natural gas exploration and monetization, as well as facilitating a clean energy transition.
Source: www.energynewsafrica.com
OPEC+ Considers Delaying Oil Production Hike Until April
OPEC ministers were hashing out a proposal to delay January’s scheduled oil-supply increase by three months, but delegates said drawn-out discussions about conditions attached to the move meant a final decision won’t come until Tuesday, December 1, 2020.
The coalition is debating whether to maintain their supply cuts at current levels, or increase output as planned next year. Some members are concerned that global markets remain too weak to absorb more barrels while others want to sell more crude as prices surge amid hopes for virus vaccines.
Market-watchers have been expecting OPEC+ to agree on a three-month delay — and if the group doesn’t deliver prices will suffer. At stake also is the credibility of the cartel whose actions have underpinned the market since the spectacular oil crash earlier this year.
The run-up to the meeting has been marked by new cracks emerging in the relationship between the United Arab Emirates — a core part of the cartel — and other members. Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman signaled his dissatisfaction with the situation on Monday by telling others he may resign as co-chair of a committee that oversees the OPEC+ deal.
A few hours into the video conference, there had been no opposition to the proposed delay, but delegates said there was still no consensus about the precise terms of the extension. Still unresolved were questions of members’ compliance with pledged cuts, and compensation from countries that have previously exceeded their supply limits.
In a speech at the meeting’s opening session, Algerian Energy Minister Abdelmadjid Attar indicated a preference for a delay. He was later quoted by Algeria’s state news agency saying there was consensus, and he was optimistic there would be an agreement to maintain the current cuts through the first quarter.
“We must be aware today that the market conditions of 2020 are likely to continue during the first quarter of 2021,” said Attar, who holds OPEC’s rotating presidency. “We must be cautious.”
Other options that have been floated are a two-month delay, and the possibility of gradually increasing output over a period of three or four months.
Lockdown Impact
Producers held informal discussions on Sunday evening, where most of them had supported maintaining the existing curbs into the first quarter. But the plan didn’t get backing from two of the coalition’s major players: the UAE and Kazakhstan, delegates said.
Tensions have emerged between the UAE and the Saudis, traditionally stalwart partners. Abu Dhabi has grown impatient to use its new production capacity, while also planning to launch a regional oil benchmark contract. The country hasn’t commented publicly on its stance, and officials said before Monday’s meeting that they hadn’t decided on a position.
Kazakhstan is ready to discuss its position, according to a person familiar with the country’s oil policy. The Kazakh Energy Ministry declined to comment.
Several delegates predicted that OPEC+ would eventually find a compromise that works for everyone, as is usually the case for the group.
“There is still a broad desire within OPEC+ to balance the market,” said Bill Farren-Price, a director at research firm Enverus. “While there are options on the table, there is no oven-ready deal.”
If that consensus can’t be achieved, the existing agreement allows members to add 1.9 million barrels a day to world markets, potentially derailing the recent rebound in crude prices. Brent futures are trading near $47 a barrel in London. Crude could fall by about $5 if OPEC+ doesn’t delay the production increase, according to Goldman Sachs Group Inc.
Uncertain Demand
OPEC+ made vast production cuts during the depths of the pandemic to offset a historic collapse in fuel demand. The alliance had planned to ease some of those curbs at the start of 2021, in anticipation of a global economic recovery. Over the past few weeks, leading figures in the alliance such as Saudi Prince Abdulaziz and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak have signaled support for delaying that supply increase.
While a breakthrough in vaccines to tackle the coronavirus propelled oil prices to an eight-month high, resurgence in infections has triggered a new wave of lockdowns and inflicted a fresh blow to fuel consumption. The cartel and the wider industry have downgraded their outlooks for 2021, with a picture that’s sharply polarized between recovery in Asia and stagnation in Europe.
Grumbling Members
Yet Abu Dhabi has so far withheld its blessing for a delay, with Energy Minister Suhail Al-Mazrouei repeating his position that many countries still haven’t implemented the supply cuts they’ve been obligated to make for months, delegates said.
That may have been a pointed reference to the Saudis’ treatment of the UAE during the summer, when Mazrouei was summoned to Riyadh and given a public rebuke for his own overproduction. The country has since delivered the required compensatory curbs, but other laggards like Iraq and Nigeria haven’t.
The Emirates’ frustrations flared two weeks ago, when officials signaled privately that they were dissatisfied with the quota assigned to them by OPEC, and were even contemplating leaving the organization in the long term. Iraq and Nigeria have also grumbled about their output limits.
“It won’t be an easy meeting,” Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh told the Shana news agency. “Some are opposed to extending the previous decision, and this makes matters more difficult.”
Source: worldoil.com
South Africa: Eskom Faces Criminal Charges Over Air Pollution At Kendal Power Station
South Africa’s Minister for Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Barbara Creecy has revealed that summons was served on Eskom on November 27, 2020 notifying it of the decision by the Senior Public Prosecutor to pursue criminal prosecution in respect of air pollution by Eskom’s Kendal Power station.
This includes, amongst others, a charge of supplying false and misleading information in reports prepared by management at Kendal power station to an Air Quality Officer, which is a criminal offence listed in Section 51(1)(g) of the Air Quality Act.
The summons orders Eskom representatives to appear in the Witbank Regional Court on 28 January 2021.
This follows an internal investigation and report prepared by Eskom Audit and Forensic (A&F) into air quality compliance and reporting, initiated by Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter on 17 May 2020 following investigations and articles by EE Business Intelligence on these matters.
The Eskom investigation report finds that “allegations made by media personalities are mainly proven true”, and that Eskom Generation management should take heed of the reality of Kendal’s poor emissions performance.
Minister Creecy commented: “The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) has yet to receive the full report on Eskom’s internal investigation and findings in respect of air quality compliance and reporting at Kendal power station.”
“A thorough and detailed analysis of the full report is needed in order for the Department to understand the implications of its findings and how these may affect the action currently being taken against the power station,” she added.
The Eskom internal investigation report highlights the false and misleading classification of regular, ongoing and extended atmospheric emission contraventions above the statutory limits as “Section 30” exceedances in reports to the regulatory authorities.
A Section 30 exceedance, however, refers to a short-term exceedance that may occur in an incident or emergency situation, such as an unexpected, sudden and uncontrolled release of a hazardous substance, including from a major emission, fire or explosion.
Following extended periods of non-compliance of all six generation units at Kendal in 2018 and 2019, the DEFF finally issued a Compliance Notice to Eskom on 10 December 2019.
The notice essentially compelled Eskom to cease operation of two units, and ordered corrective measures to be undertaken, over time, in order to ensure that operations are undertaken in compliance with the Kendal’s Atmospheric Emissions License (AEL).
“However, and despite the above, some of Eskom’s units at this power station have continued to operate in non-compliance, which has resulted in the Department issuing a further warning on 17 November 2020”, said Minister Creecy.
Upon notification to Eskom and Kendal power station of the wrong classification of contraventions as Section 30 exceedances in its reports to the regulatory authorities, the reports were modified and subsequently resubmitted in March 2020.
However, the Eskom investigator found that the significant misreporting and misleading reporting identified in the original reports was perpetuated in the resubmitted reports. The investigator concluded that this was a continuation of a failure to apply a “duty of care” by Kendal.
Source: Esi Africa
Nigeria: Lagos, Kaduna, Others Experience Blackout
Residents of Lagos, Kaduna and those in other parts of Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria, have been thrown into total darkness as a result of system collapse by one of the country’s national grid.
Nigeria: Explosions Rock Shell, Agip Facilities In BayelsaEko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDP), which supplies power to the affected areas, twitted Sunday that it was working with Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to restore the light. “Dear customer, The outage you’re experiencing is due to a system collapse on the National Grid. “We are working with our TEN minutes partners to restore supply as soon as possible. Please bear with us,” the tweet said.
— TCNNIGERIA (@TCN_NIGERIA) November 29, 2020Source:www.energynewsafrica.com
Ghana Gets 1000kW Floating Solar On Bui Dam Reservoir (Video)
Ghana has joined the few African countries that have installed solar system for electricity generation on a river.
South Africa was the first country in Africa to have installed solar on a river followed by Seychelles.
Tunisia and Ivory Coast have also signed agreement for the execution of floating solar project.
In Ghana, the 1000kilowatts (1MW) facility, which is on the Bui Dam reservoir in the Bono Region, was installed by Bui Power Authority’s engineers without the involvement of any expatriates.
Chief Executive Officer of BPA has told energynewsafrica.com that his outfit intends to scale it up to about 5MW.
The project forms part of BPA’s vision to diversify its energy sources.
Ghana’s Parliament recently passed the BPA (Amendment) Bill, 2020 to allow the Authority execute renewable energy projects.
The Authority has also been made to assume the role of Renewable Energy Authority following the passage of Renewable Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2020 until such a time when Renewable Energy Authority is established.
Mali: Akuo Energy Commissions 50 MWp Kita Solar Power PlantSource:www.energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Gov’t Repeals Feed-In-Tariff To Make Way For Competitive Bidding For Procurement Of RE Electricity
Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Energy in charge of Power, William Owuraku Aidoo says the decision by the Ministry to review all the thermal and Renewable Energy Power Purchasing Agreement signed under the immediate past NDC administration has paid off.
According to him, that bold decision taken by the Ministry has resulted in the reduction of Feed -in-Tariff for solar power plant from 18 U.S cent per kilowatt hour to below 10 U.S cent per kilowatt hour.
Other steps the Ministry took which saved the power sector, the Minister explained was placing moratorium on the signing of new Power Purchasing Agreement and a directive that procurement of all energy contracts by the Government of Ghana and state-owned entities be done through competitive bidding on Take-and-Pay basis.
“These interventions have helped sanitise the power sector. The result is what we are seeing today. Whereas state-owned generation companies, ie. VRA and BPA, having gone through competitive bidding have been able to bring down the cost of solar below 10 US cents per kilowatt hour. Previously, the IPPs sold this same solar power to the distribution utilities at a Feed-in-Tariff of above 18 US cents per kilowatt hour,” he explained.
Speaking at the commissioning of the first phase of the 250MWp solar park being executed by the Bui Power Authority (BPA), Owuraku Aidoo noted that the Ministry of Energy facilitated the expeditious amendment of the Renewable Energy Act 2011 to repeal the feed-in-tariff scheme to provide the legal backing for competitive procurement of power.
Ghana: VRA Seeks To Become Electric Vehicle Leaders In FutureThe Renewable Energy Amendment Act 2020 also encourages small-scale self-generation and net-metering from renewables. Furthermore, it mandates fossil fuel-based wholesale electricity suppliers, fossil fuel producers and other companies that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions to complement the global effort of climate change mitigation by investing in non-utility scale renewable energy technologies, particularly for off-grid electrification. According to the Minister, when all the 250MW solar capacity is completed, it would be the largest Hydro-Solar-Hybrid Power Generating Plant in Africa. He said the objective of the Hydro-Solar-Hybrid is to enable the Bui Generation Station operate solar during the day when the sun is shining and bring the hydro power on line when the solar irradiation is low especially during the night. He applauded the CEO and Board of the Bui Power Authority for finding innovative way of executing this project without loans, as well as constructing the first-ever Floating Solar PV System of 1MW in the West African sub-region on the Bui reservoir in Ghana. “Looking at the successes that have been achieved within this short period, you will agree with me that the Bui Power Authority has distinguished itself as Ghana’s Renewable Energy leaders and this cannot go unrecognised. Consequently, Parliament, on 6th November, 2020, amended the Bui Power Authority Act and expanded its scope beyond the Black Volta to implement renewable and other clean energy alternatives nationwide,” the Deputy Minister said.
Ghana: Energy Minister, ECG Donate PPE To Health Facilities In Hohoe
The Hohoe Municipal Hospital and Gbi–Kodzofe CHIPS compound in the Volta Region of the Republic of Ghana has been supplied with personal protective equipment (PPE).
The two facilities received 400 pieces of overall suits, 200 pieces of disposable shoe covers, 200 pieces of protective gowns, 50 boxes of protective goggles, 1000 boxes of face shield, 160 boxes of surgical nose mask, 40 boxes of face nask and 35 gallons of sanitizers.
The items were supplied by Ghana’s Minister for Energy, John Peter-Amewu, who is also the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary candidate for the Hohoe Constituency and Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
According to Mr. John Peter Amewu, the Directors of both facilities approached him during one of his visits and spoke about shortage of PPE for health professionals and, therefore, appealed to the Electricity Company of Ghana to help the two facilities.
“ECG, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, had sponsored a 60-bed capacity Infectious Disease Centre which was commissioned by the Chief of Staff on Tuesday, 24th November, 2020, to help in the fight against Covid-19, so I approached the Board and Management of ECG to assist the health facilities in my constituency and they heeded to this appeal,” he said.
John Peter Amewu expressed his profound gratitude to the Electricity Company of Ghana for sponsoring an infectious disease center at Pantang and assisting the health facilities in his constituency with PPE to help in the fight against Covid-19 as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.
He urged other institutions to emulate this gesture by the ECG to help the country win the fight against Covid-19.
John Peter Amewu announced that the road from Hohoe to the Gbi-Kodzofe CHIPS compound has been awarded to a contractor and would be completed very soon.
The Minister for Energy also donated one motorbike to the CHIPS compound to aid the operations of the staff, following a request by residents of the area.
The Managing Director of ECG, Kwame Agyemang-Budu indicated that the donation would not be the last by the company.
He commended all frontline officers for their exceptional professionalism exhibited in handling the Covid-19 pandemic and urged health professionals to use the PPE being provided for them.
Mr Budu acknowledged the immense contribution of the Minister for Energy to the energy sector and the strides ECG has made under the leadership of John Peter Amewu. According to him, the country has enjoyed stable power supply and improved voltage profile with Mr. Amewu at the helm of affairs in the energy sector.
He added that “the Government of Ghana, with Mr John Peter Amewu, as the Minister for Energy, has paid all arrears owed ECG and supported the company with over US$100 million to undertake massive system improvement projects. These interventions by the Government of Ghana will help the company to provide quality, reliable and safe electricity services to support the economic growth and development of Ghana.”
He commended the Minister for Energy and the Government of Ghana for providing relief packages for the customers of ECG during these difficult times.
“I would like to commend Hon. John Peter Amewu and the Government of Ghana, led by His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for absorbing the bills of all lifeline customers and paying half of the bills of non-lifeline customers,” he said.
Dr. Pius Mensah, the Director of the Hohoe Municipal Hospital, acknowledged the immense contribution of Mr. John Peter Amewu and thanked him for his unflinching support to the health directorate of the Volta Region and the Hohoe Municipality.
Source:www.energynewsafrica.com
“ECG, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, had sponsored a 60-bed capacity Infectious Disease Centre which was commissioned by the Chief of Staff on Tuesday, 24th November, 2020, to help in the fight against Covid-19, so I approached the Board and Management of ECG to assist the health facilities in my constituency and they heeded to this appeal,” he said.
John Peter Amewu expressed his profound gratitude to the Electricity Company of Ghana for sponsoring an infectious disease center at Pantang and assisting the health facilities in his constituency with PPE to help in the fight against Covid-19 as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.
He urged other institutions to emulate this gesture by the ECG to help the country win the fight against Covid-19.
John Peter Amewu announced that the road from Hohoe to the Gbi-Kodzofe CHIPS compound has been awarded to a contractor and would be completed very soon.
The Minister for Energy also donated one motorbike to the CHIPS compound to aid the operations of the staff, following a request by residents of the area.
The Managing Director of ECG, Kwame Agyemang-Budu indicated that the donation would not be the last by the company.
He commended all frontline officers for their exceptional professionalism exhibited in handling the Covid-19 pandemic and urged health professionals to use the PPE being provided for them.
Mr Budu acknowledged the immense contribution of the Minister for Energy to the energy sector and the strides ECG has made under the leadership of John Peter Amewu. According to him, the country has enjoyed stable power supply and improved voltage profile with Mr. Amewu at the helm of affairs in the energy sector.
He added that “the Government of Ghana, with Mr John Peter Amewu, as the Minister for Energy, has paid all arrears owed ECG and supported the company with over US$100 million to undertake massive system improvement projects. These interventions by the Government of Ghana will help the company to provide quality, reliable and safe electricity services to support the economic growth and development of Ghana.”
He commended the Minister for Energy and the Government of Ghana for providing relief packages for the customers of ECG during these difficult times.
“I would like to commend Hon. John Peter Amewu and the Government of Ghana, led by His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for absorbing the bills of all lifeline customers and paying half of the bills of non-lifeline customers,” he said.
Dr. Pius Mensah, the Director of the Hohoe Municipal Hospital, acknowledged the immense contribution of Mr. John Peter Amewu and thanked him for his unflinching support to the health directorate of the Volta Region and the Hohoe Municipality.
Source:www.energynewsafrica.com
Another Oil Major Is Betting Big On Renewables
Spain’s oil major Repsol plans to reduce its oil business operations and increase five times its renewable energy portfolio by 2030 as part of its latest strategic plan unveiled on Thursday.
Repsol was the first oil major anywhere in the world to announce late last year a target to become a net-zero emissions company by 2050.
This was back in December 2019 and before the COVID-19 pandemic slashed demand for oil and fuels in 2020.
This year, Repsol was followed by all major oil firms based in Europe, including BP, Shell, Total, Eni, and Equinor, all of which pledged net-zero targets by 2050 or sooner and said they would invest much more in renewable energy, transport electrification, and hydrogen.
In today’s plan, Repsol said that it aims to become a global renewables operator with a generation capacity of 7.5 gigawatts (GW) by 2025 and 15 GW by 2030. This compares to a capacity of slightly below 3 GW today.
Repsol’s upstream business will be reduced to 14 countries, with a more efficient and focused exploration activity and an average total production of 650,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.
The Spanish group is also betting big on renewable hydrogen and sustainable biofuels to achieve additional decarbonization.
“Repsol has the ambition to be a leader in renewable hydrogen in the Iberian Peninsula by reaching a production of the equivalent of 400 MW by 2025 and with the ambition of exceeding 1.2 GW in 2030,” the company said.
The new strategy is self-financing at an average price of $50 per barrel Brent and $2.50 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) at the Henry Hub. At these prices, Repsol can generate cash to cover investments and dividends throughout 2030, without increasing debt from current levels, the company said.
Source:Oilprice.com
IES Analysis: Ghana’s Power Transmission Losses Surging
Power transmission losses within the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) system keeps surging to 2013 highs and possibly beyond, far in excess of the allowable loss margin. Review of the “Electricity Supply Plans” from Ghana’s Energy Commission (EC) and data from the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) indicate that since 2008, the rate of transmission losses from total generated power keeps rising― largely due to the inefficiencies in the transmission system.
This transmission challenge for electricity have proven to contribute to the key factors that stalls the progress of the power sector and the economy as a whole. The indices of economic growth in many cases rely on the ability to continually enjoy sustained and efficient electricity power supply.
Transmission loss measure the power lost in the transmission of high voltage electricity from power generators to medium voltage power distributors (trading economics). This in simple terms means that, transmission losses are calculated as a percentage of the gross electricity production for the entire period under review.
The losses in any transmission system are mainly in response to technical inefficiencies. It has been identified that the technical losses in Ghana’s power sector result mainly from the continued use of obsolete and faulty equipment that include switchgears, transformers, transmission lines, among many others. It is instructive to note that until date, some equipment and parts used for the transmission of power in Ghana date as far back as the 1960s― clear recipe for losses in power transmission for the sector.
Review of state documents identified that “with the Aboadze (West) enclave being the biggest generation enclave with an installed capacity of approximately 1540MW, transmission system losses are always higher than the benchmark because maximized power generation is wheeled to as far as Brong-Ahafo region, from the West enclave.
Aside longer transmission lines, the transmission loss increases was found to be driven by the old 161kV transmission lines in the West, and the limitation on the heavily loaded 161kV Volta – Achimota corridor that supplies power to the Capital and its environs. The over-loading of the 330/161kV autotransformers within Tema, congestion on the 161kV Anwomaso – Kumasi transmission line linking the 330/161kV infrastructure, the unavailability of the 40MVar STATCOM at Tamale etc. were equally identified as contributing factors.
Ghana’s benchmark transmission loss of power in percentage terms to the gross electricity production allowed by the Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC) is 3.5 per cent in gigawatts hour (GWh). The 3.5 per cent explains that all losses recorded in a production year that falls beyond the 3.5 per cent benchmark deteriorates the amount of power produced for transmission, thus becoming cost to the State transmission agency, GRIDCo. This cost is owed to the production agencies in Ghana, including the Volta River Authority (VRA) and other Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
The country’s best performance in managing losses within the grid were recorded over a decade ago, when the transmission losses recorded was 3.5 per cent for both year 2007 and 2008. These results fell right in line with the transmission loss benchmark of the country, and did not come at a cost to the country’s power transmission agency, GRIDCo.
However, since the year 2009, the percentage transmission loss in Ghana’s power sector has risen beyond the allowable of 3.5 percent. In 2009 for instance, the country lost approximately 343 GWh of electricity transmitted, representing a 3.8 per cent of total 8,958 GWh transmitted.
In 2010, 2011 and 2012, Ghana recorded transmission loss of 380 GWh, 531 GWh, and 522 GWh respectively, representing 3.7 per cent, 4.7 per cent, and 4.3 per cent of total annual power transmitted.
The trend shows upward, as the only year that transmission losses came close to the PURC benchmark was 2015. Aside that, the country has been recording losses of 4.4 percent on average terms. After dipping to 4.1 per cent in 2017 from 4.4 per cent in 2016, the country’s power transmission losses is seeing yet another sharp rise, recording a loss of 4.7 per cent in 2019.
In absolute numbers, the amount of power lost to transmission has seen an incremental rise over the last decade. In 2019 for instance, the amount of electricity loss was recorded as 844 GWh, a growth of 16.2 per cent over 2018 losses, and 30.5 percent over year 2017 loss figure.
The only year that experienced a dip in losses was year 2015, when the total electricity made available for gross transmission was only 11,692 GWh, as against 13,071 GWh in 2014 and 12,927 GWh in 2013; i.e. 1,379 GWh (about 12%) less than in 2014 and 1,235 GWh (approximately 11%) less in 2013.
Cumulatively, over the last decade, the amount of power lost to transmission is in excess of 5700 GWh, of the approximate 133,156 GWh transmitted within the period. The 5,700 GWh of power lost over the 10-year period is equivalent to one-third of the total power transmitted for consumption in 2019.
It is important to note that the growing debt owed the company by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Distribution Company (NEDCo) hampers the ability of GRIDCo to provide for themselves modern equipment and infrastructures needed to increase efficiency in outputs.
Though technically impossible to completely rid the transmission grid of losses, the provision of the needed investment in the sector would go a long way in beefing-up the system efficiency, and ensuring value-for-money (VFM). The focus must be on attaining either the 3.5 per cent benchmark set by the PURC or anything below.
By: Fritz Moses
Research Analyst, IES
In 2010, 2011 and 2012, Ghana recorded transmission loss of 380 GWh, 531 GWh, and 522 GWh respectively, representing 3.7 per cent, 4.7 per cent, and 4.3 per cent of total annual power transmitted.
The trend shows upward, as the only year that transmission losses came close to the PURC benchmark was 2015. Aside that, the country has been recording losses of 4.4 percent on average terms. After dipping to 4.1 per cent in 2017 from 4.4 per cent in 2016, the country’s power transmission losses is seeing yet another sharp rise, recording a loss of 4.7 per cent in 2019.
In absolute numbers, the amount of power lost to transmission has seen an incremental rise over the last decade. In 2019 for instance, the amount of electricity loss was recorded as 844 GWh, a growth of 16.2 per cent over 2018 losses, and 30.5 percent over year 2017 loss figure.
The only year that experienced a dip in losses was year 2015, when the total electricity made available for gross transmission was only 11,692 GWh, as against 13,071 GWh in 2014 and 12,927 GWh in 2013; i.e. 1,379 GWh (about 12%) less than in 2014 and 1,235 GWh (approximately 11%) less in 2013.
Cumulatively, over the last decade, the amount of power lost to transmission is in excess of 5700 GWh, of the approximate 133,156 GWh transmitted within the period. The 5,700 GWh of power lost over the 10-year period is equivalent to one-third of the total power transmitted for consumption in 2019.
It is important to note that the growing debt owed the company by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Distribution Company (NEDCo) hampers the ability of GRIDCo to provide for themselves modern equipment and infrastructures needed to increase efficiency in outputs.
Though technically impossible to completely rid the transmission grid of losses, the provision of the needed investment in the sector would go a long way in beefing-up the system efficiency, and ensuring value-for-money (VFM). The focus must be on attaining either the 3.5 per cent benchmark set by the PURC or anything below.
By: Fritz Moses
Research Analyst, IES
South Africa: Eskom CEO’s Push For Cost-Reflective Tariffs Welcomed At Digital African Utility Week
South Africa’s power utility company, Eskom, is moving toward cost reflective tariffs instead of leaning on tax payers to subsidise the state utility, CEO Andre de Ruyter has said.
Delivering a keynote speech at Digital Africa Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa, De Ruyter highlighted five core focus areas in his Eskom turnaround strategy.
One focus area was addressing Eskom’s income statement and pushing for cost reflective tariffs.
“So we need to continue pressurising our regulator for cost reflective tariffs,” De Ruyter told delegates. “We are of the view that it’s inappropriate for the taxpayer to subsidise the activity user. We subscribe to the user pays principle and therefore the tariffs have to be reflective of our reasonable costs. We’re not asking for a subsidy for our own inefficiencies, but only reasonable benchmark costs.”
Moderating the conversation, financial journalist Fifi Peters, added: “Definitely, the taxpayer in South Africa is quite tired of having to foot the bill for mismanagement and maladministration…”
Going in the right direction
Speaker Simon Hodson, CEO of development and investment platform Gridworks Partners, which is supported by the United Kingdom government, agreed that a shift to cost reflective tariffs is key to sustainability and investability.
“It feels like Eskom is going in the right direction,” said Hodson. “And it’s important to see that the business is being segmented into its component parts (generation, transmission and distribution). But probably most important is to see the pathway to sustainability; the reference towards cost reflective tariffs is so central to what needs to happen in the sector. This pathway to sustainability is very important because a pathway to sustainability is a pathway to investability, it makes the whole silo of activities in this space investible.”
Digital Africa Utility Week: New E-Guide That Predicts Electrical Consumption DevelopedEskom tariffs: Key priority From the private sector, Lisa Pinsley, Head of Africa, Energy Infrastructure, at leading investment firm Actis, said De Ruyter’s speech was music to her ears. She agreed that low tariffs was a key priority. “As a large private equity investor in South Africa and Africa in general, I really welcome [De Ruyter’s] plans and priorities that he discussed in his interview,” said Pinsley. “It’s music to my ears, and I look forward to the implementation.” To date Actis has invested around $2 billion and intends to bid for South Africa’s Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (RMIPPPP), under which government aims to procure some 2000 MW of dispatchable generation capacity for operation by mid-2022. “I also have a huge amount of respect for the IPP (Independent Power Producer) office, which [De Ruyter] mentions and their ability to procure cheap power for the country,” said Pinsley. “It really is the best in the world. South Africa is one of our favorite markets. At Actis we’ve invested in 12 of the REI PPP (Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement) projects to date with total project costs at about $2 billion. So we’re one of the big players and really look forward to doing more.” Other speakers included Clinton Carter-Brown, Energy Centre Head at South Africa’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); and Abel Didier Tella, Director General of the Association of Power Utilities of Africa (APUA).
Ghana: TDCL Seeks President Akufo-Addo’s Intervention In Resolving TOR Crisis
The Tema District Council of Labour (TDCL) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in the Republic of Ghana has petitioned President Nana Akufo-Addo, on behalf of the staff of Tema Oil Refinery, to intervene to address some pressing issues which are affecting the profitability of the state refinery.
According to a statement issued and signed by Dotse Kojo Gadabor, Chairman of TDCL, the council held a meeting on Wednesday and took notice of some disturbing development at the Tema Oil Refinery and petitioned the President accordingly.
Workers of the Tema Oil Refinery had been up in arms with the leadership of the West African nation’s only refinery over poor management of the refinery.
They called out loud by describing the Board members of the refinery as incompetent and demanded their immediate dissolution.
They stated that the incompetent leadership being exhibited by the Board has worsened the plight of the workers as their pension trust fund had been in arrears.
The description of the Board as incompetent did not sit well with the management who responded, insisting that the board had demonstrated competence by ensuring that some legacy debts were cleared as well as.
However, a statement issued by TDCL and copied to energynewsafrica.com said: “We, as a Council, would like to call on the office of the President and all stakeholders who have a role to play in addressing the challenges to, as a matter of urgency, give it a needed attention so we can arrive at a lasting solution.
Ghana: A Look At Factors Driving Petroleum Refinery Profitability (Article)“We also wish to state that failure or undue delay in resolving this matter, the leadership of the council will be compelled to do the needful in calling for all workers in the region to solidarise with our members at TOR,” the statement said. “We are well aware of one of the core objectives of the Trades Union Congress and responsibility on our leadership that Touch One; Touch All,” the statement concluded.
Ghana’s Biggest Utility Scale Solar Power Plant To Be Commissioned Friday
Ghana will be commissioning its biggest utility scale solar power park in the Bono Region on Friday, November 27, 2020.
The project is being executed by the West African nation’s second largest state power generation company, Bui Power Authority.
The 50MWp solar power park which, started in February 2020, is the first phase of 250MW solar power plant the Authority intended to construct.
The BPA targeted 10MWp out of the 50MWp for the piloting with the intension of adding on to get the 50MW.
However, energynewsafrica.com understands that the Authority has gone beyond the 10MWp to about 25MW as at Wednesday, November 25, 2020.
European Utility Giant To Invest $190 Billion In Renewable InfrastructureEnergynewsafrica.com understands that the President of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo was expected to commission the project but due to his heavy schedule this week, he has asked the country’s Senior Minister, Yaw Osafo Maafo, to represent him. Upon commissioning, the facility would be the biggest utility scale solar plant in the country and the West African sub-region. With the recent commissioning of the VRA’s 6.54MWp solar park at Lawra in the Upper West Region and Bui’s 26MW solar park, Ghana’s total utility scale installed solar capacity now stands at 75MW. In terms of total renewable energy capacity (both hydro and solar) in the country’s energy mix, Ghana now boasts of about 1,659.14MW. This comprises Bui Generation Station 400MW + 4MW turbine, Akosombo Dam 1020MW, 160 Kpong Generating Station 160MW, Navrongo Solar Park 2.5MW, Lawra Solar Park 6.54MWp, BXC’s 20MW at Gomoa Onyaadze, Meinergy 20MW and Safisana 0.1MW at Ashaiman. Source:www.energynewsafrica.com