Nigeria: NNPC Rakes ₦211.62billion From Petroleum Products Sales In February
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has announced that its Downstream subsidiary Company in charge of bulk sales and distribution of petroleum products, Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), recorded ₦211.62billion sale of white products in February 2020.
A release by the corporation’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, explained that the figure (₦211.62billion), contained in the February, 2020, NNPC Monthly Financial and Operations Report (MFOR), was significantly higher compared to the previous month’s record which stood at ₦151.79billion.
The February 2020 MFOR also indicated that total revenues recorded from the sales of white products for the period February 2019 to February 2020 stood at about ₦2.6trillion, with petrol contributing about 98.06 per cent of the total sales value of about ₦2.5trillion.
The report stated that about 1.7billion litres of white products were sold and distributed by PPMC in the month of February 2020 compared with about 1.2 billion litres sold in January 2020. This comprised about 1.7 billion litres of PMS and 1.09million litres of AGO. Also, there was sale of 0.01million litres of special product, Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO) in the month.
Total sale and distribution of white products for the period February 2019 to February 2020 stood at about 21billion litres) and PMS accounted for 20.8billion litres or 98.73 per cent. During the period under review, a total of 32 pipeline-points malfunctioned or were vandalized, representing about 47 per cent decrease from the 60 points recorded in January 2020. These comprised 22 pipeline breaches, eightweld failures and two pipeline ruptures.
Mosimi area accounted for 78 per cent of total cases, the Port Harcourt axis 16 per cent and all other routes accounted for the remaining 6 per cent.
In respect of natural Gas off-take, commercialization and utilization, out of the 241.74Billion Cubic Feet (BCF) of gas supplied in February 2020, 146.54BCF was commercialized, consisting of 35.83BCF and 110.71BCF for the domestic and export market respectively, translating to a total supply of 1,235.56million Standard Cubic Feet per day (mmscfd) of gas to the domestic market and 3,817.40mmscfd of gas supplied to the export market for the month.
During the period, the report said 699mmscfd was delivered to gas-fired power plants to generate an average power of about 3,064MW, compared with January 2020 when an average of 640mmscfd was supplied to generate 2,683MW.
The 55th edition of the MFOR indicates an increased trading surplus of ₦3.95billion compared to the ₦1.87billion surplus posted in January 2020.
The 111 per cent growth in the month, the report stated, was largely attributable to improved performance of the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC), as a result of its low expenses put at over 100 per cent. Other reasons cited for the increased trading surplus are the reduced deficits post by the downstream units, refineries, as well as the NNPC corporate Headquarters. Dr. Kennie Obateru Group General Manager Group Public Affairs Division Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation
Source: www.energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: COVID-19: NNPC To Extend Delivery Of Medical Facilities, Infrastructure To States Not Covered
The Group Managing Director of Nigeria’s National Oil Company, NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, has assured states that have not yet benefited from medical facilities and infrastructure support from the company and her partners in the ongoing intervention initiative that they would have their share.
According to him, the National Oil Company’s coordinated support would eventually reach them, explaining that inhabitants of the concerned states are a constituent of the 200 million Nigerians who are the shareholders of NNPC.
Mallam Kyari disclosed this in Abuja during the inauguration of the Thisday Dome COVID-19 Testing, Tracing and Treatment Centre equipped by Industry stakeholders and other corporate bodies among which are the NNPC, Sahara Group, CA-COVID and China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC.
“NNPC is owned by the 200million Nigerians. We have a primary responsibility to stand with the country and our citizens at any time to ensure that we fight COVID-19 together. We are doing this with the support and the guidance of the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, pulling together the entire Oil and Gas Industry to bring support to the country,” Mallam Kyari quipped.
He stated that in order to have a coordinated approach in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, the NNPC, as the leader in the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry, brought all her partners together to deliver medical consumables and infrastructure.
“One of the many things we did is to bring our partners on the table and one of our great partners is the Sahara Group with whom we have many businesses. We have Downstream businesses and we also have Upstream businesses with the group. It is common knowledge that for every Oil and Gas business in Nigeria, NNPC is a partner, either as a direct equity holder or as a cash-contributing partner. Therefore, everything done in this Industry is with the support of the NNPC,” the NNPC GMD enthused.
Mallam Kyari expressed profound happiness over the completion of the COVID-19 testing, tracing and treatment Centre, saying that the NNPC would continue to support all her partners to deliver more medical facilities and infrastructure in all states of the federation.
The NNPC GMD stated that NNPC and all her partners would set up permanent healthcare structures in all the six geo-political zones, adding that the aim was for the facilities to outlive the COVID-19 period and be of great use to Nigerians after the pandemic.
Mallam Kyari averred that the Corporation had also upgraded one of her medical facilities in Abuja to receive and treat COVID-19 patients, revealing that it equally supported the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital with facilities that would enable her treat COVID-19 patients.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Sahara Group, Tope Shonubi, applauded the NNPC for the support extended to the group in providing medical equipment to humanity in the face of the global pandemic.
Inaugurating the Centre, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce, Boss Mustapha, applauded the NNPC and all her partners for supporting the Federal Government in the fight against COVID-19.
The facility is a one-stop shop that could deliver Coronavirus report of 200 samples collected within 24 hours, and boasts of an Intensive Care Unit, Ventilators and a 54Gene laboratory.
Source:www.energynewsafrica.com
Norway: Gov’t Takes $41 Billion From Oil Fund To Bolster Economy
The Norwegian government has hinted of using a record US$ 41billion from its US$1-trillion petroleum revenue fund, which is the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund to counter the economic slump from the COVID-19 pandemic and low oil prices this year.
The government of Western Europe’s largest oil producer, whose wealth fund has amassed more than US$1 trillion from petroleum revenues over the decades-proposed on Tuesday a revised budget for 2020, which calls for using US$41 billion (419.6 billion Norwegian crowns) from the fund.
This sum would account for 4.2 percent of the estimated value of the fund at the beginning of this year.
Norway has rarely used more than 3 percent of the Government Pension Fund Global, as Norway’s oil fund is officially known.
“‘Increased spending has been a necessity in the current situation – both to avoid an even sharper downturn and to help healthy companies through the crisis so they can create jobs and growth when normal circumstances return,” Finance Minister Jan Tore Sanner said in a statement.
Norway’s economy has been hit by the social distancing measures like every other country around the world, while the oil and gas sector – a major contributor to the economy – is also suffering from the low oil prices after oil demand crashed in the pandemic.
Last week, Norway slashed its key policy rate to 0 percent in a surprise move, citing the oil price crash and the sharp drop in economic activity as a result of the pandemic.
“The downturn is amplified by the severe impact of the pandemic on surrounding countries and by a sharp fall in oil prices. Lower oil prices have contributed to weakening the krone exchange rate,” Norges Bank said in a statement, after delivering what analysts described a ‘surprise’ cut by 25 basis points to zero.
In a bid to support global efforts to prop up oil prices and ease the glut, Norway has decided it would cut its crude oil production by 250,000bpd in June, and then maintain a 134,000-bpd lower rate of production for the rest of 2020. This is the first time Norway has joined oil production cuts since 2002.
Then, Norway reduced its production rate by 150,000 bpd over the first half of the year, after oil fell below $20 a barrel following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Ghana: MiDA Takes Delivery Of Transformers For Pokuase BSP Project
The Millennium Development Authority (MiDA), the implementing agency for the Ghana Power Compact II, has taken delivery of all the six major transformers procured for the ongoing Bulk Supply Point Project at Pokuase, a suburb of Accra, capital of Ghana.
A statement issued by the Communications and Outreach Unit of MiDA and copied to energynewsafrica.com said the six major transformers for the project arrived in the country from Turkey on April 27, and May 4, 2020, respectively.
The transformers, which came in two sizes, 145 MVA and 39 MVA, would support the operations of Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) and Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) Limited for efficient and reliable power supply in Pokuase, Kwabenya, Adenta, Oyibi and some other communities in Accra and Nsawam in the Eastern Region of the West African nation.
The statement said the transformers had been subjected to Factory Assessment Tests in the presence of the officials of MiDA, ECG, GRIDCo and other stakeholders committed to the project.
The arrival of the six transformers with its related equipment, MiDA said marked a significant milestone in the construction in the of the first 330kV Bulk Supply Point in Accra, which would be the largest substation in Ghana after completion.
Upon completion, the BSP Project would supply reliable electricity to 350,000 residents within its catchment area, including businesses, public institutions and health facilities.
Meanwhile, work on the Pokuase BSP project is about 61 percent completed and is scheduled to be handed over to ECG and GRIDCO at the end of the first Quarter of 2021.
Due to the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus, MiDA and the project contractors have put in place the necessary safety protocols to safeguard the health of workers undertaking the construction works and residents within the project catchment area.
“MiDA is delighted by the fact that the current global challenge posed by the Coronavirus pandemic notwithstanding, such vital equipment has reached Ghana on time and will enable the contractor to complete the project on the scheduled time.”
Source:www.energynewsafrica.com
Meanwhile, work on the Pokuase BSP project is about 61 percent completed and is scheduled to be handed over to ECG and GRIDCO at the end of the first Quarter of 2021.
Due to the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus, MiDA and the project contractors have put in place the necessary safety protocols to safeguard the health of workers undertaking the construction works and residents within the project catchment area.
“MiDA is delighted by the fact that the current global challenge posed by the Coronavirus pandemic notwithstanding, such vital equipment has reached Ghana on time and will enable the contractor to complete the project on the scheduled time.”
Source:www.energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission Reappoints 12-Member Dispute Resolution Panel
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has reappointed a twelve (12) member Dispute Resolution Panel for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
A statement issued by the Commission said the decision was in line with Section 42.1.3 of the Market Rules, which empowers the Commission to constitute the Panel and Section 42.3.8(c) of the Market Rule that permits the reappointment of members for a second term.
The functions of the panel, as spelt out in Section 42.3.7 of the Market Rules, include the arbitration and settlement of disputes between market participants in the Nigerian electricity market, which include the System Operator (SO), the Market Operator (MO), and other licensees engaged in the trading of electricity.
While reconstituting the dispute resolution panel, the Commission advised market participants to take advantage of the channel of alternative dispute resolution for the resolution of disputes in the electricity industry in line with the provisions of the Market Rules.
Members of the reconstituted panel are Olufunmilayo A. Roberts, Adeyemi Akisanya, Augustine Mamedu, Adeyemi A. Oyedele, Hussaini Mohammed, Okechukwu J. Chiazor, Ajagbe E. Oyetunde, Onagoruwa Bolanle, Ezekiel Osarieme, Batholomew C. Onyejekwe, Nnena Ejekam, and Sadiku Folorunsho.
Djibouti: Green Energy Production Gets Boost As AfDB Approves $3.22 Million Support
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved, additional funding of $3.22 million for the geothermal exploitation project in the Lake Assal region of Djibouti.
This financing is in addition to the earlier $6.83 million and previous $14.68 million approved by the Bank’s board of directors in June 2013 and May 2018 respectively, bringing its total contribution to $24.73 million.
The project for which this additional funding is intended aims to improve the quality of life of the Djiboutian population through the increase of green energy production capacity, the reduction of oil imports, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Its objective is to explore the geothermal steam field of Lake Assal, located in the centre of the country, and to confirm the characteristics of the geothermal resource.
This additional financing from the Bank will allow the cleaning of well number 2 and make more tests for all the wells in order to collect reliable data, intended for a feasibility study, with an acceptable risk profile for a commercial exploitation.
In a three-phase programme, exploration of the field in question will first be carried out to confirm the characteristics of the geothermal resource; next will be the development of the geothermal field and the construction of a power plant with a capacity of 20MW; and finally the extension of the capacity of this plant to 50MW.
This project is also part of a geothermal energy development programme and will help build the first such plant in Djibouti.
It will ultimately increase the green energy production capacity of this country in the Horn of Africa, increase access to electricity, thanks to a more reliable and more efficient source of energy.
It will also reduce Djibouti’s oil imports and greenhouse gas emissions. By improving its access to electrical energy, it will contribute to improving the quality of life of the Djiboutian population.
Namibia: Minister of Energy, Oil & Gas Sector Players To Discuss Future Of Energy Industry In Exclusive Webinar
The African Energy Chamber is expected to present an exclusive webinar with the Namibian Minister of Energy. Hon. Tom Alweendo on Friday, May 15, 2020 at SAST.
Hosted by African Oil & Power, the open to public webinar will explore the future of the Namibian energy industry in the context of the current global climate.
As 2020 was planned to be a strong year for exploratory drilling in the country, the conversation will look at the state of the country’s upstream industry and its development potential.
Hon. Tom Alweendo will be joined by Nj Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, in the discussion moderated by Namibian Lawyer and Energy Specialist, Gawie Kanjemba, and Africa Oil & Power Field Editor, Thomas Hedley.
In light of Namibia’s push to develop a sustainable and clean energy industry, participants will also discuss the country’s key energy infrastructure and power projects with a particular focus on gas-to-power and renewable energy.
“In Namibia particularly, after 30 years of independence, we have grown the economy over ten folds and remain one of the countries with the highest GDP per capita in Southern Africa,” said Hon. Tom Alweendo.
“Exploring resources like oil & gas can translate into a tool for transforming the economy even further. The shareholders of Namibian resources are the Namibian people, it is thus important to work with organizations like the Africa Energy Chamber and Africa Oil & Power, to map out a future that speaks best for Africa,” he added.
“Our next Africa energy series of webinars takes us to a true African energy frontier and we are honored that Hon. Tom Alweendo is joining us in this conversation,” declared NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman at the African Energy Chamber.
“Namibia has a tremendous potential for energy investments across the value-chain and should not be overlooked when it comes to building a sustainable and inclusive growth in Africa.”
As international oil companies farmed-down their interests in Namibia’s offshore, a series of leading independents came in and invested, raising hopes to see world class discoveries in the near future. These notably include Chariot Oil & Gas, Tullow Oil, Africa Energy Corp, AziNam, BW Energy, Chariot Oil & Gas, Eco Atlantic Oil & Gas, Global Petroleum, Impact Oil & Gas, Maurel & Prom and Tower Resources. The country is also home to the giant Kudu gas field, where 1.3 Tcf was gas was discovery in 1974. The block is currently operated by BW Energy, who remains committed to finding a viable commercial development option for the field. Kudu’s development is seen as key to resolving the energy crisis in Namibia and developing strong gas-to-power capacity.
COVID-19: African Energy Chamber Issues Urgent Advisory Guidelines For The Management And Safety Of Oil Workers
Amid the ongoing effects of lockdowns in oil and gas-producing countries such as Nigeria, Angola, Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, South Sudan and Cameroon, the African Energy Chamber hereby issues pragmatic commonsense advisory guidelines for governments, oil companies and personnel.
This is aimed at mobilizing, demobilizing and putting back the continent energy sector to work safely across the continent.
In light of the prolonged Covid-19 pandemic, the oil & gas industry has been heavily strained, increasing the need to pay critical attention to workers’ safety and putting in place procedures to ensure their transitioning in and out of the workplace.
Currently, travel restrictions have forced oil operators to maintain their personnel for extended periods of time on remote sites, increasing the risks of Lost Time Injury.
“We must always prioritize the health, safety and well-being of brave oil workers who continue to defy insurmountable odds to keep energy production ongoing across the continent,” NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman at the African Energy Chamber has stated.
“All upstream oil & gas operators are experiencing similar challenges due to reduced workforces and extended periods of lockdown and travel restrictions. Our guidelines put the safety of workers, host communities and oil operators at the core of the industry’s operations and sector recovery.”
“These non-exhaustive guidelines will assist operators and governments in ensuring the movement and safety of offshore and onshore oil workers so oil & gas operations can continue while preventing any additional spread of Covid-19,” concluded Ayuk.
In order to ensure that oil & gas health and safety standards and practices adapt to a new normal, the African Energy Chamber has worked with its partners to issue this new set of advisory guidelines. These guidelines notably take into account local regulations in host countries, and are heedful of the need to protect local communities from exposition to any potential Covid-19 transmission.
Such advisory guidelines notably include a series of agreements and protocols governing health monitoring and travel authorizations given to oil workers before, during and after their mobilization on site.
They take into account the best international healthcare practices in order to ensure both a safe continuation and resumption of onshore and offshore activities, while preserving the health of oil workers, host countries and host communities.
The guidelines can be downloaded on (www.EnergyChamber.org)
Source: www.energynewsafrica.com
UAE To Cut Oil Production Further By 100,000 BPD In June
The United Arab Emirates plans to cut its oil production further in June, UAE Minister of Energy and Industry Suhailbin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei has revealed.
The production cuts, according to Al Mazrouei, will increase by another 100,000 bpd next month, after already reducing its oi production “in line with the OPEC+ agreement” in May.
This comes after the OPEC member increased its production to more than 4 million bpd in April, when Saudi Arabia was also busy adding crude oil into the global supply glut at a time when the world was shutting down in response to the coronavirus, crippling the demand for crude.
This comes at a time Saudi Arabia, too, has said it would cut beyond its promised cuts next month.
Kosmos Energy Sinks Deeper, Loses $183million In First Quarter Of 2020Saudi Arabia has pledged as part of the OPEC agreement to cut its production to 8.5 million bpd, but said this week that it would cut to 7.492 million bpd in June, after the Saudi energy ministry ordered Aramco to cut bigger. Oil prices had rallied earlier on Monday on this news that even more oil production would be taken out of the mix next month. But by 2:30pm ET, WTI had slipped 3.31% on the day, with the Brent benchmark slipping nearly 5% back below $30 per barrel. Kuwait also announced that it would cut its oil production even more than the OPEC+ agreement called for, by an additional 80,000 bpd in June. But the move to cut additional barrels by Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE was seen not as a positive move, but as an out-of-options move as Middle East producers find themselves without buyers. Today’s announcement of additional cuts could, therefore, spark fear instead of confidence as the market views it as a reflection of the true state of the market. Source:www.energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Accra: Areas Experiencing Power Outage Will Be Restored By 5PM-GRIDCo
Ghana’s power transmission company, GRIDCo, has assured residents of Accra, who are currently experiencing power outage, that power will be restored at about 5pm today (17:00GMT).
According to the company, the outage has been caused by snapping of one of its major transmission lines in the Accra East area at about 6:53am Monday, May 11, 2020.
A statement issued by GRIDCo said: “The situation requires emergency attention and engineers are currently working around the clock to resolve the problem as soon as possible.”
“The maintenance team has assured that power will be restored to the affected areas before 5pm today” the statement said.
GRIDCo apologised for any inconvenience caused and adding that it remains committed to its mandate of delivering reliable power supply.
Press Statement – Power Outage In Parts of Accra East – May11, 2020.pdf
Source:www.energynewsafrica.com
Kosmos Energy Sinks Deeper, Loses $183million In First Quarter Of 2020
U.S. oil and gas company, Kosmos Energy has sank deeper into the red in the first quarter of 2020 due to impairments and low oil prices.
According to its report on Monday, Kosmos generated a net loss of $183 million in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the loss of $52.9 million in the first quarter of last year.
Kosmos has booked asset impairments in the first quarter totalling $151 million. These impairments are largely related to the Kodiak and Tornado fields in the Gulf of Mexico and are due to the change in the oil prices since Kosmos acquired the assets in late 2018.
The impairments represent around 10% of the total consideration paid for Deep Gulf Energy at the time.
Kosmos booked revenues of $178 million in the first quarter of 2020 compared to revenues of $296.8 million in the same period of 2019.
The company’s capital expenditure for the period was $84 million.
In addition to the timing mismatch between production and the lifting of cargos, the first quarter was impacted by non-cash asset impairments and restructuring charges of $169 million.
These charges were partly reduced by a mark-to-market gain of $136 million, offset by a $12 million cash settlement related to the company’s oil derivative contracts. The company also incurred non-cash deferred tax expense related to a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets and the increased market value of the hedges, totalling $72 million.
Kosmos exited the first quarter of 2020 with approximately $677 million of liquidity and $1.97 billion of net debt.
Shut-ins in Gulf of Mexico to affect 2Q
Kosmos’ net production in 1Q 2020 was 66,300 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd), at the upper end of guidance.
This compared to the production of 79,799 boepd in the same period of 2019.
Sales in 1Q 2020 were 43,700 boepd, resulting in a material net underlift position of approximately 1.7 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe).
Production in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico was unaffected by COVID-19 and averaged approximately 28,300 boepd net (80% oil) during the first quarter, at the top end of guidance.
As a result of current market conditions, the operator of the Delta House host platform in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, Llog Exploration, has chosen to shut-in the facility during the month of May 2020 and accelerate planned maintenance.
The shut-in of Delta House will impact the second-quarter production by approximately 5,500 boepd (net) from fields processed through this facility.
In addition, Kosmos will temporarily shut-in approximately 1,500 boepd (net) at other facilities during 2Q, resulting in approximately 7,000 boepd of net Kosmos production shut-in during the second quarter.
Kosmos currently expects the shut-ins to last through the end of May, however, timing will depend on future market conditions.
Kosmos’ full-year net production guidance in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico is expected at the lower end of the of 24,000-28,000 boepd range assuming the shut-ins last through May.
In Ghana, full-year net production guidance is 27,000-29,000 bopd and it is unchanged.
In Equatorial Guinea, Kosmos’ full-year net production guidance is 11,000-13,000 bopd and cargo guidance of 4.5 cargos is unchanged.
Cost-reductions
In response to current market volatility, Kosmos has identified capital reductions in the base business of around 40% from discretionary expenditure largely from exploration activities in the Gulf of Mexico, its basin-opening exploration portfolio, and other non-critical work that does not impact safety and asset integrity.
The company is now targeting base business capital expenditure of $200-$225 million in 2020 while keeping 2020 production within the range of previous guidance and with the minimal expected impact on 2021 production.
Kosmos has taken steps with the operators of producing assets to target a reduction in operating expenses of approximately $2-3 per barrel in 2020.
In addition, Kosmos is reducing cash general and administrative (G&A) costs in 2020 by approximately 40%, through a reduction in headcount, no planned employee cash bonuses and other identified reductions.
These capital, operating, and G&A cost reductions lower the company’s costs for 2020 by approximately $250 million, or 30% in total.
In March, the board of directors of the company made the decision to suspend the dividend, which will result in cash savings in 2020 of approximately $57 million.
Ghana: Natural Resource Governance Institute Scores Gov’t 70% For Handling Of Maiden Licensing Bid Round
The Government of Ghana’s handling of the maiden licensing bid round for six oil blocks it offered to investors offshore has been described as satisfactory, a report by the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) has said.
The report assessed the government’s handling of the licensing bid round in four thematic areas namely: Procedural requirements on competitive bidding, Direct negotiations, Compliance with calendar of events under bidding round and Public engagements.
The procedural requirements on competitive bidding scored 77 percent compliance with calendar of events under bidding round was rated 80 percent.
On the other hand, direct negotiation and public engagements scored 55 percent and 50 percent respectively.
The entire process cumulatively scored 70 percent, which is interpreted as satisfactory on the adopted grading scheme.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in October 2018, launched the country’s first oil and gas exploration licensing round.
The Energy Ministry subsequently earmarked six oil blocks for exploration.
Three of the blocks-2, 3 and 4-were to go through competitive bidding process while two blocks-5 and 6-were supposed to be for direct negotiations.
One of the blocks was reserved for Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).
The report makes the following recommendations:
Government must start issuing reconnaissance licences to gather quality data to aid future bidding rounds. The cost for such an activity will be recovered from data fees during competitive tendering. Liberia used this approach to acquire data which enabled them to carry out competitive tendering; Government must publish disaggregated information on bidders and their respective blocks they are prequalified for; Disclosures on beneficial ownership must be made publicly available during the prequalification stage. This allows for citizens to monitor the bidding process and to identify politically exposed persons in the contract process.
Again, government must ensure that direct negotiations are done only where peculiarities that point to a specific company to optimise the resources are established; Government must make deliberate efforts to engage the public beyond the requirement of the law. It is recommended that such engagements must have feedback systems to encourage citizens to share information that might be relevant for the licensing round and by extension, the national interest.
Source: www.energynewsafrica.com
The entire process cumulatively scored 70 percent, which is interpreted as satisfactory on the adopted grading scheme.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in October 2018, launched the country’s first oil and gas exploration licensing round.
The Energy Ministry subsequently earmarked six oil blocks for exploration.
Three of the blocks-2, 3 and 4-were to go through competitive bidding process while two blocks-5 and 6-were supposed to be for direct negotiations.
One of the blocks was reserved for Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).
The report makes the following recommendations:
Government must start issuing reconnaissance licences to gather quality data to aid future bidding rounds. The cost for such an activity will be recovered from data fees during competitive tendering. Liberia used this approach to acquire data which enabled them to carry out competitive tendering; Government must publish disaggregated information on bidders and their respective blocks they are prequalified for; Disclosures on beneficial ownership must be made publicly available during the prequalification stage. This allows for citizens to monitor the bidding process and to identify politically exposed persons in the contract process.
Again, government must ensure that direct negotiations are done only where peculiarities that point to a specific company to optimise the resources are established; Government must make deliberate efforts to engage the public beyond the requirement of the law. It is recommended that such engagements must have feedback systems to encourage citizens to share information that might be relevant for the licensing round and by extension, the national interest.
Source: www.energynewsafrica.com Nigeria: EKEDC Deploys Mobile Power Transformer To Lekki To Boost Supply
Nigeria’s power distribution company, Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has deployed one of its newly acquired mobile power transformers to Lekki as part of efforts to improve power supply in the area.
The deployment of the 15MVA mobile power transformer would ensure the prompt restoration of power, particularly in the event of a prolonged outage to customers within its network.
A statement issued by the General Manager of EKEDC Corporate Communications, Godwin Idemudia, said: “Recall that in December 2019, EKEDC announced that it has taken delivery of its newly acquired 15MVA, 33/11KV Mobile Power Transformers as part of efforts to improve power supply within its distribution network.”
“The mobile power transformer will serve as a relief response that will be available to immediately replace faulty and overloaded power transformers.
“Our customers can be assured that power supply within our distribution network will no longer be disrupted as a result of power transformer failure,” Idemudia said.
According to him, the 15MVA mobile power transformer would relieve the existing power transformers currently in use within its Lekki coverage network and reduce the load on those transformers to improve supply in the area.
Idemudia added that EKEDC would continue to undertake critical investment to strengthen its distribution infrastructure and expand its capacity to consistently meet its growing supply demand.
He appealed to customers to support the company’s effort by visiting any of the designated collection offices or make use of its online payment channels for the prompt settlement of their bills.
Source: www.energynewsafrica.com
Kenya, Uganda Hit By Nationwide Power Blackout
Kenya and Uganda have been hit by a power blackout after what distributor Kenya Power said was a system disturbance in the transmission grid.
Teams from Kenya Power and Uganda’s power Distributor Umeme announced on Twitter that efforts to restore power were already underway.
The neighbouring countries’ grids are interconnected.
Kenya Power said power went off at 5:49 a.m. (0249 GMT).
“Our engineers are working to identify and address the hitch, towards restoring normal electricity supply,” it said in a statement.
Already the firm has restored power to certain parts of the country.
Kenya Power indicated that it had identified a technical fault at a section of the main high voltage transmission power line that evacuates power from the Olkaria geothermal power plants to Nairobi.
“An electricity conductor came off the support insulators and clashed on the towers,” the firm said in a statement.
Uganda also suffered a nationwide blackout, Uganda Electricity Transmission Co. Ltd said on its Twitter account.
“We have lost transmission across the nation … please bear with us as we investigate the cause and work on restoration,” it said.
In January 2018, both countries suffered major blackouts due to what they said were system disturbances.