Ghana: Gas pipelines in Tema torched by suspected arsonists
Reports reaching energynewsafrica.com has it that some suspected arsonists have torched some gas pipelines within the Tema enclave.
According to the Head of Communications at the Ministry of Energy, Nana Kofi Damoah, some security men who were doing some regular checks along the pipelines discovered that some persons had packed car tyres over some of the pipelines and set them ablaze.
“This is a very sad development for all of us. It gets more confusing and it gets sadder that as we are facing challenges and working hard to get the people of Ghana out of the challenges that we are facing, there are some very determined persons who also wish that we will stay in the condition for a longer period. Investigations into this development have began,” he added.
Mr. Damoah was however quick to add that the gas pipelines could be repaired, adding that the development will not affect power supply “in anyway”.
He additionally said the Energy Ministry is working hard to ensure that persons seeking to destroy properties belonging to the Energy Ministry are dealt with.
The incident comes barely a month when some suspected persons hack down GRIDCo’s transmission tower in Tema.
Benin to install an advanced distribution management system
GE Renewable Energy has secured a contract to modernise energy transmission and distribution networks in Benin.
GE has signed contracts with the government of Benin to help the country to meet growing energy needs while developing self-sustaining electricity systems.
In Benin, GE will supply the country’s first advanced distribution management system (ADMS) to increase energy reliability and efficiency.
The ADMS will be provide utility Société Béninoise d’Energie Electrique with algorithms and predictive analytics to enable grid automation.
For instance, the system will be able to predict issues, identify the faults on the grid and propose a restoration plan.
GE will also upgrade the utility’s substations and telecommunication infrastructure at the National Distribution Control Center in Cotonou.
The project will help Benin to reduce its energy imports, currently at 85% of the country’s total energy demand.
“The Distribution Management System (ADMS) will help optimise energy distribution, reduce electricity losses and minimise shortages.
“This project is aligned with the government’s ambition to efficiently manage the generation from power plants, microgrids and other grid infrastructure to improve the quality, efficiency and availability of power to our customers.
“This system will also help manage the security and maintain control of the grid, “according to the National Coordinator for MCA-Benin II.
Source: Esi-Africa.com
Oil Minister Denies Reports Of Exxon Leaving Nigeria
Nigeria’s Petroleum Minister Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu has said that he isn’t aware of any plans of U.S. oil and gas supermajor ExxonMobil to exit upstream operations in OPEC’s African member.
ExxonMobil is considering selling some of its stakes in onshore and offshore fields in Nigeria, and those stakes could potentially raise US$3 billion, Reuters reported earlier this week, citing banking and industry sources.
Exxon has recently held talks with Nigerian companies to see if there is interest in its assets in Nigeria, some of Reuters’ sources said, as the U.S. supermajor is now predominantly focused on boosting production in the Permian and developing the huge oil discoveries offshore Guyana.
Exxon is set to soon open in Nigeria the so-called data room with details about the oil and gas fields it plans to divest from, one source told Reuters.
According to the sources, Exxon officials have recently discussed with Nigerian companies stakes in onshore oil fields, in which Exxon participates in joint ventures with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
The U.S. major, however, is also mulling over selling stakes in offshore oil fields.
Exxon is one of Nigeria’s largest foreign oil operators and its production in 2017 stood at 225,000 bpd.
Speaking to reporters at an oil industry event in Nigeria this week, Minister Kachikwu said, as carried by Nigerian outlet The Guardian:
“I am not aware of that. I have not been officially informed. You saw the chairman of ExxonMobil today talking about their long-term plan and he didn’t mention that.”
“Obviously, we will engage them, whether this is true or not,” the minister added.
“I am connected enough to the ExxonMobil system worldwide and I haven’t seen anything like that. It will be a bit of surprise to me and I would not believe this until I am sure,” The Guardian quoted Kachikwu as saying.
Source: Oilprice.com
Aker Energy announces 4.5 million dollar support for capacity building
Jan Helge Skogen,Country Manager of Aker Energy
Aker Energy has announced a 4.5 million dollar support for government’s Accelerated Oil and Gas Capacity-Building Programme (AOGC) aimed at enhancing the capacity of Ghanaians to enable them work in the oil and gas sector.
The programme, to be in effect for five years, would train individuals in various technical and vocational areas, build the capacity of educational institutions to train students and provide internationally recognized certificates.
Additionally, the programme will provide business and management training for Small and Medium Enterprises and ensure the continuous professional development of employees of various public institutions in the oil and gas sector.
In all, 1,000 Ghanaians are expected to be trained to be gainfully employed in the oil and gas industry, with about 300 employees in public institutions to also be adequately equipped to meet international standards.
Hajia Samira Bawumia, the Second Lady, who was the Guest Speaker at the official announcement of the Aker Energy’s support, said the programme was part of government’s move to ensure local content in the oil and gas sector.
“President Nana Akufo-Addo came out with this initiative as part of efforts to build local capacity and provide opportunity for young people to work in the oil and gas sector,” she said.
She said they would ensure that the funds were used for the success and sustainability of the programme to benefit future generations.
She commended Aker Energy, a global leader in the oil and gas industry, for supporting government’s laudable initiative, which was launched in November 2017 at the RMU.
“We hope other companies would come on board to support such initiatives aimed at providing training and employment for the Ghanaian youth,” she said.
She urged the youth to take advantage of the programme and help the country to develop the oil and gas sector.
Launching Aker Energy’s Support, Country Manager for the outfit, Mr. Jan Helge Skogen said human capital was very essential in the oil and gas sector and developing Ghanaian competence in the sector would make Ghana to compete favourably at the global level.
“It all starts with education and competency building, the main pillars of the AOGC programme. Aker Energy’s goal is that through our operations in Ghana, we will support the development of the oil and gas sector, “he stressed.
“Under the AOGC, we will seek support from and utilize Ghanaian educational institutions to increase competency levels through a training of local trainers programme,” he added.
The company, he said, want to get a lot out of the 4.5 million dollar contribution and was confident that, this would happen through the project framework and the good cooperation already established between the Petroleum Commission and Aker Energy.
Mr Egbert Faibille Jnr, Acting Chief Executive Officer, the Petroleum Commission, said the AOGC programme aimed to deliberately and strategically trained the Ghanaian youth to work in Ghana and elsewhere in from exploration through to decommissioning.
He said the involvement of Ghanaians in the upstream sector was expected to rise to levels that would prove that the AOGC was the boldest attempt by any government to ensure that Ghanaians take their rightful places in the industry.
Prof. Elvis Nyarko, Vice Chancellor of the Regional Maritime University, who chaired the ceremony commended Aker for the support to enhance the technical and vocational skills of Ghanaians.
“This is a huge platform to get manpower for the country and we are always assured of continuous support by the Norwegian government as they have been with the country since oil has been discovered,” he stated.
“We can do more as a country as other corporate entities must follow Aker’s support. We also commend the government of Ghana for ensuring the President’s vision has come to reality, “he added.
Source: GNA
Heavy rainstorm causes power outages in Accra
A heavy rainstorm that hit Ghana’s capital, Accra, and its environs on Sunday evening is said to have caused power outages in some areas within the capital.
This is according to the Power Distribution Services(PDS).
In a press statement, PDS urged “affected customers to note that PDS engineers are working assiduously to rectify the faults and restore power supply.”
They have since appealed to affected customers to bear with the company.
Be transparent and tackle financial challenges in energy sector – John Jinapor to government
A former Deputy Power Minister, John Jinapor has questioned the financial standing of the country’s energy sector.
His comments follow weeks of constant nationwide erratic power supply experienced by Ghanaians.
Less than twenty-four hours after the Power Distribution Services (PDS) published a load shedding timetable, the schedule has been suspended on the directives of GRIDCO over claims that has enough energy for the entire country.
But Mr. Jinapor has said, sustainable measures need to be taken to address the challenges facing the energy sector.
“The other thing is the long term sustainability of the power sector. Gas alone is not a challenge. The major challenge today is the financial well being of the energy sector and until that is addressed we are going to continue to have a major challenge”.
“So, I think that the industry players and the stakeholders should just look beyond, the tie in of the gas and ensure that, we deal with the financial challenge confronting the energy sector. Everyone wants to have continuous power but it ought to be done in a transparent manner”, he noted.
Financial challenges not to blame for erratic power supply – Energy Ministry
Assurances from the Energy Ministry are that the erratic state of power supply in the country is not a result of financial problems or mismanagement.
Nana Oppong Damoah, the Head of Communication at the Energy Ministry, blamed the issue on logistical challenges noting that the deep-seated financial problems in the energy sector are not new.
“We’ve had logistical challenges with the supply of the fuel. Not that we haven’t been able to buy. We have had challenges financially in the energy sector for a long time, which is why we have called it a legacy debt situation.” he stated.
He cited the partial shutdown of gas infrastructure over the last few weeks and challenges with fuel supply as contributory factors to the recent power challenges that have led to some form of load shedding in the country.
“Unfortunately, we’ve had a slip in the supply of fuel along the value chain because there are some processes that have delayed and that is what has led to the current situation we are seeing,” he explained.
Dumsor or no dumsor’?
Energy Minister, John Peter Amewu had called on Ghanaians to dismiss claims by the Minority in Parliament that government has returned the country to an era of erratic power supply popularly called “Dumsor”.
The Minority has been tough on government to be candid with Ghanaians and on the recent power outages across the country.
They say, the recent power outages are a reflection of the financial troubles facing the energy sector due to government’s mismanagement of the sector.
Many parts of the country continue to be hit with widespread blackout on a daily basis.
The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) has also urged more transparency from the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) as Ghanaians grow more concerned about a possible return to the load shedding that marked the country’s power crisis some six years ago.
Souce: Citinewsroom.com
Ghana: Financial Analyst wants increases in electricity tariff to stop ‘dumsor’
A Financial Analyst, Toma Imihere believes an increase in the cost of electricity will help the companies within the power distribution chain generate enough revenue to bring to an end, the continuous erratic power supply saddling the country.
Speaking on Accra based Citi FM on Saturday, he said, the move if considered and rolled out will relieve the ordinary citizen from the much dreaded blackouts.
“If you have to increase tariffs, you better increase it. It is better to have expensive power than to have no power at all”, he said.
Although the Power Distribution Services has suspended an initial load shedding plan due to assurances of enough generation by the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), Ghanaians are still on tenterhooks as the country’s power situation worsens by the day.
Many businesses, according to analysts, are taking a nose dive as a result of unreliable power supply.
The call by the Financial Analyst may be received with mixed reactions as it is not uncommon for governments to be in the bad books of voters for the upward adjustments in basic utilities and social amenities.
When asked if the action will not have a toll on the governing party as the next general election draws closer, Mr. Imihere mounted a strong defense for his argument saying: “it is better than having the lights off. At least if there is expensive power, you can choose to have your power on or off. Even when there is ‘dumsor’ and you want to pay for the power, you won’t get it.”
Six persons remanded over ‘dumsor’ protest against PDS
Six persons who were part of a protest against Power Distribution Services (PDS) on Wednesday have been remanded into prison custody by Odumase Krobo District Court in the Eastern Region.
The court presided over by His honour Frank Gbegby remanded the six for a week to reappear before the court on Friday 12 April, 2019.
The prosecutor, DSP Akwasi Yeboah pleaded with the court to extend the time for two weeks to enable the police conduct further investigations to begin prosecution.
However, his plea was not taken by the Judge who insisted a week was enough.
The protesters claimed their lights have been off for the past three days and wondered why PDS has been treating them badly.
The protesters started at Nuaso in the Odumase Krobo before spreading to other nearby communities including Somanya with the intention of attacking the PDS/ECG office.
They set car tyres on fire blocking main roads among others prompting the police to swiftly move in to restore law and order
Meanwhile, three more persons who were shot by the Police have been discovered bringing the number of injured persons to five.
Prosper Akutey, 21, had bullet penetrate through his lower back and other bullets through his right arm while Clement Nanor, 23, also suffered multiple fractures.
They have been transferred from St. Martin de Porres Hospital, Agormanya to Eastern Regional Hospital, Koforidua.
The third victim, Tettey Stella, is receiving treatment at the St. Martin de Porres Hospital, Agormanya.
The police have accounted for the injuries of only two persons – Kwame Asare,39, and Teye Kwame,35.
Ghana: ‘No more power outages’-PDS declares
Ghanaians will no longer endure irksome power outages, which recently hit parts of Ghana, until further notice, the Power Distribution Services (PDS), has announced.
According to PDS, the load management programme released earlier on Friday, April 5, 2019 has been suspended.
PDS said the suspension is due to “sufficient generation.”
According to the distributor, GRIDCo has directed it to “suspend with immediate effect the load management programme until further notice because there is sufficient generation.”
“The Load Management Programme has therefore been suspended accordingly until further notice,” a public notice from PDS Ghana said.
The oil-rich West African country has over the past weeks been hit with intermittent blackouts in parts of the country due to shortfalls in generation capacity.
There was huge public uproar as citizens feared Ghana had returned to the era of incessant blackouts three years.
Update: PDS releases load shedding timetable for Saturday
The Power Distribution Services, PDS, has released a load shedding management timetable for Saturday, 6th April, 2019, to guide consumers in planning their activities for the weekend.
According to the release copied to energynewsafrica.com, the temporal load shedding management timetable has become necessary following the shutdown of Atuabo Gas Processing Plant for the completion of Takoradi-Tema Interconnectivity Project.
The shutdown of Atuabo Gas Processing Plant has resulted in a shortfall of 300MW of power.
The temporal load shedding covers Greater Accra, Ashanti Region, Eastern Region, Central Region, Western Region and Volta Region.Power supply is expected to be normalized when the Takoradi-Tema Inter Connectivity Project is completed in the next few days.Below is the load shedding timetable
South Africa welcomes private sector’s help to alleviate power crisis
Featured image: Stock
Government is looking at ways to accelerate new power projects while the private sector is examining new technologies and financing options to ease South Africa through its current power shortfall, it emerged at the recent DLO Africa Power Roundtable.
Speakers at the conference examined policy developments and Eskom as well as innovative power solutions involving hybrid systems combining solar PV with batteries to overcome power shortfall, says Alexandra Felekis, a Partner at Webber Wentzel.
Speaking at the event, energy minister Jeff Radebe confirmed that Eskom on its own cannot supply the R1 trillion of investment in power generation, transmission and distribution needed by 2030 under the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).
Radebe noted that private sector participation will be essential, and he pledged to use his best efforts to remove obstacles that delay or hinder private sector solutions in the interests of the economy.
His comments were echoed by a speaker from Eskom, who said the power utility is open to assistance from the private sector and invited suggestions and proposals to help alleviate its constraints.
Power crisis: Embedded generation
In the past few years, heavy electricity users examined embedded generation projects to offset rising Eskom tariffs. These solutions are now urgently needed, both to offset costs and ensure stable electricity supply.
It is widely expected that distributed generation (small-scale power generation for own use, described in the draft IRP as embedded generation) will be part of the strategy to help meet the shortfall between capacity and demand in the short term.
The annual allocation for distributed generation in the IRP from the years 2019 to 2030 is likely to be increased to 500MW a year.
However, players in the distributed generation space are still concerned about the 1-10MW installed capacity restriction in the draft IRP.
Several mines and industrial entities are ready with power projects that are between 30-60MW. If the installed capacity restriction is not adjusted in the final IRP, projects with an installed capacity above 10MW will be required to apply for a deviation from the IRP from the Minister of Energy.
When Minister Radebe was asked whether he would consider making ministerial determinations under Section 10 (2)(g) of the Electricity Regulation Act to allow licensing of distributed generation projects that are not provided for in the IRP, the Minister reiterated that his department is willing to engage with the private sector directly. He invited motivated submissions in this regard.
Funders are also more willing to look at distributed power solutions.
The Development Bank of Southern Africa intends to launch a $200 million distributed power generation fund shortly after the IRP is finalised, for projects outside the Independent Power Producer Procurement (IPP) office’s renewable power programme.
Expediting next bid round for renewable energy
The IPP office said that shortly after the IRP is finalised it will release a request for proposals for an expedited bid round for renewable energy.
It was confirmed by the IPP office that “expedited” would mean that the qualification criteria will be less stringent than in previous bid windows, with the aim of achieving a quicker evaluation process.
Lessons learnt from previous bid windows would underline the changes made to the bid documents as well as the confidence in the private sector to develop and close feasible projects.
A change in some of the bid requirements is expected, particularly those relating to increasing the active participation of previously disadvantaged groups in renewable power projects, from the early development of the project until operations, in addition to equity requirements.
Despite the delays to bid window 4 of the REIPPPP, private sector sponsors in the room expressed confidence in the IPP office. It was clear that the private sector is ready and waiting to participate in the next bid window.
Some concerns were raised about a disturbing narrative on social and broadcast media claiming the first and second bid windows of renewable power were excessively expensive. These criticisms ignore the context of the broader considerations that underpinned the renewable energy programme at the time.
A spokesman for the South African Renewable Energy Council (SAREC) said the organisation would be working with the IPP office to contradict inaccurate information about the renewable power programme in future.
Smaller developers were delighted to hear that the IPP office intends to shortly close the bid round for small projects, which has been on hold for several years.
Exploring battery storage technology
Eskom, which is in the process of finalising a pilot project using battery storage technology, will undertake a procurement process facilitated by World Bank funding to install battery solutions at 50-90 transmission sites around the country. The focus will be on regions far removed from generating assets. A feasibility study is under way.
The numerous use cases of battery storage and the associated cost of this technology compared with baseload technologies were debated. It was recognised that battery storage has a role to play in our energy mix.
Battery storage developers believe the greatest hurdle to using this technology is misinformation and lack of awareness of the use cases that largely justify the additional cost.
Ghana to save $300 million annually for generating electricity with gas – Bawumia
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia on Wednesday said Ghana would save 300 million dollars annually upon the successful completion of the reverse flow of natural gas from the Aboadze Power enclave to Tema for power generation.
The move, he said, would make the country self-sufficient in using gas for electricity generation and minimise the importation of natural gas from Nigeria. “Ghana has enough gas to power all her power plants without relying on imported gas because gas is much cheaper than liquid fuel, hence a policy decision has been taken to switch-over to gas in energy generation,” he said. Vice President Bawumia announced this when he delivered the keynote address at the maiden Town Hall Meeting by the Economic Management Team (EMT) at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, in Accra, on Wednesday. He said the country currently paid 24 million dollars a month in excess capacity charges for power generated and not being used, which would shore up to 41 million dollars later this year. The meeting was held on the theme: ”Our Progress, Our Status, Our Future,” to update the public on gains made, so far, and efforts to sustain them to engender economic growth and development. The meeting attracted representatives of civil society organisations, academia, traders, importers, freight forwarders and members of the public to interact with the EMT members and asked questions on a wide range of issues pertaining to the economy. Vice President Bawumia said the first phase of the switch-over of liquid fuel to gas would be completed this month, which would ensure evacuation of 60 million standard cubic feet of gas from the Western Region to Tema Power enclave, while Phase Two would be completed by July or August, this year.
Total Petroleum Ghana Limited paves way for better energy with its 4th solar-powered station
Total Petroleum Ghana Limited has converted its service station at Korle Bu into a solar-powered one.
The Total Group is committed to a global solar program and is aiming to equip 5,000 service stations with photovoltaic solar panels around the world.
The project is fully aligned with Total’s ambition to become the responsible energy major and its commitment to developing solar power.
‘The solar-powered stations represent Total’s commitment towards energizing communities and fostering sustainable development. It also illustrates the company’s dedication towards ensuring environmental sustainability, innovation, and premium customer service’ said the Managing Director of Total Petroleum Ghana Limited, Eric Fanchini on the occasion of the project.
In addition to the solar station, the company introduced solar kiosks to selected service stations in Accra in 2018 to provide customers with easy access to phone charging and WIFI connection.
The wave of renewable energy started in 2015 with the introduction of 100% Total solar lamps which are accessible at all TOTAL service station shops nationwide.
Since Total Petroleum Ghana Limited inaugurated its three solar powered service stations, namely, TOTAL Tema Main Harbour, TOTAL Takoradi Airport Junction and TOTAL Miles 4 in Kumasi, it has been able to reduce its operation cost thus decreasing the pressure on the local grid and exploring the potential of solar energy.
The four solar-powered stations were constructed and maintained by local engineers and solar experts.
‘As a responsible industrial player, Total takes action to develop new energies that are efficient and environmentally friendly, and it is our resolve to contribute to local development and environmental sustainability. This is equally central to the modernization of our service stations to bring convenience and quality products and services to customers’ said Eric Fanchini.
Promoting a sustainable environment
The TOTAL Korle Bu solar-powered station is an integral part of efforts to reinforce Total’s network identity with a resolutely contemporary image and installations that are more energy- efficient and outlets that blend harmoniously into the environment.
The photovoltaic panels of 18.5 kWp on its forecourt roof convert the sun’s rays into electricity. This electricity is used to supply renewable energy to power the entire service station.
‘Its eco-friendly design, transparent canopy, earthy and neutral color tones, and green area creates a warm and welcoming environment for our esteemed customers. Whether customers fuel, service or wash their cars or simply get cold drinks at its Café Bonjour shop, they are partnering with us to build a more sustainable environment.
The establishment of this solar- powered service station depicts Total’s dedication to continuous improvement and the establishment of an identity related to constant innovation that sets us apart in the downstream petroleum sector. We plan to roll out other solar-powered service stations in the nearest future,’ Eric Fanchini added.
About Total Petroleum Ghana Limited
Established in 1951, Total Petroleum Ghana Limited is a locally listed oil marketing company with over 4700 Ghanaian shareholders. The company has a retail network of 251 service stations across the ten regions of the country with activities spanning the Aviation, Bitumen and Mining businesses. The company provides expertise on engine performance and reduction in fuel consumption through premium quality fuels, lubricants and car care products. Total Petroleum Ghana Limited is ISO 9001:2015 certified and its respect for quality, standards, achievements and safety has propelled it to the forefront of the Ghanaian Petroleum Industry.
About the Marketing & Services division of Total
The Marketing & Services division of Total develops and markets products primarily derived from crude oil, along with all of the associated services. Its 31,000 employees are present in 109 countries and its products and services offers are sold in 150 countries. Every day, Total Marketing Services serves more than 8 million customers in its network of over 14,000 service stations in 62 countries. As the world’s fourth largest distributor of lubricants and the leading distributor of petroleum products in Africa, Total Marketing Services operates 50 production sites worldwide where it manufactures the lubricants, bitumen, additives, special fuels and fluids that sustain its growth.
About Total
Total is a major energy player, which produces and markets fuels, natural gas and low-carbon electricity. Our 100,000 employees are committed to better energy that is safer, more affordable, cleaner and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in more than 130 countries, our ambition is to become the responsible energy major.
PDS finally releases load shedding timetable
The Power Distribution Services, PDS, has finally released a load shedding management timetable to guide consumers in order to plan their daily activities.
According to the release copied to energynewsafrica.com, the load shedding management timetable has become necessary following the shutdown of Atuabo Gas Processing Plant for the completion of Takoradi-Tema Interconnectivity Project.
The current load shedding covers Greater Accra, Ashanti Region, Eastern Region, Central Region, Western Region and Volta Region.
Below is the load shedding management timetable
