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
Ghana: opposition party raises concern about ExxonMobil deal
The biggest opposition party in the West African nation, Ghana, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has raised concerns with Ghana’s agreement with oil giant, ExxonMobil, describing it as a bad precedent and a financial loss to the State.
Parliament on Wednesday ratified the agreement between Government and the US oil giant ExxonMobil and its local partners, Goil Offshore Ghana Limited, for deepwater oil exploration in the Cape Three Points Block.
The Agreement, which is effective for 25 years, will however expire after 7 years if the exploration yields no commercial discoveries.
But the opposition party’s Spokesperson for Finance in Ghana’s Parliament, Cassiel Ato Forson, says the exemptions granted will deny the country the right revenues.
“Whoever did that negotiation for Ghana has indeed caused financial loss to this country. He has indeed messed us up big time. If Cabinet approved this, I beg to say that they should bow down their heads in shame because they have destroyed the revenue base for this country.”
“I am very surprised that the Ministry of Finance supports this. These are the very things we oppose. They came to government and within the first six months, they have approved it. Unfortunately, I am sad. Today is a sad day for Ghana. They have lost so much,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister for Energy in charge of Petroleum, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam has described the agreement as a huge gain for the country.
“With these current exemptions that we are granting them, the total oil that Ghana will get is up to 84% and that is the highest so far in the history of our country. So if someone tells you that the terms are not good, you can tell from the net oil contribution that the country will get that that is not what the person is doing.”
The ExxonMobil Petroleum Agreement was signed by the Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko on January 18, 2018.
The allocation, which was done through direct negotiation is situated in the deep water Cape Three Points area of the Western Region.
Dr Ben Asante’s impact as CEO of Ghana Gas
Dr Benjamin K. D Asante, CEO of Ghana Gas
Ghana made history in 2011 when the West African country incorporated Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC) and started the development of gas infrastructure in the Western Region town of Atuabo for the processing and transportation of natural gas for both the local and international market.
The decision followed recommendations by the National Gas Development Taskforce which was commissioned in February 2011, to review and make appropriate recommendations for speedy realisation of national gas commercialisation infrastructure system, after Ghana found commercial amount of associated gas 60km offshore between the Deepwater Tank and West Cape Three Points.
Ghana Gas was mandated to build, own and operate the infrastructure required for the gathering, processing, transportation and marketing of national gas resources in the country.They were to build the offshore pipeline, the onshore pipeline, the Gas Processing Plant, the Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) Export System and the office complex.
Fortunately, Dr Sipa-Adjah Yankey was appointed by the late President JEA Mills, as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Gas and he supervised the infrastructure development of the nation’s premiere gas company.
He, however, left office in January 2017 when his party lost the 2016 Presidential Election, whose results ushered in the incumbent New Patriotic Party administration led by President Akufo-Addo.
As destiny would have it, Dr Benjamin K. D Asante was appointed by President Akufo-Addo to replace Dr George Sipa-Adjah Yankey.
Dr Ben Asante took over Ghana Gas as someone with over 25 years’ experience in the oil and gas industry. Before assuming the position of CEO, he had been the Technical Director of Ghana’s first Gas Infrastructure project and also developed the gas infrastructure master plan for Ghana by 2008.He also served as a consultant to the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and provided engineering services, project management and technical support for various projects across the world including UAE, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Mexico, Russia, Thailand and USA. So the question is, what has Dr Ben Asante achieved at the Ghana Gas with all his experience after two year of being in office as the CEO?
$ 206m savings due to gas utilization
Dr. Ben Asante addressing a press conference at Ghana Gas’ Head Office in Accra
At a recent press conference at the company’s head office where Dr. Ben Asante and Ernest Kofi Owusu Bempah Bonsu , Head of Communications at Ghana Gas, addressed the media, it was revealed that the use of processed gas from the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant, in place of Light Crude Oil (LCO), has yielded an average savings of about US$42.6 million in 2017 and about US $206.4 million in early 2018.
The rise in savings in 2018 was due to a 43% increase in the price of LCO at 84.7/barrel from US$59.3/barrel in 2017.Since Ghana Gas begun commercial operations in 2015, LPG from Atuabo Gas Processing Plant has, on the average, accounted for 32% of national domestic consumption.The year-on-year analysis (2015-2018) shows that Ghana Gas supplied 40% of domestic LPG demand in 2017, the highest since the commissioning and commercial operations, thereby, reducing LPG import bill by US$47million.In 2018, the LPG supply declined by 2% relative to the 2017 performance due to gas substitution from ENI-Sankofa.
$3m monthly savings due to indigenization
It is important to emphasize that the decision by management of Ghana Gas not to employ the services of expatriates to manage the plant and its associated pipeline infrastructure, after the Chinese engineers from SINOPEC, who were managing the plant left but to rely on Ghanaian engineers, is saving Ghana about US$3 million monthly. This single decision has resulted to a savings of about US$60 million since April 2017. It is refreshing to also note that the first major maintenance shutdown, which was done between February and April 2018, was also done by staff of Ghana Gas Company. This is said to have enabled ENI to tie-in its pipeline at Sanzule.
Gas Pipeline project
Under the leadership of Dr. Asante, the company was able to complete the Esiama-Prestea lateral pipeline in 2017. This is to enable the company to send gas to consumers in the mining enclave in the Western Region and eventually to Kumasi in the Ashanti Region. Apart from the above, Ghana Gas is currently working on Karpowership Gas pipeline, which when completed, will supply lean gas to Karpowership barge in Sekondi to save millions of dollars in gas transportation and fuel substation. Expansion works are also ongoing on the Takoradi Regulatory and Metering Station to increase the capacity of TRMS from 130mmscfd to 400mmsfd.
Incident free
The implementation of Risk Based Process Safety Management by the company has also gone a long way to improve the overall safety management system to the extent that the company has not recorded any incident for two years now.”We also developed and implemented key HSE risks control procedures including the Management of Change Procedure in controlling HSE risk associated with changes and modifications to existing facilities,” Mr Owusu Bempah said.
CSR projects
It is important to emphasize that Ghana Gas, has also undertaken a number of Corporate Social Responsibility(CRS)projects in its operational areas. In the area of health and sanitation, Ghana Gas has registered 1,350 indigenes of Atuabo and Aboadze under the National Health Insurance Scheme to provide them with insurance so they can access health facilities in the area anytime they feel sick and need treatment. The company has also constructed an eight-seater water closet toilet and a mechanized borehole for Allabokazo.On education, the company has constructed four-Unit Teachers’ quarters in Anokyi and Asemda Suazo to relieve and lessen the pain teachers who are posted in the two communities go through. Ghana Gas has also gone a step further by providing Asemda Suazo an ulra-modern nursery school facility to enable children in the area have education.
Aside these, GNGC has also supported Nzulezu Development Committee to rehabilitate their community school building, donated teaching and learning materials to Nzulezu community Basic School, made cash donations to the Domunli enclave for the rehabilitation of their only primary school, as well as a donation of two water tanks to Kikam Technical Institute.
In the area of sports, GNGC made cash donations to Karela and Nzema Kotoko Football Club.
Takoradi Regulating & Metering Station operated by Ghana Gas
Author’s Email: [email protected]
Contact: 0243782655
Dr. Ben Asante addressing a press conference at Ghana Gas’ Head Office in Accra
At a recent press conference at the company’s head office where Dr. Ben Asante and Ernest Kofi Owusu Bempah Bonsu , Head of Communications at Ghana Gas, addressed the media, it was revealed that the use of processed gas from the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant, in place of Light Crude Oil (LCO), has yielded an average savings of about US$42.6 million in 2017 and about US $206.4 million in early 2018.
The rise in savings in 2018 was due to a 43% increase in the price of LCO at 84.7/barrel from US$59.3/barrel in 2017.Since Ghana Gas begun commercial operations in 2015, LPG from Atuabo Gas Processing Plant has, on the average, accounted for 32% of national domestic consumption.The year-on-year analysis (2015-2018) shows that Ghana Gas supplied 40% of domestic LPG demand in 2017, the highest since the commissioning and commercial operations, thereby, reducing LPG import bill by US$47million.In 2018, the LPG supply declined by 2% relative to the 2017 performance due to gas substitution from ENI-Sankofa.
$3m monthly savings due to indigenization
It is important to emphasize that the decision by management of Ghana Gas not to employ the services of expatriates to manage the plant and its associated pipeline infrastructure, after the Chinese engineers from SINOPEC, who were managing the plant left but to rely on Ghanaian engineers, is saving Ghana about US$3 million monthly. This single decision has resulted to a savings of about US$60 million since April 2017. It is refreshing to also note that the first major maintenance shutdown, which was done between February and April 2018, was also done by staff of Ghana Gas Company. This is said to have enabled ENI to tie-in its pipeline at Sanzule.
Gas Pipeline project
Under the leadership of Dr. Asante, the company was able to complete the Esiama-Prestea lateral pipeline in 2017. This is to enable the company to send gas to consumers in the mining enclave in the Western Region and eventually to Kumasi in the Ashanti Region. Apart from the above, Ghana Gas is currently working on Karpowership Gas pipeline, which when completed, will supply lean gas to Karpowership barge in Sekondi to save millions of dollars in gas transportation and fuel substation. Expansion works are also ongoing on the Takoradi Regulatory and Metering Station to increase the capacity of TRMS from 130mmscfd to 400mmsfd.
Incident free
The implementation of Risk Based Process Safety Management by the company has also gone a long way to improve the overall safety management system to the extent that the company has not recorded any incident for two years now.”We also developed and implemented key HSE risks control procedures including the Management of Change Procedure in controlling HSE risk associated with changes and modifications to existing facilities,” Mr Owusu Bempah said.
CSR projects
It is important to emphasize that Ghana Gas, has also undertaken a number of Corporate Social Responsibility(CRS)projects in its operational areas. In the area of health and sanitation, Ghana Gas has registered 1,350 indigenes of Atuabo and Aboadze under the National Health Insurance Scheme to provide them with insurance so they can access health facilities in the area anytime they feel sick and need treatment. The company has also constructed an eight-seater water closet toilet and a mechanized borehole for Allabokazo.On education, the company has constructed four-Unit Teachers’ quarters in Anokyi and Asemda Suazo to relieve and lessen the pain teachers who are posted in the two communities go through. Ghana Gas has also gone a step further by providing Asemda Suazo an ulra-modern nursery school facility to enable children in the area have education.
Aside these, GNGC has also supported Nzulezu Development Committee to rehabilitate their community school building, donated teaching and learning materials to Nzulezu community Basic School, made cash donations to the Domunli enclave for the rehabilitation of their only primary school, as well as a donation of two water tanks to Kikam Technical Institute.
In the area of sports, GNGC made cash donations to Karela and Nzema Kotoko Football Club.
Takoradi Regulating & Metering Station operated by Ghana Gas
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Contact: 0243782655 President Of OPEC Member Algeria Steps Down Amid Protests
Algeria’s President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has stepped down from the top office of the oil and gas-rich African nation following weeks of mass protests.
Mass protests across Algeria erupted several weeks ago when Bouteflika announced he would run for a fifth term as president.
Those protests forced him to rescind that decision, but the momentum against him failed to subside.
Instead, it had increased and intended to do so until he steps down entirely.
Exxon’s negotiations with Algeria for the development of local shale gas resources are being delayed because of the widespread anti-government protests in the North American country, Reuters reported two weeks ago, citing industry sources.
The report came as no surprise as it comes on the heels of other media reports that energy companies are getting nervous about their Algerian plans amid the unrest and widespread protests in the nation rich in oil and gas.
Algeria produces around 1 million barrels of oil per day (bpd). According to the latest available figures by OPEC, Algeria’s crude oil production in February stood at 1.026 million bpd.
Under the OPEC+ deal for production cuts, Algeria should reduce its output to 1.025 million bpd, down by 32,000 bpd from its October level of 1.057 million bpd.
The North African country is home to the world’s third-largest shale gas reserves, estimated at some 2,000 trillion cu ft, according to the Algerian government.
Algeria is already an important gas supplier to Europe and is looking to increase its market share there.
However, the country’s shale gas fields are concentrated in the south, where the population is against gas exploration.
Development plans for the area were already stopped once by local protests last year, but Sonatrach, the state energy company, pledged to continue seeking ways to convince the local community leaders that the plans will benefit them.
Source: Oilprice.com