GE’s Distributed Power business (NYSE: GE) announced that four of its Waukesha gas Enginators were commissioned at the Lekki Free Zone (LFZ) near Lagos, providing 12 megawatts (MW) of uninterrupted power supply to the first phase of the Lekki development zone. With three Waukesha 275GL+ and one VHP 7104GSI gas Enginators, this project is the largest of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa using GE’s 275GL+ and VHP Enginator technology. The engines’ wide fuel flexibility and ability to run on compressed natural gas and propane provides operators with a cost-effective alternative to other fuels as well the ability to meet the zone’s strict environmental guidelines regarding exhaust emissions.

“The future of the Lekki Trade Zone is essential to Nigeria’s growth as West Africa’s economic driver,” said Omodele Doherty, AGM—Business Development of the LFZ. “We cannot accomplish our expansion goals without a reliable source of continuous power, which is why we turned to GE’s Waukesha technology as a solution.”

The LFZ covers a total area of 16,500 hectares and is being developed in a joint venture between the Lagos State Government and the Chinese consortium CCECC-Beyond International Investment & Development Co., Ltd (CCECC-Beyond). The Waukesha Enginators were procured from GE and supplied by China Diesel Support Services Ltd (CDSS), a Hong Kong-based authorized distributor of GE’s Waukesha gas engines.

The LFZ’s (Phase I) electrical power needs and requirements at full occupancy is envisaged to expand to an estimated 540 MW gross capacity, as the LFZ quickly develops into one of the largest free-trade commercial, logistics and manufacturing hubs in West Africa. Development in the LFZ is supported by investment incentives from the Lagos State government and further growth is expected as the area becomes an increasingly important global distribution center.

“The Lekki Free Zone is a landmark development that will further consolidate Nigeria as a leading investment destination in Africa,” said George Njenga, sub-Saharan region leader for GE’s Distributed Power business. “We are delighted to provide GE’s proven Waukesha power solutions to this important industrial and commercial hub.”

With over 150 units installed throughout Nigeria, GE’s Waukesha customers receive local expert sales and service support for the lifetime of their equipment from IGPES Gas & Power, the authorized Waukesha gas engines distributor in Nigeria. GE’s reciprocating engine network in the country also is strengthened by Clarke Energy, the authorized distributor for GE’s Jenbacher and diesel engine product lines, which serves hundreds of commercial and industrial customers with complete power generation solutions.

This announcement comes one year after GE launched its Distributed Power business for Africa in Lagos, building on GE’s commitment to help address the continent’s need for reliable, local power to promote economic development and security in urban and rural areas. 

The Lekki Free Zone

Our Vision: To engage directly in the economic development of Nigeria by providing a choice for Investors in the most conducive free zone business environment that will be recognized for setting standards of excellence.

Our Mission: To develop an offshore economic growth zone, attract foreign investments, promote export, create job opportunities, minimize capital flight and establish a one stop global business haven. For more information, visit www.lfzdc.org. 

GE’s Distributed Power Business

GE Power & Water’s Distributed Power business is a leading provider of power equipment, engines and services focused on power generation at or near the point of use. Distributed Power’s product portfolio includes highly efficient industrial reciprocating engines and aeroderivative gas turbines that generate 100 kW to 116 MW of power for numerous industries globally. In addition, Distributed Power offers life cycle services and support for more than 39,000 distributed power products worldwide to help customers meet their business challenges—anywhere and anytime.

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Distributed Power employs about 4,500 people around the world.

CAPE-TOWN, South-Africa, July 31, 2015/ — EnergyNet (http://www.energynet.co.uk) is delighted to announce specialised natural gas company Delta Natural Gas (DNG) as Forum Sponsor of the South Africa: Gas Options (SA:GO) investors’ briefing. 

Taking place from 28-30th September at the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town, this closed forum welcomes those responding to the recent gas to power procurement programme RFI and is held with the full support of the Department of Energy’s IPP Office. 

In response to Delta Natural Gas’ support of the meeting, EnergyNet’s Damon Thompson noted, “The fact Delta Natural Gas has such experience in the sector as well as being a South African owned company reinforces their relevance to this programme and we are delighted to be working closely with them on this meeting, which has taken nearly two years for EnergyNet to develop for the IPP Office.” 

DNG commented, “We have chosen to support SA:GO because we believe this conference is timely and will bring together the most important stakeholders in the industry in dialogue with Government. The involvement of the IPP Office will ensure that opinions and expertise are aired in order to best contribute to a Government policy that reflects both commercial realities and practical solutions to develop a gas to power industry that is also internationally competitive.” 

During the meeting the Department of Energy’s IPP Office will present a timeline of actions for investors as well as examine the commercial opportunities for businesses developing gas-to-power and infrastructure projects.

The Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) will be holding a Special “Change” Workshop on 14th July, 2015 at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The theme of the workshop is “Positioning the oil and Gas Industry for Enhanced Performance in the New Dispensation”. The President of NAPE, Mr. Chikwe Edoziem, FNAPE, said that the rationale for organizing the workshop is to guide the new leadership in the country under President Muhammadu Buhari, who campaigned on a platform of ‘Change’ to position the Petroleum industry for enhanced performance. He added that the workshop aims “at collating industry thinking on strategies to revamp the Nigerian Oil industry and position it for accountability, professionalism and profitability”

The Keynote paper title, “Current Energy Mix in the Context of the Energy Policy Framework: Is There Too Much Reliability on Natural Gas?” will be delivered by Dr. Mohammed M. Ibrahim of the Energy Commission.

Confirmed Speakers for the Workshop include Mr. Emeka Ene, the current Chairman of the Nigerian Council of the Society Of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) as well as President of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN); Mr. Emeka Okwuòsa, CEO of Oilserv; Mr. Seye Fadahunsi FNAPE, Technical Director at Pillar Oil, and Mr. .Mene Sylvester Kogbara a community leader from the Niger Delta.

Other invited Speakers are DR. Sam Amadi, CEO, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission; Mr. Charles Odita, Chief Executive Officer of Midwestern Oil and Mr. kayode Akinkugbe, CEO, FBN Capital.

According to NAPE’s President- Elect, Mr. Nosa Omorodion, FNAPE, “in putting this workshop together, we have pulled stakeholders within and outside the oil industry with years of relevant experience together, so that we can distill a diversity of views and information from them and, thus tap from their vast knowledge and experience on the workings in the upstream part of the value chain’

Dr. Anthony Ofoma, the NAPE Publicity Secretary, confirmed that a communiqué will be issued at the end of the workshop for onward transmission to the Presidency and subsequent engagement of the relevant arms of government, including the National Assembly on the way forward.

The Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) is the umbrella association for persons involved in the professional application of geosciences and related disciplines to the exploration and production of oil and gas in the country, it has over 7,000 strong membership which cuts across the oil & gas industry. Founded in 1975, the association’s flagship Annual International Conference and Exhibition holds every year and this year’s conference comes up from the 8-12, November, 2015 at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. NAPE is an affiliate of the American Association of Petroleum Geologist (AAPG).

Signed:

Chikwendu Edoziem, President

Nosa Omorodion, FNAPE, President – Elect

Anthony Ofoma, Publicity Secretary

26-28 January 2016 The Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria www.offshorewestafrica.com 27 July 2015; Offshore West Africa Conference & Exhibition, owned and produced by PennWell Corporation, is delighted to announce a Strategic Partnership for the upcoming 20th anniversary edition with Scottish Development International (SDI).

Taking place on 26-28 January 2016 at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos, Nigeria, Offshore West Africa will build on the success of the 2015 event, which also took place in Lagos, which attracted a record breaking international audience of almost 2,400 leading oil and gas industry professionals from more than 30 countries worldwide.

On the announcement of this Strategic Partnership agreement, Mr. Gary Soper, Scottish Development International’s Regional Manager for Africa said, “We are delighted to be a strategic partner with PennWell for this very important exhibition. Scotland has over 40 years’ experience in offshore deepwater development in particular and our participation in this exhibition will enable us to make valuable connections between our innovative Scottish supply chain companies and local partners in West Africa.‘

‘With an 1800 strong oil and gas supply chain, Scotland has strengths covering the whole of the industry through exploration, development and production, and decommissioning and as a nation we are renowned for our innovation, skilled workforce and strong academic sector. As the industry faces up to its challenges, the need to take a collaborative approach in formulating a robust response is evermore necessary, and events such as Offshore West Africa will help to build a sustainable network of like-minded companies prepared to meet and overcome those challenges. We look forward to making those valuable connections on the Scottish Pavilion at Offshore West Africa 2016 in Lagos.’

Nick Richardson Strategic Partnership Business Manager adds, “We are delighted to be entering into partnership with Scottish Development International, which is a significant achievement for Offshore West Africa, in what will be our 20th anniversary event. Securing Scottish Development International’s involvement / participation truly reinforces our position as West Africa’s premier offshore oil and gas event”

Scottish Development International joins the like of The International Trade Council (ITC), the African Energy Association and the Energy Institute Nigeria as Strategic Partners for the 20th annual Offshore West Africa in 2016, and as the premier technical forum for the West African offshore oil and gas exploration and production industry, Offshore West Africa is pleased to announce this new alliance.

Offshore West Africa will continue to feature a technical and strategic conference program developed by an Advisory Board comprised of leading industry experts, as well as an exhibition showcasing products, technologies and services from global and regional oil & gas companies, held concurrently, bringing together exhibitors and attendees from around the world for three days of education, networking and new business development.

Offshore West Africa is a truly West African event and addresses key technology and development issues for the West African offshore oil and gas market, through a comprehensive educational program and three-day exhibition and conference, with the 2016 event focusing on Positioning for a Sustainable Future as the core theme.

Offshore West Africa welcomes you to join in the celebrations as the event hosts its 20th anniversary celebrations, and will provide further news shortly on the announcement of new strategic partners, supporters, sponsors, exhibitors and speakers.

With a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, the new Philips lighting fixtures last much longer and reduce the need for periodic replacement 

ACCRA, Ghana, July 23, 2015/ — On the occasion of Philips’ sixth consecutive Cape Town to Cairo roadshow (http://www.philips.com/C2CAfrica), Philips today unveiled the newly illuminated National Theatre of Ghana (http://www.nationaltheatreghana.com). Philips, the global leader in lighting, has provided the theatre with a stunning makeover, using its latest connected LED technology to boost the beautification of the city of Accra, while also cutting energy consumption by up to 80%, as compared to the existing conventional lighting. The new lighting system is installed throughout the entire façade of the National Theatre, enhancing its distinctive architectural structure and contributing to the building’s energy saving performance. 

Reigniting cultural pride

The National Theatre of Ghana opened in 1992 and is a hub of culture and heritage, as well as a source of national pride for the city of Accra. The elegant and imposing National Theatre has a complicated construction molding and novel exterior features. When looked at from a distance, the whole structure looks like a gigantic ship or a seagull spreading its wings.

 Philips’ lighting concept is focused on highlighting the significance of this iconic building as an architectural masterpiece and as a source of national pride to Ghana, and in so doing assist with the building’s energy saving performance. 

The connected LED lighting technology used by Philips creates more light, while making it more focused and controlled. Philips used its Vaya LED lighting solutions (http://www.colorkinetics.com/vaya) and tailored them to the specific needs of the National Theatre of Ghana; which included devising effective lighting while respecting the authenticity of the building. The lighting needed to enhance the beauty of the theatre without at any time overwhelming it. 

The new connected lighting system covers the 78m base platform of the National Theatre and illuminates the entire area of the central ship, as well as the columns supporting the ship. With a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, the new Philips lighting fixtures last much longer and reduce the need for periodic replacement. Each installed luminaire has its own IP address; making it feasible to produce up to 16 million different lighting colors as well as remotely monitoring the performance of each light point. 

LED lighting solutions improve energy performance in public spaces

Commenting on the illumination of the National Theatre of Ghana, Felix Darko, General Manager – Lighting, Philips West Africa said, “The magnificent lighting at the National Theatre of Ghana is testament to the incredible advances that are being made in the efficiency and beauty of LED illumination. Connected LED lighting innovations are providing cities with completely new opportunities in the areas of energy efficiency and city beautification – policy makers and governments the world over are realizing the benefits. The LED lighting system at the National Theatre of Ghana not only improves the commercial attractiveness of the facility, but will also contribute to the reduction of energy consumption in Accra.” 

“We are extremely happy with the project Philips has completed at the National Theatre of Ghana, and we have no doubt that the people of Ghana especially in Accra will be just as pleased with the end result” states Mrs. Amy Appiah Frimpong, Acting Executive Director, National Theatre of Ghana.  “This project mirrors the revitalization that is happening within the theatre; the LED lighting is complementing the changes that are occurring on the inside.  It is making visible the work of our highly talented contributors and artists who perform at the theatre regularly. The state of-the-art digital lighting technology ensures we have a world class theatre that is aware of its environment, while also helping us meet our demand for energy efficiency.  We can’t wait to show the world the transformation on the inside and outside.” 

Sixth stop on the Cape Town to Cairo roadshow

The announcements in Ghana formed part of Philips’ annual pan-African Cape Town to Cairo roadshow that kicked off on 11th May 2015, in Cape Town.  Ghana is the sixth stop on a journey covering 12,000 km across 11 cities and 8 countries over a period of 4.5 months. The roadshow has gained significant momentum over the past five years, allowing Philips to get to the heart of some of the key issues facing Africa –  including Mother and Child Care, the rise of non-communicable diseases, energy efficient LED and solar lighting technologies, as well as shining a spotlight on the need for clinical education and training. 

Last year as part of the Philips Cape Town to Cairo roadshow, Philips installed a permanent LED lighting system at Ghana’s iconic Black Star Monument. One year on and the lighting system has proved to be a huge success, beautifying the important building and reducing energy consumption.

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Denzil Kentebe on Wednesday in Port Harcourt commissioned Bell Oil & Gas glassfibre spooling facility, which is reputed to be the first of its kind in Africa and worth about $4m.

The facility manufactures pipes with diverse bends and angles, delivering liquids to various outlets at different temperatures and pressures, hence cannot be manufactured in conventional pipe mills.

Spools which are forms of Glassfibre Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) pipes, believed to be resistant to corrosion because they do not have metal as part of its composition and can handle pressure up to 3500 pound per square inch (psi) and temperatures of up to 121 degrees centigrade.

Speaking at the occasion, the Executive Secretary commended Bell Oil & Gas for the investment, which came on the back of the Board’s Nigerian Content Equipment Component Manufacturing and Certification (NCEC) program commenced under the leadership of the pioneer Executive Secretary, Dr. Ernest Nwapa.

He described the NCEC initiative as laudable, pledging that the Board under his leadership will continue to implement the framework and other programs geared towards encouraging investments and establishment of facilities in Nigeria.

Speaking further, Kentebe noted that such facilities contribute to the Board’s vision to use Nigerian Content as a vehicle to industrialize Nigeria and create employment and training opportunities for qualified Nigerians.

He stressed that the strategic focus of the Board is to create shop floors that will train and empower Nigerians in all sectors of the industry, adding that NCDMB will continue to promote hands-on training opportunities in manufacturing, engineering, fabrication, marine, subsea, drilling and well services and all other activities across the value chain.

In his welcome address, the Managing Director of Bell Oil & Gas, Mr. Kayode Thomas explained that the company blazed the trail in the installation of GRE pipes in Nigeria since 2004 on Bonga floating production, storage and offloading platform.

He announced plans by the company to take on complex projects, become certified to train and certify other trainers and make Nigeria the West African hub for GRE pipes.

He said the company’s motive is to add value in-country, create employment, contribute to its host communities and further demonstrate that Nigerians can do big things in the industry.

He expressed regret that some operating and service companies still take jobs abroad even when capacity resided in-country, adding that such firms will need to change or be compelled to.

In his remarks, the Chief Operating Officer of Bell Oil & Gas, Mr. Ayo Aderibigbe explained that the company’s investments had changed the scenario where all spools required in Nigeria were made in factories abroad, thereby exporting jobs and draining foreign exchange.

He stated that the company had in the last one year fabricated a substantial quantity of the spools used on Total’s Ofon 2 project as well as Chevron’s Domestic Supply Obligation and had got various spooling contracts from Subsea7, Nigerdock, Pontecelli, and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).

•  Ministry appoints new Chief of Staff and Director of National Content, among other postings 
• Hydrocarbons and Petroleum Economics; EITI and Industry; and Mining and Quarries merged into single departments 
• National oil company GEPetrol promotes new General Director and other directors in key positions 

MALABO, Equatorial Guinea, June 29, 2015/ — The Ministry of Mines, Industry and Energy of Equatorial Guinea has announced new government appointments and mergers of key internal departments that will streamline its operations and contribute to an overall improvement of governance in Equatorial Guinea, says Centurion Law Group (http://www.centurionlawfirm.com). Meanwhile, GEPetrol’s hiring of a new General Director and other key directors as part of a strategic restructuring will make the national oil company better positioned to carry out its expansion. 

H.E. Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima, the Minister of Mines, Industry and Energy, appointed Mr. Jose Manuel Abaga Mba to become his Chief of Staff. Mr. Mba replaces Mr. Lucas Nguema Mbulito, who recently became the CEO of the public power company SEGESA. Meanwhile, Mrs. Mercedes Eworo Milam has been named Director of Petroleum Economics, replacing Mr. Tomás Felix Ongo Ehapo. Mrs. Milam will also retain her position as Director General of Hydrocarbons, representing a merger of the Hydrocarbons and Petroleum Economics portfolios. 

The Ministry has also merged the departments of Industry and Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). The Director of Industry will now be Mr. Cesar Augusto Hinestrosa Gomez, who has overseen Equatorial Guinea’s application to become an EITI member. Mr. Jose Luis Elema Borengue is now Director of Quarries and retains his role as Director of Mines. Mr. Oscar Vicente Garcia Berniko is the new Director of National Content, replacing the outgoing Mr. Agustin Mba Okomo. Lastly, Mr. Leoncio Amada Nze has been named Director of Company Relations. 

“Centurion congratulates the Ministry officials on their new appointments and applauds the Ministry on merging these departments,” says NJ Ayuk, CEO of Centurion Law Group. “The restructuring will create a leaner and more effective ministry, reflecting the Minister’s strong commitment to good governance. These moves coincide with a reorganization at GEPetrol that will only make the company and the rest of the industry stronger going forward.” 

GEPetrol recently named Mr. Antonio Engonga Oburu as General Director, replacing H.E. Mr. Candido Nsue Okomo, who was appointed Secretary of State in the Ministry of Youth and Sports in April. Also promoted were Mr. Vicente Abeso Mbuy, as Deputy General Director, and Mr. Gabriel Mbaga Nchama, as Second Director. 

Centurion is a leading pan-African legal and business advisory group with extensive experience in oil and gas law. The group provides outsourced legal representation and covers a full suite of practice areas for its clients, including arbitration and commercial litigation, corporate law, tax and anti-corruption advisory and contract negotiation. Centurion specializes in assisting clients that are starting or growing a business in Africa.

Mali now becomes the first country to install the largest solar grid-connected power plant in the region 

BAMAKO, Mali, July 10, 2015/ — An historic agreement to Build-Own-and Operate West Africa’s first utility-scale solar power plant was signed here today by Norwegian company Scatec Solar (http://www.scatecsolar.com)  and its partners, the Malian Ministry of Energy and Water and Electricité du Mali (EDM), the electricity utility of Mali. To be located near the ancient city of Segou in South-East Mali, 240 kms from Bamako, the 33 MW solar project is being developed in partnership with IFC InfraVentures and the local developer Africa Power 1. 

Speaking on the occasion, the Malian Minister of Energy and Water, Mr. Mamadou Frankaly Keita said “This landmark agreement signals the Government’s commitment to meet the nation’s growing energy demand and to provide clean, renewable and affordable energy to our people”. 

Today’s agreements include a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between EDM and Segou Solaire SA, the local project company controlled by Scatec Solar, for the delivery of solar power over the next 25 years. The PPA with the utility is complemented by a Concession Contract  with the Government of Mali, granting license to Segou Solaire to operate. 

With this PPA, Scatec strengthens its position as the leading, integrated solar IPP (Independent Power Producer) in Africa.  The Oslo-headquartered company’s CEO Raymond Carlsen says “This project is another great milestone for Scatec Solar. After several years of development efforts in the region, we can now move forward with the first utility-scale solar plant in West Africa. The Malian Authorities have demonstrated decisive will to tackle the nagging issue of power supply.” 

Scatec Solar (‘SSO) will own 50 percent of the power plant and World Bank’s project development fund, IFC InfraVentures will hold 32.5 percent, while the local project development company, Africa Power 1, headed by Dr Ibrahim Togola, will hold 17.5 percent. Scatec Solar will construct the plant, and in addition provide operation and maintenance services after the plant is connected to the grid. 

“One of the pillars of the World Bank’s Country Assistance Strategy for Mali is to increase access to energy, a development fundamental. IFC InfraVentures’ partnership with Scatec Solar and Africa Power 1 helps advance this strategy through Scatec Segou, part of a series of renewable energy projects we are developing in the country,” said Alain Ebobisse, Global Head of IFC InfraVentures. 

Dr Ibrahim Togola, the chairman of Africa Power 1 SA and General Administrator of Scatec Solar West Africa says: “Today’s event is historic because Mali now becomes the first country to install the largest solar grid-connected power plant in the region. This high profile joint-venture in which Malian citizens participate will serve as a model to launch the solar era in West Africa”. 

Annual production from the 33 MW solar power plant is estimated to be 60,000 Megawatts hour (MWh). The ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) solar plant will deploy approximately 130,000 PV modules on a fixed tilt system and will connect to an existing transmission line. This will provide clean and affordable energy to a country in dire need for more power generation capacity to support further economic growth. The power generated from the plant represents five percent of Mali’s total electricity consumption, equal to the electricity consumption of 60,000 households. 

During the construction phase, the project will provide 200 local jobs. As part of Scatec’s corporate philosophy, special emphasis will be put on transferring technical expertise to the local community. 

In an era of climate change concerns, the 33 MW Segou power plant is an important initiative to reduce carbon emissions by about 46,000 tons once completed. Scatec Solar and EDM will jointly register the project with the United Nations CDM (Clean Development Mechanism) under Scatec Solar’s program for solar projects in Africa. 

The project with a total cost of Euro 52 million is to be financed through 45% senior project finance debt. IFC InfraVentures will arrange the Debt for a total amount of Euro 23 million. Further, the project has already been granted a concessional loan that will cover 30% of the Capex from Climate Investment Fund through the program “Scaling Up Renewable energy in Low Income Countries Program” (SREP). The remaining 25% is provided as equity by the project partners. Financial close is expected before the end of this year.

LAGOS, Nigeria, June 22, 2015/ — General Electric (NYSE: GE) (http://www.ge.com) has recorded another milestone in its Oil and Gas facility in Onne, Rivers State exhibiting an exceptional safety record. In the last 10 years of operations, GE has not had any incidents at its Onne facility resulting in lost work time for any of the technicians, engineers or other personnel working in the facility. 

President and CEO of GE Nigeria Dr Lazarus Angbazo said “This achievement was due to GE’s outstanding Environmental Health and Safety standards and all the employees in Onne that make quality and safety an integral part of how they operate on a daily basis”. 

Dr Angbazo said the safety record at the Onne facility underscores GE’s commitment to localisation, continued investment in the Nigerian economy and the creation of jobs for Nigerians. He said GE will continue to improve service capabilities in Onne through constant training and retraining of the engineers and technicians. 

In recognition of this achievement, GE received a “Meritorious Safety Performance Award”, which is an award that Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) awards to its partners that prioritize safety in their operations. SPEPCO’s Head of Subsea Intervention, Awwal Abubakar, who spoke at a brief ceremony in Onne commended GE’s remarkable safety standards which he said aligns with Shell’s corporate policy of “Safety First”. “In Bonga field today we have 40 GE trees producing oil safely and successfully and it all started from the GE Onne facility,” said Abubakar. He also commented on GE’s high quality standards and the growth in Nigerian personnel at the Onne facility over the past few years. 

Operating since 2002, GE’s purpose-built facility in Onne is the first quayside facility of its calibre in Nigeria. GE’s Onne facility is the cornerstone of its commitment to Nigeria’s Oil & Gas industry. With continually expanding capabilities, the site provides complete assembly, testing and life cycle service for subsea tree systems, subsea control modules, specialty connectors and pipe. It also includes a dedicated on-site training center and offers broad business development opportunities for local suppliers.

Hydro-electric power is one renewable energy source that is in abundant supply in Africa 

BAMAKO, Mali, June 18, 2015/ — On 18 June, the Eranove Group (http://www.eranove.com), a major pan-African player in the electricity and water sectors, signed a 30-year concession agreement with the government of the Republic of Mali through its subsidiary Kenié Energie Renouvelable. Under the agreement, which is effective from the date of signing, the Group will finance, develop, build and operate the Kenié hydro-electric dam located in Baguinéda on the Niger River, 35 km east of Bamako. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of the Minister of Economy and Finance, Mamadou Diarra, the Minister of Energy and Water, Mamadou Frankaly Keïta, and the Minister of Investment Promotion and Private Sector, Mamadou Gaoussou Diarra. 

This agreement represents an important step forward for the Eranove Group. The Group’s managing duo of Vincent Le Guennou, Co-CEO of Emerging Capital Partners (ECP) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Eranove Group, and Marc Albérola, CEO of the Eranove Group, made the trip to Bamako in Mali, specifically to get the project up and running. 

The signing of the concession agreement is likewise an important move for the Republic of Mali. According to World Bank estimates, the country’s current installed power capacity of approximately 414 MW(1) covers only half of potential demand. The Kenié hydro-electric facility, with its installed capacity of 42 MW, will help Mali respond to this energy challenge. Initial simulations suggest that the Kenié dam could produce around 175 GWh, which is equivalent to the average annual consumption of 175,000 households(2). What is more, the structure will enable Mali to make better use of its hydro-electric potential and thus reduce its dependence on imported hydrocarbons. 

With an estimated potential of 400,000 MW(3), “hydro-electric power is one renewable energy source that is in abundant supply in Africa. As part of the regional integration of power transmission networks, hydro-electricity can play a key role in increasing power generation capacity. And we mustn’t forget micro and pico hydro-electricity either. These small hydro-electric facilities can supply power to villages or groups of villages in remote areas far away from interconnected transmission systems. Hydro-electricity is a renewable and competitive source of power in terms of production costs, and could even play a role in the financial balancing of power sectors and in meeting demand. This would prove hugely beneficial both for local populations and for regional industrial development,” assesses Marc Albérola, CEO of the Eranove Group. 

The signing of the concession agreement comes after several years of cooperation between the Republic of Mali’s Ministry of Energy and Water and IFC InfraVentures. IFC is a member of the World Bank Group and is the largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector in developing countries. Working together, these institutions conducted preliminary feasibility studies followed by an international call for tenders, which resulted in the selection of the Eranove Group as a strategic partner. The agreement of 18 June 2015 is a significant milestone in the implementation of the project, as the financing of the project – estimated at EUR 110 million – can now get under way. According to the current project schedule, construction is due to begin in 2016 and the dam would be put into operation in 2020. The dam will then be operated under a concession agreement by Kenié Energie Renouvelable, a new subsidiary of the Eranove Group, whose shareholders will also include IFC InfraVentures. 

Supported by Emerging Capital Partners (ECP), a pan-African leader in private equity investment that has raised over USD 2.5 billion in assets for the continent, the Eranove Group is embarking on a new stage in its pan-African development. 

In addition to its operations in Mali, the Eranove Group already has a historic presence in Senegal, through water distribution company SDE, and in Côte d’Ivoire, via electricity companies CIE and CIPREL, water distribution company SODECI and AWALE. 

Operating over 1,100 MW of power generation facilities in Côte d’Ivoire, the Eranove Group currently accounts for nearly 70% of the country’s installed capacity and invests in a number of projects. CIE mainly operates six hydro-electric dams generating 604 MW of power with high availability rates. 

The Eranove Group has fronted and coordinated one of the biggest infrastructure investments in Côte d’Ivoire in recent years, in the form of the CIPREL power plant (EUR 343 million). After an initial phase, which began in January 2014 (a 110 MW gas turbine), the second phase (a 110 MW steam turbine) will be completed in late 2015, creating a combined-cycle plant.

PORT-LOUIS, Mauritius, June 15, 2015/ — ecosur afrique (http://www.ecosurafrique.com), the leading carbon finance group in Africa, Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P), an impact investment fund dedicated to small and medium size enterprises in Sub-Saharan Africa and Volta cars Rental Services (VRS), a car leasing company operating in West Africa, today announced the first ever carbon credits transaction involving a Seller and a Buyer from West Africa. 

The transaction, which has been structured by ecosur afrique, allows VRS customers to offset the CO2 emissions of vehicles leased in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal. Thomas Crand, the co-founder of VRS, states:”We develop a strong environmental strategy; CO2 emissions are at the heart of our concerns and we are pleased to offer our customers the option to offset their carbon footprint. Today’s transaction is pioneering and a unique choice, which distinguishes us on the West African market. We hope it will become standard in our sector.”VRS will aggregate the offset demand of customers taking part in the “carbon neutral” program each quarter and for the whole fleet concerned. The carbon credit purchases will bemade with same periodicity. 

The carbon credits, or emission reductions, which are at base of the offset transaction, are generated from the dissemination of energy efficient cooks toves in Côte d’Ivoire. The cook stoves are distributed as part of the “Soutra Fourneau” programme financed and operated by ecosur afrique. They allow to reduce charcoal consumption of small entrepreneurial users such as restaurants or canteens. The use of charcoal and firewood for cooking purposes remains a major source of CO2 emissions and deforestation in West Africa. Beyond the environmental aspect, the benefits are numerous: redistribution of purchasing power to consumers, decrease of noxious fumes, reduction of meal preparation time by half. 

Fabrice Le Sache, CEO of ecosur afrique explains the background of this pioneering transaction:”The exchange of carbon credits involves traditionally their transfer from developing countries to industrialized countries. We are convinced that the future of the market lies in part in the development of the South / South transactions, particularly within Africa. We have been working for several years on our carbon credit offer in order to create sufficient liquidity allowing the emergence of such a market. With over 40 projects in 17 countries, we now have the largest portfolio of African carbon credits in terms of volume and diversity. We must now increase and expand the demand; Similar CO2 offset transactions are under negotiation with African hotel chains, carriers and agribusinesses.” 

As a private investor of VRS, I&P played a major role in the operation. The fund began by offseting its owns CO2 emissions in an exemplary manner and proposed this solution to some companies in its portfolio in the following, particularly to those, which are concerned by this topic (logistics, transport, distribution of fresh products). Jean-Michel Severino, CEO of Investisseurs & Partenaires: “I&P shows, once again, its commitment to pioneering entrepreneurial ideas, both to strengthen the business model of its holdings, to offer them distinctive solutions in their market and to assist them in environmental and social performance, a pre-condition of economic sustainability.”

Dr Mulenga joins Aggreko as the company continues its expansion across Africa 

LUSAKA, Zambia, June 11, 2015/ — Aggreko (http://www.africa.aggreko.com), the world leader in the provision of temporary power and temperature control services has announced the appointment of Dr Sixtus Mulenga as Non-Executive Chairman, Aggreko Zambia. A well-known businessman and highly respected figure in the Zambian mining industry, Dr Mulenga brings significant experience to a role that is integral to the on-going expansion of Aggreko’s operations in Zambia. Dr Mulenga joins Aggreko as the company continues its expansion across Africa through the provision of high quality, fast-track critical power supplies to state utilities and industrial customers throughout the continent. 

 “We are delighted that Dr Mulenga has joined the Aggreko Zambia team,” commented David Taylor-Smith, Regional Managing Director, Aggreko Europe, Middle East and Africa. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our organisation and I am confident that he will play a key role in seeing us continue the already impressive expansion of Aggreko across Africa, particularly in the utilities and mining sectors.” 

Dr Mulenga has had a long distinguished academic career, publishing numerous academic papers in the field of mining geology and sustainability. He holds a number of degrees, including a PhD in Geology from Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, Royal School of Mines, University of London. 

During a career spanning more than 35 years, Dr Mulenga has held senior management positions with numerous mining companies as well as taking leadership roles with various non-governmental and charitable organisations. His contribution to the development of the Zambian mining sector has been significant, while also devoting significant time and energy to support the wider development of Zambian society. 

Commenting on his appointment Dr Mulenga said, “I’m truly excited to be joining Aggreko, the global leader in the field of fast-track, mobile energy provision. As Zambia works to further develop its mining industry, along with the capacity and coverage of its electricity grid, Aggreko can play a key role in supporting these initiatives, while also supporting a growing and diversified industrial sector,” 

In his role, Dr Mulenga will provide independent leadership and council to the Aggreko EMEA Board in matters relating to the strategic direction and development of Aggreko’s business in Zambia in a non-executive capacity. 

Aggreko provide rental power solutions to industry and energy utilities in more than 100 countries globally. In Africa, Aggreko operates in 30 countries via an installed generation capacity of 2 GW spread across the continent. For the mining sector, Aggreko provides mission critical power supplies across the full project lifecycle, from initial project construction and development, to full production and project ramp-down. In situations when existing power supplies go off-line due to equipment breakdown or maintenance, Aggreko also provides rapid response, emergency power to keep mines operational.

By Jolly Adjewe – from Port Harcourt

Bodo City in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers state went agog in joy and celebration as Shell Petroleum Development Company (S.P.D.C) of the Royal Dutch Commences its clean up and remediation activities in the polluted lands of Bodo and its environs.

This is coming as an after mart of the agreement reached on the out of court settlement in which S.P.D.C agrees to pay 55 million to the Bodo community, this Shell has paid to the people.

Speaking at a town hall meeting/flag off of remediation activities in Bodo city/former Dutch Ambassador to Nigeria Mr Bart Ronhaar promised the resident of Bodo that adequate clean-up, rehabilitation, restoration of lost economic activities. According to him, “this flag off starts a signal of our remediation process in Ogoni land, especially in Bodo City and its environs. Remediation starts between people, therefore all hands must be on deck to make it work. We are looking forward for full co-operation from the community involved”

He noted that, “full clean-up processes takes along time to achieve, which is why we have brought the best expert that will drive the process, so that the mangrove and their aquatic lives of the environment can be brought alive.

Ambassador Ronhaar stressed that the Dutch government would continue to provide the financial means for the remediation process, while there would full monitoring of the various stages of the remediation process, not only the Dutch government, but the Non Governmental Organization (NGO’s) involved in the process and the remediation committee.

He said further that over three hundred youth would be trained, employed and given certificates by SPDC so that they can work in any oil and gas company even and after the remediation process must have been completed, saying that adequate measure would be taken in order to prevent re-pollution of the creeks after the clean-up.

The former ambassador advice Bodo people to stop any form of pipeline vandalism, bunkering, local refining of crude oil, stressing that such acts would hinder the smooth process of proper clean-up activities in the land.

Also speaking at the occasion, Dr. Livinus Bariko, Deputy Chairman Remediation Committee started that Bodo people are ready to embrace the clean-up and remediation exercise on their land adding that the people were willing to welcome total restoration of their lands.

In an interview with Orient Magazine Correspondent Dr. Livinus Bariko said “Bodo people are not greedy, they are generous, promising that they would carry other neighbouring communities along just as it did during the compensation funds disbursement. The Bodo clean-up will also serve as a gate way for the implementation of the United Nation Environmental Programme (UNEP) report in Ogoni lands

The General Manager, SPDC Sustainable Development and Community Relations Mr. IGO WELI express optimism that Bodo community would be restore following the bold steps they have taken to support the clean-up exercise, especially the leadership of the community and the remediation committee.

Mr. INEMO SAMIAMA, Country Director SDN/CO-CHAIR BODO MEDIATION PROCESS thanked the Bodo people for showing full commitment to the process. In his words, “I must commend your effort as a people showing great interest in the whole process. I know this issue will soon be a thing of the past”

In an address presented by the Bodo Council of Chiefs and Elders at the occasion, Mene Sylvester Kogbara, said that their hope of succor came in 2003 when at the peak of discuss of whether to do a pilot or comprehensive clean-up of their devastated environment, pointing out that, “at this point the government of Netherlands informed us that they will carry out a comprehensive clean-up, and we were very happy”

He express gratitude to Mr. Ronhaar Bert describing him as their hero for his firmness to restore Bodo community and bring hope to the hopeless. In his words, “Bert Ronhaar is our hero because we were aware of an attempt to scuttle the process but the great man resolve to take his stand with the hopeless people of Bodo community, the victim of unprecedented hydrocarbon exploitation. We believe that you are the instrument of divine intervention to restore our lost heritage”. Chief Kogbara pleaded with the remediation team to complete the present joy which Leigh & Co has put on their faces, as they eagerly expect the actual take-off of the clean-up and remediation.

It could recall that the impact of oil spill in Bodo community has affected Economic and main source of livelihood of the people due to equipment failure of SPDC. The SPDC a Shell subsidiary had admitted liability for spills of 4,000 barrels caused by operational failure, But later withdrew those estimate conceding, the underestimated extent of the leakage.

Later, SPDC agreed to pay tens of millions of pounds in compensation to 15,000,000 fisher men affected by two huge oil spills. The out of court settlement believed to be the biggest of its time ends a three year legal battle. SPDC also have paid an average sum of 2,000 pounds to each of the fisher men in Bodo city and its environs has compensation package worth 55 million pounds.

The deal settles a law suit brought against Shell in London over leaks in Bomu-Bonny pipeline that cause environmental damage to coastal settlement of over 49,000 people living in 35 villages many of whom are subsistence farmers and fisher men. Some 15,600 people including 2000 children had been paid compensation averaging 2,200 pound in the last two month.

Commenting on the above interface between SPDC and Bodo community Dr. Nenibarini Zabbey a stakeholder in the community said that SPDC have tried in all ramifications in settlement the people of Bodo city.

By Gilbert Boyefio

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has indicated that government decision to take the Agency off its subvention will not make them relax on their responsibilities, but rather push them to work harder than before.

While making a statement on the floor of the Parliament of Ghana on the implications of the fall in crude oil prices on the 2015 Budget last month, the Minister for Finance Seth E. Terkper, informed Parliament that “As noted in the 2015 Budget, the weaning off of some subvented agencies from Government payroll has begun. Three agencies, namely; the Energy Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), which have the capacity to be financially independent based on their Internally Generated Funds (IGFs) have been identified for weaning off this year”.

The EPA is the leading public body for protecting and improving the environment in Ghana. It is their job to make sure that air, land and water are looked after by everyone in today’s society, so that tomorrow’s generations inherit a cleaner, healthier world.

According to Kojo Agbenor-Efunam, Chief Program Officer in charge of Oil and Gas at the EPA, “The Agency is doing all the necessary things it needs to do to be able to stand on its own. This means that we have to be more efficient and do things efficiently.

We are no longer going to be like the normal public service where staffs come to work dragging their feet. Now it is the money people pay for the services that we render them that we are going to use to pay salaries. So your salary is directly dependent on what you generate.”

He pointed out that if the Agency is able to generate enough revenue then they will be able to live well as compared with when the government subvention exist, but if not, the Agency is going to face serious challenges.

He admitted that, “When you are being supported you often do not want to think beyond what you are being provided, but the moment the support stops you are forced to start thinking  outside the box.”

Is the EPA going to neglect their responsibility in pursuit of money?

Mr. Agbenor-Efunam insisted that the Agency is not going to shirk its responsibilities and mandate in pursuit of money but rather enhance it.

He explained that revenue generation comes as a result of the services that we render, adding that, “Currently there are a number of industries that the Agency is yet to cover under our permitting system. So with government withdrawing its subvention, the Agency has to work harder than before to bring all these industries in. And this is going to be our motivational factor”.

He emphasized that the new EPA will not tolerate laziness and inefficiency. “In the normal civil or public service where you know that you are dependent on government, whether you come to work or not, at the end of the month you receive your salary. So it is very common to find this lackadaisical attitude to work. All these things will be of the past.

However, moving away from there, we want every staff to know that they count and we have to put our heads together to be more efficient to get good results. Basically we are going to feed ourselves,” he maintained.

But is the EPA survival dependent on the oil and gas industry?

Mr. Agbenor-Efunam pointed out that the oil and gas industry is not the only industry that the Agency has to depend on for survival, adding that, “We also regulate other sectors too.”

But he quickly observed that the oil and gas industry is one of their biggest clients.

“It is one industry that pulls other sectors along. You have companies coming in to do subsea installations, fabrication and manufacturing and the rest. If you look at the waste management services that are setting up, it is because of the oil and gas industry.

And all these operations that have some bearings on the environment come to us for permitting. This also expands our revenue base. At the same time it also places a lot of responsibilities on the Agency. We need to do more. We are expanding both your operational capacity and revenue channels,” he added.

An explosion at a petrol station in Ghana’s capital and flooding caused by torrential rains killed around 150 people, President John Mahama said on Thursday, marking the worst disaster to strike the West African country in more than a decade.

Around 96 people who sought shelter from floods overnight at the state-owned GOIL gas station near a busy downtown intersection were killed, authorities said. Thousands more were made homeless in the citywide flooding, officials said.

The incidents expose the weakness of Accra’s infrastructure which has failed to keep pace with population growth after years of rapid economic expansion. It is vulnerable to storms that wreak havoc as poor drainage leads to flooding.

Witnesses said low-wage workers struggling home through the seasonal storm with roads closed and minivan buses not running were victims of the blast, the force of which gave few a chance to escape.

“It was an explosive fire and so the people sheltering at the filling station did not have an opportunity to escape,” fire brigade spokesman Prince Billy Anaglate told reporters.

People were burned beyond recognition where they stood under the station’s awning, or trapped and incinerated in the wreckage of cars and minivans on the station’s forecourt.

A fuel leak at the station caused the accident that also destroyed nearby buildings, Mahama said, announcing three days of national mourning would begin on Monday as well as the creation of a 50 million cedis ($12 million) recovery fund.

It was Ghana’s single worst disaster since more than 120 people died in May 2001 in a stampede at the national stadium during a football match, a police spokesman said.

PETROL ON FIRE

One woman said she sought refuge at the station from floods that prevented her returning home from work, but quickly became alarmed by an overpowering smell of gasoline and moved to stand next to an adjacent bank building.

A power cut plunged the area into darkness and when a generator was switched on at the gas station to provide light people at first cheered, said Comfort Arhin, a domestic worker.

“We heard a pop. Then the fire was walking where the petrol was. Everybody was running. You had to fight for yourself. My bag fell inside the water … All the people in the filling station died,” she told Reuters. Her testimony suggests Ghana’s chronic power shortages, which have hurt businesses and angered voters, may also have been one cause of the accident.

Ghana is one of Africa’s most stable democracies and for years its exports of gold, cocoa and oil made it one of the continent’s fastest-growing economies. But since 2013, it has wrestled with lower world commodity prices as well as a fiscal crisis, with growth this year projected to fall to below the average for sub-Saharan Africa.

Ghana’s emergency services doused the flames and secured the area, pegging back anxious crowds. Rescue workers wearing face masks retrieved bodies and piled them onto a truck.

Mahama said he was heartbroken by the loss of life and blamed the floods partly on people building homes and businesses on the city’s waterways, blocking drainage systems. “This loss of life is catastrophic and almost unprecedented,” Mahama said as he visited the scene. “We must sit down and strategise to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

Opposition leader Nana Akufo Addo also visited the site and called it a “dark day in the history of the city”.

By Gilbert Boyefio

The Petroleum Commission of Ghana is currently advocating for more Joint Venture (JV) partnerships between Ghanaian companies and their foreign counterparts as a tool for local participation and capacity development in the oil and gas industry.

A JV is a contractual agreement or rather a business relationship between, or among two or more parties for the purpose of executing a particular business undertaking. The parties to the JV are jointly responsible for cost; and profit and loses are apportioned according to dividend policies.

According to Kwaku Boateng, Director of Special Services, formation of JVs is a tool which is intended to ensure maximum Ghanaian interest through equity participation (ownership); promote a mutually beneficial partnership that leads to growth, capacity building through know-how and technology transfers; and prepare indigenous Ghanaian companies to eventually become competitive locally and internationally.

Pointing out the draft guidelines on the formation of JVs, he indicated that a non-indigenous Ghanaian company cannot conduct business in the upstream sector without incorporating a joint venture company with an indigenous Ghanaian company. The joint venture companies shall incorporate a separate legal entity and transact business through that entity for the purpose of undertaking a petroleum activity.

He noted that the transfer of shares to an individual (Ghanaian) shall not be recognized as a joint venture regardless of the shareholding structure.

Mr. Boateng emphasized that the formation of the joint venture shall be in accordance with both companies’ line of businesses.

The local JV partner should provide fair considerations in terms of its contributions to the JV; all petroleum sector Contractors, subcontractors, licensees or other allied entities must give full consideration to existing laws and regulations at the point of incorporating a joint venture; the Commission requires that, the indigenous Ghanaian company in the joint venture must be part of the management and operation of the business.

The Joint Venture Agreement must clearly state the roles and responsibilities of all the parties in the joint venture.Joint Venture Companies shall provide a detailed plan for the transfer of technology and know-how to the indigenous Ghanaian entity.

Parties to the joint venture must disclose all forms of ‘agreements’ and ‘side arrangements’ to the Commission at the point of registration to undertake any petroleum activity.

The Joint Venture Agreement, Technology Transfer and Skill Transfer Plan, Shareholder/Board Resolution and all other documents covering the Joint Venture should be submitted to the Commission for review and approval.

According to him, benefits from the JV include in-country wealth sharing; employment of nationals in various capacities such as top management positions, technical, and non technical. JV Companies also utilize Ghanaian goods and services.

It also allows for the piggybacking technologically advanced foreign companies – in majority of the JVs the local partners have unfettered access to facilities of the foreign partners at various locations all over the world.

“Leapfrogging the arduous processes of development and proof of concept – we do not encourage laziness or sloppiness but we certainly don’t want Ghanaian companies to reinvent the wheel.

Again, local companies through JV will imbibe culture and business processes of their foreign partners,” he added.

Backing from the Local Content and Local Participation Law

Regulation 4(2) stipulates that there shall be at least a five percent equity participation of an indigenous Ghanaian company other than Corporation to be qualified to enter into a petroleum agreement or a petroleum licence

Regulation 4 (6) also provides that a non-indigenous Ghanaian company which intends to provide goods or services to a contractor, subcontractor, licensee, the corporation or other allied entity within the country shall incorporate a joint venture company with an indigenous Ghanaian company and afford that indigenous Ghanaian company a equity participation of at least ten percent.

Regulations 4 (7) indicates that a contractor, subcontractor, licensee or allied entities before the commencement of petroleum activities submit a plan to the Commission specifying: the role and responsibilities of the indigenous Ghanaian company; the equity participation of the Ghanaian company; and the strategy for technology transfer and know-how to the Ghanaian company.

Finally regulations 12 (5) demands that where a non-indigenous Ghanaian company is required to provide goods and services to a contractor, sub-contractor, licensee, or other allied entity, that non-indigenous Ghanaian company shall: (a) incorporate a company in Ghana as provided in regulation 4(5) and operate it from Ghana; and (b) provide the goods and services in association with an indigenous Ghanaian company, where practicable.