The Republic of Congo’s Minister of Hydrocarbons Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua signed an amended Production Sharing Contract (PSC) with China’s Wing Wah Oil Company for the Banga Kayo block. The amended PSC marks the start of development at the block and signals a strong commitment by the country to maximize undeveloped hydrocarbon resources.

Representing the voice of the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) supports the move by the country to fast-track the development of this strategic asset in partnership with its global partner. The development of the project will be critical for enabling the Congo to achieve its goal of doubling its hydrocarbon production to 500,000 barrels per day (bpd).

Under the terms of the amended PSC, the partners have agreed to develop the project in three phases, with the first – featuring the start of production – kicking off in August 2024. The second stage, focusing on the commercialization of resources, will start in February 2025 while the third and final phase – comprising marketing and distribution – will start in December 2025. With the development, the country is expected to increase its national production capacity, thereby boosting export revenues and driving economic growth.

The structured development plan outlines a clear path to resource monetization and is a testament to the role public-private partnerships play in developing oil and gas projects in Africa. For the Congo, partnering with private companies and global E&P firms has already yielded positive results, with the country witnessing a strong pipeline of projects across the exploration and production space. Led by energy major Eni, the country awaits first cargo from its inaugural natural gas liquefaction project. The development comprises the installation of two FLNG vessels at the Marine XII concession.

Meanwhile, companies to the likes of independent explorer Perenco – which made a discovery at the PNGF Sud license in 2022 – and energy major TotalEnergies – set to drill the Niamou-1 well on the Marine XX block – are spearheading exploration efforts. The country’s national oil company SNPC is expected to boost its own production capacity by 10,000 bpd this year, showcasing a commitment to production growth as well as the wealth of opportunity in the market.

“Spearheaded by its Ministry of Hydrocarbons, the Republic of the Congo is making great strides to develop its oil and gas resources, with the country’s fast-tracked approach serving as a model for other resource-rich nations in Africa. With bold ambitions to double production capacity, the country is poised to unlock new opportunities for sustainable economic growth through oil and gas investment,” stated AEC Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Africa’s abundant hydrocarbon reserves, comprising approximately 125.3 billion barrels of crude oil and 620 trillion cubic feet of proven gas, offer lucrative investment opportunities for global E&P players and serve as a cornerstone for achieving the continent’s industrialization objectives.

As African nations collaborate with global E&P firms possessing both financial resources and technical expertise to maximize the development and utilization of these reserves, forming alliances with companies like the U.S.-based global energy firm Kosmos Energy becomes indispensable.

In line with its commitment to catalyzing investment for the sustainable advancement of the African energy sector, Kosmos Energy has joined as a diamond sponsor at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference.

AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Kosmos Energy’s participation in this year’s AEW: Invest in African Energy marks its third consecutive year of participating, with the company advocating for inclusive strategies regarding Africa’s pathway to eliminating energy poverty and shaping global energy security. During this year’s edition, Kosmos Energy will build upon previous discussions, emphasizing its ongoing focus on bolstering investments within the continent. As a leading energy investor in Africa and a trusted partner in oil and gas development, Kosmos Energy continues to influence the stability and growth of African energy markets and economies.

In Senegal and Mauritania, Kosmos Energy has emerged as an investment champion, advancing these nations closer to first gas production through the development of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim liquified natural gas (LNG) project, slated to commence gas production this year. Kosmos Energy also assumed operatorship of the Yakaar-Teranga project in Senegal in November 2023, underscoring its commitment to driving investments towards unlocking Senegal’s full energy potential. Yakaar-Teranga is one of the world’s largest gas discoveries in recent years and holds around 25 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of advantaged gas in place. Kosmos Energy has been working closely with PETROSEN and the Government of Senegal on an innovative development concept that prioritizes cost-competitive gas to the rapidly growing domestic market, combined with an offshore liquefied natural gas facility targeting exports into international markets. As concept optimization progresses, the aim is for PETROSEN to participate as an equal partner in the full value chain with a greater working interest.

In Ghana, Kosmos Energy’s investments are pivotal in shaping the stability of the oil and gas industry, with the firm expanding its production in-country through the successful launch of the Jubilee South East Project in 2023. Kosmos Energy is also investing in oil and gas decarbonization solutions at the Jubilee and TEN fields in Ghana, with a target to eliminate routine gas flaring by 2026, highlighting its commitment to helping Africa balance industrialization and environmental sustainability targets at the same time. Additionally, the company continues to support the development of Ghana’s next-generation workforce through initiatives like the Kosmos Innovation Center (https://KICGhana.org/), which helps young entrepreneurs turn their ideas into viable businesses and works alongside promising small businesses to help them reach their full potential.

In Equatorial Guinea, Kosmos Energy continues to make significant strides with investments in optimizing production at the Ceiba and Okume fields, as well as exploration with the Akeng Deep prospect.

“Kosmos Energy’s activities across the African market have played a pivotal role in stabilizing investment flows within the continent’s oil and gas industry. With Africa’s pursuit of sustainable development hinging on the full exploitation of energy resources, investments from companies like Kosmos Energy will be essential in unlocking new opportunities across the energy sector and related industries,” said NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Roger Brown, CEO of Nigerian independent oil and gas company Seplat Energy, will speak at the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference – Africa’s premier energy event, slated for November 4-8. Committed to leading Nigeria’s energy transition through the development of gas resources, Seplat Energy’s participation will contribute to discussions around sustainable energy development in Africa.

Seplat Energy aims to start production at the $650 million ANOH Gas Processing Plant in Nigeria by Q3, 2024. Set to increase the company’s gas production two-fold, the project achieved mechanical completion in December 2023. A strategic development for the company, the project will produce 300 million cubic feet of gas per day (mcf/d) – predominantly for the domestic market – thereby supporting the transition away from diesel-fired power generation in Nigeria. During AEW: Invest in African Energy, Brown will provide insight into the role of gas in Africa as the event aims to increase investment across the energy value chain.  

AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

In addition to the ANOH Gas Processing Plant, Seplat Energy aims to complete upgrades to its Sepele Gas Plant this year. The upgrades will increase the project’s production capacity from 60 mcf/d to 90 mcf/d, with processed gas set to meet export specifications while eliminating flared practices. Seplat Energy also operates the Oben Gas Plant, situated near the Oben field in Edo State. Gas is supplied from the Oben-48, Oben-49 and Oben-50 wells, utilized for power generation purposes. Currently, the facility accounts for 35% of the country’s electricity.

Meanwhile, Seplat Energy has extensive upstream operations, with interests in several onshore and shallow offshore assets. The company received regulatory approval for the Field Development Plan for the Sibiri prospect – situated in OML 40 – in February 2024. The prospect holds a base-case oil-in-place estimate of 91.1 million barrels. OML 40 also comprises the producing Opuama field and the Gbetiokun field. Additionally, Seplat Energy holds a 40% working interest on OML 53, which comprises the producing Jisike oilfield and the undeveloped Ohaji South gas and condensate field – set to be connected to the Assa North field as part of the ANOH project. With shallow oil development potential at Ohaji South, Seplat Energy plans to focus on developing shallow oil reservoirs alongside increasing production at Jisike.  

Additionally, Seplat Energy owns a 45% working interest in OMLs 4, 38 and 41, with liquid production averaging 14,866 barrels per day and gas production measuring 114.1 mcf/d (2023). Since the blocks acquisition in 2010, the company has gradually increased production through the development of new wells and remains committed to increasing gas supplies for power generation in Nigeria. Gas produced at OML 4 – which includes the Oben field – will serve as feedstock for the Oben plant. Other stakes include a financial interest in OML 53 – containing five producing fields – and a 40% non-operated working interest in the Umuseti/Igbuku Marginal Field Area – part of OML 56.

“The monetization of Africa’s gas resources will play a strategic part in delivering affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for the population. Through its project portfolio and investments, Seplat Energy is laying the foundation for Nigeria’s economy to grow through gas. The country has over 200 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves and Seplat Energy is making great strides towards ensuring these resources benefit the domestic market,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

Uniting investors and developers with African projects, AEW: Invest in African Energy takes place under a mandate to make energy poverty history by 2030. The event promotes the development of African gas, recognizing the role the resources play as a catalyst for multi-sector growth in Africa. Brown’s participation during the event this November will strengthen the discussion on monetizing African gas.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Toshiba Energy Systems&Solutions Corporation (Toshiba ESS) (www.Global.Toshiba) announced today that it has received an order from SEPCOIII Electric Power Construction Co., Ltd. for steam turbines and generators for the geothermal power plant equipment renovation of Units 1 through 3 at the old 45MW Olkaria I geothermal power plant in Kenya. The steam turbines and generators will be shipped to the site by December 2025.

Olkaria I geothermal power plant is the oldest geothermal power plant in Kenya and has been in commercial operation by the Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (hereinafter “KenGen”) since 1981.

Units 1 through 3 of the plant need renovation due to aging, and Toshiba ESS’s steam turbines and generators have been selected for the renovation. This will increase the power output of Units 1 through 3 from the current 15 Megawatts（MW）to 21 MW each, enabling them to achieve a higher output with less steam. These points were highly evaluated by KenGen and led to the adoption of the contract.

Kenya’s economic growth is spurring demand for power. The government has responded with a comprehensive blueprint for development, Vision 2030, which currently includes provision for boosting Kenya’s electricity generating capacity from renewable sources and seeking to transition to 100% green energy by 2030. Many new geothermal power plants are planned to tap into the 9GW geothermal potential in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley region.

Toshiba ESS and KenGen concluded a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to anticipate partnership on Operation and Maintenance (O&M) services through a combination of KenGen and Toshiba ESS’s know-how and networks in 2022. They aim to provide O&M services for geothermal power plants for developing countries including East African countries outside Kenya.

Toshiba ESS has several successful delivery records providing geothermal power generation systems in Kenya and other East African countries. Additionally, Toshiba ESS has contributed to the promotion of geothermal power generation by signing MOU’s on geothermal power plant business with several partners in other East African nations.

Shinya Fujitsuka, Director and Vice President of the Power Systems Division at Toshiba ESS, said, “I’m pleased that we can contribute to energy stability in Kenya by providing our equipment and services. Toshiba ESS will continue to provide optimal products and solutions to meet customer needs through its lineup of small to large geothermal steam turbines and generators with power outputs ranging from 1 MW to 200 MW. Aiming for the further clean energy indispensable for the realization of a sustainable society, we will contribute to the realization of a carbon neutral society by providing geothermal power plant services both in Japan and overseas.” 

Project Overview

Plant: Olkaria I geothermal power plant
Owner: Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen)
EPC*2 contractor: SEPCOIII Electric Power Construction Co., Ltd.
Our scope of supply: Steam Turbines and Generators for Units 1 through 3, total 3 sets

*1: IPP: Independent Power Producer

*2: EPC: Engineering Procurement and Construction

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Toshiba .