Page 27 - Energize January 2021

Compiled by Roger Lilley, Now Media

Equatorial Guinea sets out FDI hopes for 2021 LNG regasification plant to
boost regional economy
Equatorial Guinea expects foreign direct investment in 2021 to exceed US$1-billion, according to
the energy ministry, while production is expected to increase. Companies have made firm Sub-Saharan Africa’s first liquefied natural
commitments of $832,4-million, along with contingent investments of $370,6-million. The gas (LNG) import terminal at Tema could
Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons has approved companies to carry on working on studies, turn Ghana into a petroleum hub. The
allowing drilling to be pushed back to the end of 2021 or into 2022. Covid-19 and the oil price project, built at a cost of US$350-million,
crash have had an impact on Equatorial Guinea, which led to “considerable cuts” in 2020 could be a “driver of growth” for Ghana and
spending plans. the region. It will provide year-round
guaranteed supply and promote investment
Construction of 2400 MW Upgrading of LV network to in industries such as power infrastructure,
mining and ceramics which have relied on
hydroelectric scheme underway reduce outages
more expensive imported oils with erratic
availability. Ghana has one of Africa’s
Construction of the Batoka Gorge The Millennium Development Authority
highest rates of electrification, yet industrial
hydroelectric scheme is expected to begin (MiDA), the implementing agency for
development has been hampered by
soon. This follows the completion of both an Ghana’s Power Compact II, has signed a
unreliable supply.
environmental and social impact assessment contract for the commencement of works to
which was concluded in December 2020. Two upgrade the Southern power distribution
international firms, the US’ General Electric company, Electricity Company of Ghana’s Oil and gas exploration
company and China’s Power Construction (ECG) low voltage (LV) network in the agreements signed
Corporation will undertake the construction Kwabenya District in Greater Accra Region.
and operation of the hydroelectric plant. The The project, when completed by end of the
A year after initial awards were first
project, which is valued at US$4,5-billion, is August 2021 deadline, will see the provision
announced, minister of petroleum and
to be built 52 km downstream from Victoria of electricity supply and a reduction in
mineral resources Tarek El-Molla has
Falls on the Zambezi River. The project is power outages to residents and businesses
signed oil and gas exploration agreements
expected to provide sufficient electricity to in the Kwabenya District. An estimated
with six major IOCs and their Egyptian
make Zimbabwe self-sufficient for its 397 950 customers could directly benefit
partner Tharwa Petroleum. Seven of the
electricity needs. from the project.
agreements involving Egyptian Natural
Gas Holding Company (Egas) are for
Contract for new wind farm signed offshore areas in the Mediterranean, while
two are with South Valley Egyptian
The government of Morocco has committed itself to fund the 270 MW Jbel wind farm near the Petroleum Holding Company (Ganope)
city of Essaouira. The contract, which is in the form of a power producer agreement (PPA), is covering areas in the Red Sea. The
between the government of Morocco, Nareva, a local energy company, and the Italian ministry has said it expects to sign three
renewable energy company, Enel Green Power. The contract is reported to be in the region of more agreements soon.
US$314-million. The Jbel wind farm is Tanzania’s third wind project as part of the country’s
850 MW integrated wind programme.
Contracts with IPPs for new
hydro and solar projects
Refugees benefit from bank’s More wind power in
solar PV installation North-East Africa Tanzania’s state-owned power utility,
Tanzania Electric Supply Company
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has Ethiopia is among Africa’s top countries when (TANESCO), has announced that it has
enabled 43 296 people in refugee camps it comes to wind energy potential. Siemens selected six independent power producers
in Burundi to gain access to solar energy. Gamesa has announced that it is to build its (IPPs) to supply the country with an
In Nyankanda camp in eastern Burundi, first wind farm in the country. The company additional 19 MW of renewable energy
refugees no longer need to go into the is no stranger to African wind projects sourced electricity. The utility says it will
forest to look for fuel for lighting or to though, as this will be the company’s tenth sign new power purchase agreements
cook their food. The camp has been country in the continent where it will operate. (PPAs) with these six IPPs soon. The
equipped with a field of 46 solar PV panels The 100 MW Assela wind project is expected projects, which are in various stages of
which provides the camp with 13,8 kWp. to power over 400 000 households and save development or construction, comprise a
This electricity is used to light the more than 250 000 tonnes of CO2 emissions 10 MW solar power plant in Kahama and
administrative offices, library, community per year. Ethiopia’s vision is to supply 100% 9 MW from a number of different
centre, health centre, school buildings, of domestic energy demand through hydroelectric projects on different rivers
and housing units. renewable energy by 2030. within the country.

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