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East Africa Adopts Diversified Resource Development Strategy

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African Energy

The region is home to both mature renewable producers and frontier oil and gas markets, which will be on display at the upcoming Invest in African Energy 2024 forum in Paris

PARIS, France, December 15, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Boasting an abundance of renewable resources, East Africa has garnered substantial attention from major international players within its clean energy market. Robust policies and declining costs of technology in the sector, coupled with regional market and infrastructure reforms, are poised to accelerate the deployment of clean energy projects. Yet the region is also anticipating first oil from the Tilenga project – part of Uganda’s Lake Albert Development – along with new liquefied natural gas (LNG) investments in Tanzania. New avenues for multi-pronged resource development strategies will be explored during the 2024 Invest in African Energy (IEA) forum – taking place in Paris next May and uniting industry experts from across Europe and Africa for two days of country spotlights, networking sessions and deal-making opportunities.

South Sudan

With a low electrification rate, South Sudan is a prime candidate for accelerated investment in decentralized energy solutions to increase rural energy access and stimulate industrial development. The country features opportunities for regional and international partners to support the development of solar mini-grids, an achievable and scalable energy solution for South Sudan’s rapidly growing population, which remains heavily reliant on diesel-powered generators for electricity.

New avenues for multi-pronged resource development strategies will be explored during the 2024 Invest in African Energy (IEA) forum – taking place in Paris next May

As one of Africa’s largest oil producers, the country is also seeking an influx of capital and technology to expand its upstream sector. Last September, South Sudan finalized a three-billion-dollar deal with U.S. oil company, Caltech Investment, to invest in and grow its petroleum industry and associated infrastructure. South Sudan is also looking to forge partnerships in technical training, skill building and knowledge transfer as it aims to develop its local workforce and transform its national oil company, Nilepet, into an integrated energy operator by 2027.

Tanzania

Having set a goal to increase its share of renewable energy to 50% by 2025, Tanzania has implemented a series of programs to support the development of solar, geothermal and hydropower projects, aiming to add 600 MW of hydropower and 400 MW of geothermal power capacity to the grid by 2025. The Africa Renewable Energy Fund, a private equity fund focused on the development of clean energy projects across sub-Saharan Africa, has invested in multiple renewable projects in the country, including a 10 MW solar plant in Singida. Last April, the Tanzanian Government, African Development Bank and French Development Agency signed finance agreements worth $300 million for the construction of an 87.8 MW hydropower plant in the Kagera region, with the project also receiving a $38.8-million grant from the EU.

Meanwhile, Tanzania is also driving energy development in the form of natural gas. The country holds proven natural gas reserves of 57 trillion cubic feet and is hoping to accelerate exploration, with plans to launch an oil and gas licensing round in 2024. Last May, Equinor, Shell and ExxonMobil finalized discussions with the Tanzanian Government on the construction of a large-scale LNG facility with the capacity to supply 10 million metric tons per year, establishing an initial production-sharing agreement and regulatory framework. One month later, China National Offshore Oil Corporation announced its plans to explore for oil and gas in Tanzania’s 4/1B and 4/1C offshore blocks, located nearby existing gas discoveries.

Uganda

Earlier this month, Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development released its Energy Transition Plan that focuses on raising energy access rates and requires eight billion in annual clean energy investments by the end of the decade. The country’s renewable sector has attracted steady investment to date – during this year’s COP28 summit, for example, the Private Infrastructure Development Group committed $19 million towards the construction of a 20 MW solar PV project in northwestern Uganda. Notably, the East African country is spearheading a dual development strategy, awaiting first oil production from the Lake Albert Development set to begin in 2025. As a result, Uganda requires significant foreign investment to build the infrastructure needed to monetize its estimated 6.5 billion barrels of oil reserves. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Genesis Energy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Discuss Energy Expansion at Congo Energy & Investment Forum

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Genesis Energy

Akinwole Omoboriowo II will discuss Genesis Energy’s plan to deliver 10.5 GW of power across Africa, highlighting how Nigeria’s power sector experience can inform the development of the Republic of Congo’s domestic energy grid and gas export potential

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of the Congo, January 20, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Akinwole Omoboriowo II, CEO of Genesis Energy, will speak at the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in Brazzaville this March, where he will discuss the company’s plans to deliver 10.5 GW of power across Africa, with a focus on energy initiatives that align with the Republic of Congo’s energy development goals.

Genesis Energy is driving transformational power projects, including providing 334MW to the Port Harcourt Refinery in Nigeria and plans to produce 1 GW within the WAEMU region. In October 2024, Genesis and BPA Komani announced their strategic partnership to mobilize capital and facilitate critical infrastructure projects focused on renewable energy, particularly Battery Energy Storage Systems across Africa. Additionally, Genesis’ recent MOU with the U.S. Agency for International Development will mobilize $10 billion for green energy and renewable projects, supporting Africa’s transition to a sustainable energy future.

The inaugural Congo Economic and Investment Forum, set for March 25-26, 2025 in Brazzaville, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country.

During CEIF 2025, Omoboriowo will explore how Genesis’ successful energy infrastructure development projects in Africa, combined with private sector innovation, can guide the Republic of Congo in strengthening its energy security and achieving its decarbonization goals. By leveraging its expertise in clean energy and strategic partnerships, Genesis Energy is poised to play a key role in helping the Republic of Congo harness its energy potential and expand its regional energy influence.

The Republic of Congo’s renewable energy sector is in a phase of growth, with increasing interest in solar, hydro and wind energy projects. Battery energy storage capacities are also gaining traction as a vital component of the country’s energy infrastructure, helping to balance supply and demand. The government is focusing on diversifying its energy mix to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and enhance grid reliability. Looking ahead, the Congo aims to expand its renewable energy capacity and integrate storage solutions to meet growing domestic and regional energy needs while supporting environmental sustainability.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Eni, TotalEnergies Announce New Exploration Projects in Libya

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National Oil Corporation

Eni is launching three exploration plays, TotalEnergies is expecting promising results from its recent onshore exploration project, and other developments were shared during an upstream IOC-led panel at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit

TRIPOLI, Libya, January 19, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) and international energy companies TotalEnergies, Eni, OMV, Repsol and Nabors outlined key exploration milestones and strategies to advance oil and gas production in Libya at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit 2025 on January 18.

Among the key developments highlighted were TotalEnergies’ recent onshore exploration project and promising exploration opportunities in the Sirte and Murzuq basins.

“With 40% of Africa’s reserves, Libya remains largely untapped,” said Julien Pouget, Senior Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa at TotalEnergies. Pouget shared TotalEnergies’ plans for 2025, including the completion of an onshore exploration project and new exploration in the Waha and Sharara fields. “We expect results next week,” he added.

Luca Vignati, Upstream Director at Eni, echoed optimism for Libya’s potential and outlined the company’s ongoing investment initiatives in the country. “We are launching three exploration plays – shallow, deepwater and ultra-deep offshore. No other country offers such opportunities,” Vignati stated. He also highlighted the company’s investments in gas projects, including over $10 billion for the Greenstream gas pipeline and a CO2 capture and storage plant in Mellitah.

Repsol affirmed its commitment to advancing exploration in Libya, focusing on overcoming industry challenges and achieving significant production milestones.

We have 48 billion barrels of discovered but unexploited oil, with total potential estimated at 90 billion barrels, especially offshore

“Over the past decade, Libya has made remarkable efforts to fight natural field decline and encourage exploration,” said Francisco Gea, Executive Managing Director, Exploration & Production at Repsol. “We have reached 340,000 barrels per day. The two million target is within reach, and as international companies, we have the responsibility to bring capacity and technology.”

“Innovation is key to maximizing production and accelerating exploration. By deploying cutting-edge solutions, Nabors can enhance efficiency, reduce costs and ensure safer operations,” added Travis Purvis, Senior Vice President of Global Drilling Operations at Nabors.

Bashir Garea, Technical Advisor to the Chairman of the NOC, highlighted the country’s immense oil and gas potential. “We have 48 billion barrels of discovered but unexploited oil, with total potential estimated at 90 billion barrels, especially offshore,” he said. He also pointed to Libya’s sizable gas reserves, noting, “Libya has 122 trillion cubic feet of gas yet to be developed. To unlock this potential, we need more investors and new technology, particularly for brownfield revitalization.”

“Our strategy spans the entire value chain. Strengthening infrastructure is essential to maximizing production and efficiency,” said Hisham Najah, General Manager of the NOC’s Investment & Owners Committees Department.

NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber and session moderator, underlined Libya as a prime destination for foreign investment: “Libya is at the cusp of a new energy era. The time for bold investments and strategic partnerships is now.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Libya’s Oil Minister: Brownfields, Local Investment Key to 2M Barrels Per Day (BPD) Production

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Libya’s Oil & Gas Minister outlined plans to boost production to 1.6 million bpd in 2025 and 2 million bpd long-term, with brownfield development and local investment at the core, during the Libya Energy & Economic Summit

TRIPOLI, Libya, January 19, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Libya is setting its sights on boosting oil production to 2 million barrels per day (bpd) within the next two to three years, with brownfield development and local investment identified as critical drivers of this growth. Speaking at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) in Tripoli on Saturday, Minister of Oil and Gas Dr. Khalifa Abdulsadek outlined the country’s strategy to reach 1.6 million bpd by year-end and laid the groundwork for longer-term growth.

“There are massive opportunities here, massive fields that have been discovered, but a lot of fields have fallen between the cracks,” stated Minister Abdulsadek during the Ministerial Panel, Global Energy Alliance – Uniting for a Secure and Sustainable Energy Future. “We want to make sure local oil companies take part. We also want to leverage the upcoming licensing round to support our planned growth in the oil sector.”

The minister’s remarks were complemented by a strong call for international participation in Libya’s upcoming licensing round, signaling the government’s commitment to fostering collaboration and maximizing the potential of its energy sector.

Highlighting Libya’s vast natural gas potential – with reserves of 1.5 trillion cubic meters – Mohamed Hamel, Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, stressed the need for enhanced investment in gas projects. He pointed to ongoing initiatives like the $600 million El Sharara refinery as opportunities to stimulate economic diversification.

There are massive opportunities here, massive fields that have been discovered, but a lot of fields have fallen between the cracks

“Natural gas is available,” Hamel stated, adding, “It is the greenest of hydrocarbons and we see natural gas continuing to grow until 2050.”

The panel also tackled the global energy transition, emphasizing Africa’s unique challenges and the need for the continent to harness its resources to achieve energy security. Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), underscored the critical need for finance, technology and reliable markets to drive progress.

“At APPO, we have noted three specific challenges for the African continent. Finance, technology and reliable markets,” he stated, questioning whether Africa can continue to depend on external forces to develop its resources.

As one of Africa’s top oil producers, Libya holds an estimated 48 billion barrels of proven oil reserves. The country’s efforts to expand production, attract investment and drive innovation are central to the discussions at LEES 2025. Endorsed by the Ministry of Oil and Gas and National Oil Corporation, the summit has established itself as the leading platform for driving Libya’s energy transformation and exploring its impact on global markets.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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