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Petrobras to Lead Brazilian Companies to African Energy Week (AEW) 2024

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Kinetiko Energy

A delegation led by state-owned Petrobras, whose recent blocks acquisitions in Africa target play-opening discoveries in emerging markets, has joined Africa’s largest energy event

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, October 22, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Brazil’s state-owned oil and gas company Petrobras is leading a delegation of Brazilian companies to the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference – taking place November 4-8 in Cape Town. The move follows a string of acquisitions made by Brazilian companies in Africa in recent months and aims to unlock new avenues for partnerships in oil and gas exploration and production.

The delegation comprises Petrobras’ Exploration and Production Director Sylvia dos Anjos; Dr. Roberto Ardenghy, President of the Brazilian Institute of Oil and Gas; Dr. Marcio Mello, Founder of the Namibia Energy Corporation; and Henrique Luiz de Barros Penteado, Petrobras Netherlands B.V. Exploration Manager. As the largest energy event in Africa, AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 offers a strategic platform for strengthened Africa-global partnerships.

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 http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Companies such as Petrobras are already strengthening their portfolio of African assets, driving projects forward in partnership with African and global players

Petrobras – the biggest oil producer in Brazil – is rapidly expanding its footprint in Africa, with strategic acquisitions in South Africa, Namibia and São Tomé and Príncipe. In September 2024, the company’s board gave the greenlight to acquire a 10% stake in the offshore Deep Western Orange Basin in South Africa, heralding a new era of exploration in the promising block. Situated adjacent to where high-profile discoveries have been made in Namibia, the deepwater block offers significant potential for billion-barrel finds. The block is operated by energy major TotalEnergies alongside project partners QatarEnergy and Sezigyn.

In Namibia, Petrobras is making a bid for a 40% stake in the Mopane oil and gas exploration block, which international oil company Galp has put up for sale. The block was the host of a major discovery in January 2024, with reserves estimated as high as 10 billion barrels recoverable. Now, Galp is seeking farm-in partners to accelerate the development of the block. If successful, the acquisition would signal Petrobras’ entry into the market, which has been the host of some of Africa’s biggest offshore discoveries in recent years. This aligns with the company’s goal to expand its international footprint while paving the way for Namibia to leverage the expertise of its South American neighbor.

Petrobras’ return to Africa followed the acquisition of interests in three Shell-operated exploration blocks in São Tomé and Príncipe in December 2023. The deal covers Blocks 10, 11 and 13, aligning with the company’s strategy to expand its interests into frontier markets in Africa. The company has dedicated $1.3 billion over the next five years for exploration outside of Brazil, underscoring its commitment to diversifying its portfolio and driving exploration in Africa.

Looking ahead, Petrobras remains committed to frontier exploration opportunities. Recently, Petrobras has asked to consult geological data in Angola, Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, Benin and Ivory Coast. The company’s newfound upstream strategy aims to significantly enhance its production capacity while tapping into the potential of emerging and promising markets – particularly those in Africa. This extends to producing countries such as Angola, which continues to offer untapped potential in onshore and ultra-deepwater acreage. Angola and Brazil rank in the top ten globally for ultra-deepwater reserves, highlighting a strategic opportunity for collaboration. Frontier assets such as in the Namibe basin offer strategic potential for Petrobras. At AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, these collaborative opportunities will be a key topic of discussion, with the Brazilian delegation engaging with industry leaders and project developers in Cape Town.

“Brazil’s exploration and production history bears remarkable similarities to that of its African counterparts, specifically frontier markets such as Namibia. Offering similar geological characteristics and with a string of large-scale projects underway, lesson learnt from Brazil can accelerate the pace and success of oil and gas developments in Africa. Companies such as Petrobras are already strengthening their portfolio of African assets, driving projects forward in partnership with African and global players,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

During AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, the Brazilian delegation will participate in various panel discussions, tackling critical topics such as frontier exploration, sustainable oil and gas development and technology-driven drilling solutions. The delegation’s participation creates strategic opportunities for newfound partnerships as African countries move to unlock the full potential of their offshore oil and gas resources. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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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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