Energy
AOW 2021: Sahara Group advocates measured transition in Africa’s upstream sector
Precious ADELOLA
LAGOS– SHARA Group, a leading energy conglomerate with operations in Nigeria has announced that its strong delegation will canvass the adoption of an “Africa appropriate” transition agenda in the Africa’s upstream sector at the Africa Oil Week, AOW, in Dubai.
The hint was dropped by the groups Executive Director, Moroti Adedoyin-Adeyinka in a statement issued by the company and made available to Biztellers.com.ng via electronic mail.
Adedoyin-Adeyinka said the event which kicks off on November 8 needs to consider the disparate development level in Africa when discussing how best the continent and its global partners should approach the desirable goal of energy transition. “We need to have realistic goals and milestones that will ultimately enhance energy transition in Africa in a manner that leaves no one behind. Sahara Group as a foremost promoter of access to energy and sustainable environments is delighted to join other African and global stakeholders to help shape a sustainable future for upstream business in Africa, she said.
According to her, a “responsible and cleaner” production and consumption of energy in Africa holds the key to unlocking economic prosperity on the continent. “We are increasingly witnessing a paradigm shift in oil and gas policies and operations in Africa, and this is commendable. How and when Africa achieves energy transition remains a huge talking point for the world at large and we need to keep the conversation going at AOW and other platforms. We envision that desired future at Sahara Group, and we are already aligning our operations, investments and partnerships in this regard,” she added.
Scheduled to speak on “Diversity and Inclusion”, Adedoyin-Adeyinka will be joined by Henry Menkiti, Chief Operating Officer, Asharami Energy (a Sahara Group Upstream Company), Nicolas Mignot, Chief Financial Officer, Sahara Energy Int’l Geneva, Kola Motajo, Vice President, Treasury, Sahara Energy Int’l Geneva, Andrew Laven, Chief Operating Officer, Sahara Energy Resources, Dubai, and Temitope Olagbami, Head, Corporate Finance, Sahara Group.
Menkiti, Mignot and Laven will speak on panels focused on Safeguarding and Strengthening African Upstream Portfolios through Technology & Innovation, setting the green agenda, and evolution of financing. “Bringing energy to life responsibly is a brand promise that propels our operations across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East and we remain committed to using the agency of thought leadership to promote global access to sustainable energy,” Adedoyin-Adeyinka stated.
Now at its 27th year, the AOW is a global platform that facilitates conversations, investments and thought leadership in Africa’s upstream sector, bringing together governments, national and international oil companies, independents, investors, and service providers.
The event will among other issues examine the role of diversity and inclusion within Africa’s energy transition, set the context for Africa’s energy transition, explore where the greatest impact be made within the hydrocarbon industry to address ESG goals and highlight how to promote traditional energy projects to green-minded investors and funds.
In the wake of a prolonged power crisis impacting Northern Nigeria, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu visited the Zawaciki 1MWp mini-grid project in Kano, underscoring the potential of decentralized renewable energy solutions to alleviate regional power shortages.
The project, operated by Bagaja Renewables, provides daytime electricity to the Gida Dubu community, offering a vital source of power as the region faces widespread blackouts.
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Sadiq Zakari, Managing Director of Bagaja Renewables, welcomed the Minister to the facility and highlighted the critical timing of the visit.
“Bagaja Renewables had the distinct honor of welcoming the Honorable Minister of Power to the Zawaciki 1MWp interconnected mini-grid,” Zakari said.
“This visit comes at a critical time, as Northern Nigeria endures a prolonged blackout, underscoring the urgent need for alternative power solutions.
The Zawaciki mini-grid has been instrumental during this crisis, providing at least 9 hours of daytime electricity to the Gida Dubu community, demonstrating the potential of renewable energy in addressing the region’s energy needs.”
Minister Adelabu praised the Zawaciki project as a model for interconnected mini-grids nationwide, noting its role as a sustainable solution for communities grappling with unreliable power supply.
“The Honorable Minister expressed admiration for the Zawaciki project, recognizing it as a viable proof of concept for interconnected mini-grids across Nigeria,” Zakari stated.
“He emphasized the importance of such initiatives and called on state governors and other key stakeholders to support efforts to decentralize and strengthen the nation’s power infrastructure.
By backing projects like Zawaciki, stakeholders can play an instrumental role in reducing reliance on the national grid and ensuring a more stable power supply for local communities.”
Zakari underscored the transformative potential of private-sector renewable energy projects in Nigeria’s power landscape.
He said, “As we have witnessed here at Zawaciki, private-sector-driven renewable energy solutions can transform Nigeria’s energy landscape. With the right policies and support, we can empower communities and enhance energy resilience, even in times of national power instability.”
In addition to the Zawaciki project, Bagaja Renewables is developing several renewable energy initiatives across Northern Nigeria. Among these are:
Barhim Estate, Katsina: A residential power initiative aimed at expanding energy access for households in the region.
Kura-Karfi Commercial Cluster, Kano: Focused on delivering clean and reliable power to commercial areas, this project aims to support local businesses and stimulate economic growth.
Kafin Hausa, Jigawa: With site fencing completed, Bagaja Renewables is preparing to begin technical design and engineering work for a mini-grid in Kafin Hausa, slated to start construction soon.
Zakari said, “These projects represent Bagaja Renewables’ unwavering commitment to building a resilient, decentralized, and renewable-powered energy future across Northern Nigeria.
“Bagaja Renewables is dedicated to collaborating with the government and stakeholders to scale up renewable energy solutions that will support communities, industries, and essential services.
“We believe that decentralized power generation is the future for Nigeria, and we are eager to contribute to a sustainable, reliable, and inclusive energy system for all.” he added
Power has been restored across Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, and Benue States, bringing relief to residents who endured a 10-day blackout.
The Jos Electricity Distribution Company confirmed that electricity was reinstated around 7:20 p.m. on Wednesday, prompting celebrations in Jos, the Plateau State capital, and other affected areas.
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The prolonged outage was caused by the tripping of a major 330kV transmission line between Benue and Enugu states, leaving several northern states without power.
The blackout severely impacted daily life and economic activities, with residents expressing frustration over the disruption to businesses, healthcare services, and personal livelihoods.
In response, President Bola Tinubu took swift action, summoning Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to address the crisis.
Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga disclosed on Monday that President Tinubu directed the Ministry of Power and relevant agencies to expedite restoration efforts.
“President Tinubu is deeply concerned about the reports of vandalism and deliberate destruction of essential power infrastructure,” Onanuga said in a statement.
“The President has tasked TCN engineers with bringing immediate relief to the affected states and implementing a long-term solution to prevent future outages.”
The Federal Government of Nigeria Power Company (FGN Power Company) has announced significant progress in the pilot phase of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), which is set to revolutionize the nation’s electricity transmission landscape.
The initiative, in partnership with Siemens, aims to enhance the country’s power infrastructure through the deployment of advanced technology and equipment.
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Kenny Anuwe, the Managing Director and CEO of FGN Power Company, revealed that the installation and commissioning of eight power transformers across key locations are now complete.
The transformers have been successfully deployed in Ajah, Maryland, Apo, Okene, Ihovbor, Amukpe, Potiskum, and Birnin Kebbi, resulting in a notable increase in the transmission wheeling capacity by 569.6 megawatts (MW).
In addition to the transformers, three mobile substations are operational in Ajah, Jebba, and Kawnar Dangora, further boosting the transmission capacity by an additional 151.2 MW.
Anuwe emphasized that these enhancements are pivotal in addressing the energy needs of the country and supporting economic growth.
Looking ahead, Anuwe stated that the transmission network will be augmented by an impressive 720.8 MW, with plans to commission the remaining equipment to deliver at least another 500 MW by the end of 2024.
This strategic initiative is expected to significantly improve power distribution and reliability, marking a transformative step towards a more robust energy sector in Nigeria.
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