Exploration

The new Trump regime might see increased US reach in Africa's oil and gas scene. (Image source: Energy Capital & Power)

As Donald Trump assumes US presidency, it is significant to evaluate how the development is going to impact US-Africa energy relations 

While Trump has mostly harped on advancing domestic energy production, his unabashed support for fossil fuels might influence Africa's oil and gas industry as US investors in the region benefit from his policies. 

Trump's previous administration saw several developments for Africa's oil and gas industry, including ExxonMobil's US$30bn Rovuma LNG development in Mozambique, Chevron's expansion in Angola’s deepwater Block 0, Kosmos Energy's discoveries offshore Senegal and Mauritania, resulting into the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project, and Marathon Oil's continued expansion in Equatorial Guinea through the multi-phase Gas Mega Hub. A significant part of these were made possible by initiatives such as Prosper Africa, which facilitated improved trade relations between the two nations. 

The new Trump regime might see increased US reach in Africa's oil and gas scene through financing mechanisms like EXIM Bank. The rising global pressure on Africa to embrace energy transition might ease as well under Trump's new energy policies. 

Preparation of the MOU-5 well pad has commenced on Guercif licence. (Image source: Predator Oil & Gas)

Jersey-based oil and gas company, Predator Oil & Gas Holdings Plc, is well on its way to begin drilling onshore Morocco around 25 February as civil engineering work to improve access roads and prepare the MOU-5 well pad has commenced on its Guercif licence at the MOU-5 drill site

This is part of the company's ambitous Guercif Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) project.

The CEO of Predator, Paul Griffiths, is hopeful that the Titanosaurus structure may be 'potentially transformational to the Company's already diversified asset base in a success case'. The potentially high-impact structure that it will be drilling lies right next to an existing gas infrastructure. Fiscally speaking, the company considers this a 'rare opportunity' given the dwindling gas storage reserves in Europe this winter and geopolitical concerns over security of gas supply.

Golden age for gas exploration

"Our hydrocarbon sector has seen a global resurgence of interest and activity outside of the UK and Europe over the past few months led by the United States, Norway, Middle East, Africa and Far East.

"We are potentially entering a 'golden age' for gas exploration and production to support: the energy transition by lowering CO2 emissions through replacing coal and oil; and to ameliorate energy price rises by increasing supply and security of access to gas at "crunch" times, when renewable energy cannot cope due to unattractive weather conditions.

"It is not often that macro geopolitical and economic factors align with a gas development strategy. We are currently in that cycle and ready to attempt to take advantage of it," said Griffiths. 

Predator takes gas production seriously as it considers development finance required for 'First Gas' from Morocco, besides aiming to supply CNG to the Moroccan industry. 

The course will delve into eight key topics. (Image source: Steinmuller Africa)

Steinmuller Africa has introduced a five-day online training course for industrial welders and engineers 

Starting from 10-14 March, the course will delve into eight key topics on the construction and maintenance of boilers. With an introduction to boilers, the course will touch upon process design, mechanical design, piping design, boiler construction, boiler operation and plant availability, boiler maintenance and metallurgy.

Driving innovation

"This annual training course has been created to not only nurture emerging talent but also to elevate the expertise of welders across the industry. By utilising Steinmuller Africa’s proficiency in critical areas, the course pushes boundaries, ensuring welders stay ahead of the curve and remain fully compliant. By sharing our deep knowledge and hands-on experience, we aim to drive innovation and foster growth within the field, strengthening the industry as a whole,” said Moso Bolofo, director, Steinmuller Africa.

A Continuous Professional Development-accredited course that offers upto five CPD points, interested candidates can register by 31 January. 

Kapana 1-X exploration well located on Block 2813B under PEL 90. (Image source: Sintana Energy)

Chevron has reported to have not found commercial hydrocarbons from the Kapana 1-X exploration well located on Block 2813B under Petroleum Exploration License 90 (PEL 90)

This comes after Shell's write down on PEL39. 

Operated by Chevron-subsidiary Harmattan Energy Limited, PEL 90 also includes Custos Energy-subsidiary Trago Energy with a 10% interest. 

Valuable geologic insights

Chevron, however, has acknowledged the data acquired from exploration operations as hopeful in terms of future programme on PEL 90. “The geologic insights and improved confidence in the future programme on PEL 90 from these operations provides strong support for continued progress and value in our portfolio in Namibia’s Orange Basin,” said Knowledge Katti, chairman and CEO of Custos. 

“We look forward to the many opportunities ahead to further unveil the quality of our unmatched position in the heart of the Orange Basin including the future activity on PEL 90 and the ongoing activity on PEL 83”. added Robert Bose, CEO of Sintana Energy, which enjoys a 49% indirect interest in Custos Energy.

The Mopane 1X well testing operations on PEL83 showed significant oil columns containing light oil in high-quality reservoir sands at two different levels: AVO-1 and AVO-2.