Masangane has more than 15 years of experience in the energy sector. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

In a bid to advance the development of Block 11B/12B in the Outeniqua basin offshore South Africa, Africa Energy Corp has hired Phindile Masangane as head of strategy and business development

Masangane will also join the Company's Board of Directors. 

Robert Nicolella, Africa Energy's chief executive officer, said, "We are pleased to have Phindile join our leadership group. She brings a significant amount of experience in the energy sector to our team. She will be instrumental in assisting Africa Energy as we work to move Block 11B/12B to the development phase and bring our world class gas and condensate discoveries to market. Her vast experience in energy infrastructure development, policy and regulation, along with project finance expertise, will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the Company."

Natural gas exploration

Africa Energy is especially looking to explore natural gas presence from Block 11B/12B, in alignment with expert prediction that the region hosts 20% of global LNG capacity. With such marked potential, the company can use Masangane's extensive experience to develop the energy infrastructure of the region. 

Masangane has more than 15 years of executive management experience in the energy sector. She has previously served as the chief executive officer of the Petroleum Agency of South Africa, where she engaged with different stakeholders including government and non-governmental organisations advocating for the sustainable development of South Africa's indigenous oil and gas resources in support of energy security and economic development.

Masangane has been a partner of KPMG LLP and most recently part of the leadership team at Sasol South Africa (Pty) Ltd. She has a PhD in Chemistry from Imperial College, an MBA from University of the Witwatersrand and a Bachelor of Science (Chemistry & Mathematics) from University of Eswatini.

Laboratory studies will be conducted on fluid samples collected during the test. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The Capricornus 1-X exploration well from Block 2914A that falls under petroleum exploration license (PEL85) in the Orange Basin, offshore Namibia has revealed good petrophysical properties 

The drilling for which the Noble Venturer drillship was used revealed no water contact as hydrocarbon samples and sidewell cores were collected through intensive wireline logging operations. 

Besides 38m of net pay, the well also put to a production test across the light oil-bearing reservoir. The well achieved a surface-constrained flow rate in excess of 11,000 stb/d on a 40/64” choke. The light ~37° API oil exhibited limited associated gas with less than 2% CO2 and no hydrogen sulphide.

Laboratory studies will be conducted on fluid samples collected during the test.

Azule Energy holds a 42.5% stake in the block, alongside co-venturers Rhino Resources (Operator, 42.5%), NAMCOR (10%), and Korres Investments (5%).

The well will now be temporarily plugged and abandoned, and the rig will be released.

Adriano Mongini, Chief Executive Officer of Azule Energy, said, “A successful exploration outcome such as this represents another significant step in Azule Energy’s exploration strategy. It underscores our commitment to unlocking the region’s energy potential while delivering value for all stakeholders. This achievement aligns with other key milestones, including the completion of the Agogo Integrated West Hub development and the landmark New Gas Consortium – Angola’s first nonassociated gas project.”

The partners are now focusing on a comprehensive analysis of the well results. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The Marula-1X drilling operation on Block 2913B (PEL 56) offshore Namibia has been drilled to a total depth of 6,460 m (measured depth)

While the Albian aged sandstones within the Marula fan complex was targetted during the drilling campaign, there were no hydrocarbons found, eliminating the need for a drill stem test. 

This, however, is the same block that housed the site confirming the Venus light oil discovery. The drilling took place approximately 47 km south of the Venus-1X well for which the Deepsea Mira semi-submersible drilling rig was deployed. 

Exploring geological plays

The partners are now focusing on a comprehensive analysis of the well results.

Impact has a 9.5% interest in Blocks 2912 and 2913B in Namibia’s Orange Basin. Africa Oil through its 39.5% interest in Impact, has an effective interest of approximately 3.8% in these blocks. 

Africa Oil President and CEO, Roger Tucker, said, "The farm down agreement between Impact and TotalEnergies that completed last year, provides full carry of Impact’s exploration and development costs on Blocks 2912 and 2913B through to first commercial production from these blocks. This presents us with an attractive opportunity set to test different geological plays on these blocks at no upfront cost."

Scatec is targetting to reach financial close over the next 12 months. (Image source: Scatec ASA)

Renewable energy solutions provider, Scatec ASA, has signed a 25-year US$-denominated corporate power purchase agreement (PPA) with Egypt Aluminium for a 1.1 GW Solar PV + 100 MW/200MWh BESS project in Egypt backed by a sovereign guarantee.

Egypt Aluminium exports approximately 60% of its production to Europe. This solar PV + BESS project will be instrumental for Egypt Aluminium’s ambition to decarbonise its aluminium production, and to meet EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) requirements which will be introduced in 2026.

The key next steps for the project are to work with the relevant authorities to allocate land, finalise grid connection and secure financing, and Scatec targets to reach financial close and start construction within the next 12 months.

“This is another testament to Scatec’s position as one of the leading renewables companies in Egypt. It is a groundbreaking project as it is the first utility scale PPA in the country with an industrial offtaker. I would like to thank all parties involved for making this happen, especially our partners at Egypt Aluminium. Further, our team has shown great persistence and creativity in securing this agreement and bringing new solutions to the market,” said Scatec CEO Terje Pilskog.

The estimated total capital expenditure for the solar PV + BESS project is approximately USD 650 million which will be funded by approximately 80% non-recourse project debt, and the remainder by equity from Scatec and partners. Scatec owns 100% of the project but is targeting to reduce its long-term economic interest by inviting additional equity partners. Scatec will be the designated EPC service provider, with an EPC share of approximately 90% of total capex, as well as asset manager (AM) and operations and maintenance (O&M) service provider.