Exploration

McDermott, Saipem, and China Petroleum Engineering win FEED contract for Mozambique’s Rovuma LNG project, advancing energy and economic growth in Africa. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

McDermott, in consortium with Saipem and China Petroleum Engineering and Construction Corporation, has been awarded the front-end engineering design (FEED) contract for the Rovuma LNG Phase 1 Project in Mozambique

The joint venture is between ExxonMobil Development Africa B.V., Eni S.p.A., and CNODC Dutch Cooperatief U.A.

The Rovuma LNG Phase 1 project marks a significant milestone for Mozambique, providing a considerable opportunity for economic growth. The project involves the liquefaction and export of natural gas from the Offshore Area 4 fields located off the Afungi Peninsula in Mozambique.

“LNG helps shape an entirely new era of energy solutions and McDermott plays a significant role in this global shift with more than 60 years of LNG experience,” said Rob Shaul, senior vice-president of McDermott's Low Carbon Solutions business. “McDermott is well established in Mozambique and can apply this knowledge and experience to continue the country's industrial, social and economic development.”

The FEED contract’s scope includes the modular design of a greenfield LNG production facility in Afungi, along with all related gas pre-treatment units, utilities, and offsite systems needed to support LNG production. The facility will have a total production capacity of 18 million tons per annum (MTPA). The contract also covers the engineering, procurement, and construction proposal.

The past year has been highly productive for Tlou. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Tlou Energy Limited has announced the company's annual report and consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2024

The transmission line connecting Tlou's Lesedi project directly to both Botswana's power grid and the Southern African Power Pool is effectively complete.

Connection to Serowe substation achieved - Tlou's power project is no longer isolated from primary Botswana electricity market.

The Lesedi substation is about 75% complete and due for completion later this year.

Lesedi production wells continue to produce gas with a focus now on stabilising surging gas flows.

Advanced discussions are being held with a Tier 1 generator supplier.

Additional drilling has been planned to provide sufficient gas for the first megawatt of power.

The power station is anticipated to be commissioned in 2025.

The Company is waiting on the funding to complete grid connection, drill additional wells and commence sale of electricity.

Tlou's managing director, Tony Gilby said, "The past year has been highly productive. We focused on development of the upstream process including substations, transmission line and generation, bringing us closer to our target of grid connection.

"The coming months we will refocus on downstream production, including drilling and dewatering wells aimed at providing sustained gas flow rates ahead of first power generation. Selling electricity into the grid can serve as a catalyst for significant near-term growth, unlocking the potential for further development and expansion.

"I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who has contributed to our progress, and especially to our shareholders, whose support has been instrumental in reaching this stage."

The programme aims to bridge the gap between diesel and alternative fuel. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Fleet Advantage has launched at the IAA Transportation 24 Conference its 'EV Path' programme designed to support heavy duty fleet organisations in their transition to electric vehicle (EV) and alternative fuel trucks

Developed to provide a practical solution, the new programme will match the monthly lease payment on the lease of the electric truck, to that of a diesel truck, which represents a more digestible investment level for the fleet. This could represent savings to the fleet of up to US$3,000.00 per truck, per month, in addition to off-loading the bulk of the equipment’s residual risk. 

Fleet Advantage is also planning a rollout later this year of an extension of its fleet services offerings where they will introduce additional consultative services to help fleet clients with a suite of solutions to maximise the acquisition, utilisation, maintenance, and surrender of EV and alternative fuel truck leases.

In an industry benchmark survey conducted in February 2023, 65% of respondents said they were most interested in electric trucks, while 15% cited hydrogen and 25% CNG. 45% of the respondents also noted that the time frame to deploy alternative fuel trucks would be 5-10 years. This past year in a follow up survey it was noted that those numbers were shifting, with 33.3% indicating EV over the next 5-7 years (29.6% saying another 10 years), and 38.5% indicating hydrogen. This timetable for electric truck adoption continues to change, as three years ago the majority (54%) said they didn’t plan to deploy electric trucks for 5-10 years. Also interesting is that the most recent survey shows that roughly 25% of fleets still do not see the value in adopting electric nor hydrogen trucks, respectively. All of this change reinforces the fact that fleets have unique timelines in how they wish to bridge over to alternative fuels.

Empowering fleets for smooth transition

“Adopting electric trucks is not just an environmental mandate but also a significant financial commitment,” said Brian Holland, president and CEO of Fleet Advantage. “Our innovative EV Path programme is yet another pioneering initiative developed by our team, designed to bridge the gap between traditional diesel fuel vehicles and the future of alternative fuel-powered transportation. By offering flexible financing solutions with practicality in mind and fleet services support, we aim to empower fleets to make the transition smoothly and effectively.”

Anchois-3ST has been drilled to a total measured depth of 3,045 m. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Africa-focused transitional energy group, Chariot Limited, has announced preliminary results from the Anchois-3 well drilling campaign at the Anchois gas project in the Lixus Offshore licence offshore Morocco

The Anchois-3 Main Hole (Anchois-3ST) has been safely and efficiently drilled to a total measured depth of 3,045 m by the Stena Forth drillship in 349m of water.

Preliminary interpretation indicates multiple good quality gas bearing reservoirs were found in the B sand appraisal interval as anticipated, but the associated gas pays are now interpreted to be lower than the pre-drill geological model. Other target reservoirs beneath the B sands were also encountered but were water wet. The appraisal target reservoirs of the C and M sand were drilled deeper than the gas bearing sands in the Anchois-2 well and into the water-leg at this down-dip location.

The Anchois North Flank exploration prospect was found to have well-developed O sand reservoirs, with associated gas shows, but also water wet. The Main Hole has now been plugged and abandoned, without flow testing, and the drillship is being demobilised. Further detailed work by the partnership will be done to define the next steps for the project.

Adonis Pouroulis, CEO of Chariot, said, “The Anchois East drilling campaign has evaluated all of the pre-drill reservoir targets, however results have not delivered as anticipated or in line with the excellent results of the previously drilled Anchois 2 well. The primary exploration objectives were unsuccessful however, we did demonstrate the extension of gas bearing reservoirs in the main appraisal B sands albeit with thinner columns than estimated and data acquired from the other reservoirs will be useful for our understanding of the field. We will now work with our joint venture partners to determine the forward plan.”

Energean enjoys 45% share in the Lixus offshore licence as operator, while Chariot holds 30% and ONHYM 25%.