There is an emerging consensus that Uganda Could be on the right course with all environmental laws in place. Balancing energy security and sustainable solutions in the oil and gas industry will be key to a win-win situation.
The oil and gas explorer wrote to the Minister of Energy at the end of last month asking for a license to construct the Tilenga Liquefied Petroleum Gas Facility. According to the documents, TotalEnergies Uganda E&P (TEPU) which is part of the French super-major TotalEnergies plans to produce 80,000 tons of Liquefied Petroleum Gas per year.
The Petroleum Authority said it is satisfied that the agreed procedures, when implemented, will ensure the safety and well-being of all during the oil and gas operations.
Amina Bukenya, the Manager Media and Publicity at CNOOC Uganda Limited did confirm that there was an accident on site but she declined to give further details when contacted on the phone.
Edward Sennoga, Second Lead Economist for the AfDB’s East African office said there is an opportunity for Uganda to earn from its newly found oil but time was running out.
Reports from environmental activists and denials from the government and Oil companies puzzle Ugandans and the international community on who to believe.
Alex Nyombi, the Director of Development and Production at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda said both rigs have noise-suppressing technology and are fully automated and environmentally friendly.
The money that will be used to construct a construction of a classroom and staff houses to ensure that the learners have access to a conducive learning environment.
The report suggests exploring alternative applications of oil, such as its use in the production of fertilizers and petrochemicals, as a means of mitigating the impact of diminishing demand for transportation fuels.
According to sources within the Authority, the purpose of Rubondo's visit to the Tilenga project is to assess their readiness as TotalEnergies plans to commence drilling operations at the Jobi-Rii field.
Africa currently exports 70% of its crude oil and 45% of its gas. Global energy statistics indicate that Africa’s people have the least access to energy.
The construction of the pipeline is expected to cost between $ 4.2-$5 billion. So according to Kamuntu, the project is likely to take off when the financing is secured.
From delivering a Final Investment Decision, the commencement of field development, and the arrival of the rigs, there is hope that Tilenga and Kingfisher Developments in the Albertine will deliver first oil in 2025.
According to Mathew Kyaligonza, the National Content Manager at CNOOC, they sought applications from drivers across districts in the Albertine region, a process which was undertaken in partnership with the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom that supported the identification and selection of trainees.
Different engineering firms and their subcontractors have descended on Buhuka in Kikube and Buliisa districts. While there is an impression that many firms are shunning the project over environmental concerns, a number of foreign firms have taken up jobs in the oil fields.
According to the sale agreement with Totalenergies, Tullow was to receive a further USD 75 million when a Final Investment Decision is taken on the development project.
Director Petroleum Exploration Development and Production Department, Honey Malinga says the grant of exploration licenses is expected to take place at the end of this year.
The transaction is conditional upon the approval of the company’s shareholders who will meet on July 15. The process of approval according to the rules, requires a simple majority shareholding approval. They are expected to vote and approve the deal before the sale can be concluded in Uganda.