South Sudan was among the African countries that discussed the role of oil and gas in transitioning the energy sector to efficiency at the African Energy Week summit held in South Africa.

The event, which was organised by African Energy Week [AEW], hosted all the ministers of the oil and gas sector [petroleum] from the African continent.

South Sudan‘s Minister of Petroleum, Puot Kang Chol, is representing the country at the summit.

The other ministers include Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua (Minister of Hydrocarbons of the Congo), Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima (Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, of Equatorial Guinea), Tom Alweendo (Minister of Mines and Energy of  Namibia), Mahamane Sani Mahamadou (Minister of Petroleum, Energy and Renewable Energies of Niger), Ernesto Max Elias Tonela (Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy of Mozambique),  Diamantino Azevedo (Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas of  Angola),  Mohamed Aoun (Minister of Oil and Gas of Libya), Dr Mohammed Amin Adam ( Deputy Minister of Energy, Ghana) as well as Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari, Group Managing Director & CEO of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

Speaking during the event on Monday, South Sudan’s Minister of Petroleum, Puot Kang Chol, said that South Sudan is not against renewable energy, but the drive should be inclusive and equitable and all the African Ministers should sit down and agree. 

He said South Sudan’s budget depends on oil by 98 per cent. That needs a country like South Sudan to transition carefully when embracing alternative energy means.

‘‘But if the basic reason is that it affects human life, those of us that cannot produce what we have will suffer, making it even more important that it is a process and is inclusive,” he said.

 He said South Sudan held its first oil license block featuring five open blocks in June 2021, when the ministry invited investors to present and explore.

 ‘‘I am promoting it and inviting people to bid. Of the two blocks that we have offered, they have been offered to Africans,” stated Chol.

Some of the ministers emphasised during the event that the western countries- imposed energy transition will pose significant challenges for Africa’s development. They noted that, accordingly, ‘‘the continent is urged to develop its strategies to reduce emissions – establishing innovative financing solutions to drive exploration and production’’.

They said, “Africa has been described as the last oil and gas frontier in the world. Many countries have discovered hydrocarbons showing great potential for our economies. There is no doubt that the energy transition will be disruptive to the economies of Africa and the producers of oil. The effects of the transition range from revenue losses to underinvestment in hydrocarbons.

Meanwhile, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) announced the winners of the first annual African Energy Awards 2021.

The awards celebrate Africa’s energy industry pioneers, promoting the accomplishments made by African energy professionals and companies. Announced during the Award Ceremony on Tuesday organised by Energy Capital & Power, the winners will continue to pave the way for a new generation of industry leaders and advocates focused on making energy poverty history by 2030. 

The award winners of the lifetime achievement awards included former United States Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources, Frank Fannon, Secretary-General, Gas Exporting Countries Forum, Yuri Sentyurin, and Chief Timipre Sylva.

“They have been awarded for their courageous steps taken to promote the wellbeing of African citizens and improve the functioning and profitability of the energy and hydrocarbons markets,’’ the AEW said in a statement.

More awards

The National Oil Company of the Year Award went to Sonangol for it continued role in reducing poverty while ensuring pro-business investment environments, energy security, and leadership within the hydrocarbons sector.

 ‘‘This award serves to honour the NOC that has undertaken enormous strides to electrify their region through innovative operational and revenue management strategies.”