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Commission urges energy performance standard upgrade to boost efficiency in cooling sector

Michael Simire
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Commission urges energy performance standard upgrade to boost efficiency in cooling sector

The director-general of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, has called on stakeholders to upgrade the Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS) to boost energy efficiency in the cooling sector for enhanced value.

Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN)
The director-general, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi (sixth from right), flanked by other stakeholders during the workshop in Abuja

He made this statement at the one-day stakeholders workshop presenting the proposed Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for air conditioners in Nigeria, organised by the Energy Commission of Nigeria, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and others.

The objective is to expedite the adoption of energy-efficient air conditioners with environmentally friendly refrigerants used in residential, commercial and public buildings, aligning with Nigeria’s climate targets in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).

MEPS aims to curb energy emissions in the cooling system and enhance the efficiency of our cooling systems.

Abdullahi recalled that the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), initiated the project – Scaling Up Energy-Efficient and Climate-Friendly Cooling in Nigeria’s NDC Revision in February 2022. The project is financially supported by the Clean Cooling Collaborative.

He emphasised that Nigeria is the largest market in Africa, which extends to the cooling sector and will continue to witness a surge in demand for air conditioners.

“With the current population growth, coupled with improving lifestyles, urbanisation and escalating global warming, Nigeria will remain a rapidly expanding market for air conditioners (ACs) and other cooling devices,” he stated.

Abdullahi pointed out that most ACs used in the country fall below internationally acceptable minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) in terms of energy efficiency ratio (EER). Hence, the significance of this Workshop on the proposed MEPS cannot be overstated. One crucial project component is the enhancement of minimum energy performance.

He stressed that the goal of this project is to review the MEPS of air conditioners. To achieve this goal, ECN, with technical support from UNEP and in coordination with the National Technical Committee, conducted a study titled “Nigeria Air Conditioners Market Assessment”.

“The assessment involved gathering essential technical and market data, including energy efficiency levels, cooling capacities, air conditioner types, prices, market size and key market players in the Nigerian market.

“The study aimed to empower policymakers and regulators to make informed decisions for updating the MEPS and energy label policies to deliver cost-effective energy savings. The study results formed the basis for outlining new proposed standards for air conditioners in Nigeria.

“The study results informed the development of the ‘Recommendation MEPS and labels for air conditioners in Nigeria’ under the project,” he emphasised.

He mentioned that the revised National Energy Policy and its implementation master plan, containing energy efficiency policies approved by the Federal Executive Council on April 27, 2022, was officially gazetted and launched on May 8, 2024, by the commission.

The National Cooling Action Plan (N-CAP), developed by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Environment, recognises the importance of promoting energy efficiency in the cooling sector.

He assured that the commission would ensure that the Standards Organisation of Nigeria sets standards according to our MEPS and ensures that the cost of products entering the market is reduced.

In his speech, the acting director of linkages, research and consultancy department, Energy Commission of Nigeria, as well as the project director, Mr. Samaila Zaku, emphasised that the stakeholders’ workshop is a step towards sustainable development and aligning with Nigeria’s climate goals outlined in the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

He revealed that the commission is embarking on an initiative to expand energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cooling solutions nationwide.

According to Zaku, today’s discussions will primarily focus on the proposed recommendations derived from a study on the market assessment of air conditioners.

This study provided insights for updating the minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and energy label policies in the cooling sector. The objectives of today’s meeting are to review the draft of the proposed MEPS and seek input and support for the upgraded standards.

The head of electrical electronics at SON, Lawal Ismilia, assured that SON would strive to enhance the efficiency of air conditioners in Nigeria and review the standards so that air conditioners consume less energy for effective cooling.

He stated, “SON will ensure that air conditioners use less energy for cooling because they currently consume excessive energy. We cannot afford to waste energy; we need to manage it effectively.”

He urged stakeholders to review these standards to meet international expectations and ensure efficient energy utilisation for industrialisation.

Enugu devising environmental law, climate change policy

Michael Simire
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Enugu devising environmental law, climate change policy

The Enugu State Government has established an environmental law to back up its activities and prevent environmental degradation in the state.

Peter Mbah
Gov Peter Mbah of Enugu State

Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Samuel Ugwu, who disclosed this in an interview on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Enugu, the state capital, said that establishing the environmental law was one of the cardinal things Gov. Peter Mbah had achieved through the ministry as the law was to back up its activities legally.

He explained that there was no law backing the ministry for its operations since it was created some years ago.

“We now have a law passed by the Enugu State House of Assembly waiting for the governor’s assent,” he said.

He said that the ministry had also developed policy on climate change to checkmate and reduce socio-economic impacts of its adverse effects in the state.

“We have developed policy on climate change which is a guideline of activities that can be carried out within the climate change context.

“It has to do with the changes in the weather, atmosphere, how it affects the ecosystem in which we live; the climate also affects the lives of people, health, agriculture and economy.

“The effect is more on agriculture, the water we drink and the losses we incur where there is adverse effect of this climate change,” he said.

The commissioner noted with dismay that Nigerians were not aware of climate change, hence the need for intensive awareness to cushion its effect on the society.

On illegal mining in the state, Ugwu said that the Gov. Mbah’s administration had curtailed the activities of miners by embarking on ceilings of over 20 illegal spots in the state.

He said that the illegal mining activities which were in various production stages were done without any cost to and consent of the state government.

According to the commissioner, the entire state has started experiencing clean environment following the effective supervision by the ministry.

Ugwu said that the Enugu State Waste Management Agency (ESWAMA) was working effectively with the constant removal of waste on a daily basis.

“We have sweepers, who come out early morning from Monday to Saturday, to make sure the streets are kept clean always,” he added.

He said that his ministry also checkmated the activities that caused erosion and tree felling in the state.

“The officers of the environmental health unit in the ministry also go out intermittently to supervise supermarkets, shops and pharmacies to identify expired edibles,” he explained.

The commissioner, however, advised the people of the state to change their attitude towards the environment and joined the present administration of Gov Mbah in the protection of the ecosystem.

By Maureen Ojinaka

Gombe pays N1bn counterpart fund – ACReSAL coordinator

Michael Simire
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Gombe pays N1bn counterpart fund – ACReSAL coordinator

The Gombe State Government has paid N1 billion as marching grant to the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project.

Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya
Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State

The ACReSAL Project Coordinator in the state, Mr Sani Jauro, stated this at the 2024 Tree Planting campaign on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Gombe, the state capital.

The event was attended by the wives of the northern governors, who also planted trees at the Government Girls Mega College, Doma in Gombe.

Jauro said the state government has been proactive in the implementation of the six-year project, adding that it has clinched the index of the best implementing state in the country.

He said that governor Inuwa Yahaya has exhibited political will to restore degraded lands, protect the environment and combat climate change through massive tree planting campaign.

The coordinator said the programme recorded impressive successes through execution of viable projects aimed at addressing environmental challenges since inception in the last 18 months.

“In Gombe, we have been counting a lot of successes courtesy of the support of governor Yahaya, who has really shown commitment.

“We have in the one year under review been tagged as the best state in terms of performance in the implementation of ACReSAL, and this is because of the governor’s effort and support.

“We have received from him, nearly N1 billion in the name of counterpart funding to the project.

“That is why the World Bank included his name as part of the governors that are supporting the project,” he said.

Jauro commended the wives of the northern governors for their support to the project through tree planting and awareness creation on tree planting to mitigate climate change.

In her remarks, Hajiya Asma’u Yahaya, wife of the Gombe state governor, said the time to act to reverse the impact of climate change is now.

Yahaya, who is the Chairperson of the Northern Governors’ Wives Forum, described tree planting as a potent measure to protect the environment, combat climate change and contribute to food security through produce such as fruits and plant-related foods.

“Trees help control erosion by reducing urban run-off, storing water and breaking the force of rain as it falls which reduce the risk of over saturation and flooding.

“More importantly, trees help combat climate change, purifies the air and enhance biodiversity as they become a food source and natural habitats for wildlife.

“In Gombe State, the administration of governor Yahaya has in the last four years, planted over three million trees across the state under the Gombe Goes Green (3G) project,” she said.

She urged her colleagues to take tree planting campaign to their states to contribute towards the restoration of one million hectares of degraded lands in the region under the ACReSAL project.

ACReSAL is a World Bank assisted project designed to address challenges of land degradation and climate change in northern Nigeria on a multi-dimensional scale.

By Peter Uwumarogie

Climate change increasingly poses health threat – EU agency

Michael Simire
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Climate change increasingly poses health threat – EU agency

Climate change is exacerbating floods and droughts and reducing water quality, posing an increasing threat to people’s health.

Flooding in Russia
Flooding in Russia

This is according to a report published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

The Copenhagen-based EU agency called for swift action and better coordination between governments and authorities to limit or avoid health risks.

According to the report, one in eight Europeans already live in areas that are potentially susceptible to river flooding.

Elderly people, children, people in poor health, lower-income groups, farmers, and rescue workers are the most affected by floods, droughts, forest fires, or waterborne diseases and pathogens, according to the report.

Minamata Convention, UNSSC launch ‘Minamata Tools’ online learning platform

Michael Simire
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0
Minamata Convention, UNSSC launch ‘Minamata Tools’ online learning platform

The Secretariat of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, in collaboration with the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) and with financial support from the European Union, has launched “Minamata Tools”, a set of interactive training modules designed to explain the Convention and assist in the fight against mercury pollution.

Monika Stankiewicz
Executive Secretary of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, Monika Stankiewicz

The online learning platform aims to support Parties in meeting their obligations under the Convention. Minamata Tools is targeted primarily at national focal points of the Convention, who are designated by Parties for the exchange of information, but it also offers accessible information and knowledge for both entry-level and experienced officials.

Executive Secretary, Monika Stankiewicz, stated: “Minamata Tools will help us enhance the training and information surrounding our fight against toxic mercury, a crucial element for the effective implementation of the Convention. This online learning platform aims to further empower national focal points and other officials while also providing key resources to partners everywhere. A cornerstone of our Secretariat’s mandate, we firmly believe that, by providing accessible capacity-building, we are building solid foundations for a healthier, safer planet for all.”

The platform currently offers four modules, which are listed to include:

  • Introduction: exploring the Convention’s purpose, the important role of national focal points, the different reporting obligations, and how to better plan for preparing the National Reports.
  • Supply sources and trade: covering the provisions related to responsible practices in managing mercury mining, stocks and trade in mercury.
  • Products and processes: addressing the phase-out of mercury manufacture, import and export in consumer and industrial products, as well as the use of mercury in manufacturing processes.
  • Emissions: focusing on the provisions and guidance related to controlling and mitigating emissions of mercury and mercury compounds into the atmosphere.

The modules offered through Minamata Tools are available for free and provide a certification upon completion. The online platform is currently in English, with plans for translation into French and Spanish in a near future.

National focal points, officials and other stakeholders are encouraged to enroll here.

Tinubu lauds NNPC as govt reiterates commitment to utilise gas for economic growth

Michael Simire
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Tinubu lauds NNPC as govt reiterates commitment to utilise gas for economic growth

In line with its renewed hope agenda, the Federal Government has reiterated its determination to utilise Nigeria’s abundant gas resources towards revamping the nation’s industrial growth and kickstarting its economic prosperity.

NNPC
Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekumaro, cuts the tape to mark the Presidential commissioning of the ANOH Gas Processing Plant, one of the three critical gas projects delivered by NNPC and its partners, in Assa Community, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State. Supporting the Deputy Governor is the GCEO NNPC, Malam Mele Kyari (2nd from right), and Chairman, Seplat Nigeria, Sen. Udo Udoma

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu disclosed this while commissioning three critical gas infrastructure projects executed by NNPC Limited and its partners in Ohaji-Egbema, in Imo State and Kwale, in Delta State, on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

The three projects commissioned include the expansion of the AHL Gas Processing Plant, the ANOH Gas Processing Plant and the 23.3km ANOH to Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Custody Transfer Metering Station Gas Pipeline Projects.

“It is pleasing that approximately, 500MMscf of gas in aggregate would be supplied to the domestic market from these two Gas Processing Plants, which represents over 25% incremental growth in gas supply. In practical terms, this translates into more gas to the Power Sector, Gas-Based Industries, and other critical segments of the economy,” the President added.

The President said from the onset, his administration was clear of its intention to leverage on the virtually unlimited capacity of gas to deepen domestic gas utilisation, increase national power generation capacity, revitalise industries, and create multiple job opportunities for economic growth.

He said aside the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative which is aimed at moving Nigerians away from petrol and diesel as vehicular combustion fuel, significant progress has also been recorded in incentivising gas development through Presidential Executive Orders.

While congratulating the projects partners NNPC Limited, Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) and Seplat Energy for the successful implementation of the three projects, Tinubu particularly charged the NNPC Limited to, as the national energy company of choice, sustain its relentless efforts and record more successes in the energy sector for the benefit of all Nigerians.

He described the commissioning as a highly significant milestone for Nigeria as it demonstrates his administration’s efforts to accelerate the development of critical gas infrastructure geared at enhancing the supply of energy to boost industrial growth and create employment opportunities.

He said the projects were fully in line with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas initiative, and his administration’s quest to grow value from the Nation’s abundant gas assets while concurrently eliminating gas flaring and accelerating industrialisation.

“I wish to assure the citizenry that these are just the beginning, as the federal government is stepping up its coordination of other landmark projects and initiatives that will ensure the earliest realisation of gas fueled prosperity in our country. Consequently, I wish to assure investors in the energy space that this is an investment enabling government and we will not relent in facilitating the ease of doing business,” the President noted.

Earlier in his address, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, highlighted the efforts of his ministry to continue to champion the utilisation of gas as a transition fuel as Nigeria moves towards achieving clean energy efficiency and security by 2060.

Ekpo commended the President for his leadership and support towards the success of the three projects.

In his remarks, the GCEO NNPC, Mele Kyari, described the commissioning as a demonstration of Mr. President’s commitment and support to grow the domestic utilisation of natural gas for power generation, as feedstock for gas-based industries and overall rapid industrialisation of Nigeria on the back of the enormous gas resources in the country.

Kyari assured that, as part of its mandate, NNPC Ltd remains committed to maintaining energy security by executing more strategic gas projects for the benefit of Nigeria.

Ex-minister, Ikeazor, emerges new EPI Leadership Council Chair

Michael Simire
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Ex-minister, Ikeazor, emerges new EPI Leadership Council Chair

The Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI), an alliance of 24 African countries with common policies on elephant conservation, has celebrated its 10th anniversary in Nairobi, Kenya, with the appointment of Nigeria’s former Minister of State for Environment, Sharon Ikeazor, as the chairperson of its Leadership Council.

EPI
At the 10th anniversary celebration, the EPI Foundation’s CEO John Scanlon, the incoming Chair, Sharon Ikeazor, with her predecessor, His Excellency, Dr Ian Khama, former President of Botswana, and EPI Trustee, Ian Craig

Speaking at the EPI’s celebration event, Ikeazor said: “It is an honour for me to be assuming this position. The EPI has made enormous strides as an African-led elephant conservation alliance, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to steer it towards further progress.”

The EPI’s Leadership Council is a group of eminent Africans, including a former president of Botswana, prime minister of Ethiopia, and first lady of Kenya, which gives advice and counsel to the EPI’s secretariat, known as the EPI Foundation.

In announcing her appointment, the CEO of the EPI Foundation, John Scanlon AO, said: “Sharon Ikeazor is respected across Africa and beyond as a passionate and politically adept environmentalist. We are thrilled she’s joining us to help the EPI realise its long-term ambition of securing the future of Africa’s elephants and improving the livelihoods of its people.”

The EPI was formed in 2014, with an initial membership of five African countries, and has since grown rapidly to 24 countries, including Nigeria. Today the majority of Africa’s elephants; of both the forest and savannah; species are in EPI countries.

Ikeazor added: “EPI countries have made great progress in restricting the illegal ivory trade and reducing elephant poaching. In our second decade, our big challenges are to reduce human-elephant conflict and raise adequate financing to protect elephant habitats. If we can do that, we will also mitigate the impact of climate change and conserve broader biodiversity.”

Explosion rocks Shell gas plant in Bayelsa

Michael Simire
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Explosion rocks Shell gas plant in Bayelsa

Multiple explosions were on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, reported at the gas processing plant operated by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) at Gbarain, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Gas explosion
A gas explosion

The gas plant feeds the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) export terminal in Bonny Island, Rivers State.

Speaking on Tuesday evening, a community source said the explosion occurred on a pipeline feeding the gas plant.

A resident, Jessie David, claimed the blast was traced to a pipeline attacked by suspected vandals which led to explosions and eruption of thick smoke and gaseous emission.

He explained that the operator of the plant was alerted, and the line was isolated, reducing the pressure.

Confirming the incident, SPDC spokesman, Michael Adande, noted that the incident occurred near the facility and that the cause was yet to be ascertained.

“We are actively monitoring reports of smoke detected near our Gbarain Central Processing Facility in Bayelsa State.

“While the source appears to be external to our facility, we are in close communication with regulatory authorities to investigate the incident and ensure the safety of the surrounding communities,” Adande said.

By Nathan Nwakamma

Presidency meeting on lithium a repeat of same mistakes of oil extraction – Groups

Michael Simire
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Presidency meeting on lithium a repeat of same mistakes of oil extraction – Groups

The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) and the Neighborhood Environment Watch (NEW) Foundation have expressed worry over the noticeable absence of community representatives at last Friday’s meeting of the Presidency and companies extracting and processing lithium in Nasarawa State.

Dele Alake
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake

The meeting which held in Abuja had in attendance Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, who was accompanied by Hi Yongwei, chairman of Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited, and Zhenhua Pei, chairman, Canmax Technologies as well as Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake.

At the meeting President Bola Tinubu hailed the inauguration of Nigeria’s largest lithium processing plant in Lafia, Nasarawa State, as a clear indication of the country’s attractiveness for foreign investment.

Avatar, a Chinese firm, built the lithium processing plant which produces about 4,000 metric tonnes daily in Nasarawa while Canmax Technologies, another Chinese firm responsible for over 30 percent of global battery material production, announced a new investment of $200 million for another lithium processing plant in the state.

In his remarks, President Tinubu urged the Chinese firms to prioritise environmental protection, community engagement, and corporate social responsibility initiatives as integral parts of their operations and asked them not to leave the community in ruins as they explore high-grade minerals.

But, in a reaction to the engagement, RDI and NEW frowned at the absence of representatives of host communities where mining is happening in the meeting, cautioning that the same approach heralded the resource control crisis in the Niger Delta where oil-bearing communities were never part of the decision-making processes on the exploration and extraction of their oil and gas resources.

RDI Executive Director, Philip Jakpor, said: “Here we go again. It is worrisome that such a high-level meeting with the Chinese miners did not have a single representative from the communities where lithium is now being mined. While we welcome the charge that the president gave to the miners to safeguard the environment, there is nothing to show that the companies involved are even engaging host communities in any of such discussions.”

Jakpor pointed out that locals in Uke district, one of the sites approved for lithium mining in Nasarawa State are already complaining that miners have started encroaching on community lands and polluting ground water.

NEW Foundation Executive Director, Kelechi Okezie, said: “We are very skeptical about the benefits that lithium will bring to the host communities. From Ebonyi to Enugu and other parts of the country where different solid minerals are mined, we see a pattern of non-engagement and ruination of the local environment while the miners rake in profits that our government cannot even account for.”

Okezie pointed out that Chinese firms in the extractives sector are not known to be accountable to host communities even as he stressed: “We expect to see communities that are better than the miners met it, not the master – slave relationship that is already being noticed in the mining fields and host communities.”

The two organisations said that the introduction of a condition that mining firms must put in place viable and sustainable remedial measures viable before their fresh applications for mining are approved, clear engagement policies with communities must also be in place.

“A situation where the discussions are top level and only between the government and the mining firms is unacceptable and will create the same crisis as is happening in oil-bearing communities. Obviously, the government has not learnt any lessons,” they insisted.

Environmental justice groups sound alarm over risks of South Africa’s offshore oil and gas project

Michael Simire
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0
Environmental justice groups sound alarm over risks of South Africa’s offshore oil and gas project

The Green Connection and Natural Justice on Friday, May 10, 2024, submitted comments on the revised Environmental Impact Assessment report (EIA) concerning the offshore oil and gas Exploration Right (ER) for Block 3B/4B. The comments were supported by Masifundise Development Trust.

Liziwe McDaid
Liziwe McDaid of Green Connection

Located off the West Coast, the project raises significant concerns regarding its potential risks and negative impacts to some of South Africa’s most precious marine ecosystems and the ripple-effect for coastal communities and their livelihoods. The eco-justice organisations also emphasise that this, and other such projects, are in direct contradiction with South Africa’s climate commitments, which should see a reduction in the reliance on carbon-emitting fossil fuels.

The Green Connection’s Liziwe McDaid stresses the catastrophic consequences of potential spills. She says, “The impact of spills, even minor ones, could devastate affected marine ecosystems, endangering fish species, which underpin local fisher livelihoods. And there is always a threat of a spill, no matter how these may be downplayed, which could jeopardise the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Our submission outlines various scenarios of oil spills, ranging from minor to severe. Each scenario poses significant potential impacts on fisher livelihoods, which can include job losses, market disruptions, and economic hardships for communities reliant on seafood trade.”

The revised EIA report – compiled by Environmental Impact Management Services (EIMS) – comes after a public review resulted in overwhelming opposition and concerns regarding the potential environmental and socio-economic impacts. However, the revision fails to adequately address these concerns and exposes the stark disconnect between corporate profit motives and public interest. The organisations also argue that the revised EIA report all but completely avoids the urgency for South Africa to move towards a just energy transition for all.

Defending Rights Programme Manager at Natural Justice, Melissa Groenink-Groves, underscored the legal implications. She cautions, “It is imperative to consider the legal framework in evaluating the risks posed by such projects. Environmental regulations and climate commitments must be upheld to protect both ecosystems and communities.”

These sentiments are also echoed by David Mtshali who is the Defending Rights Senior Programme Officer at Natural Justice. He laments the fact that the EIA process followed in respect of the proposed project was not child friendly, did not consider children’s environmental rights, and contravenes the generational equity principle.

The Green Connection’s Community Outreach Coordinator, Neville Van Rooy, says that he is most concerned about how the risks associated with potential spills, coupled with the sheer disregard for the climate crisis and the urgent need to move toward a just energy transition, could completely devastate coastal communities.

He says, “Local livelihoods and ways of life are at stake here. The risks associated with offshore drilling could irreversibly harm coastal communities, their livelihoods and even their very way of life. Furthermore, the cultural and heritage significance of the coastal and marine ecosystem cannot be overlooked. Any harm to these ecosystems could have profound implications for spiritual practices, sense of place, and overall wellbeing of coastal communities. Coastal communities stand to suffer the most from the reckless exploitation of our oceans. Their way of life hangs in the balance.”

Should the project – spearheaded by Africa Oil SA Corp (AOSAC), Ricocure (Pty) Ltd, and Azinam Limited – get the green light, TotalEnergies will be the operator. According to The Green Connection, TotalEnergies is at the forefront of the onslaught on South Africa’s oceans, prioritising profit over people and the planet. Despite overwhelming opposition, TotalEnergies persists in its shortsighted pursuit of offshore oil and gas reserves.

The organisations stress the vital need for decision-makers to prioritise both the long-term health of marine ecosystems and the wellbeing of communities dependent on them. Amidst escalating climate change and increasing social inequality, they urge reflection, emphasising the collective responsibility of government, industry, and civil society to prioritise the environment and people over profit-driven motives. This, they argue, is essential to secure the positive transformation our country needs.

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