Southern Africa’s oil and gas potential will take centre stage this week as Cape Town hosts the third annual Southern Africa Upstream Oil and Gas Conference.
The theme for the conference, which will run over two days from September 13 to 14, is Oil and Gas development to address Southern Africa’s energy challenges while ensuring a just energy transition.
The Oil and Gas conference is a joint event hosted by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), the Petroleum Agency South Africa (PASA) and the South African Oil and Gas Alliance (SAOGA).
Speaking ahead of the conference, the Acting CEO of the Petroleum Agency SA, Dr. Tshepo Mokoka, said: “Exploring our oil and gas potential is not just a conversation; it’s a strategic imperative. This conference marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards energy security and economic growth.”
Day one of the conference will feature a case study on Guyana’s upstream oil and gas industry and the impact on its economy presented by Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin from the University of Guyana. Guyana, a prime example of the positive socio-economic impact of oil and gas exploration, is thought to be sitting on top of oil reserves with a value of more than half a trillion dollars and plans to develop its primarily untapped natural gas reserves.
The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister Mantashe, will deliver the keynote address on day one, after which a panel of experts will discuss the SADC region’s response to the energy issues from an upstream oil and gas perspective. The conference sessions will focus on the Virginia Gas Project Case Study and localisation strategy case studies for Namibia and Mozambique.
Day one will wrap up with a Q&A on the opportunities and barriers in developing the upstream petroleum industry in South Africa and the impact on investment promotion.
“This conference is about creating a local platform accessible to the general public as well as all businesses looking for opportunities in the upstream oil and gas industry,” says Dr. Tshepo Mokoka, acting CEO of PASA. “Finding a solution for South Africa’s energy challenges means exploring all viable options. The oil and gas sector is more than viable; it is a real opportunity for South Africa to realise energy security and drive economic growth.
PASA estimates that South Africa holds 27 billion barrels and 60 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of prospective oil and gas resources on the south, west, and east coasts. The estimate for the onshore exceeds 200 tcf of future shale gas resources, biogenic gas, and coal bed methane.
Day two will focus on the potential for onshore exploration, development, and production in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia/Mozambique.
The plenary session will focus on policy with an in-depth discussion of the draft Gas Master Plan and the Gas-to-Power IPP Program. It will be followed by sessions on upstream oil and gas technologies and strategies to achieve net zero emissions and the impact of the Just Energy Transition on the oil and gas value chain in SADC.
“The upstream oil and gas sector could potentially give South Africa energy independence; as a net importer of oil and gas, South Africa is vulnerable to geopolitical events and oil price fluctuations. This conference will help us chart the path to unlocking our oil and gas potential, enhancing our energy security, and boosting the country’s economic growth,” says Adrian Strydom from SAGOA.
The third annual Southern Africa Upstream Oil and Gas Conference is a significant milestone in pursuing energy security and economic prosperity for the region. The valuable insights from international case studies and the commitment of key political figures at this conference will help to open the doors to explore Southern Africa’s untapped oil and gas potential. They will shape our energy as we journey toward energy independence, economic growth, and a more sustainable energy mix.
To read more about the conference please visit our website at: www.saoilandgasconference.com
