Latest news with #energydevelopment
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Fears over impact of wind farm lights on Dark Sky Park
Campaigners are concerned that the UK's first Dark Sky Park could see its status at risk if a proposed energy development is approved. The Galloway site was first recognised in 2009 as one of the best places to view the night sky with the naked eye. The proposed Lairdmannoch Energy Park sits outside the park's boundary and buffer zone but planning documents show wind turbines and safety aviation lights would be visible from the area. The new site's developer - Wind2 - says the company is "very aware" of the dark sky status and the value of "preserving the area's natural light skies." Aviation lights are an essential safety measure in tall developments to mitigate the risk of collision. The proposed development includes both red "medium-intensity" lights and infrared lights invisible to the eye. Developers say only four of the proposed nine 180m (590ft) wind turbines would include red aviation lights, after consultation with the Civil Aviation Authority. They also stress the energy park was not within the Dark Sky Park or its designated buffer zone. Matthew McFadzean is one of two dark sky rangers at the Galloway Forest Park. He said the project created a "detrimental" threat to night time visibility. "You can come to Dumfries and Galloway and experience a really good level of light quality at night and night vision across the region," he said. "But if you go into the Dark Sky Park, that's where you get the absolute best." Mr McFadzean believes visibility of the night sky has improved thanks to the lighting policies of the local authority over the two decades since the area secured its dark sky status. However, he said he concerned there had been an increasing encroachment of renewable energy developments on the park's boundaries. He said he understood the need to support the transition to renewable energy but added that red light - although it has a smaller impact than white light - could still harm night time visibility. "It will really impact things," he said. "In the Dark Sky Park, you can look up and see with the naked eye, thousands and thousands of stars on a clear night - more than people from the cities who come to visit can ever imagine. "The one word which people say the most when they actually experience looking up at a dark sky for the first time is wow and if we put red lights up there I think that can only be detrimental to that experience." His concerns are shared by by Fi McClelland of The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, which has plans to build a new facility in the park to replace the previous one, which was destroyed by fire. She said the red light effect could be scattered through the sky by clouds or cause a disruptive "sky glow" across the wider region. Campaigners say the elevated position of the turbines will see them dominate the landscape. "The combination of them both is over 1,300ft from sea level to the tip of the turbine - that's bigger than the Empire State Building without its antenna," resident Matthew James said. As well as the impact on the dark sky park, locals have raised concerns about the effect of the wind turbines on wildlife and the local water system. But developer Wind2 said it had been working with the community for two years and had taken steps to mitigate risks including potential threat to night time visibility and wildlife. It added it believed the area should see "tangible benefits from local renewable energy projects". It has estimated community benefit funding of £310,000 per year would add up to £12.4m over its operational life. It said the scheme - which also includes solar panels and battery storage - matched Scottish government's best practice guidance and could meet the energy needs of up to 67,000 homes. The company stressed it had taken every effort to make the turbines "as inconspicuous as possible from sensitive areas". The window for the public to comment on the proposals is about to close. The Scottish government - which will decide the fate of the scheme - said it would not be appropriate to comment on a live planning application. More like this story A decade of the UK's first Dark Sky Park
BBC News
4 days ago
- Science
- BBC News
Fears proposed energy park could hurt Galloway's dark sky status
Campaigners are concerned that the UK's first Dark Sky Park could see its status at risk if a proposed energy development is Galloway site was first recognised in 2009 as one of the best places to view the night sky with the naked proposed Lairdmannoch Energy Park sits outside the park's boundary and buffer zone but planning documents show wind turbines and safety aviation lights would be visible from the new site's developer - Wind2 - says the company is "very aware" of the dark sky status and the value of "preserving the area's natural light skies." Aviation lights are an essential safety measure in tall developments to mitigate the risk of proposed development includes both red "medium-intensity" lights and infrared lights invisible to the say only four of the proposed nine 180m (590ft) wind turbines would include red aviation lights, after consultation with the Civil Aviation also stress the energy park was not within the Dark Sky Park or its designated buffer zone. Matthew McFadzean is one of two dark sky rangers at the Galloway Forest said the project created a "detrimental" threat to night time visibility."You can come to Dumfries and Galloway and experience a really good level of light quality at night and night vision across the region," he said."But if you go into the Dark Sky Park, that's where you get the absolute best." Mr McFadzean believes visibility of the night sky has improved thanks to the lighting policies of the local authority over the two decades since the area secured its dark sky he said he concerned there had been an increasing encroachment of renewable energy developments on the park's said he understood the need to support the transition to renewable energy but added that red light - although it has a smaller impact than white light - could still harm night time visibility."It will really impact things," he said."In the Dark Sky Park, you can look up and see with the naked eye, thousands and thousands of stars on a clear night - more than people from the cities who come to visit can ever imagine. "The one word which people say the most when they actually experience looking up at a dark sky for the first time is wow and if we put red lights up there I think that can only be detrimental to that experience." His concerns are shared by by Fi McClelland of The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, which has plans to build a new facility in the park to replace the previous one, which was destroyed by said the red light effect could be scattered through the sky by clouds or cause a disruptive "sky glow" across the wider say the elevated position of the turbines will see them dominate the landscape."The combination of them both is over 1,300ft from sea level to the tip of the turbine - that's bigger than the Empire State Building without its antenna," resident Matthew James said. As well as the impact on the dark sky park, locals have raised concerns about the effect of the wind turbines on wildlife and the local water developer Wind2 said it had been working with the community for two years and had taken steps to mitigate risks including potential threat to night time visibility and added it believed the area should see "tangible benefits from local renewable energy projects".It has estimated community benefit funding of £310,000 per year would add up to £12.4m over its operational said the scheme - which also includes solar panels and battery storage - matched Scottish government's best practice guidance and could meet the energy needs of up to 67,000 company stressed it had taken every effort to make the turbines "as inconspicuous as possible from sensitive areas".The window for the public to comment on the proposals is about to Scottish government - which will decide the fate of the scheme - said it would not be appropriate to comment on a live planning application.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Positioning Youth at the Forefront of Africa's Energy Future: African Energy Chamber (AEC) Endorses Youth in Oil & Gas Summit 2025
With first oil production on the horizon in Namibia, the country is on track for rapid growth across its oil, gas and broader energy sectors. This highlights a strategic opportunity for the country's youth, and the upcoming Youth in Oil&Gas Summit – taking place July 25-26, 2025, in Walvis Bay – seeks to position young professionals at the forefront of Namibia's energy development. Held under the theme Drilling into the Future: Empowering Youth in Namibia's Oil&Gas Revolution, the second edition of the Youth in Oil&Gas Summit represents a vital platform for advancing youth-led innovation and inclusion. Offering a vibrant platform for dialogue, education and strategic collaboration, the summit provides an opportunity for meaningful engagement between youth and energy leaders, thereby positioning youth at the helm of Namibia's energy future. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) – representing the voice of the African energy sector – offers its full support and endorsement of the upcoming summit. As a strong advocate for the role youth play in the oil and gas sector, the AEC considers this a vital platform for enhancing collaboration, fostering dialogue and advancing projects. The Youth in Oil&Gas Summit comes at a critical time for Namibia's oil and gas industry. Having emerged as one of the world's most promising frontiers, the country has witnessed a series of exploration success across its offshore market in recent years. The country is on track for first oil production by 2029, led by the TotalEnergies-operated Venus field, which anticipates a final investment decision in 2026. Other projects such as the Galp-led Mopane development are also driving this production timeline. The company has made a string of discoveries at its exploration wells at the Mopane field – situated in PEL 93 -, with the latest made in February 2025. These discoveries have revealed the potential of over 10 billion barrels of oil. Additional exploration campaigns in the Orange basin include in PEL 85, where energy company Rhino Resources is exploring. Energy services firm Halliburton announced the delivery of two exploration wells at Block 2914 in PEL 85 in May 2025. This follows a discovery made by Rhino Resources at the Capricornus-1X well in April 2025 and the confirmation of a hydrocarbon reservoir at the Sagittarius-1X well in February 2025. Other players such as Stamper Oil&Gas Corp and Pancontinental are also pursuing exploration projects, with interests in the Orange basin's Block 2712A and PEL 87, respectively. Beyond the Orange basin, Stamper Oil&Gas Corp secured stakes in Block 2914B in the Lüderitz Basin in 2025, as well as Blocks 2213, Block 2011B and Block 2111A in the Walvis Basin. The Lüderitz asset is situated in the southern part of the basin, with drilling expected to start in 2025. Energy major Chevron also acquired an 80% operating stake in Blocks 2112B and 2212A in the Walvis Basin, highlighting the level of global interest in Namibian assets. The country is also accelerating the development of the Kudu gas field – spearheaded by BW Energy. The field is situated in PEL 003 and, following completion, will be a key gas-to-power project in Namibia, utilizing a floating production unit to harness gas resources from the Kudu prospect. An appraisal well is set to be spud in late 2025, targeting the Kharaas Prospect in the north-west section of the Kudu formation. Namibia is also making a strong play for onshore exploration, with campaigns led by energy company ReconAfrica. With stakes in the onshore Kavango basin, ReconAfrica is advancing its 2024 drilling campaign, targeting 3.4 billion barrels of recoverable oil in the Damara Fold Belt. Preparations are underway to spud a second exploration well. The company has since raised C$18 million to finance exploration activities, including drilling the Kavango West 1X well. The well targets 346 million barrels of gross unrisked prospective crude oil and 1,839 billion cubic feet of natural gas. Drilling is set to commence after rig mobilization – planned for June/July 2025, pending final permits. These exploration campaigns have not only unlocked opportunities for domestic oil and gas production, but highlighted the level of commercial opportunity available in Namibia's oil and gas sector. Beyond upstream, the country is also aligning investments with broader goals of enhancing fuel security through modernized infrastructure. Notably, Nigeria's Dangote Refinery is expected to construct a 1.6-million-barrel fuel storage facility in Namibia. A tripartite agreement was also signed between the Namibian ports Authority and the respective national oil companies of Angola and Namibia to establish an integrated logistics base in Namibia. These introduce strategic opportunities for youth across the entire oil and gas value chain and the upcoming Youth in Oil&Gas Summit will outline opportunities, challenges and potential collaborations. 'This is our opportunity to promote youth and encourage them to be drivers of the future. Namibia is on track for rapid growth across its oil and gas, but without youth, it will fail to unlock the full potential of the sector. This is the time to establish mechanisms that encourage participation, foster inclusion and place collaboration at the forefront of development,' states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
The Verdict is in and Greenpeace Won't Accept Justice
Environmental hate group Greenpeace has once again launched an attack on the African Energy Chamber ( and Africa's energy sector, citing the continent's efforts to accelerate development as a coordinated attack on the right to dissent. Using the example whereby a jury in North Dakota issued a landmark ruling, ordering Greenpeace to pay $660 million in damages for malicious interference with the Dakota Access Pipeline, the organization has declared that companies such as the African Energy Chamber (AEC) utilize Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation - SLAPP suits - to intimidate and silence critics. Let us be clear: lawsuits like the example above are not tactical weapons to intimidate: it is a clear example of justice being served to organizations attempting to dismantle global development and community empowerment. The examples shared by Greenpeace are not 'corporate weaponization of the law to dismantle civil society opposition' - it is a clear example of justice. Greenpeace has proven time and time again that it does not in fact care about people; it operates under a mandate to attack the energy industry. The AEC has been consistent in its calls, advocating for justice, inclusive development and equitable investments. On the other hand, Greenpeace has been consistent in its attacks, targeting projects that stand to make a difference in the world. As we have said before, the organization's methods go beyond protesting – they involve a calculated strategy of misinformation, disruption and direct interference with energy infrastructure. When faced with the consequences of their actions – in this case, $$660 million worth – the organization blames investors, they blame the justice system and they blame the energy sector. Africa is so close to unlocking significant economic development. With 125 billion barrels of crude oil, 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and abundant renewable energy potential, the continent is working hard to bring tangible benefits to its communities. Africa is not pursuing ambitious projects with the aim of exporting. Africa is accelerating development with the aim of creating greater value from its oil and gas resources – resources that western nations have long-benefited from. Organizations such as Greenpeace claim to stand on behalf of 'concerned citizens,' yet they so carefully ignore the very citizens set to benefit from Africa's oil and gas resources. We have said it time and time again, with over 600 million people living without access to electricity and over 900 million people living without access to clean cooking solutions, Africa cannot afford to leave these resources in the ground. This very statistic has led the citizens of Africa – not only corporations – to rally behind the call to 'make energy poverty history.' And it is large-scale oil and gas projects that will achieve this goal. From Namibia's Orange Basin to Libya's Sirte to Angola's Kwanza and Mozambique's Rovuma, Africa's oil and gas basins will transform the continent. Major investments stand to do more than extract resources, they create jobs, develop infrastructure, boost skills development and give hope to millions of Africans. These projects are being developed in close coordination with environmental groups. Take the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), a vital infrastructure project set to connect Uganda's oilfields with Tanzania's Port of Tanga. EACOP developer TotalEnergies has placed environmental protection and community engagement at the very heart of development. The project is being developed through specialized measures geared towards protecting the environment as well as the rights of local communities. Environmental and Social Impact Assessments were carried out in compliance with the standards of the International Finance Corporation, third-party reviews were conducted, regular engagement with impact communities is deployed. Right from the design phase of these projects, special attention has been paid to information, consultation and consensus-building with all stakeholders. Over 70,000 people were consulted for the ESIAs and more than 20,000 meetings have been held to date with the populations concerned and civil society organizations. The project is an example of how oil companies are in fact working in close partnership with environmental authorities. Greenpeace's attacks on the industry go beyond infrastructure. The organization strongly opposes oil and gas exploration, disrupting seismic data acquisition and drilling. Campaigns have been launched against Shell in South Africa, and as a result, the country has been unable to understand the wealth of resources it has offshore. Greenpeace is seeking donations to support its efforts to block development in South Africa, calling 'To Hell with Shell.' Similarly, the organization is opposing Africa Oil Corp as it strives to unlock new development opportunities in South Africa. Greenpeace is appealing an Environmental Authorization received by Africa Oil Corp to conduct exploration. In Mozambique, Greenpeace has called for investors to stop financing vital projects, including major LNG developments that could transform southern Africa into an energy hub. By accosting funders, they have impacted developments in the Rovuma basin, leaving millions in energy poverty without a second thought. But the question is, why Africa? Greenpeace are fiercely opposing African exploration efforts but ignoring projects in other regions such as the Middle East. This is an intentional attack on the continent. Greenpeace is right. The lawsuit against it is not an isolated event – it is a demonstration of how Greenpeace continues to blame others for the damages it causes. Organizations such as the AEC have tried again and again to work with environmental groups, but they are not interested in partnerships. They only want disruption. Sustainable development is about people, it is about inclusivity and it is about democracy. We should ask ourselves: will we allow environmental groups to dictate what Africa deserves? Will we allow these groups to attack projects, prevent growth and disrupt the livelihoods of people? Or will be make energy poverty history and transform the lives of African people? Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Zawya
24-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Green Energy International Starts Operations at Nigerian Onshore Terminal
Nigerian energy company Green Energy International has lifted its first crude cargo from the recently-completed Otakikpo onshore terminal, situated near Port Harcourt in Nigeria. The facility received its maiden cargo via a vessel chartered by energy major Shell in June 2025. Crude was transported from the Otakikpo marginal field – located in Rivers State and operated by Green Energy International – signaling the start of operations of the onshore terminal. Green Energy International is a Diamond Sponsor of this year's African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – taking place September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. The Otakikipo facility represents the first indigenous onshore terminal constructed in the country in five decades. Construction started in 2023, with the terminal completed in June 2025, six-months ahead of schedule. Green Energy International began injecting crude in March 2025, with production averaging 5,000 barrels per day. Since March, the company has received regulatory approval to boost production to 30,000 bpd under a revised field development plan. This aligns closely with ambitions by the company to scale-up Nigerian crude production, supporting African energy development. AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit for more information about this exciting event. The Otakikpo facility aligns closely with national goals of increasing crude storage and production to two million bpd, as it is expected to play a major role in processing crude from marginal fields. The state-of-the-art facility has a storage capacity of 750,000 barrels, with plans underway to increase capacity to three million barrels, dependent on market demand. The terminal also features an export capacity of 360,000 bpd, with crude transported via a 23-km 20-inch pipeline, connecting to a single point mooring system in the Atlantic Ocean. This way, the terminal is capable of receiving crude from several marginal fields, allowing operators to significantly reduce transport costs by reducing the reliance on costly offshore floating stations. The terminal is also expected to unlock previously-stranded crude resources from more than 40 marginal fields across the region, with a capacity to receive up to 250,000 bpd from third-party producers. As such, the terminal offers a domestic solution to producing, storing and exporting crude, supporting national development goals. The milestone comes as Nigeria strives to increase production through diversified field developments. Marginal fields have been designated as a priority area for the country, with the government implementing mechanisms to attract investment and development across these assets. Notably, in 2020, the government launched a marginal field bidding round to entice operators – both indigenous and international – to invest in these fields. The bid round drew over 591 companies seeking to develop 57 oilfields, with 161 companies shortlisted. Most of these firms represented indigenous operators, highlighting both the commitment by indigenous companies to invest in Nigerian oilfields and the level of opportunity in the company's offshore market. Green Energy International's Diamond Sponsorship of AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 reflects the company's long-term vision for the Nigerian oil sector. Uniting the entire African energy sector and its value chain in Cape Town, AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 takes place under a mandate to make energy poverty history, facilitating dialogue and dealmaking and driving projects forward in Africa. The event showcases major projects while connecting operators and financiers, with a view to unlocking new development across the continent. The Otakikpo facility is a critical step towards improving domestic storage and production solutions in Nigeria and serves as a strong example for other indigenous operators in regional markets. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
