Tullow Oil, JV Partners Approve FID for the Early Oil Pilot Scheme in Kenya
Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta today received a progress report on the planned Early Oil Pilot Scheme presented at State House, Nairobi, by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and the Kenya Joint Venture partners comprised of Tullow Oil, Africa Oil Corp and Maersk Oil.
According to State House the partners they have confirmed to the President that their companies have approved the Final Investment Decision (FID) for the Early Oil Pilot Scheme (EOPS) that will see them utilise the existing wells in Turkana County to produce 2,000 barrels of oil per day.
The oil will be transported to Mombasa by road, an important step towards full field development of the oil discoveries in blocks 10BB and 13T in Turkana County.
President Kenyatta commended the team for the progress made so far and assured them of his full support in ensuring the project is successful even as Ministry of Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter said the teams are working within the agreed timelines to deliver the project.
The CS added that his Ministry is also working closely with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure to ensure construction of the road leading to the oil fields in Lokichar is completed for smooth transportation.
The National Government and the Turkana County Government adds it is working closely with the joint venture partners in commencing export by June 2017. According to Turkana County Deputy Governor Peter Ekai the County government will support the JV venture in realizing the dream of making Kenya an oil exporting country.
Speaking during the visit Tullow Oil Chief Operating Officer McDade appreciated the Government’s commitment to the project and expressed optimism that it will be successful.
The Energy Ministry officials were led by Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter and Principal Secretary for Petroleum Andrew Kamau whereas the Kenya Joint Venture partners were represented by Tullow Oil Chief Operating Officer Paul McDade, Timothy Thomas (Africa Oil) and Kevin Kennelley (Maersk Oil).