Russia, South Sudan discuss prospects for joint oil, gas production

Russian Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin (Institute for Energy and Finance Foundation - FIEF)

MOSCOW. May 6 (Interfax) - Russian Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin held a series of meetings with senior officials from South Sudan in the course of which they discussed a wide range of issues concerning bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, the Energy Ministry reported.

The talks were attended by South Sudan's senior presidential envoy for special programs Adut Salva Kiir, Presidential Affairs Minister Africano Mande Gedima, Deputy Petroleum Minister Santino Ayuel Longar and Energy and Dams Minister Agok Makur Kur. On the Russian side, representatives of the country's largest energy companies took part in the meetings.

The participants in the meetings "stressed mutual interest in projects to develop oil fields and mine other types of mineral resources," and noted that "Russian companies have the necessary experience to implement such projects," the ministry said.

Marshavin also drew attention to the potential to develop energy infrastructure given South Sudan's current level of electrification. A proposal was made to consider preparing a comprehensive plan to develop electric power for the construction of the necessary infrastructure. A specialized Russian organization could offer specific services in this area, including forecasting, automatic mode control and emergency control systems, the ministry said.

Particular attention was devoted to hydropower projects. Russian companies confirmed their interest in providing engineering consulting services and supplying equipment for the construction of new hydropower plants with various capacity.

They also discussed the possibility of building mini thermal power plant using diesel generator units. It was noted that Russian companies can offer suitable compact and scalable solutions that ensure a quick return on investment.

The parties also expressed interest in cooperation on renewable energy, including the construction and servicing of generating facilities and introduction of innovative solutions to increase energy efficiency.

Source: https://interfax.com/newsroom/top-stories/117437/