#East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP)

[thoughtportal]

East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP)

[plethoraworldatlas]

Opponents of a highly controversial oil pipeline under construction in East Africa on Monday demanded an investigation into the Ugandan army's treatment of an environmental activist who was hospitalized after allegedly being severely beaten while he was detained last week.

Stephen Kwikiriza, an activist with the Kampala-based Environmental Governance Institute (EGI), was found dumped on the side of a highway about five hours' drive from the Ugandan capital Sunday night following a weeklong detention by the country's army.

"Unfortunately, he is in poor condition after enduring severe beatings, mistreatment, and abuse throughout the week," EGI said, according toAl Jazeera. "Doctors are conducting various examinations."

Like other climate and environmental campaigners in the movement to stop the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), Kwikiriza is believed to have been targeted for his activism against the project, which is being built by the French fossil fuel giant TotalEnergies in partnership with the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), the Uganda National Oil Company, and others.

The Paris-based International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) said Kwikiriza was apparently abducted by Ugandan army officers in civilian clothes in what the group called a "particularly worrying escalation of repression."

FIDH said 11 activists have been "kidnapped, arbitrarily arrested, detained, or subjected to different forms of harassment by the Ugandan authorities between May 27 and June 5, 2024," part of what critics call a government campaign targeting StopEACOP campaigners that goes back years.

"Speaking up for frontline communities should never lead to this," the StopEACOP movement said on social media following Kwikiriza's release. "We urge human rights organizations to hold Ugandan authorities accountable and ensure human rights and environmental defenders can work safely."

"We also ask TotalEnergies and CNOOC to investigate the injustices done in their names as alleged," the coalition added. "You can still make profits without harming communities or enabling human rights violations."

...

If completed, the $3.5 billion, nearly 900-mile EACOP project is expected to transport up to 230,000 barrels of crude oil per day from fields in the Lake Albert region of western Uganda through the world's longest electrically heated pipeline to the Tanzanian port city of Tanga on the Indian Ocean.

A July 2023 report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) detailed how EACOP has devastated the lives and livelihoods of tens of thousands of people in its path while exacerbating the climate emergency.

"The Ugandan government needs to end its harassment of opponents of oil development in the country, such as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline Project, which has already devastated thousands of people's livelihoods in Uganda and, if completed, will displace thousands of people and contribute to the global climate crisis," HRW senior environmental rights advocate Myrto Tilianaki said in a statement issued during Kwikiriza's detention.

[reasonsforhope]

"More than three-quarters of UK universities have pledged to exclude fossil fuel companies from their investment portfolios, according to campaigners.

The move, which is part of a wider drive to limit investment in fossil fuels, follows years of campaigning by staff and students across the higher education sector.

The student campaign group People & Planet announced on Friday that 115 out of 149 UK universities had publicly committed to divest from fossil fuels – meaning £17.7bn-worth of endowments are now out of reach of the fossil fuel industry.

Laura Clayson, from People & Planet, said it would have been unthinkable a decade ago that so many institutions had formally refused to invest in fossil fuels.

“That we can celebrate this today is down to the generations of students and staff that have fought for justice in solidarity with impacted communities. The days of UK universities profiteering from investments in this neo-colonial industry are over.”

People & Planet set up the Fossil Free universities campaign in 2013. As part of its efforts the group has highlighted the “struggles and voices” of communities on the frontline of the climate crisis in an attempt to bring home the real-world impact of investment decisions made by UK universities.

Clayson said: “The demand for fossil-free came from frontline communities themselves and it is an act of solidarity from global north organisers campaigning on this … We have a responsibility to speak the lived experiences of the communities resisting these inequalities into megaphones at protests and in negotiations within university boardrooms, to highlight their stories of struggle in spaces so often detached from the reality of everyday life on the frontlines.”

One of the projects highlighted by the campaign is the proposed East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) – a mega project that would stretch almost 900 miles from the Lake Albert region of Uganda to the coast in Tanzania, and release vast amounts of planet-heating carbon.

The pipeline is being built in spite of local opposition, and there are reports that protesters and critics have been met with state violence. Hundreds of student organisers have been involved in the struggle.

Ntambazi Imuran Java, the lead coordinator at the Stop EACOP Uganda campaign, said its members appreciated the efforts of UK students to bring an end to universities’ fossil fuel investments.

“[This] supports those who have worked tirelessly to stop deadly extraction projects like EACOP … Regardless of the arrests and violations on the activists, students’ activists and communities, we continue to demand for the Uganda authorities to stop the project and instead invest in renewables.”

People & Planet said four UK institutions – Birmingham City University, Glasgow School of Art, Royal Northern College of Music and the University of Bradford – had recently incorporated fossil fuel exclusions into their ethical investment policies, meaning 115 out of 149 UK universities have publicly committed to divest from fossil fuels.

Later this month, the group will group will unveil its latest university league table that ranks institutions by their ethical and environmental performance. Campaigners say they will then increase pressure on the remaining 34 UK universities yet to go fossil-free."

-via The Guardian, December 2, 2024

[humanrightsupdates]

Ugandan Authorities Should Drop Charges Against Oil Activists

On Monday, nine student climate activists in Uganda will again appear before a Kampala court charged with “common nuisance” for their activism against a proposed oil pipeline. They were arrested and charged last year while marching to deliver a petition to the European Union’s mission in Kampala supporting a European Parliament resolution. The resolution raised significant concerns, including environmental ones, about the planned East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and urged against its construction. In sharp contrast to the treatment of the climate activists, days earlier, students protesting against the resolution had received police protection.

The unfounded and politically motivated charges against the activists should never have been brought, ought to be dropped, and will hopefully be dismissed on Monday. They are part of an ominous and escalating trend of threats against human rights defenders in Uganda, who dare to voice concerns about the country's oil sector.

[hicginewsagency]

Uganda Receives First Batch of Pipes for East African Crude Oil Pipeline.

Line pipes arrive in Uganda at Kyotera Main Camp and Pipe Yard 4. Pool. Courtesy image. On Monday, Uganda marked a significant milestone in its crude oil development journey with the arrival of the first batch of coated line pipes for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). This delivery, which was made to the main camp and pipe yard located in Kyotera District, highlights the project…

[oyet]

EACOP: Govt goes to court after 80 reject compensation figures

Government had dragged 80 people in different parts of Lwengo, Kyotera and Rakai districts  to court for rejecting compensation fees for their pieces of land that are onn the demarcated route of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline-EACOP project. The government through the Attorney General sued the Project Affected Persons, accusing them of declining to receive the compensation fees allocated to…

[rkrdozerservice]

How Will Renewable Energy Impact The Future Of Oil & Gas?

East Africa's oil and gas industry is experiencing a transformative shift, focusing heavily on local talent development and sustainable practices. Major projects like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline are driving this change, requiring a workforce predominantly composed of local professionals. Meanwhile, global energy markets are shifting toward renewables, with significant investments pouring into natural gas and LNG. Additionally, financial dynamics in the upstream sector and ongoing mergers and acquisitions are shaping the future landscape. For oil field contractors, these developments present unique opportunities and challenges, setting the stage for strategic growth and innovation in the sector.

Local Talent Utilization In East Africa's Oil Sector

East Africa's burgeoning oil and gas sector is increasingly reliant on local talent, particularly as large-scale projects like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) advance. This project stipulates that 70% of its workforce must comprise Ugandan nationals, necessitating extensive training and upskilling of the local workforce to meet the growing demands of the industry. WRS, through its East African arm WQS, operates The Assessment and Skilling Center (TASC), which focuses on equipping local talent with essential skills to bridge the industry's skill gap effectively.

Renewable Energy's Rising Influence

As the world tilts toward sustainable energy, the interest in renewable sources is seeing a robust increase, supported by international governmental policies. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a 75% growth in global renewable capacity from 2022 to 2027. Concurrently, the natural gas sector, including liquified natural gas (LNG) projects, is witnessing significant investment. Notably, Shell and Norwegian company Equinor have recently concluded negotiations with the Tanzanian government to initiate a $30 billion LNG terminal project.

Upstream Sector's Financial Peak – Explained By Expert Oil Field Contractors

The global upstream industry, integral to oil field contractors, reached unprecedented financial heights, with free cash flows predicted to hit $1.4 trillion by the end of 2022, marking the sector's highest-ever figures. This significant financial performance was largely attributed to stringent capital discipline with a keen focus on optimizing cash flow and payouts. The industry's focus was on whether upstream companies would maintain their shareholder payouts or shift toward increased reinvestment in hydrocarbons to ensure the provision of affordable energy.

Sustained Merger And Acquisition Activity

The momentum for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the energy sector is expected to continue, driven by high and stable energy prices, which 27% of executives believe are crucial for sustaining activity. The prevailing capital discipline and an uncertain economic landscape have prompted oil field contractors to maintain cautious investment strategies. Over the next year, the industry anticipates trends that include capitalizing on energy security, accelerating the energy transition, reducing operational emissions, and mitigating inflationary pressures, all crucial for navigating the current financial challenges.

Unlock Your Potential With RK&R Dozer Service

As the landscape for oil and gas evolves, partnering with knowledgeable oil field contractors in Oklahoma is crucial. RK&R Dozer Service stands ready to clarify and navigate these industry trends for you. Our expertise not only covers comprehensive field services but also aligns with the latest developments in local talent utilization and sustainable energy practices. Connect with us today to enhance your operational efficiency and stay ahead in the competitive market. Let RK&R Dozer Service guide you through these dynamic times with precision and expert insight.

[crispyperfectiondeer]

TotalEnergies’ London office vandalised in EACOP protest

Just Stop Oil members entered TotalEnergies’ offices in Canary Wharf this morning, painting the lobby black, while others painted the outside orange. Just Stop Oil was working with Students Against EACOP. The protest targeted Total highlighted opposition to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). The link will run from oilfields in western Uganda to the Tanzanian port of Tanga. It will be…

[todaynowreport]

Police clash with climate activists ahead of TotalEnergies AGM By Reuters

3/3 © Reuters. Police officers remove environmental activists during a protest against TotalEnergies and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) on the day TotalEnergies holds its annual shareholders meeting in Paris, France, May 26, 2023. REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq 2/3 By Benjamin Mallet and America Hernandez PARIS (Reuters) – French riot police used tear gas and pepper spray against…

[ornoirafrica]

Rwanda : TotalEnergies signe un protocole d'accord avant le FID ougandais

Rwanda : TotalEnergies signe un protocole d’accord avant le FID ougandais

TotalEnergies a signé un protocole d’accord (MoU) au Rwanda avant une décision finale d’investissement (FID) en Ouganda demain. Patrick Pouyanné s’est rendu au Rwanda et a conclu un accord pour soutenir le Rwanda Development Board. L’accord couvre la distribution de produits, le GPL, l’hydroélectricité, le stockage d’électricité pour le r��seau, les solutions basées sur la nature pour le stockage…

[rjzimmerman]

Pipelines in the US are in trouble. Seems like that trouble has migrated to Africa!

Excerpt from this story from Climate Change News:

Following prime minister Boris Johnson’s announcement in December that the UK would end fossil fuel subsidies overseas, the government this week said the policy will take effect on 31 March.

One of the biggest projects under consideration for financial backing was the $3.5 billion East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (Eacop), from Ugandan oil fields to the coast of Tanzania.

Construction of the 1,443km pipeline is hanging in the balance as institutional and private investors are moving away from financing fossil fuels. The prospect of French oil major Total raising $2.5 billion in international finance before mid-April, when a final investment decision is now expected, is shrinking rapidly.

UK Export Finance (UKEF) had been approached to support the pipeline, but does not have time to approve funding before the cut-off date. The export credit agency came under heavy criticism last year for putting $1 billion towards a major methane gas development in Mozambique.

[plethoraworldatlas]

Having grown up on a farm in Uganda, I have seen the damage of the climate crisis firsthand. My family lived in a small village near the banks of Lake Victoria, the second largest freshwater lake in the world, and my childhood was spent climbing trees, planting seeds, and eating fruit straight from the trees. We grew bananas, guavas, beans, cassava, sugarcane, and coffee. It sounds idyllic but I remember the first time I realised climate change would affect us—it was a rainy season unlike any we had seen before. For days and nights heavy rain battered the fields and strong winds bent and broke the crops until they were unsavable. Not only did the rains affect us financially, but I missed months of my schooling because flooding blocked the roads and I couldn’t get to school.

Burning fossil fuels, which releases carbon pollution into the air and causes our world to overheat, is the number one cause of the climate chaos we���re facing. 2024 may be even hotter than 2023, resulting in even more catastrophic weather.

But there is still hope. Those with power must act now, and the insurance industry holds more power than most to slow the crisis and protect our future. Without insurance, fossil fuel projects can’t operate. If insurance companies updated their policies and refused to insure new fossil fuel projects, there would be no new oil pipelines, liquefied natural gas terminals, or dirty coal mines. If they focused instead on insuring clean, safe energy and a just transition, our communities and our world would be safer for current and future generations.

The insurance industry’s role is to protect and manage risk, but right now it is failing spectacularly at both. Instead of protecting communities, it’s adding fuel to the fire by continuing to insure new fossil fuel projects. The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) is a prime example. This proposed pipeline would run 1,443 kilometers between Hoima in Uganda and Tanga in Tanzania, but the project has stalled as it has not yet secured full insurance and financing due to the many human and environmental rights abuses associated with it. These include the harassment and imprisonment of peaceful protesters, the disturbing of sacred burial grounds, and the forcible removal of communities to make way for the pipeline. If EACOP gets insured and goes ahead, it will cross 200 rivers and pass through Lake Victoria’s water basin. Over 40 million people depend on the lake for survival, as well as countless animal species; if the pipe leaks and spills oil into the water, what will happen to them?

The corporations behind EACOP say it will “unlock East Africa’s potential,” but let’s be clear: It is neocolonialism at its best, and the only ones who will gain are the foreign companies set to profit. EACOP will irrevocably damage East Africa’s biodiversity, displace thousands of people, destroy their livelihoods and communities, and unleash 32.3 million metric tons of carbon into the atmosphere per year, setting off a climate bomb that will make our world overheat to devastating levels. The International Energy Agency has stated that there can be no new oil pipelines if we are to save the future, and yet insurance companies including AIG, Tokio Marine, Chubb, Hiscox, and Lloyd’s of London still refuse to rule out insuring EACOP.

[xavierradioug]

European Union Parliament ACP-EU Assembly cancels resolution blocking pipeline project

European Union Parliament ACP-EU Assembly cancels resolution blocking pipeline project

By Male Deogratius The Africa,  Caribbean, Pacific —European Union (ACP-EU) Joint Parliamentary Assembly sitting in Maputo City, Mozambique has on Wednesday November 2nd voted to let Uganda proceed with developing the much sought-after East African Crude Oil Pipeline Project (EACOP). The ACP-EU resolution now waters down an earlier stance by the European Parliament that had expressed “grave…

[humanrightsupdates]

China State Bank Shouldn’t Back East African Crude Oil Pipeline

Planned Fossil Fuel Project Threatens Human Rights, Drives Climate Change

“We are now drilling.” Uganda’s energy minister recently confirmed at COP29 that the government was pressing ahead with the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). The 1,443-kilometer pipeline will connect oilfields in western Uganda with the port of Tanga in eastern Tanzania. Among one of the world’s largest fossil fuel projects currently under development, EACOP poses significant risks to human rights and the environment.

Given the government’s unwavering support, the pipeline’s completion will now rely on whether it can secure the necessary funding.

Several banks, including major African banks, have already declined to support the project. The state-run Import-Export Bank of China (Exim Bank) remains undecided and is expected to make a key decision in December about its financial support for EACOP.

A Human Rights Watch report in 2023 found that land acquisition associated with the project has already devasted thousands of people’s livelihoods in Uganda. The inadequate and delayed compensation for land lost to the project has impacted many communities’ access to food, health, and education. It is estimated that developments in the oilfields will displace as many as 100,000 people across Uganda and Tanzania.

Human Rights Watch has also documented the Ugandan government’s routine harassment and arbitrary arrests of human rights defenders and activists who voice concerns about the pipeline. More than 80 have been arrested since May 2024 for protesting against EACOP.

[cloudtales]

East African Climate Activists Are Fighting a Destructive Pipeline Project

East African Climate Activists Are Fighting a Destructive Pipeline Project

A new analysis released Thursday by a climate research firm reveals environmental assessments used to gain approval for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline in Uganda and Tanzania failed to fully consider the massive amount of fossil fuel emissions that will result from the project. The earlier assessments took into account only the construction and operation of the pipeline, known as EACOP, but…