Africa’s oil and gas power demands are currently being shaped by rapid population growth, industrialisation, and persistent energy poverty. According to the IEA, the domestic demand for oil and gas in Africa is expected to account for almost two-thirds of the continent’s production by 2030 and the energy mix on the continent remains heavily reliant on oil and gas with oil accounting for around 26% and natural gas around 7%, with gas contributing to 43% of electricity provision in 2024. However, oil, gas and mining operations face considerable challenges when it comes to managing power efficiencies, particularly when it comes to ensuring the operational efficiencies of electric submersible pumps (ESPs).
ESPs are vital to ensuring the efficient extraction of hydrocarbons, but they do have limitations when it comes to their integration within traditional, decentralised power setups. African oil and gas organisations aiming to improve output, lower emissions and remain financially viable, while ensuring optimised operations, need alternative solutions that will ensure they are not constrained by the limitations of distance, power unreliability or downtime.
Many African oilfields operate in remote areas with little to no access to grid infrastructure. Filling the gap means relying on scattered diesel generators, which are inefficient, fuel-heavy and prone to ongoing maintenance requirements. This is a complex problem, especially for companies reliant on ESPs that require steady, high-quality power to perform reliably.
Inconsistent voltage damages ESP motors shortens equipment lifespan, and leads to frequent shutdowns that interrupt production and increase costs. In regions where servicing equipment is already a logistical challenge, these inefficiencies are more than just operational setbacks, they incur hefty financial penalties and delays.
Centralised power application, offer companies a solution, which is delivering electricity from a single source to multiple operations and ensure the operation benefits from consistent voltage, high-quality power and redundancy. These solutions offer companies the opportunity to move away from reactive power management to a controlled, scalable model designed specifically to deliver efficiencies.
For ESP operations, centralised power offers a myriad of benefits. It improves equipment uptime, optimises fuel usage, and reduces operational costs. Load-on-demand systems ensure energy is only generated when it is needed which minimises wastage, while advanced control technologies deftly manage fluctuations which then extends the working life of critical equipment. When compared to conventional power setups, the total cost of ownership with the centralised model drops considerably as companies need fewer generator units which translates to lower fuel consumption, simplified maintenance, and a smaller carbon footprint. All of which are invaluable in industries that are price-sensitive and resource-intensive.
Of course, this approach plays a deeper role. One that helps companies meet the growing demand from governments and regulators for reduced emissions and meeting net-zero targets. Operators have to adapt their power strategies to move in line with these mandates – it is essential if they want to maintain their operating licenses. What a centralised power system brings to the proverbial table is the perfect ecosystem for integrating renewable energy solutions.
Solar &wind,– these sources can be blended with diesel or gas generation to form hybrid systems which are both reliable and sustainable, effectively cutting emissions while introducing much-needed power flexibility. In a market where power demands can shift rapidly across locations and project phases, this approach can make a significant difference in operational efficiencies and profitability. By integrating renewables, hybrid systems reduce diesel dependency and shield operators from the volatility of global fuel prices.
Aggreko’s work in similar oil-producing regions is a proof point for African operators. In Oman, for example, moving to a centralised micro-grid model reduced diesel use and cut emissions by 50% while delivering cost savings of 10-15% in the first year. These results are readily transferrable to the African context, particularly in areas facing the dual challenges of fuel inefficiency and emissions penalties. Whether on the coast of Angola or in Nigeria’s inland basins, operators can reduce their reliance on diesel, extend asset lifespan, and maintain production targets with confidence.
Centralised and hybrid power systems are a step change in power optimisation offering a clear path to improved efficiencies, lower emissions and long-term resilience. Aggreko is ready to support this transition with proven systems, regional expertise and solutions that keep their sustainability promise.