2009年-世界发展银行全球_Rwanda_Petroleum_Exploration_Capacity_Building_Project_46页_2mb

Rwanda Petroleum Exploration Capacity Building Project Summary

Core Content

The Rwanda Petroleum Exploration Capacity Building Project was initiated in 2009 with the objective of enhancing Rwanda's capacity to develop its petroleum sector, particularly in the context of exploration. The mission was conducted by the World Bank Group and FJG energy ADVISORS, with the main focus on understanding the technical and economic aspects of oil and gas exploration, assessing the potential of the Lake Kivu area, and preparing government officials for future negotiations with international companies such as Vangold Resources Ltd.

Rwanda currently has no confirmed oil or gas discoveries. The only known hydrocarbon activity is the extraction of dissolved methane from Lake Kivu, which has been used to power the Bralirwa Brewery since the 1960s. The government is also considering gas extraction plants to generate electricity for the national grid. The Lake Kivu region is considered a potential frontier petroleum province due to its geological characteristics and the presence of dissolved gas.

Main Points

1. Mission Objectives

• Enhance understanding of the technical and economic aspects of the petroleum industry among key government officials.
• Assess the potential impacts (positive and negative) of a developing petroleum industry in Rwanda.
• Prepare officials to formulate policy and negotiate with private investors.
• Evaluate the current status of negotiations with Vangold Resources Ltd.

2. Petroleum Sector Context

• The petroleum sector in Rwanda is in its early stages.
• The Government of Rwanda (GoR) is working on developing a Petroleum Policy and Petroleum Law to support the industry.
• A fiscal regime and form contracts are being designed to ensure mutually beneficial agreements with private investors.
• The Petroleum Sharing Contract (PSC) and Streamlined Petroleum Agreement (SPA) are key legal instruments being considered.

3. Geological Potential

• Lake Kivu is part of the East African Rift System, which is known for its sedimentary basins and hydrocarbon potential.
• The Albertine Graben, a part of the Western Rift Valley, has seen significant oil and gas discoveries by companies such as Tullow Oil and Heritage Oil.
• The Lake Kivu area is considered a potential extension of the Albertine Graben, with sedimentary deo-centers identified in the northern part of the lake.
• These deo-centers could potentially contain up to 3.6 km of sediments and may be suitable for hydrocarbon accumulation.

4. Recent Exploration Activities

• Vangold Resources Ltd. has been conducting exploration activities in the East Kivu Graben Basin Area (1631 km²) since 2007.
• A Technical Evaluation Agreement (TEA) was signed in 2007, granting Vangold a Right of First Option to negotiate a Production Sharing Contract (PSC).
• Vangold conducted a grav/mag survey in 2008, which helped in identifying potential sedimentary basins and structural features.
• The survey revealed two potential deo-centers in the northern part of Lake Kivu, which could be further explored with 2D seismic data.

5. Challenges and Recommendations

• The risk profile of the Lake Kivu area remains high, and success rates are estimated at around 10% globally.
• The need for modern 2D seismic data is emphasized to confirm the presence of petroleum basins.
• A targeted capacity building program is recommended to train a dedicated team within MININFRA and other relevant departments.
• The negotiation process with Vangold should be supported by international consultants to ensure professional and effective outcomes.
• A Petroleum Working Group (PWG) is suggested to coordinate efforts and provide a strategic framework for the development of the sector.
• The ongoing development of policy and law is crucial to attract foreign investment and ensure regulatory clarity.

Key Information

• Lake Kivu is a volcanic lake with unique geological features that may support hydrocarbon accumulation.
• The East African Rift System is a major geological structure that includes the Albertine Graben in Uganda, which has seen significant oil and gas discoveries.
• The Vangold Resources Ltd. survey, combined with earlier Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) data from 1971, has provided new insights into the geological structure and potential hydrocarbon deposits in Lake Kivu.
• The risk of exploration in Lake Kivu is high, and foreign investment is recommended to mitigate this risk.
• The Rwandan Government needs to establish a globally competitive petroleum policy and legal framework to support the industry.

Conclusion

The Rwanda Petroleum Exploration Capacity Building Project highlights the potential of the Lake Kivu area as a frontier petroleum province. While geological data is limited, the grav/mag survey by Vangold has provided important insights. The government must develop a strong policy and legal framework, build local capacity, and engage with international experts to support future exploration and development. The negotiation process with Vangold should be approached with care and expertise, and the establishment of a Petroleum Working Group is recommended to coordinate and manage the development of the petroleum sector in Rwanda.