Uganda Nears First Oil as Kingfisher Facility Reaches 99%
Uganda is edging closer to its first commercial oil production as construction of the Central Processing Facility at the Kingfisher Development Area reaches 99 per cent completion.
According to Daily Monitor, the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) said the facility is now undergoing pre-commissioning and commissioning activities as the country prepares to commence oil production.
The CPF, operated by China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), is the main processing hub where fluids from production wells are collected, separated, treated and prepared for transportation.
The facility is designed to process up to 40,000 barrels of crude oil per day at peak production, contributing to Uganda’s expected total output of 230,000 barrels per day from its oil projects.
The remaining 190,000 barrels per day are expected to come from the Tilenga project operated by TotalEnergies.
PAU Head of Stakeholder Management Seith Muhumuza disclosed the progress during an oversight visit by State Minister for Economic Monitoring Sandra Santa Alum to the Kingfisher Development Area.
The Kingfisher CPF will separate crude oil from water and gas, stabilise the crude and prepare it for transportation through a 46-48km feeder pipeline to Kabaale in Hoima District.
A total of 22 wells have so far been drilled at Kingfisher out of the planned 31. PAU said only 17 wells were required for the commencement of first oil, while work is continuing on the completion of additional wells.
Infrastructure including meters, pig launchers and pig receivers has also been installed as part of preparations for production.
Minister Alum described the level of preparedness at Kingfisher as encouraging but noted that the project alone cannot deliver Uganda’s targeted production and commercialisation of crude oil.
She said the country would have to wait for the other major oil developments, including Tilenga, before achieving the required production levels.
On waste management, PAU said third-party companies are currently handling waste at the project site, while dedicated waste management arrangements will be implemented when the facility enters its operational phase.
