ANPG and GGPEN Deepen Cooperation on Space Solutions for Oil Spill Detection
A high-level delegation from Angola’s National Oil and Gas Agency (ANPG), led by Chairman of the Board of Directors Paulino Jerónimo, has paid an official visit to the headquarters of the Management Office for the National Space Programme (GGPEN). The visit focused on reviewing existing collaborations and identifying new opportunities to harness space technology for oil spill detection, hydrocarbon mapping, and broader environmental monitoring within Angola’s energy sector.
This engagement follows a July 2023 agreement that enabled ANPG to adopt TECH-ECOLOGIA, a project aimed at reinforcing ANPG’s oversight role by equipping it with advanced tools for rapid oil spill detection and environmental response in Angola’s offshore zones.
Strengthening Environmental Monitoring with Space Technology
The meeting focused on TECH-ECOLOGIA, GGPEN’s innovative satellite-based solution for oil spill monitoring. This cutting-edge tool combines satellite imagery and artificial intelligence (AI) to detect and track oil spills along Angola’s coastline, providing ANPG with critical data to mitigate environmental risks.
Key outcomes of the discussion included:
- Assessment of Current Collaboration: Both institutions reviewed the success of their existing partnership, where ANPG utilises TECH-ECOLOGIA for real-time oil spill alerts, frequency analysis, and spill volume measurements in Angola’s offshore blocks.
- Exploration of New Projects: Discussions expanded to potential applications of Geodata Centre (GEDAE) capabilities, which harness satellite data, AI, and geospatial analytics to support oil and gas operations, including inland basin hydrocarbon mapping.
- Commitment to Local Expertise: ANPG reaffirmed its confidence in GGPEN’s technical capacity, emphasising the value of Angolan innovation in addressing national energy and environmental challenges.
Paulino Jerónimo, Chairman of ANPG, highlighted the importance of the partnership:
“Our collaboration with GGPEN underscores ANPG’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology for sustainable resource management. Tech-Ecology has proven instrumental in enhancing our environmental oversight capabilities.”
Dr Zolana Rui João, Director General of GGPEN, added:
“Space technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity for national development. Through tools like TECH-ECOLOGIA, we are proud to support Angola’s oil sector with precise, reliable data to safeguard our marine ecosystems.”
TECH-ECOLOGIA: A Game-Changer for Offshore Monitoring
Developed by GGPEN in response to the growing need for efficient oil spill surveillance, the solution offers:
- Daily, Weekly, or On-Demand Monitoring: Customisable surveillance of offshore oil blocks.
- Automated Spill Detection: AI-driven analysis of satellite images to identify spills quickly.
- Comprehensive Reporting: Detailed spill frequency, location, and impact assessments.
- Cost-Effective Coverage: Satellite technology enables large-scale ocean observation at a fraction of traditional aerial or vessel-based methods.
The ANPG-GGPEN partnership exemplifies how local space technology can address critical industry challenges while promoting environmental sustainability. As Angola continues to harness its space capabilities, this collaboration sets a benchmark for other African nations seeking homegrown solutions to resource management.