Last checked at 17 Mar 2020 07:00
Kibo Energy PLC (Incorporated in Ireland)
(Registration Number: 451931)
(External registration number: 2011/007371/10)
Share code on the JSE Limited: KBO
Share code on the AIM: KIBO
ISIN: IE00B97C0C31
("Kibo" or "the Company")
Dated: 17 March 2020
Kibo Energy PLC ('Kibo' or the 'Company')
Mast Energy Developments & Bordersley Update
Kibo Energy PLC, the multi-asset, Africa focused, energy company, is pleased to provide an update on its subsidiaries, Bordersley Power Ltd ('Bordersley') and Mast Energy Developments Ltd ("MED"). The Bordersley 5 MW gas-fuelled power generation plant in the UK is currently being developed for Kibo by the Company's 60% owned subsidiary, manager and operator of Bordersley, MED.
Overview
· In light of the recent coronavirus outbreak, MED's joint development partner, AB Impianti S.R.L ('AB'), who are based near Milan, Italy had to temporarily halt operations;
· AB team are however now working remotely, and factories are operational again;
· AB are managing the end-to-end Engineering, Procurement, and Construction ('EPC') scope of works ('SoW') for Bordersley, which includes providing exclusive access to AB construction and engineering capacity and capability as well as cogeneration plant and equipment (refer to RNS dated 30 October 2019);
· As a result of the coronavirus outbreak, the EPC SoW have been delayed, meaning Bordersley's commissioning will not be possible by Q1 2020;
· MED and AB continue to progress activity as much as possible but at present cannot advise on revised timings as a result of the ongoing impact coronavirus continues to have - further updates will be made as soon as the Company has further clarity to do so;
· MED has recently also received positive funding interest from multiple entities, and is in advanced discussions with regards to securing substantial financing of up to USD100,000,000 which could enable it to embark on a portfolio development strategy and implementation, which will see the simultaneous development of more than 20 sites from its prospective "shovel ready" portfolio of sustainable power generation assets in the UK
Louis Coetzee, CEO of Kibo Energy, commented, "This is clearly an unprecedented time and as we take guidance from official sources with regards to managing the coronavirus outbreak, it goes without saying that the safety of employees and their families is our priority. As an Italian based firm, the temporary cessation in AB activity was unavoidable but we are grateful for their adaptive work approach, which has meant that they have quickly resumed working activity; this is testament to their commitment and focus on completing the relevant EPC SoW so that commissioning can commence at Bordersley. At this point in time, given that the coronavirus outbreak is still ongoing, and its full impact is at yet unknown, we are unable to advise on when work will commence. However, we continue to actively monitor the situation and will share further updates with shareholders as soon as we are able to do so. This will also include further updates on the strong financing interest we have received from a number of entities keen to provide a significant funding package that could enable us to immediately establish more than 20 sustainable power sites. Therefore, despite the pressures of the current global climate, things continue to progress positively and with improving prospects, and our focus and goals remain unchanged."
**ENDS**
For further information please visit www.kibo.energy or contact:
Louis Coetzee | info@kibo.energy | Kibo Energy PLC | Chief Executive Officer |
Andreas Lianos | +27 (0) 83 4408365 | River Group | Corporate and Designated Adviser on JSE |
Jason Robertson | +44 (0) 20 7374 2212 | First Equity Limited | Joint Broker |
Philip Adler | +44 (0) 20 7392 1494 | ETX Capital Limited | Joint Broker |
Bhavesh Patel / Stephen Allen | +44 20 3440 6800 | RFC Ambrian Limited | NOMAD on AIM |
Isabel de Salis / Beth Melluish | +44 (0) 20 7236 1177 | St Brides Partners Ltd | Investor and Media Relations Adviser |
Notes
Kibo Energy PLC is a multi-asset, Africa focused, energy company positioned to address the acute power deficit, which is one of the primary impediments to economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa. To this end, it is the Company's objective to become a leading independent power producer in the region.
Kibo is simultaneously developing three similar coal-fuelled power projects: the Mbeya Coal to Power Project ('MCPP') in Tanzania; the Mabesekwa Coal Independent Power Project ('MCIPP') in Botswana; and the Benga Independent Power Project ('BIPP') in Mozambique. By developing these projects in parallel, the Company intends to leverage considerable economies of scale and timing in respect of strategic partnerships, procurement, equipment, human capital, execution capability / capacity and project finance.
Additionally, the Company has a 60% interest in MAST Energy Developments Limited ('MED'), a private UK registered company targeting the development and operation of flexible power plants to service the UK Reserve Power generation market.
Johannesburg
17 March 2020
Corporate and Designated Adviser
River Group