Hon. Eng. Lual Chol Dak

Director General, Petroleum Authority

Personal Background and Education

Hon. Eng. Lual Chol Dak is an accomplished engineer and executive in South Sudan’s oil and gas industry, with over 15 years of experience in petroleum operations, infrastructure management, and regulatory oversight. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (Honors) from the University of Juba and a Master’s degree in Oil and Gas Management from UNICAF University, Zambia. His academic and professional background has equipped him with the technical expertise and leadership skills necessary for guiding South Sudan’s petroleum sector towards efficiency, sustainability, and long-term growth.

Professional Career and Leadership in the Petroleum Industry

Eng. Lual Chol Dak’s career in the petroleum industry spans over a decade, during which he has held several key technical and leadership roles. He worked extensively with DAR Petroleum Operating Company Ltd., one of South Sudan’s major oil operators, where he managed production operations, power systems, and infrastructure development projects.

His career trajectory includes serving as a Maintenance and Reliability Team Leader, Acting Production Manager, and Power System Coordinator. He played a crucial role in planning and managing power plant operations, transmission networks, and pump stations. Additionally, he has successfully overseen the implementation of high-value engineering projects, including automation upgrades and power plant maintenance services. His leadership in these roles has significantly contributed to optimizing production processes and improving energy efficiency within the oil sector.

Hon. Eng. Lual Chol Dak has participated in various professional training programs and workshops overseas, enhancing his expertise in oil and gas management, power systems, and maintenance strategies. He attended a Maintenance Management and Enhancement Strategies course in Dubai, UAE in 2012, a teamwork and team-building course at PETRONAS Institute Malaysia in 2015, and a pipeline operation and maintenance technology course in China in July 2015. Additionally, he took part in the FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) for the EPCC of two power generators for the expansion of Paloch Power Plant-2 in Vaasa, Finland, in September 2019, followed by a kick-off meeting for the same project in March 2019. His international training experiences have significantly contributed to his leadership role in South Sudan’s petroleum sector, ensuring the application of global best practices in oil production and power system management.

In recognition of his expertise and leadership, President Salva Kiir Mayardit appointed Eng. Lual Chol Dak the Director General of the Petroleum Authority. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing South Sudan’s oil and gas regulatory framework, managing licensing and production-sharing agreements, and ensuring compliance with environmental and operational standards.

Strategic Vision for South Sudan’s Oil and Gas Sector

As Director General, Eng. Lual Chol Dak is spearheading key initiatives to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and transparency of South Sudan’s oil sector. His strategic vision revolves around three key pillars:

1.    Enhancing Operational Efficiency – Implementing modern oil recovery technologies and industry best practices to optimize production from existing fields while promoting new exploration activities.
2. Investment Promotion & Transparency – Creating a conducive investment environment through policy stability, regulatory transparency, and competitive fiscal incentives for both local and foreign investors.
3. Sustainability & Environmental Responsibility – Strengthening environmental regulations to ensure responsible oil production while addressing community concerns and promoting social responsibility programs.

Additionally, he is committed to workforce development, focusing on training South Sudanese engineers and technicians to take on key industry roles. His leadership in fostering capacity-building initiatives is aimed at ensuring that the country develops local expertise to drive its petroleum sector forward.

Key Achievements and Contributions

Throughout his career, Eng. Lual Chol Dak has been instrumental in the successful execution of major engineering projects. Some of his key accomplishments include:

●    Leading the implementation of power plant upgrades and automation systems, improving operational efficiency at key oil production sites such as Paloch Power Plant.
●    Overseeing multi-million-dollar contracts for power plant maintenance, pump station operations, and energy infrastructure expansion.
●    Strengthening regulatory oversight mechanisms within the Petroleum Authority to ensure compliance with international industry standards.
●    Enhancing security and stability measures around South Sudan’s oilfields, ensuring continuous and safe petroleum production operations.

Future Prospects and Optimism for South Sudan’s Energy Sector

Eng. Lual Chol Dak remains optimistic about the future of South Sudan’s oil and gas industry. His long-term strategy includes boosting exploration activities, adopting advanced oil recovery techniques, and diversifying the country’s energy resources by developing gas production capabilities. He is also focused on strengthening regional and international partnerships to attract investments and accelerate infrastructure development.

With a strong commitment to policy reforms, technological advancements, and sustainability, he envisions a future where South Sudan emerges as a leading oil producer in Africa, contributing significantly to national economic growth and stability.

Recognition and Awards

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Eng. Lual Chol Dak has received multiple awards, including the Best Employee Award from DAR Petroleum Operating Company in 2014, 2016, and 2018. His technical expertise and strategic leadership continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of South Sudan’s petroleum industry.

Through his visionary leadership, Hon. Eng. Lual Chol Dak is dedicated to transforming South Sudan’s oil and gas sector, ensuring its long-term prosperity and sustainability.