LATEST ARTICLES

Nigeria: Arnergy Solar Secures $18 Million Series B Round To Scale Solar Deployments

Arnergy Solar, a leading Nigerian renewable energy company specializing in distributed solar power solutions, has successfully closed an $18 million Series B funding round. The investment will accelerate the deployment of solar systems and expand its reach across key sectors, including healthcare, education, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The funding was led by CardinalStone Capital Advisers Growth Fund (CCA-GF), with British International Investment (BII) joining as a new investor with a $3 million commitment. Existing investors, including Norfund, Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV)—founded by Bill Gates, EDFI Management Company (EDFI MC), and Shell-backed All On, also participated in the round. The $18 million raise comprises a $15 million Series B extension and a previously closed $3 million Series B1 round, bringing Arnergy’s total capital raised to over $27 million. The company plans to use the new capital to deploy 12,000 additional solar systems by 2029, expand its rent-to-own solar financing model, and strengthen its distribution network through strategic partnerships. Arnergy’s solar systems play a vital role in closing Nigeria’s energy access gap by offering clean, reliable, and affordable off-grid power to underserved communities and businesses. This latest investment underscores investor confidence in the company’s scalable model and its role in driving Nigeria’s energy transition.       Source:https://energynewsafrica.com

EU Parliament Committee Backs Softer Gas Storage Rules

The energy committee at the European Parliament supported on Thursday the EU member states’ proposal to give more flexibility to the natural gas storage goals. The EU is seeking greater flexibility in filling targets before each winter to avoid supply shortages and price spikes. The EU seeks to expand the period in which countries should have 90% full storage ahead of the winter. The European Parliament’s energy committee supported a target of 83% full gas storage at any time between October 1 and December 1. If prices are high, EU member states would be allowed to deviate from the target by up to four percentage points, according to the committee’s position. At any rate, all EU member states should have at least 75% full storage before winter. The full vote for the European Parliament’s negotiating position on the matter will take place in May. Earlier this month, the EU supported the European Commission’s proposal to extend the gas storage regulation by two years. But EU member states also want more flexibility in reaching the filling target to avoid price spikes if market conditions are tight. The representatives of the EU member states approved a draft that will serve as the negotiating mandate for the presidency to start talks with the European Parliament on the final shape of the law. For months, a group of EU member states, including the biggest economies Germany and France, have argued that to avoid price spikes and market speculation, the bloc should allow more flexibility in its currently binding 90% full-storage target by November 1 each year. In abnormal market conditions – and amid great volatility with tariffs-on-tariffs-off rhetoric – EU member states have two choices in how to approach the refill season. These, as Bloomberg notes, are either governments subsidizing the stockpiling of gas, or relying on market forces and possibly paying up for a much higher-priced gas supply if the market tightens later this year.     Source: Oilprice.com

Namibia: Orange Basin Could Produce 47,000 bpd, Says NEC

Namibia’s Orange Basin has the potential to produce up to 47,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) and generate trillions of dollars in revenue, according to Marcio Mello, Founder of Namibia Energy Corporation. Speaking at the Namibia International Energy Conference, Mello highlighted the potential of the Orange Basin to replicate the offshore success of Brazil’s Santos Basin, which has produced for over 20 years. Mello noted that Brazil’s Campos Basin currently produces an average of 13,000 bopd and has the capacity to increase output to 20,000 bopd. In comparison, Namibia’s Orange Basin holds even greater potential due to its size and resource composition, being eight times larger than the Campos Basin. “The reservoirs of the two basins are similar,” Mello stated, noting that both share comparable trap-seal systems, petroleum systems, and reservoir formations. Each features overcharged Cretaceous lacustrine and marine petroleum systems, with primary reservoirs formed by sand-rich turbidite channel systems. The key difference lies in the stage of development: “Campos is a mature basin with over 25 deepwater wells drilled, while Namibia’s Orange Basin is still emerging, with just 17 wells completed to date.” The Orange Basin contains approximately 35% light oil, 40% condensate, and 30% gas, compared to the Campos Basin’s 85% light oil, 10% condensate, and 5% wet gas. While the Orange Basin’s prospects are more gas-heavy, Mello argued that this enhances its long-term economic potential. “Namibia has significant volumes of oil embedded within its gas reservoirs, offering a major opportunity for monetization,” he said.     Source: Energy Chamber

Ghana: Petrol And Diesel Prices Drop

Some Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in Ghana have reduced their pump prices for petrol and diesel in the second pricing window of April. Petrol prices have decreased by between 50 pesewas and 30 pesewas, while diesel prices have dropped by between 47 pesewas and 30 pesewas. In the first pricing window of March, petrol was sold between Gh¢14.99 and Gh¢13. 37 per liter, while diesel was sold between Gh¢15.79 and Gh¢15.27. However, as of Wednesday morning, some OMCs adjusted their prices, with petrol selling between Gh¢14.49 and Gh¢13.87, and diesel selling between Gh¢15.30 and Gh¢14.77 per liter. The reduction in fuel prices is attributed to the decrease in refined petroleum product prices on the international market and the relative stability of the local currency, the cedi, in recent days. As of Tuesday April 22, 2025, the average interbank exchange rate for a US dollar was Gh¢15.4277. In Ghana, fuel prices are reviewed daily by OMCs, based on fluctuations in key factors such as exchange rates, refined petroleum product costs, and inflation. In contrast, fuel prices are reviewed monthly in other parts of Africa. GOIL is selling petrol (Ron 91) at Gh¢14.50 per litre while petrol (Ron 95) is sold at Gh¢15.95, with diesel being sold at Gh¢15.30 per litre. Shell is selling petrol at Gh¢14.50 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢15.20 per litre. Shell V-Power is being sold at Gh¢15.93 per litre. TotalEnergies is selling petrol at Gh¢14.49 per litre, while diesel is sold at Gh¢ 15.20. Total Excellium is sold for Gh¢16.35 per litre Star Oil is selling petrol (Ron 91) at Gh¢13.87 per litre while petrol (Ron 95) is sold at Gh¢14.77, with diesel being sold at Gh¢15.45 per litre. Other OMCs are yet to review their pump prices.         Source:https://energynewsafrica.com

Iran Announces Plan To Build 19 More Nuclear Reactors

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has announced his country’s intention to add another 19 nuclear reactors to the one operating at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). “Iran currently operates one reactor at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. Our longstanding game plan is to build at least 19 more reactors, meaning that tens of billions of dollars in potential contracts are up for grabs,” he pointed out in an address posted on the X social media platform, according to News.AZ citing foreign media. According to the top diplomat, Tehran has never opposed scientific and technological cooperation with Washington. Moreover, in Araghchi’s words, “the trillion-dollar opportunity that our economy presents may be open to US enterprises.” Araghchi was expected to deliver the address at the Carnegie International Nuclear Policy Conference (the Carnegie Foundation is designated as an undesirable organization in Russia) on April 21. However, the Iranian foreign minister explained in an X post that his address had to be cancelled after the organizers tried to turn it into an open Q&A session. Alexey Likhachev, CEO of Russia’s Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation, announced on February 21 that the corporation was in discussions with Iran on the development of another nuclear power plant in the country.     Source:https://energynewsafrica.com

Turkey Eyes Oil & Gas Exploration In Bulgaria, Iraq And Libya

Turkey is currently in talks to explore for oil and gas in Bulgaria, with similar plans for exploration in Iraq and Libya, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar has revealed. According to the minister, state-owned energy company Turkiye Petrolleri AO (TPAO) will sign an agreement with an unnamed foreign partner within the next month to conduct exploration in Bulgaria’s section of the Black Sea. Turkey not only wants to boost domestic oil and gas production, but also harbors ambitions to become a regional energy hub. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an has been trying to position Turkey as an energy hub, connecting natural gas producers to its east and south with markets to the west. The country’s strategic geographical position and infrastructure give it an advantage in this regard. Turkey and Bulgaria signed a deal in 2023 to permit Bulgaria’s state-owned Bulgargaz to import 1.85 billion cubic meters of gas per year– good for ~60% of Bulgaria’s annual demand–through the Strandzha-Malkoclar interconnection border point with Turkey. Bulgargaz has to pay a €2 billion service fee to Turkish gas firm Bota? over a 13-year period, regardless of whether it makes use of this capacity. According to Bayraktar, the capacity to export via Bulgaria right now is only around 3.5 billion cubic meters a year but capabilities can be boosted. “What we need is an increase in the capacity of the interconnection between Turkey and Bulgaria”, which currently can only receive about half of the amount of seven billion cubic meters per year that, from a technical point of view, Turkey can provide it,” Bayraktar told Bloomberg. But Libya is probably Erdogan’s biggest gamble, that is just as much about power and influence as it is about energy. After more than a decade of instability, Libya is expanding oil production, despite extreme political fragility that has analysts increasingly worried about a return to civil war. According to Chairman of Libya’s National Oil Corporation Masoud Sulaiman, Libya plans to increase oil output from 1.4 mb/d currently to 2 mb/d in 2028. However, ramping output to that level will require considerable capital outlays: Abdulsadek estimates that Libya needs between $3 billion and $4 billion to reach its intermediate goal of oil production rate of 1.6 mb/d, adding that a new license bidding round is expected to be approved by the cabinet. The Libyan economy relies heavily on oil, with fossil fuels accounting for more than 95% of its economic output. Last year, Turkey announced that it was prepared to significantly increase natural gas exports to the European Union, desperate to further wean itself off Russian gas. In order to do that, the most likely route is to re-export Azeri natural gas from Turkey. That, in turn, would require Turkey to take in more Russian gas to make up for the shortfall. Ankara is keen to play the role of savior and boost its leverage with respect to Brussels, but it wants some demand guarantees before it starts spending on the necessary infrastructure. The Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline, which forms part of the Southern Gas Corridor bringing Azerbaijani gas to Europe, is a strategic advantage for Turkey. The country is also home to five LNG terminals, seven gas pipelines, three floating storage units, and two underground storage facilities, as well as considerable excess import capacity that could be used for trading. On the other hand, over the past couple of years, Europe has been trying to secure alternative gas supplies to replace Russian gas transiting through Ukraine. Russian gas stopped flowing to EU states via Ukraine after a five-year deal expired on January 1 2025, marking the end of a decades-long arrangement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that his country would not allow Russia to “earn additional billions on our blood”, with a cross-section of leaders describing it as yet”another victory” against Moscow. Russia can still send gas to Hungary, Turkey and Serbia through the TurkStream pipeline across the Black Sea. Azerbaijan’s natural gas sold to Turkey could be re-exported to Europe, possibly through Bulgaria, but not without effort and expense. In an interview with Bloomberg,  Bayraktar pushed hard for a Bulgaria route, noting a potential for increasing volumes to the EU up to 10 billion cubic meters per year, while sending a clear message to Brussels: It won’t happen without some demand guarantees. Turkey’s ambitions to become a leading energy hub in Europe also gathered momentum after the sudden collapse of the 54-year Assad dynasty in Syria. Turkish companies are well-placed to secure major contracts should Syria transform into a free market, with the cost of reconstruction estimated at $400 billion. Turkey could construct a gas pipeline to the west of Syria and connect to the Arab Gas Pipeline network (which links Syria, Jordan, and Egypt). This would help Turkey to offer regional gas producers such as Israel and Egypt a more commercially viable route to European markets compared to current LNG alternatives.     Source: Oilprice.com  

Ghana: Cabinet Approves Private Sector Participation In ECG, NEDCo…Says Finance Minister

Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, has revealed that the cabinet has approved the proposed private sector participation in the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo). The Finance Minister, currently leading a Ghanaian delegation at the World Bank in Washington, D.C., disclosed this on his social media page X formerly Twitter after a session on the Ghana Energy Compact. “We have submitted the Legislative Instrument to Parliament to enable competitive procurement for power plants. These are critical steps toward bringing transparency and sustainability to the sector,” Dr. Forson stated. “The Energy Compact has come at the right time. It has the potential to make a lasting impact, and we are hopeful that the process will not be delayed. Time is of the essence. We must act swiftly to turn this around for the good of our economy and the well-being of our people.” The Minister did not disclose which of the three options proposed by the Technical Committee, constituted by Energy Minister Dr. Abdulai Jinapor, was endorsed by Cabinet. The committee’s report, submitted on April 2, 2025, highlighted three options for consideration: Entity Concession, Multiple Lease, and Service Franchise. Ghana’s power sector is saddled with a $2 billion debt, which has become a concern for the current administration. Dr. Forson emphasized that Ghana’s energy sector is currently the biggest economic risk the country faces. “This challenge goes beyond tariffs. The entire energy value chain requires urgent reform. Inefficiencies, especially in the distribution sector, are being passed onto the ordinary Ghanaian through high tariffs. ECG alone could cut the shortfall by half if it addresses these inefficiencies,” he said.         Source:https://energynewsafrica.com

Europe Set To Shatter Solar Power Generation Records

Solar power generation in Europe is set for a record year, if first-quarter solar output is anything to go by. Electricity generation from solar power farms jumped by 32% in January to March this year compared to the same period of 2024, according to data from Ember cited by Reuters market analyst Gavin Maguire. All key solar markets in Europe saw solar power gaining record-high shares of the electricity mix, the data showed. These include Germany, France, Greece, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Poland. In March alone, solar power farms represented 8.2% of Europe’s utility-supplied electricity. This was higher than the 6% share in the same month of 2024. The increase in solar’s share suggests that a growing part of Europe’s power mix now comes from renewable energy sources. The trend became evident last year, when solar power overtook coal generation in the European Union. Solar power generation accounted for 11% of EU electricity and coal fell below 10% for the first time ever, data from clean energy think tank Ember showed. Outside the EU, solar power hit in early April a new maximum solar generation record in the UK. Already this year multiple records for maximum solar generation have been set in March and April, with the latest record standing at 12.68 gigawatts (GW), the UK’s National Energy System Operator (NESO) said last week. This is greater than Britain’s total import capability across the European interconnectors, the system operator added. While solar output is breaking records across major European markets, wind power generation faltered at the end of 2024 and early 2025 amid low wind speeds. For example, the lower wind power generation, Germany’s largest source of electricity, has extended from the end of 2024 to the early weeks of 2025, too. As a result, Germany’s power producers this winter boosted fossil fuel generation, with coal and natural gas power plants raising their electricity output.             Source:Oilprice.com

Nigeria: Mainstream Energy Restores Kainji Unit 1G9 Online

Power China Huandong, a leading power design and construction company, has officially handed over the rehabilitated 80MW generating unit 1G9 of Kainji Hydropower to Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL). This marks a significant milestone in Mainstream Energy Solutions Capacity Recovery initiative. In 2021, MESL signed a contract with Power China Huadong Engineering Corporation for rehabilitation works at the Kainji Hydropower Plant. The contract covered the rehabilitation of the Unit 1G9 (80MW) and the installation of units 1G3 and 1G4 (110MW). In a statement announcing the completion of the rehabilitation of 1G9, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited mentioned that following a successful rehabilitation and rigorous 30-day statutory run for testing and commissioning, this critical unit out since 2016, has commenced commercial operations, injecting much-needed power into the national grid. “The Management of Mainstream is immensely proud to have restored this unit, reaffirming our commitment to Nigeria’s energy security and access,” the statement said. Continuing, the company said, “As we continue to push forward with our Capacity Expansion Plan, we excitedly anticipate the bringing online in the year 2026, units 1G3 and 1G4, each generating 110MW.” The company is optimistic that this will further bolster the nation’s developmental aspirations, illuminating homes and empowering small-scale industries. “We remain hopeful that these efforts will be supported by effective transmission and distribution.”         Source:https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: COMAC, RTI Commission Discuss Transparency And Accountability Within The Petroleum Downstream Sector

The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), led by Board Chairman, Mr Gabriel Kumi, paid a courtesy visit to the Right to Information (RTI) Commission last Thursday, April 17, 2025. The visit aimed at fostering transparency and accountability in Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector. With him were Dr Riverson Oppong (Industry Coordinator/CEO), Samuel Wristberg and Adjoa Baah, Esq. The engagement was held with Genevieve Shirley Lartey, Esq., the Executive Secretary of the RTI Commission, Nana Kwame Duah (RTI Board member), and Stephen Owusu, Esq. Discussions centered on improving access to accurate and timely industry information from regulators, promoting open governance and transparency in downstream operations and establishing joint capacity-building initiatives on RTI compliance. The meeting also explored developing secure and lawful frameworks for data sharing between COMAC, regulators and the public in line with the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989). The engagement reaffirmed COMAC’s commitment to promoting transparency and information accessibility within the petroleum downstream sector. “We appreciate the meaningful dialogue and shared vision with the RTI Commission, and we look forward to building a collaborative path that strengthens transparency, empowers citizens and supports a business-friendly environment in the petroleum downstream industry,” COMAC said.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Nigeria: Kaduna Electric Pledges Improved Power Supply In Kebbi State

Kaduna Electric, one of the power distribution companies (DisCos) in Nigeria, has welcomed the formation of a committee to address persistent power outages and concerns about the company’s performance by the Kebbi State Government. According to the company, this initiative is an opportunity to collaboratively identify systemic challenges and implement lasting solutions for better electricity services in the state. Kaduna Electric expresses gratitude for the Kebbi State Government’s ongoing partnership in strengthening power infrastructure, network enhancement, and maintenance, particularly in Birnin Kebbi and environs, as it aims to optimize these assets for improved grid performance. In a statement issued by Abdulazeez Abdullahi, Head of Corporate Communications at Kaduna Electric, the company highlighted the systemic hurdles impacting service delivery, including the historical low revenue collection despite Kebbi State previously receiving 20-hour daily supply. “Between September 2024 and February 2025, for instance, energy worth over ₦10 billion was supplied, yet less than ₦3 billion was recovered, with technical and commercial (ATC&C) losses of over 75%,” the statement said. “External challenges such as grid instability, a fire incident at a Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) station, and ageing infrastructure have further strained supply,” it added. To address these issues, the company has outlined measures already underway, including securing commercial/industrial clients, customer outreach, revenue protection drives, and network rehabilitation. Kaduna Electric commends the state’s support in this regard for effective infrastructure optimization, noting recent progress in stabilizing supply and adhering to feeder banding commitments. In the coming weeks, the company will launch a statewide engagement campaign in Kebbi, partnering with community leaders, traditional institutions, and consumer groups to foster dialogue, align expectations, and promote shared responsibility in service improvement. The company reaffirmed its dedication to collaborating with the new committee, the state government, and residents to resolve existing gaps and rebuild trust in the power sector.     Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: Joy FM’s Emefa Apawu Appointed Communications Manager For PHDC

Broadcast Journalist Emefa Apawu has resigned from Accra-based Multi Media Group and taken up a new role as the Corporate Communications Manager at the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC). According to sources familiar with her appointment, she started work in March 2025. Emefa is one of the captivating female voices on Ghana’s airwaves. Prior to her departure from radio, she was Joy FM’s news anchor for midday news and host of ‘The Probe’ on Joy News channel. The passion, love and energy with which she presented the news was loved by many and listeners of Joy News and The Probe will indeed miss her. Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) is a private sector-led initiative spearheaded by the immediate past Akufo-Addo administration to make Ghana the petroleum hub in West Africa. Before leaving office, the NPP government had secured a 20,000-acre land for the project and signed a $12 billion-deal with TCP-UIC Consortium which comprises Touchstone Capital Group Holdings Ltd., UIC Energy Ghana Ltd., China Wuhan Engineering Co. Ltd., and China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Co. Ltd for the development of the first phase of the Petroleum Hub project in the Jomoro Municipal Area in the Western. The petroleum hub would have four refineries with a total capacity of 600,000bpd, with each having a capacity of 150,000bpd. The West African nation established its first crude oil processing refinery, Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Limited, in 1963, to enhance the country’s economic, investment and development programmes. Since then, Ghana has not been able to establish any additional oil refinery despite producing oil in commercial quantities from its jubilee oil fields. TOR, which has a total capacity of 45,000bpd, has been left to struggle by successive governments. The petroleum hub project will have, among other facilities, storage tanks for crude and finished products, two oil jetties, two petrochemical plants with processing capacity of 45,000bpsd each, as well as waste and water treatment plants. It is estimated that 780,000 jobs would be created when the project commences and is completed.               Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: Cable Thief Electrocuted At Kumasi Substation

A shocking incident occurred at the Adoato Substation ‘B’ of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in Kumasi, Ashanti region, as the lifeless body of a middle-aged man, suspected of being a cable thief, was discovered on Saturday morning. Reports suggest that the suspect had one hand clinging to a high-voltage copper cable and a pair of pliers in the other. Briefing the media, Ing. Peter Kofi Fletcher, General Manager of Ashanti Sub-Station, narrated that the deceased gained access to the substation undetected by security personnel. The incident has caused significant damage, with several communities plunging into darkness due to destroyed cables. This is the second time in four months that cable thieves have invaded the premises. Ing. Fletcher expressed concerns about the cost associated with cable cuts, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures. “The cost of replacement can be very high, especially when customers are off, and we’re not selling,” he said. Meanwhile, police have conveyed the body of the unidentified man to the mortuary while investigations continue.       Source:https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: Petrosol Rewards Loyal Customers In Northern Sector With Suzuki S-Presso, Other Gifts

Petrosol Platinum Energy Ltd, one of the leading energy companies in the Republic of Ghana, has concluded the Northern Sector Edition of its highly successful “Energizing Dreams” promo. The grand finale event saw 29 lucky customers win exciting prizes, including a brand new Suzuki S-Presso, tricycles, motorcycles, fridges, TVs, microwaves, and fuel coupons. The Energizing Dreams promo, which began in October 2024, is part of PETROSOL’s 10th-anniversary celebration aimed at showing appreciation to customers for their loyalty and support over the past decade. The promo featured an assortment of prizes carefully selected to excite and empower customers. A customer from the PETROSOL Akom Fuel Station won the grand prize, a brand new Suzuki S-Presso. Upon hearing the news, Popular was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. Guest of Honour, Mr. Duncan Amoah, Executive Secretary of COPEC, expressed gratitude to PETROSOL for providing clean fuel and rewarding customers. “It is heartwarming to see a company go above and beyond to show appreciation to its customers,” he said. PETROSOL’s CEO, Michael Bozumbil, assured customers that the company is committed to delivering great products and services, as well as rewarding loyalty. “We value our customers’ trust and loyalty, and we’re excited about the future of energy in Ghana,” he said. The promo was conducted in partnership with the National Lottery Authority (NLA) to ensure transparency. Duncan Amoah praised the manner in which the promo was conducted, saying it was worth emulating. The grand finale for the southern sector will take place on April 29, 2025, at PETROSOL’s ISO-certified Spintex Fuel Station.     Source: https://energynewsafrica.com