Nigeria: Abuja Power Outage Hits Presidential Villa, Other Areas After Vandalism
Power supply in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, has been disrupted after vandals attacked TCN’s 132kV transmission line and underground cables, taking power to the city and its environs.
The affected areas include Maitama, Wuse, Jabi, Life Camp, Asokoro, Utako, Mabushi and parts of the Presidential Villa.
A statement issued by Ndidi Mbah, Public Affairs Manager at TCN on Friday, 17th January 2025, said the vandalism happened around the Millennium Park axis of Abuja.
The thieves made away 40 meters of 1x500mm² XLPE conductors on the two numbers 132kV transmission lines.
As a result of the vandalism, over 60 per cent of the power supply to Abuja has been affected, leaving many areas without electricity.
The statement said engineers have been deployed to the site to repair the damaged cables and restore the power supply to the affected areas.
The company has also appealed to Nigerians to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security operatives.
The TCN emphasised the importance of protecting the nation’s transmission equipment and installations, stating that it is crucial to the development of the power sector.
The company urged everyone to work together to prevent such incidents in the future.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Edward Bawa Appointed As Acting CEO Of GNPC
A former Communication Specialist at the Ministry of Energy, Mr Edward Bawa, has been appointed as the Acting Chief Executive Officer for the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).
He served as the Communication Specialist at the Ministry of Energy between 2012 and 2016.
After leaving the Ministry, he contested the parliamentary election and won the seat for the NDC for the Bongo Constituency in the Upper East Region.
In Parliament, Mr Bawa served on the Mines and Energy Committee, given his knowledge of the energy sector.
His appointment, effective Friday, January 17, 2025, is per Article 195(1) of the Constitution and Section 10(2) of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation Act, 1983 (P.N.D.C.L.64).
The appointment is pending the required advice from the Honourable Minister for Energy, in consultation with the Public Services Commission.
In a formal letter, President Mahama extended his congratulations to the former MP for Bongo and expressed his best wishes for his tenure. The announcement was communicated by Dr Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President.
Mr Bawa will be the second youngest person serving as CEO of the National Oil Company after Mr Opoku Ahwenee Danquah who served as CEO during the immediate past Akufo-Addoo administration.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Independent Power Generators Ghana Congratulates Energy Minister-Designate
The Independent Power Generators, Ghana, has congratulated Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor on his appointment as the Minister-designate for Energy and Green Transition.
Hon. Jinapor was among the first three Ministers of State appointed by President John Dramani Mahama.
He successfully went through a parliamentary vetting last week.
In a statement, Dr Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, CEO of IPPG, expressed confidence in Jinapor’s leadership, saying his pragmatic approach would help address challenges in the power sector and create a resilient energy ecosystem for Ghana.
“We are confident his leadership will bring a renewed focus and drive toward addressing the challenges confronting the power sector,” he said.
Below is the full statement:
A WELL-DESERVED CONGRATULATIONS TO HON. JOHN ABDULAI JINAPOR. MINISTER FOR ENERGY AND GREEN TRANSITION
- The Independent Power Generators, Ghana (IPGG) extends our warmest congratulations on your nomination by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana and successful vetting as the Minister for Energy and Green Transition.
- Hon. Jinapor’s extensive experience in Ghana’s energy sector and commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability and efficiency have been evident in during the vetting. As a critical stakeholder in the energy industry, we are confident his leadership will bring a renewed focus and drive toward addressing the challenges confronting the power sector.
- The role of the Minister for Energy is vital, especially at a time when the nation is seeking to enhance efficiency in distribution, and to reduce debts in the energy sector. We believe that Hon. Jinapor’s pragmatic approach and expertise will contribute significantly to the creation of a resilient and reliable energy ecosystem for Ghana.
- As Independent Power Generators, we reaffirm our unwavering support for the government’s efforts to ensure stable and affordable electricity for all Ghanaians. We look forward to collaborating closely with Hon. Jinapor to achieve shared goals, including sustainable energy generation, the promotion of renewable energy, and the resolution of outstanding financial and policy challenges affecting the sector.
- Once again, we congratulate Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor and pledge our commitment to supporting his vision for Ghana’s energy future.
Niger: Algeria’s Sonatrach Plans 30,000Bpd Refinery & Petrochemical Hub In Dosso
Algeria’s state-owned oil company, Sonatrach, has unveiled plans to construct a refinery and petrochemical complex in Dosso, a city in southwestern Niger.
To realise this dream, officials of Sonatrach, recently, visited Niger and held discussions with Sahabi Oumarou, Niger’s Minister for Petroleum, to lay the groundwork for the project.
According to Sonatrach, the project demonstrates Algeria’s dedication to supporting Niger in transforming its natural resources into sustainable development opportunities.
As part of the agreement, Sonatrach will provide specialised training programmes for Nigerien engineers and technicians at Algerian refineries, guided by experts from the Algerian Petroleum Institute (IAP).
The Dosso refinery will start with a production capacity of 30,000 barrels per day, with plans to expand it to 100,000 barrels per day, addressing local energy demands while generating jobs and attracting foreign investment.
By advancing this project, Sonatrach aims to bolster Niger’s energy independence and drive its economic growth.
Sonatrach has also intensified its operations in the Kafra Oil Field, a 23,737km² block in Niger, where two drilled wells are expected to boost the country’s oil production to 90,000 barrels per day.
This energy collaboration strengthens ties between Algeria and Niger and opens opportunities for additional joint ventures.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: ACEP Proposes Commercialisation And Stock Exchange Listing For BOST
The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) is advocating for the commercialization of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) and its listing on the Ghana Stock Exchange.
This move is aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in BOST’s operations.
Currently, BOST receives a 12-pesewa margin on every litre of petroleum products, generating nearly GH¢600 million annually.
The margin was designed for the company to use to develop a network of pipeline infrastructure across the country and keep strategic stock.
However, ACEP argues that BOST has strayed from its core mandate of maintaining strategic stock reserves and is instead competing with private bulk oil distributors that pay taxes.
Kodzo Yaotse, Policy Lead for Petroleum and Conventional Energy at ACEP, emphasizes that BOST’s current operations are unnecessary and that commercialization and listing on the stock exchange would ensure transparency and accountability.
He also revealed that BOST controls about 20% of the petroleum import market under the Gold for Oil program.
“The market we operate in now shows that we do not need BOST. Or, if we are to keep BOST, we should commercialize it and list it on the stock exchange,” Yaotse stated.
“This will ensure transparency and accountability in BOST operations while reducing the burden on consumers. That’s another GHp 0.12 removed from payments,” he added.
ACEP believes that transitioning BOST into a commercially driven entity will reduce the financial burden on consumers, foster greater efficiency, and promote accountability within the downstream petroleum sector.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: COMAC Sets Record Straight On Fuel Shortage Fears And Gold-For-Oil Policy
The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has dismissed recent media reports suggesting that its CEO cautioned about an imminent fuel shortage in Ghana. According to COMAC, these reports are inaccurate and have caused unnecessary public anxiety.
In a statement, COMAC explained that its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Riverson Oppong, did not warn of an impending fuel shortage. Instead, Dr. Oppong provided an update on the temporary reduction in petrol stock, caused by operational factors, including the suspension of refining activities at Sentuo Oil Refinery.
COMAC assured the public that the current stock of petrol can cover approximately three weeks of the country’s demand. Furthermore, vessels are currently discharging petrol, and others are waiting to discharge, effectively mitigating any risk of a fuel shortage.
Regarding the Gold-for-Oil (G4O) policy, COMAC clarified that Dr. Oppong did not suggest that the policy is a solution to fuel shortages. Instead, he advocated for a review of the policy to optimize its implementation and usefulness, given the evolving consumption dynamics in the industry.
COMAC reiterated its support for initiatives that enhance efficiency, stability, and sustainability within the petroleum sector. The Chamber urged media outlets to report responsibly and avoid disseminating information that may cause unnecessary public anxiety.
COMAC assured the public that there is no looming fuel shortage, as adequate supplies are currently available at the ports, with additional volumes expected to further cushion the market.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Egypt: ExxonMobil Makes Significant Natural Gas Discovery Off Egypt’s Coast
US oil and gas super major, ExxonMobil Corporation, has announced a major natural gas discovery in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Egypt.
The discovery was made after the successful drilling of an exploration well in the North Marakia Block, located approximately five miles off Egypt’s northern coast.
According to ExxonMobil, the Nefertari-1 well encountered gas-bearing reservoirs, and the company will continue to evaluate the results.
This discovery has the potential to significantly contribute to Egypt’s energy sector and bolster the country’s position as a major natural gas producer.
The Eastern Mediterranean has emerged as a hotspot for energy exploration in recent years, driven by several significant natural gas discoveries in 2009 and 2010.
The region’s proximity to energy-hungry markets in Europe and the Middle East makes it an attractive location for energy companies.
ExxonMobil is not alone in its exploration efforts in the region.
Other major energy companies, including Chevron, BP, Shell, and Eni, also have assets and exploration plans in the area.
ExxonMobil entered the North Marakia block in 2019 and subsequently sold a 40% stake to QatarEnergy in 2022. The discovery well was drilled using the Valaris DS-9 drillship.
This significant discovery is expected to have a positive impact on Egypt’s energy sector and the regional energy landscape.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Sudan: Foreign Ministry Condemns Militia Attack On Merowe Dam Power Plant
Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has strongly condemned the recent attack by the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia on the Merowe Dam power plant located on the Nile River.
The attack, carried out using suicide drones, resulted in the loss of electricity supply to large parts of the country, and the MFA has deemed it a clear terrorist act and a full-fledged war crime.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that this crime is part of a larger genocidal plan implemented by the militia, with the support of its regional sponsors.
The statement highlighted the devastating impact of targeting electricity services on citizens’ lives and essential services such as water, health, education, and livelihoods.
The MFA also drew attention to other recent atrocities committed by the militia, including a massacre in Zamzam camp that claimed the lives of 16 displaced persons, and another in the village of Om Meleiha, where 11 civilians were killed.
The Ministry has urged the international community to condemn these heinous crimes and exert pressure on the militia’s sponsors to stop supplying them with weapons and mercenaries.
The Ministry stated that the attack on the Merowe Dam power plant is a stark reminder of the importance of protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety and well-being of all civilians.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Senegal: AfDB Approves €8.51Million Loan For Energy-Efficient Lighting Initiative
The African Development Bank has launched a groundbreaking energy-efficiency project in Senegal, marking a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards sustainable development.
The €8.51 million loan approved by the Bank will fund the “Programme to Promote Efficient Lighting Lamps” (PPLEEF), which aims to replace outdated incandescent bulbs with modern LED lighting in nearly 700,000 households and 80,000 small businesses across Senegal.
This pioneering project is expected to deliver substantial energy savings, reduce electricity costs, and significantly cut carbon emissions. The innovative on-bill financing model allows consumers to repay the cost of the new lighting through monthly energy savings, making the program accessible and affordable for all participants.
According to Jalel Chabchoub, Chief Energy Efficiency Officer at the African Development Bank, the PPLEEF is a milestone for Senegal’s national commitment to sustainable development and universal energy access.
The project will reduce energy demand and consumption during peak hours and pave the way for a more sustainable energy future across Africa.
The PPLEEF is also a replicable and scalable model for other African nations, delaying the need for costly investments in new power plants and reducing energy consumption. Mame Coumba Ndiaye, General Director of Senegal’s Agence pour l’Économie et la Maîtrise de l’Énergie (AEME), noted that the project will have a positive impact on household and small business budgets by reducing their energy bills.
This initiative is part of the African Development Bank’s broader efforts to promote sustainable development and energy equity across Africa.
From 2019 to 2024, the Bank committed approximately $6 billion to energy projects across the continent.
With the launch of the PPLEEF and the ‘Mission 300’ initiative, Africa is making significant strides towards closing its energy access gap.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
IEA Sees U.S. Sanctions On Russia Disrupting Oil Flows
The new expansive U.S. sanctions on the Russian oil industry and exports could affect global oil flows, complicating trade logistics for producers using shadow fleets such as Russia, Iran, and Venezuela, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Wednesday.
Despite the prospect of declining supply from Russia and Iran, with the latest sanctions against Moscow from the outgoing U.S. Administration and expected stricter sanctions and sanction enforcement from the incoming Trump Administration, the global oil market is likely to remain in a surplus this year, due to supply continuing to outpace demand, the IEA said in its monthly Oil Market Report today.
The agency continues to expect just about 1 million barrels per day (bpd) in global oil demand growth this year compared to 2024.
The expected demand growth of 1.05 million bpd would be an acceleration from the estimated 940,000 bpd growth in 2024 “as the economic outlook improves marginally,” the IEA said.
Global supply, on the other hand, is set to grow by 1.8 million bpd in 2025 to 104.7 million bpd. Non-OPEC+ production is set to rise by 1.5 million bpd in 2025, led by the United States, Brazil, Guyana, Canada, and Argentina, according to the agency.
While the more expansive sanctions on Russia are set to further complicate oil trade logistics, exports on non-shadow tankers remain viable for Russian oil purchased below the price cap of $60 per barrel, the IEA noted.
Moreover, the latest U.S. sanctions on Iran’s shadow fleet from December “now cover vessels that transported an average of over 500 kb/d of Iranian crude in 2024, nearly one-third of the country’s crude exports,” the agency said.
“While it is too early to fully quantify the potential impact from these new measures, some operators have reportedly already started to pull back from Iranian and Russian oil,” it added.
Despite the potential of further supply declines from Russia and Iran, the market isn’t too concerned about a shortfall in global supply, with the expected jump in non-OPEC+ production, as well as the OPEC+ members looking to unwind extra voluntary production cuts.
“Those additions should cover both potential supply disruptions and expected demand growth,” the IEA said.
Source: Oilprice.com
Kenya: EPRA Increases Fuel Prices Effective January 15
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announced an increase in prices for Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene effective today, January 15 to February 14, 2025.
Unlike in Ghana where fuel prices are adjusted every two weeks, in Kenya, fuel prices are adjusted every month.
A statement issued and signed by EPRA Director-General Daniel Kiptoo on Tuesday said Super Petrol would increase by Ksh.0.29, Diesel by Ksh.2 and Kerosene by Ksh.3 per litre.
“The prices are inclusive of the 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) in line with the provisions of the Finance Act 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2024 and the revised rates for excise duty adjusted for inflation as per Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020,” read the statement.
“The average landed cost of imported Super Petrol decreased by 0.14% from US$612.53 per cubic metre in November 2024 to US$611.69 per cubic metre in December 2024; Diesel increased by 0.06% from US$643.69 per cubic metre to US$644.10 per cubic metre while Kerosene decreased by 1.62% from US$660.30 per cubic metre to US$649.64 per cubic metre over the same period.”
Following the review, a litre of Super Petrol in Nairobi will now retail at Ksh.176.58, Diesel at Ksh.167.06 and Kerosene at Ksh.151.39.
In Mombasa, Super Petrol will go for Ksh.173.34, Diesel (Ksh.163.82), and Kerosene (Ksh.148.15).
In Kisumu, the costs for Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene will be Ksh.176.62, Ksh.167.44, and Ksh.151.82 respectively.
Crude Oil prices have soared on the international market since January 1.
Brent crude, the international benchmark ended the year 2024 at about $73 per barrel.
However, as of today, January 15, Brent has surged to about $80 per barrel.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria’s Electricity Generation Surged By 30% In 2024
Nigeria’s Minister for Power, Mr Adetayo Adelabu, has revealed that the country’s power generation increased by about 30 per cent in 2024.
Mr Adelabu made the disclosure during his ministry’s 2025 budget defence before the Senate Committee on Power at the National Assembly complex.
He said that when he assumed the leadership of the ministry in 2023, he met an average of 4,100 megawatts of power generation.
“I can tell you authoritatively that by the end of 2024, we had a peak generation of 5,528 megawatts of power from 4,100 megawatts that we met on ground.
“And the reason for this is not far fetched. We added a new hydroelectric power dam, Zungeru, with 700 megawatts.
“There was also a tremendous increase in the generation lines by other existing generation companies,” he said.
The minister said that the target for power generation was 6,000 megawatts. However, he added that due to the challenges experienced towards the end of 2024 in terms of grid collapses, the ministry missed the target by a minimal margin.
He further said that apart from energy access expansion, the sector had plans to stabilise the grid and other transmission infrastructure.
“I’m happy to also inform you that out of the eight collapses of the national grid that we experienced during 2024,
five were full collapses, while three were partial collapses.
“Out of the five full collapses, three were actually due to generation problems. So, as against the 12 collapse that were publicised, it was just about eight collapses.
“We have been trying very hard to ensure that we manage the grid that was inherited.
“Unfortunately, it is still very old. It is dilapidated. And we are just managing it until we are able to fix it permanently.
“This is the focus of the Presidential Power Initiative to ensure that the entire grid is revamped so that we won’t be having all this vandalism.
“So these are the summaries of our activities. And we are proud to say that we almost met all our targets for 2024.
“Our hope is that 2025 will be a better year for us, and we will be able to address all the existing issues in the sector,” he said.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe, questioned the government’s continuous funding of power distribution companies (discos), suggesting a review of their contracts and possible government reclamation if the inefficiencies persisted.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: ECG To Kick Start “Operation Keep The Light On” Revenue Mobilisation From Wednesday
Ghana’s southern power distribution company, Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), will from Wednesday (15 January) embark on a two-week revenue mobilisation exercise dubbed “Operation Keep The Light On” across its operational areas.
The exercise, which is expected to end on 31 January, will focus on all categories of customers in arrears.
ECG will also use the opportunity to inspect the integrity of customers’ meters.
The company reminded customers that it is a criminal offense to undertake self-reconnection after disconnection.
In view of the exercise, the ECG says its regional and district offices will operate with a lean staff pool who will provide essential services to customers during this exercise to enable total participation by top management and staff.
“ECG wishes to state that the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s LI (2413) gives us full access to all our installations, therefore customers and the general public are being advised to cooperate with ECG to carry out our mandate,” the company said in a release.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: RCEES-UENR Chairman, Others Partipate In IRENA’s 15Th Session
Ghana recently participated in the 15th Session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly, held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from January 11-13, 2025.
The IRENA Assembly brings together global leaders and energy decision-makers to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy.
The session focused on four main objectives: accelerating the energy transition, ensuring energy security and socio-economic development, exploring innovative financing options, and fostering international cooperation.
The Ghanaian delegation included Mr. Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo, Chairman of the Steering Committee for the Regional Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (RCEES-UENR) and former Director for Renewable Energy at the Bui Power Authority, Prof. Eric Ofosu-Antwi, RCEES-UENR Director, and Ing. Seth Mahu, from the Ministry of Energy, who headed the delegation.
The rest are Cyril Ankrah and Victor Eke Toyi both of Bui Power Authority.
The goal of RCEES is to foster international cooperation and secure funding for renewable energy initiatives, with a key focus on advocating for the establishment of a Renewable Energy Institute for West Africa at UENR.
Togobo aims to attract investment for Ghana’s Pwalugu multipurpose hydropower and Juale hydro potential sites, as well as explore opportunities for utility-scale wind power and tidal energy.
During the session, Togobo contributed to discussions on energy challenges in emerging economies and developing countries, while Ing. Seth Mahu spearheaded high-level negotiations, including advocacy for the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) and financing clean cooking access in Ghana.
The delegation also attended high-level sessions on the topic: “Accelerating the Energy Transition – The Way Forward” and the Ministerial Roundtable on “Accelerating Africa’s Energy Transition and Green Industrialisation.”
These discussions aimed to accelerate the energy transition and promote socio-economic development through renewable energy adoption.
The delegation also engaged global leaders and energy experts to attract investments for renewable energy projects in Ghana.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The rest are Cyril Ankrah and Victor Eke Toyi both of Bui Power Authority.
The goal of RCEES is to foster international cooperation and secure funding for renewable energy initiatives, with a key focus on advocating for the establishment of a Renewable Energy Institute for West Africa at UENR.
Togobo aims to attract investment for Ghana’s Pwalugu multipurpose hydropower and Juale hydro potential sites, as well as explore opportunities for utility-scale wind power and tidal energy.
During the session, Togobo contributed to discussions on energy challenges in emerging economies and developing countries, while Ing. Seth Mahu spearheaded high-level negotiations, including advocacy for the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) and financing clean cooking access in Ghana.
The delegation also attended high-level sessions on the topic: “Accelerating the Energy Transition – The Way Forward” and the Ministerial Roundtable on “Accelerating Africa’s Energy Transition and Green Industrialisation.”
These discussions aimed to accelerate the energy transition and promote socio-economic development through renewable energy adoption.
The delegation also engaged global leaders and energy experts to attract investments for renewable energy projects in Ghana.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com