Nigeria: Ardova Plc Signs New Bulk Purchase Deal With Dangote Refinery
Ardova Plc, a major player in Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas industry, has signed a bulk purchase framework agreement with Dangote Refinery.
Per the agreement, Ardova will offtake a full slate of petroleum products from the Dangote Refinery, formalizing an existing relationship between the two companies.
The deal is expected to enhance the competitive landscape of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and ensure efficiency and affordability in product distribution.
The partnership aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision to foster competition and improved efficiency in the energy sector.
With a network of over 700 retail outlets and significant storage facilities in Apapa, Lagos State; Onne, Rivers State; and Oghara, Delta State, Ardova Plc is well-positioned to distribute petroleum products nationwide effectively.
Ardova Plc’s Managing Director, Moshood Olajide, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustaining its investments in Nigeria, where it has operated for over six decades.
“We are dedicated to investing in technology, blending solar, gas, diesel, and petrol to enhance efficiency and navigate future energy disruptions,” Olajide stated.
The company’s strategic approach aligns with Nigeria’s “Decade of Gas” initiative, which seeks to maximize the potential of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to boost small businesses, enhance energy efficiency, and address environmental challenges associated with traditional fuels.
Ardova’s offerings include the manufacturing and distribution of quality lubricants, such as Super V, Visco 2000, and Diesel Motor Oil, from its state-of-the-art blending plant in Apapa, Lagos. It is also the sole authorized distributor of Shell Engine Oils and Lubricants in Nigeria.
With this partnership, Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas industry will be bolstered, providing lasting benefits for consumers and stakeholders alike.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Gasoil Remains Largest Fuel Consumed In Ghana
Gasoil, popularly known as diesel fuel, has remained the largest fuel consumed in Ghana due to its widespread use in the various sectors of the Ghanaian economy.
This is followed by gasoline popularly known as petrol.
For instance, the mining industry relies heavily on gasoil for its operations, consuming more than 300,000 metric tonnes in 2022 alone.
Gasoil is also used extensively in transportation, agriculture and power generation, further contributing to its high consumption rates.
According to the Ghana Petroleum Industry Report published by the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD), Ghana’s gross national consumption for fuel stood at 4,489,000 metric tonnes in 2023.
This represents a 6 per cent increase from the 4,220,000 metric tonnes consumed in 2022.
In 2023, gasoil consumption reached 2,162,000 metric tonnes, accounting for 48 per cent of the total consumption. Thia represents an increase from the 2,020,000 metric tonnes consumed in 2022.
The increase was driven by the rise in the consumption of regular gasoil, marine gasoil local, marine gasoil foreign and gasoil (cell site) by four, 263, 52 and 335 per cent respectively.
However, the consumption of gasoil mines, gasoil rigs and gasoil power plants decreased by eight, four and 46 per cent, respectively.
Gasoline, popularly known as petrol, was the second highest consumed product in Ghana, accounting for 38 per cent of the total refined products consumption in 2023.
Petrol consumption increased to 1,700,000 metric tonnes in 2023 from 1,600,000 metric tonnes in 2022.
Meanwhile, consumption of kerosene declined by 35 per cent to 2,582 metric tonnes in 2023 from 2022, reflecting the downward trend witnessed over the years.
On the other hand, LPG consumption increased from 305,076 metric tonnes in 2022 to 317,465 metric tonnes in 2023, representing an increase of four per cent.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Egypt: Petroleum Sector Goes Digital With Skada System Implementation
Egypt’s petroleum sector is undergoing a significant digital transformation, and a key project is currently underway to monitor gas trading using the Skada system.
Engineer Salah Abdulkarim, the Executive President of the Egyptian General Petroleum Authority, recently visited the Petrogas headquarters in Cairo to oversee the project’s implementation.
The project aims to tighten control over gas trading in the local market, and it’s part of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources’ vision to digitise the petroleum sector.
Accountant Muhammad Ibrahim Farhat, the President of Petrogas Company, explained that the project involves connecting fuel chambers to the Petroleum Authority to capture and register quantities.
This is just the first stage, with the second phase set to begin soon and finish by May 31, 2025.
The project also includes other initiatives such as monitoring gas balances inside tanks, managing tanker cars for gas transportation and data management for gas cylinder filling equipment.
These efforts would continue until 2028 and are expected to significantly improve the efficiency and transparency of the gas trading process.
Engineer Abdulkarim emphasised the importance of safety and professional health at all company sites, thanking the company’s leaders and employees for their hard work.
He urged them to continue putting effort into digitisation and efficiency improvement projects.
Egypt is Africa’s fifth-largest oil producer, with a daily crude oil production target of 637,000 barrels for the fiscal year 2024/2025.
The country’s oil and gas sector is a crucial part of its economy, and initiatives like this digital transformation project are essential for driving growth and development
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Eskom Sustains Power Supply For Nine Months; Saves R16.20 Billion
South Africa’s power utility company – Eskom – has sustained its commitment to providing reliable electricity to South Africans for the past nine months since March 26, 2024.
There has been no load-shedding for 275 consecutive days.
This achievement gives credence to Eskom’s dedication to addressing the country’s energy challenges through its investment in the Generation Recovery Plan and enhanced maintenance protocols.
In a statement, Eskom said it continues to utilise the December summer break to increase planned maintenance activities to further improve the reliability of its generation fleet as many industries have shut down for this period, with maintenance averaging at 8000MW.
“The recovery plan significantly improved operational performance, particularly by reducing unplanned outages by -8.1% compared to the same period last year,” the company said.
It said this recovery plan had resulted in year-on-year diesel savings of R16.20 billion, which is about 65.1% less than the R24.89 billion spent during the same period last year.
“The company’s year-to-date unplanned outages average is 11900MW, which is 1100MW less than our 2024 summer base case of 13000MW,” the statement added.
Eskom’s Energy Availability Factor (EAF) averaged 56.23% over the past week due to increased planned maintenance, with top-performing stations, including all peaking stations, achieving an average EAF of 70% and above.
Five other power stations recorded EAFS above 60%.
The year-to-date EAF is at 62.37%
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Turbine Installed At Turkey’s First Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant
Turkey’s first nuclear power plant, Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), is almost completed with the installation of a turbine at Unit 1.
Turkey’s Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, along with Alexey Likhachev, the Director General of the Rosatom State Corporation, took part in the event dedicated to this milestone.
“To address Turkey’s increasing energy demand and achieve the 2053 Net-Zero Emission Target, we need nuclear energy. The Akkuyu NPP project is one of the largest projects in our country. Its implementation reflects the political will of our President, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, as well as their harmonious interaction. Turkey and Russia, along with all stakeholders, are working together on this project as a unified team,” Alparslan Bayraktar said.
“The year 2024 was not only a year of serious challenges for Akkuyu NPP but also of great achievements. Today, we witnessed one of the key events at the site–the completion of the turbine installation. This is a necessary step on the long road to the launch of the power unit. We are committed to making every effort to ensure that Turkey’s first nuclear power unit begins operation shortly, providing millions of consumers with stable, low-carbon energy,” Alexey Likhachev noted.
Sergei Butckikh, the Chief Executive Officer of Akkuyu Nuclear JSC, made a report on the main stages of the project implementation in 2024 during the event. He provided a detailed overview of the commissioning work at Unit 1, the readiness stage of auxiliary facilities, major construction and installation operations and plans for the upcoming year.
Sergei Butckikh also reported the successful completion of a key operation in the turbine hall of Unit 1: the installation of the turbine-generating unit on the shaft-turning gear.
This year, several key operations were carried out, most notably the start of full-scale commissioning at Unit 1. All main equipment of the reactor unit has been installed in the reactor compartment, and preparations for pre-launch tests with the loading of nuclear fuel simulators are actively underway.
The turbine assembly was completed, i.e. a set of sequential operations that ended with the key event of placing the turbine-generating unit on the shaft-turning gear. The turbine shaft began rotating at low speeds for the first time. The experts thoroughly checked the correct alignment of all elements and confirmed the high quality of the turbine unit assembly. The successful completion of the operation demonstrates the high technical readiness of the turbine and auxiliary systems for the next key stage of the unit’s commissioning–the cold-and-hot run-in of the reactor unit.
The NPP turbine is a high-power thermal rotary motor.
The cylinder rotor is known to be one of the key components of the motor. Superheated steam produced from desalinated water in the reactor facility’s steam generators is delivered to the rotor blades under high pressure.
The energy of the compressed and heated steam enables the rotor to spin, converting it into mechanical energy, which is transferred to the turbine generator that produces electric current.
At the forthcoming stage, a set of pre-launch tests, including tests of the sealed enclosure system and safety systems, will be carried out in the turbine hall of Akkuyu NPP Unit 1. After that, the turbine will be ready for comprehensive pre-launch operations.
The Akkuyu NPP project includes four power units equipped with Generation 3+ VVER reactors of Russian design.
The capacity of each power unit will be 1200 MW. Akkuyu NPP is the first project in the global nuclear industry to be implemented according to the Build-Own-Operate model.
Russia is actively developing scientific cooperation with all interested countries.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Uganda: UK’s Gridworks Ink Deal To Build Power Transmission Project In Uganda
Gridworks has entered into a Joint Development Agreement with the Government of Uganda to deliver the Mbale-Bulambuli-Kween transmission line in eastern Uganda, which will boost the uptake of more renewable power in the country.
Gridworks, a subsidiary of British International Investment, the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, will develop the transmission line as a privately financed Independent Power Transmission (IPT) project.
This is the second IPT in Uganda that Gridworks is developing. It will support Uganda in meeting its climate targets, as well as the country’s economic development, industrialisation, and energy access goals.
The new infrastructure includes almost 80km of high-voltage transmission lines and two new substations allowing the evacuation of up to 250MW of renewable generation in the Mount Elgon area onto the national grid.
This includes up to 100MW from existing and planned hydropower plants and 150MW of power from a new solar park near Bulambuli.
According to the World Bank, only 47% of Uganda’s population currently has access to electricity.
Chris Flavin, Gridworks’ Interim CEO, said: “The Mbale-Bulambuli-Kween project will enable the evacuation of hundreds of MWs of renewable power to customers in the east of Uganda. It will boost economic growth by helping deliver more power to industry and will increase energy access for households. I’m delighted that Gridworks is demonstrating that private sector investment can play an important part in the growth of Africa’s electricity networks. Project development in the transmission sector requires specialised skills and expertise, and we are delighted to be working to deliver practical solutions to Africa’s energy challenges.”
Ruth Nankabirwa, Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, welcomed the agreement and said: “The 132 kV Mbale-Bulambuli-Kween transmission line is a critical infrastructure project that will drive industrialisation and expand electrification in line with Uganda’s Third National Development
Plan (NDP III) and forthcoming NDP IV. This project is also a key component of our Energy Policy & Grid Development Plan and will address the current bottlenecks in power evacuation on the eastern part of the Ugandan grid. We are, therefore, delighted to partner once again with Gridworks to deliver this transformative initiative, which will contribute significantly to Uganda’s socio-economic development.”
Chris Chijiutomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa at British International Investment, said: “As one of the few dedicated Africa-focused investors in power transmission, we are pleased to see Gridworks playing its role as an important partner in helping to deliver on the potential of Africa’s renewable power sector. This investment will unlock access to green and affordable electricity for the people of Uganda.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana Abolishes Entry Visa Requirement For Africans
Ghana has abolished the visa requirement for holders of passports of other African nations effective January 2025.
With this, it means Ghana is the latest country to join 42 African countries that eliminated visa requirements for all African citizens.
The outgoing President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, granted executive approval for visa-free travel to Ghana by citizens last Wednesday.
With this, Ghana joins 42 other African countries that extend visa-free entry to citizens from at least five other African countries.
Some of the African nations that are visa-free are Rwanda, Benin, The Gambia, Seychelles, South Africa and Uganda.
This is in fulfillment of a promise President Akufo-Addo made last year January to international participants, mainly business executives, at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2024.
This means that delegates from African nations who will be attending next year’s Africa Oil Week scheduled between September 15-19, 2025, will not require a visa to enter Ghana
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: IBEDC Assures Customers Of Stable Power Supply During Christmas Season
The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Plc says it has implemented measures to ensure network stability, swift fault resolution and uninterrupted power supply to meet customer needs during the Christmas holiday season.
The Managing Director of IBEDC, Engr. Francis Agoha, said this in his Christmas message to Christians, customers and Nigerians.
He, therefore, emphasised the company’s dedication to ensuring reliable service throughout the festive season.
Engr. Agoha further emphasised the company’s readiness to address customer needs, stating, “In anticipation of customer needs during the holidays, we are fully-prepared to address faults quickly to minimise disruptions in power supply.”
He urged customers to avoid energy theft, including tampering with meters or making illegal connections, noting, “Energy theft is a criminal act that affects service quality for everyone and hampers our collective progress. I encourage customers to report any suspicious activities immediately.”
Highlighting safety concerns, Engr. Agoha cautioned against tampering with electrical installations, warning of severe risks such as injury or fatality.
He encouraged customers to report faults, energy theft or other issues to IBEDC offices for prompt attention.
To ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, IBEDC advised customers to use its secure and convenient payment platforms and assured them that its offices would remain open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the holiday season for fault reporting, inquiries, bill payments and vending services.
“We sincerely thank our customers for their continued support throughout the year and urge everyone to prioritise safety by avoiding hazardous practices, such as cooking under power lines or drunk driving,” Engr Agoha added.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Fuel Retail Outlets Jump To 5,046 In 2023
Ghana has experienced a significant increase in the number of fuel retail outlets across the country within the last nine years.
Over the last eight years, fuel retail outlets have increased from 3,038 in 2015 to 5,046 in 2023, representing a 66 per cent growth.
According to the 2023 Ghana Petroleum Industry Report published by the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD), the productivity of these stations took a nose dive despite the quantum jump in the number of stations.
The report noted that the retail outlet productivity increased by two per cent from 2018 to 2019.
However, the report said there was a significant drop in retail outlet productivity by 22 per cent in 2020 before increasing marginally by four per cent in 2021.
In 2022, the report mentioned that retail outlet productivity declined by five per cent but picked up in 2023, increasing by 14 per cent in 2023.
The report attributed the rise in productivity to sales volumes of Oil Marketing Companies in 2023.
In 2023, Ghana’s gross consumption of petroleum products increased to 4.49 million metric tonnes, representing an increase of six per cent from the 4.22 million metric tonnes consumed in 2022.
A total of 4.48 million metric tonnes were consumed by the non-power sector, representing 99.8 per cent of the gross consumption while 0.2 per cent was consumed by the power sector (fuel oil and gasoil for power).
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: The Role Of The Power Consumer Assistance Fund In Sustaining Nigeria’s Electricity Supply Industry
Nigeria’s Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) continues to grapple with financial instability, driven by an unsustainable subsidy burden and insufficient market payments to Generation Companies (GenCos).
As the sector teeters on the brink of liquidity crises, the Power Consumer Assistance Fund (PCAF) emerges as a critical solution, offering a structured alternative to subsidies while addressing the needs of diverse customer segments.
Current Challenges in NESI
Before April 2024, NESI was under immense strain due to a frozen end-user tariff policy, which had been in effect since December 2022. This policy created a wide gap between cost-reflective tariffs and the rates charged to consumers, resulting in a massive monthly subsidy burden of approximately N262 billion.
Only 9.5% of GenCos’ invoices were settled from the market, leading to cash flow shortages that caused gas suppliers to curtail supplies.
NERC’s intervention in April 2024 brought temporary relief by unfreezing tariffs for Band A customers—those guaranteed 20 hours of electricity supply daily. This adjustment increased market payments to 49.5% and reduced the monthly subsidy to N153 billion.
However, resistance to further tariff adjustments and the government’s reluctance to revise rates for lower bands have stalled progress. By December 2024, market payments are projected to decline to 39%, with subsidies increasing to N200 billion.
What is the Power Consumer Assistance Fund (PCAF)?
The PCAF, established under the Electricity Act of 2023, offers a transformative approach to resolving NESI’s liquidity challenges. Unlike traditional subsidies, which blanket the entire sector, PCAF is designed to provide targeted financial support to electricity consumers while allowing Distribution Companies (DisCos) to charge cost-reflective tariffs.
Key Features of PCAF:
Contributions and Management: The fund will be financed through contributions from the government and eligible customers, with rates and durations determined by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
NERC will oversee PCAF, ensuring transparent management and equitable distribution of benefits.
Universal Benefits with Targeted Transition:
Initially, all customers will receive support through PCAF, reducing the financial burden during macroeconomic volatility.
As economic conditions stabilize, the fund will prioritize underprivileged customers, aligning with Section 122(4) of the Electricity Act.
Direct and Predictable Support: PCAF will provide a minimum monthly subsidy of N5,000 per customer, equivalent to 25 kWh of electricity.
Low-income consumers using less than 25 kWh monthly will effectively enjoy a full subsidy, ensuring affordability while promoting efficient energy use.
Why PCAF is a Game-Changer
Transparency and Clarity for Consumers
One of the most significant advantages of PCAF is the clarity it offers. Consumers will have a clear understanding of how much financial support they receive from the government to offset their electricity bills. This transparency not only builds trust but also encourages responsible energy consumption.
Financial Sustainability for DisCos and GenCos
By enabling DisCos to charge cost-reflective tariffs, PCAF ensures they can cover operational costs and meet their financial obligations to GenCos. This eliminates the persistent cash flow issues that have plagued NESI, fostering a more resilient supply chain.
Targeted Support for Vulnerable Groups
Unlike blanket subsidies, PCAF focuses on delivering support where it is needed most. Low-income households, which typically consume minimal electricity, will benefit from full subsidies, ensuring they are not excluded from access to power.
Implementation Timeline and Expectations
NERC plans to activate PCAF by the first quarter of 2025. The transition period will be critical, requiring:
Robust Stakeholder Engagement: NERC must work closely with DisCos, consumer advocacy groups, and policymakers to ensure seamless implementation.
Stringent Monitoring Mechanisms: Real-time monitoring and IT systems will be deployed to track service quality and compliance.
Gradual Adjustments: Tariff revisions will reflect macroeconomic conditions, ensuring consumers are not overburdened.
Conclusion
The Power Consumer Assistance Fund represents a sustainable path forward for Nigeria’s electricity sector. By replacing indiscriminate subsidies with targeted financial support, PCAF addresses NESI’s liquidity challenges while protecting vulnerable consumers. As the sector transitions to this new model, it will be essential to maintain a balance between affordability and financial sustainability, ensuring that electricity remains accessible to all Nigerians while enabling NESI to thrive.
Adetayo Adegbemle is a public opinion commentator/analyst, researcher and the convener of PowerUp Nigeria, an Electric Power Consumer Right Advocacy Group based in Lagos.
UK: Consultation Begins On UK’s Plan To Ban New Petrol And Diesel Cars By 2030.
The UK government has launched a consultation on phasing out new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, aiming to “restore clarity” for vehicle manufacturers and the charging industry.
This move is part of the government’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs).
The government plans to phase out new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, with all new cars and vans being fully zero-emission from 2035.
The consultation seeks views from automotive and charging experts on how to deliver the 2030 deadline and updates to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate.
The automotive industry has welcomed the government’s review, but also emphasized the need for urgent resolution, clear regulation, and bold incentives to stimulate demand.
The government aims to make it easier and cheaper to charge electric cars, with over 72,000 public charging points already available and another 100,000 planned.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander wants industry views from automotive and charging experts on how to deliver Labour’s manifesto commitment to restore the 2030 deadline.
It had been extended to 2035 under the previous Conservative government.
The measure comes amid a row between the government and the industry over the phasing out of the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.
Last month, Ford said the UK government’s mandate to produce and sell more electric vehicles (EVs) “just doesn’t work” without demand.
“The one thing that we really need is government-backed incentives to urgently boost the uptake of electric vehicles,” Lisa Brankin, Ford UK’s chair and managing director, said in an interview on BBC.
The transport secretary said the automotive industry had been “stifled by a lack of certainty and direction” over the last few years.
“This government will change that,” she added.
More than two-thirds of car manufacturers in the UK, including Stellantis, have committed to transitioning fully to electric cars by that year.
However, firms have also announced thousands of job cuts, partly because of EV targets.
The Department for Transport said the consultation would “restore clarity for vehicle manufacturers and the charging industry” so they “have the confidence to invest in the UK in the long term and drive growth in the UK automotive industry”.
The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit think tank said the UK would meet its targets because the mandate took into account credits earned from selling lower-emission hybrid petrol and diesel vehicles, as well as sales of vehicles that were fully electric.
The 22% required to be achieved by each manufacturer is due to be reached as an average across the industry, according to the think tank.
Last month, EVs made up one in four cars sold in the UK, Ms Alexander said, with drivers “already embracing EVs faster than ever”.
“Today’s measures will help us capitalise on the clean energy transition to support thousands of jobs, make the UK a clean energy superpower, and rebuild Britain,” she added.
The government said the consultation would also be part of a “wider push” to make it easier and cheaper to charge electric cars.
There are now more than 72,000 public charging points in the UK, with another 100,000 planned by local authorities across England.
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of automotive industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said the automotive industry welcomed the government’s “review of both the end of sale date for cars powered solely by petrol or diesel, and possible changes to the flexibilities around the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate”.
“These are both critical issues for an industry that is facing significant challenges globally as it tries to decarbonise ahead of natural market demand,” he added.
“With the 2025 market looking under even greater pressure, it is imperative we get an urgent resolution, with a clear intent to adapt the regulation to support delivery, backed by bold incentives to stimulate demand,” Mr Hawes said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Chad: AfDB Approves €28 Million For Solar Project To Boost Energy Access
The African Development Bank Group has approved EUR 28 million in funding for a solar project in Chad, aiming to boost energy access in the country.
This project is part of the Bank’s Desert to Power programme, which seeks to increase energy access across Africa.
The total cost of the project is estimated at Euro 41 million.
The funding will support the construction of two solar power plants in Gassi and Lamadji, each with a capacity of 15 megawatts.
The project also includes new power stations, connection lines, and a 6-megawatt-hour battery system to store energy when the sun is not shining.
The project will increase power supply by 20%, paving the way for Chad’s energy transition from expensive, polluting fuel-based power to clean energy.
Besides, the project will create 200 jobs during construction and 34 permanent jobs during operation, with special opportunities for women and young people.
The solar plants are expected to generate 61 gigawatt-hours of clean energy each year, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 49,000 tons annually.
Kevin Kariuki, Vice-President of the Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth complex at the African Development Bank, said: “The Gassi and Lamadji solar project is a landmark development that underscores Chad’s strong commitment to the transition to renewable energy under the Desert to Power Initiative, and the Bank’s continued commitment to supporting transformative, clean energy projects across the continent.
“This project not only facilitates the Government of Chad’s efforts to increase access to energy through renewable energy but also drives local economic growth and strengthens the country’s energy security.”
Wale Shonibare, the Bank’s Director of the Energy Financial Solutions, Policy, and Regulations department, added, “As a pioneering solar project in Chad, this initiative exemplifies the scale of renewable energy potential in the Sahel region.
“It demonstrates how strong partnerships and the Bank’s deployment of its suite of instruments and innovative solutions can advance the energy transition and foster sustainable economic development.”
The solar plants are expected to generate 61 gigawatt-hours of clean, reliable, and affordable energy each year responding to Chad’s energy deficit.
This will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 49,000 tons each year, helping Chad meet its climate change commitments under the Paris Agreement.
The project will create 200 jobs during construction, with special opportunities for women and young people and 34 permanent jobs during operation.
The project will generate revenue for the national treasury through taxes, reduce fuel subsidies, and improve the country’s balance of payments by reducing energy imports.
Aligned with the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy, the New Deal on Energy for Africa, and its High 5 objective of “Light Up and Power Africa,” the Gassi and Lamadji Solar PV project reinforces Chad’s commitment to increase energy access through renewable energy.
It also supports the African Development Bank’s mission to promote sustainable, inclusive, and resilient energy development across Africa.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Africa Oil Week Congratulates President-elect Mr Mahama
Organisers of Africa Oil Week, the continent’s premier oil and gas event, have congratulated the President-elect of the Republic of Ghana, Mr John Dramani Mahama.
Mr Mahama, who was the flag-bearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the December 7 polls, was declared the President-elect by the Electoral Commission of Ghana after securing 6,328,397, representing 56.55 per cent, while the flag-bearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, secured 4,657,304, representing 41.61 per cent.
Since his re-election, Mr Mahama has been receiving congratulatory messages from individuals, organisations, diplomatic missions and from leaders around the world. The congratulatory message from the Africa Oil Week is, therefore, in order.
For the first time, the oil producing West African nation will be hosting the Africa Oil Week in Accra between September 15-19, 2025.
In October this year, Sankofa Events decided to permanently relocate the event from Cape Town, South Africa, to Accra after 30 years of successfully hosting the event in South Africa.
The Director for Sankofa Events and Events Director for AOW, Mr Paul Sinclair, noted in a message that His Excellency John Dramani Mahama’s administration backing of the oil and gas sector as a sector of growth, is in line with AOW’s mission to advance upstream development for Ghana and “ensure we are supportive of domestic, regional and international interests to move forward the continents upstream interests, now more than ever.”
He said there was the need to unite and accelerate development as partners to realise the full potential of the continent’s oil and gas resources.
He said his outfit is expecting to draw a record-breaking turnout of stakeholders from across the globe for AOW 2025.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
DRC: Afreximbank Signs Landmark Hydropower Project In Congo
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has signed a project preparation facility financing agreement for its private-sector renewable energy project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking a major step in expanding green infrastructure across the Central African region.
Partnering with Kipay Investments SAS (Kipay), the Bank will finance the technical and bankability studies, legal, financial advisory and fundraising costs for the development of up to 200 MW reservoir-based hydropower project to be located along the Lufira River.
The Bank will also take the lead in structuring the project’s debt financing.
Aligning with Afreximbank’s climate finance strategy, the project marks Afreximbank’s first private-sector renewable energy initiative in the DRC.
This captive power project will deliver significant benefits.
It will provide clean, reliable and affordable power to mining companies enabling beneficiation of critical minerals including copper and cobalt within the DRC and fostering significant value retention.
Additionally, it will expand electricity access to the nearby community enhancing access to education and healthcare facilities.
Once completed, the project is expected to result in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 108,000 metric tonnes of CO₂-equivalent annually thereby helping DRC meet its climate targets under the Paris Agreement and updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President Intra African Trade and Export Development, Afreximbank signed the agreement on behalf of Afreximbank while Mr Eric Monga, Chief Executive Officer of Kipay Investments SAS, signed on behalf of his company.
Commenting on the transaction, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, said: “This signing ceremony underscores Afreximbank’s commitment to support renewable energy projects that spur industrialization and export development activities while promoting a just energy transition. Afreximbank is committed to supporting DRC’s energy transition, enhancing the country’s energy security whilst leveraging its vast renewable energy potential to develop sustainable trade-enabling energy infrastructure.”
“This financing reinforces Afreximbank’s commitment to mobilizing private capital to develop renewable energy projects and secure a sustainable future for DRC and the region. We are also proud to highlight the innovative structure deployed that encompasses a captive market that enhances the project’s bankability,” Mrs. Awani added.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Eric Monga, CEO of Kipay Investments SAS, highlighted that the project had led to renewed optimism for socio-economic development among the local population and across the country.
He said: “It is important that local communities reap the benefits of the project — including creation of new jobs and capacity building for the future renewable energy sector in the DRC.”
Upon completion, the initiative is expected to lead to the creation of over 2,000 direct jobs and 952 potential indirect jobs, and augmentation of fishing and other economic activities on the reservoir.
Others benefits include realisation of tax revenues to the DRC government over the 30-year duration of the project, and development of industrial clusters around the mining area.
Kipay Investments SAS is incorporated to develop, design, construct, install, commission and operate and manage a reservoir-based hydroelectric power plant with a nameplate capacity of up to 200 megawatts.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com