Nigeria: Vandals Attack Shiroro–Katampe Transmission Line Again
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported that its 330kV Shiroro–Katampe transmission line was vandalised on Wednesday,18th December 2024.
The company said at approximately 11:43 pm, the 330kV Shiroro–Katampe circuit lost supply on the grid.
TCN said a trial reclosure was attempted, but the line immediately tripped again.
The company, in a statement, said its lines patrol team was dispatched from the Abuja Regional office of TCN to investigate the cause of the fault.
The team discovered that vandals had stolen part of the conductor between towers T216 and T218.
The TCN lines maintenance crew has since mobilised to the site and is working assiduously to replace the vandalised 330kV power conductor.
“We appeal to the general public to assist in identifying and reporting suspicious activities around power transmission infrastructure.
“Your vigilance and cooperation are crucial in helping us to prevent acts of vandalis or apprehend the culprits,” the company said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Eskom Records Net Loss Of R25.5 Billion
South Africa’s power utility company, Eskom, has recorded a net loss of R25.5 billion.
This is contained in the company’s financial statement released on Thursday.
Despite this quantum of the net loss, the Board Chair of Eskom, Mteto Nyati, said this is an improvement from the R34.6 billion loss in the 2023 financial year.
Eskom is facing mounting debt levels compounded by the culture of non-payment.
According to him, the 2024 financial year has been exceptionally challenging operationally and financially.
He, however, said the company has laid a foundation for the 2025 financial year.
He said there were 329 days of load-shedding despite diesel usage valued at R33.9 billion.
Nyati added that transmission network reliability improved significantly.
He further said that arrears of municipal debt escalated to R74.4 billion from R58.5 billion the previous year.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Egypt: AMEA Power Commissions Landmark 500MW Solar PV Plant
AMEA Power, one of the fastest-growing renewable energy companies in the North Africa region, commissioned the 500MW Abydos Solar PV Plant located at Aswan Governorate in Egypt.
The project is one of the largest solar PV plants in Africa.
In a statement, AMEA said the flagship project underscores its commitment to accelerating the global transition to clean energy.
The Abydos Solar PV Plant will generate approximately 1,500 GWh of clean energy annually enough to power approximately 300,000 households while offsetting 782,300 tons of CO2 emissions.
The project was financed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO), and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of AMEA Power, said: “I am proud to announce that the 500MW Abydos Solar PV Plant is now fully operational–a landmark achievement that highlights the dedication of our team, the strength of collaboration, and the importance of empowering local communities.
“This milestone demonstrates AMEA Power’s technical excellence and sets a new standard for renewable energy projects.
“The solar power plant is a significant step in Egypt’s renewable energy strategy, supporting the goal of achieving 42% of energy generation from renewables by 2030. Together, we are driving progress toward a sustainable future.”
AMEA Power also signed a Power Purchase Agreement and Land Agreement for an additional 500MW Wind Project in Egypt.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria Approves Shell’s $2.4 Billion Asset Sale
Nigeria’s oil minister has finally approved Shell Plc’s sale of $2.4 billion in assets to Renaissance Group, Renaissance has revealed.
The greenlight comes just two months after Africa’s biggest crude producer decline to approve the sale of Shell’s onshore and shallow-water oil and gas in the Niger Delta region to a consortium of local companies.
The rejection marked a setback for Shell, which has sought to exit the West African oil sector that’s currently plagued by significant oil spills and theft. The Nigerian assets hold a combined estimated volume of 6.73B barrels of oil and condensate and 56.27T cf of associated and non-associated gas.
The Nigerian government approved a similar sale of Exxon Mobil’s onshore oil and gas assets to a Nigerian energy supplier. Last year, Norwegian oil and gas giant Equinor ASA finalized the sale of Equinor Nigeria Energy Company (ENEC) to local firm,Chappal Energy.
Interestingly, Shell’s approval comes days after the company announced it has taken a final investment decision on its long-delayed Bonga North deepwater project off the coast of Nigeria, the country’s first major deepwater development to move ahead in several years.
According to Shell, Bonga North will be a subsea tie-back to the Bonga floating production storage and offloading facility, which it operates with a 55% interest.
Shell’s partners in Bonga North are Exxon Mobil-owned Esso Exploration & Production with a 20% stake, as well as TotalEnergies and Nigerian Agip Exploration with each owning 12.5%
With an estimated recoverable resource volume of more than 300M boe, Bonga North is expected to reach peak production of 110K bbl/day, with first oil expected by the end of the decade.
The project involves drilling 16 wells – 8 production wells and 8 water-injection wells – installation of new subsea hardware tied back to the FPSO and modifications to the existing Bonga Main FPSO.
Source: Oilprice.com
Angola: Gov’t Moves To Transform Thermal Energy Into Clean Energy
Angolan Minister for Energy and Water João Baptista Borges has reaffirmed the government’s objective of transforming the energy matrix from thermal to clean sources by 2027.
The Minister made the statement after inaugurating the line that will connect the municipalities of Cachiungo, in Huambo Province, and Chinguar, in Bié, to the national grid, as part of the country’s Energy Transition Project.
João Baptista Borges said that the energy produced by diesel generators represented almost 60 per cent of all the energy produced in the country and that the country is changing this picture and already has 66 per cent renewable energy, more hydroelectric and some solar, to reach 73 per cent by the end of 2027.
The Minister emphasised that the action is important from an environmental point of view and to reduce costs, since the production of thermal energy is very expensive due to the cost of fuel, exhaustion of machinery and environmental damage.
For the Minister, the electrification of the country means producing energy that is abundant, cheap and sustainable from an environmental and economic point of view, a path that the Angolan government is taking.
The Minister added that important projects are underway to achieve this goal, such as the construction of the Caculo Cabaça dam in Cuanza-Norte province, which will be fundamental to this objective, as well as other investments in solar parks.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Gabriel Kumi Elected Board Chair Of Chamber Of Oil Marketing Companies
The Board of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) in the Republic of Ghana has elected the Executive Director of Trinity Oil Company Mr. Gabriel Kumi as board chair of the chamber, and CEO of Star Oil Philip Teiku as Vice Chair .
They take over from Mr. William Tawiah, CEO of Zen Petroleum (outgoing chairman) and Mr. Kwame Osei Prempeh of GOIL (Vice Chairman).
Presently, Mr. Kumi serves as the Vice Chairman of the LPG Marketing Companies Association of Ghana, where he advocates for industry standards, regulatory improvements, and sustainable growth.
He is a distinguished Chartered Marketer (CIM, UK) with a master’s degree in Entrepreneurship from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).
Throughout his extensive career, Mr. Kumi has demonstrated exceptional expertise, particularly in the downstream oil industry. Over the past 15 years, he has dedicated himself to nurturing and growing the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) downstream sector in Ghana.
His commitment to excellence and industry growth has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of LPG marketing and distribution in the country.
Currently, Mr. Kumi serves as the Executive Director of Trinity Oil Company Limited, a leading LPG marketing company in Ghana. Under his leadership, Trinity Oil has not only excelled in the LPG sector but also established itself as the sole distributor of Shield Lubricants in Ghana.
His strategic vision and operational acumen have significantly contributed to the company’s success and reputation.
In addition to his executive role at Trinity Oil, Mr. Kumi holds the esteemed position of Vice Chairman of the LPG Marketing Companies Association of Ghana. In this capacity, he plays a pivotal role in advocating for industry standards, regulatory improvements, and sustainable growth within the LPG sector.
Mr. Gabriel Kumi’s profound knowledge, vast experience, and unwavering dedication make him a highly respected figure in the LPG industry. His contributions continue to drive innovation, efficiency, and safety in the marketing and distribution of LPG in Ghana.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Fourteen More Lucky Customers Win Big In Second Draw Of Petrosol Energizing Dreams Promo
PETROSOL Platinum Energy Limited, a reputable energy solutions provider in the Republic of Ghana, has rewarded fourteen loyal customers during the second draw of its nationwide Energising Dreams Promo.
The fourteen lucky customers took home prizes, including tricycles, motorcycles, fridges, TVs, fuel vouchers and more during the second promo at the PETROSOL fuel station in Ohwim-Kumasi.
In attendance at the second draw were representatives from the security agencies, driver and rider unions, channel partners, the assembly and loyal customers.
The Ashanti Regional Manager of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Betty Nana Adwoa Ofori, commended PETROSOL for its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
Loyal customers praised the quality of products and service they received at PETROSOL stations.
Speaking to the media at the ceremony in Kumasi, Mr Mark Adu Boateng, Lubricants Marketing and Communications Manager, said: “We are thrilled to see our loyal customers win big in our Energizing Dreams Promo.”
He said the company remains committed to delivering exceptional products and experiences to our valued customers, and we look forward to seeing more winners emerge in our upcoming draws.
While reiterating Petrosol Platinum Energy Limited’s commitment to excellent service, he urged customers to continue to trust the company for quality products.
The next draw is scheduled to take place in the Central Region.
The Energising Dreams Promo will continue for four more months, with more draws and exciting rewards to come.
Customers can participate by purchasing fuel and lubricants from any PETROSOL service station across the country.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Speaking to the media at the ceremony in Kumasi, Mr Mark Adu Boateng, Lubricants Marketing and Communications Manager, said: “We are thrilled to see our loyal customers win big in our Energizing Dreams Promo.”
He said the company remains committed to delivering exceptional products and experiences to our valued customers, and we look forward to seeing more winners emerge in our upcoming draws.
While reiterating Petrosol Platinum Energy Limited’s commitment to excellent service, he urged customers to continue to trust the company for quality products.
The next draw is scheduled to take place in the Central Region.
The Energising Dreams Promo will continue for four more months, with more draws and exciting rewards to come.
Customers can participate by purchasing fuel and lubricants from any PETROSOL service station across the country.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Mahama’s Re-election Will Bring Stability, Transparency In The Power Sector…Says IPGG
Independent Power Generators, Ghana, the umbrella body of all private power producers in the Republic of Ghana, has congratulated the President-elect, Mr John Dramani Mahama, on his re-election as the 6th President of Ghana under the 4th Republic.
Mr Mahama, who was the flag-bearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the December 7th polls, was declared President-elect by the Electoral Commission 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.
In a statement issued by Dr Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, the Chief Executive Officer
Independent Power Generators, Ghana, said: “This victory is not just a testament to the confidence the Ghanaian people have in your leadership but also a source of hope for restoring proper governance across critical sectors of our economy, particularly the energy sector.”
Ghana’s energy sector has grappled with numerous challenges, including financial sustainability, liquidity crises and gaps in leadership and policy direction.
According to the group, Mr Mahama’s re-election represents a renewed opportunity to confront these challenges with purpose and resolve.
“As Independent Power Generators, we are especially hopeful that your leadership will bring about the restoration of stability, transparency and innovation that the sector has long missed.
The IPGG pledged its readiness to cooperate with the incoming government in finding lasting solutions to the challenges confronting the energy sector.
The group said they believe that through meaningful engagement, strategic planning and decisive action, the country can create a resilient and efficient energy sector capable of powering Ghana’s developmental aspirations.
The group said Mr Mahama’s track record of prioritising energy infrastructure and reforms gives them great confidence that the coming years will witness a revitalised energy sector that is both financially sound and capable of meeting the growing demands of the country.
“We are committed to working with your team to ensure that the energy sector not only thrives but also becomes a foundation for national economic growth,” they concluded.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Zimbabwe: Power Restoration Underway After Nationwide Blackout
Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) Holdings has announced the restoration of power supply to several parts of the country after a system disturbance which resulted in a nationwide blackout on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
ZESA Holdings is a state-owned company responsible for power generation, transmission and distribution in the Republic of Zimbabwe.
In a statement, ZESA said most parts of the country have been completed, except for areas under load-shedding.
Meanwhile, ZESA reminded its valued stakeholders that Hwange Unit 8 has started undergoing the scheduled Annual Class ‘C’ maintenance as per their earlier communication.
The company said measures are being taken to ensure adequate power supply during the festive season.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused,” the statement concluded.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya: GDC, Turkana County Ink Sign Collaboration Agreement To Promote Geothermal Opportunities
The Turkana County Government and Geothermal Development Corporation (GDC) in the Republic of Kenya have signed a Collaborative Framework Agreement (CFA) to pursue various areas of mutual interest.
Key highlights of the agreement include joint marketing of geothermal opportunities to investors, cooperation in scientific surface studies, the establishment of industrial parks, and GDC’s support in providing roads and water to the communities where it will operate.
The agreement was signed at a brief ceremony held in Lodwar.
Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai lauded GDC’s efforts in geothermal development.
The governor described the visit and the CFA as “a good starting point” and encouraged GDC and the county team to “work together to develop policies that are supportive” of both parties.
“This step is critical and encouraging. Partnerships like this will help move Turkana County in the right direction,” the Governor said.
The GDC team was led by the Board Chairman, Hon. Walter Nyambati, who was accompanied by the MD and CEO, Mr Paul Ngugi, who highlighted the vast opportunities in the geothermal sector, particularly those that Turkana County can tap into.
“This CFA is a milestone that will unlock many opportunities as we move forward,” Mr Ngugi noted.
“We appreciate Turkana County’s interest, cooperation, and support as we work to deliver geothermal energy for Kenyans.”
The two teams agreed to establish a working committee to facilitate the implementation of the CFA.
The Chairman and the CEO reaffirmed GDC’s commitment towards geothermal development in the country.
They assured the Governor that GDC’s procurement processes remain open to all qualified entities, as guided by government procurement frameworks.
The CEO assured the team that GDC’s Supply Chain team will engage and train local businesspeople in Turkana on government procurement procedures.
Also, present at the meeting were County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Roads Transport & Public Work, Mr. Benson Lokwang, CECM Education, Sports & Social Protection Mr. Wiljustus Elim Lopeyok, CECM Trade, Cooperatives, Gender & Youth Affairs Ms. Roseline Aite Onakuta, and CECM Ministry of Tourism, TCG Ms. Leah Audan.
Other attendees included Deputy County Secretary Mr Joseph Nyang’a, County Attorney Ms Ruth Emanikor, and Deputy County Director for Resource Mobilization Mr Mike Aupe.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com The Gambia: NAWEC Receives US$20 Million To Settle Debts
The Gambian Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy Keita, has confirmed that the government has allocated US$20 million (equivalent to D1.4 billion) to the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) to settle outstanding arrears.
This follows recent revelations by the Minister for Petroleum and Energy, Hon. Nani Juwara, who informed lawmakers that NAWEC owed Senegal’s electricity provider, Senelec, &S$16.1 million, along with an additional US$8.4 million debt to Karpower.
“Every Gambian knows the legacy issues (with NAWEC) and even part of our expenditure pressures in the 2024 budget implementation, and I will repeat this: the government of The Gambia has allocated IS$20 million, equivalent to D1.4 billion, to help pay the arrears of NAWEC. And why did we do that? To protect the population from tariff hikes,” the Minister said.
He further elaborated: “The government had to come in to pay that US$20 million (D1.4 billion), and this happened because we had to repurpose the budget. It’s an emergency. What economic management will you be talking about if there’s no water, If there’s no light? So that’s why, when these emergencies come, that’s where you rise to the occasion, and the government did that consciously.”
Minister Keita also assured the public that measures are underway to address NAWEC’s longstanding challenges, including the development of an energy roadmap.
“But all is not lost. A lot of work is in progress. There’s an energy roadmap that by 2025-2027, and once implemented, we believe (most problems will be solved) because the cost pressure is what is affecting NAWEC.” he stated.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kosmos Energy Terminates Tullow Acquisition Interest
Kosmos Energy, a Dallas-based oil and gas firm, has announced that it is no longer interested in acquiring all the shares of Tullow Oil Plc, an independent Africa-focused oil and gas firm.
“Kosmos Energy can now confirm that it does not intend to make a firm offer for Tullow at this time,” Kosmos revealed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, 17th December 2024.
As a result of not making a firm offer, Kosmos Energy said it is bound by the restrictions set out under Rule 2.8 of the Takeover Code.
Rule 2.8 of the Takeover Code is designed to prevent companies from making misleading or confusing statements about potential takeovers.
It would be recalled that Tullow Oil, in a statement on 12th December 2024, confirmed media reports that it is in a preliminary discussion with Kosmos Energy regarding the possible all-share offer by Kosmos Energy.
Tullow, in a circular to its investors, announced that Kosmos Energy has up to January 9, 2025, to announce a firm takeover intention before 5 pm on that day.
“The deadline can be extended with the consent of the panel on takeovers and mergers in accordance with the rule on takeovers,” Tullow said.
Responding to Kosmos Energy’s decision to withdraw its planned acquisition, Tullow Oil, in a statement on Tuesday, said its Board remains confident in Tullow’s stand-alone business.
“Tullow is well positioned to optimise its capital structure, and it continues to progress plans to address its remaining debt maturities, following receipt of the outcome on the Branch Profits Remittance tax arbitration.
“Tullow has been informed by the ICC that it has received the draft decision from the arbitration tribunal and the ICC is now undertaking its customary final review. The company expects to be notified of the results of the award imminently and further updates will be made in due course,” the company said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: President-Elect Mr Mahama Hints At ‘Massive’ Reforms At ECG
Ghana’s President-elect Mr. John Dramani Mahama has stressed the need for urgent reforms at the country’s largest power distribution company, Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), to ensure reliable power supply and prevent any adverse impact on the nation’s broader financial commitments.
He said, “The energy sector can derail everything that we have done with regard to the debt exchange and with regard to the IMF programme because debt continues to pile up there. ECG’s governance is in a very bad way and so it is making commercial and technical losses of more than 32%.
“No utility company can survive with 32% of technical and commercial losses and continue to be a viable utility…so as quickly as possible, we need to do reforms in the whole electricity value change.”
Mr Mahama made these remarks when religious leaders, under the umbrella of Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, paid him a visit.
According to Mr Mahama, these unsustainable losses are severely damaging the sector and must be addressed immediately to secure the country’s energy future.
He warned that failure to tackle these challenges could undermine progress achieved through the debt exchange programme and the ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement.
Mr Mahama, who was the flag bearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress for the just-ended general election held on Saturday, 7th December, was declared the president-elect after beating the flag bearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
Mr Mahama polled 6,328,397 representing 56.55%, while Dr Bawumia secured 4,657,304 representing 41.61%.
Mr Mahama is expected to be sworn in as President on 7th January 2025.
But even before he takes over, Mr Benjamin Boakye, Executive Director of Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), in an open letter, made a passionate appeal to Mr Mahama to undertake reforms in the energy sector.
Mr Boakye revealed that the new administration would inherit an energy sector burdened by waste of over GH¢50 billion a year.
Delving into how the challenges in the sector manifest, Mr Boakye pointed out that the energy sector is riddled with agencies and companies that are 4-5 times larger than what was needed to perform the same task eight years ago.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: PURC Directs GWCL To Restore Water Supply To Customers In The Greater Kumasi Area
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has directed the Ghana Water Limited (GWL) to restore water supply to Greater Kumasi area (Bantama, Atonso, Santasi, Ridge) and surrounding areas with immediate effect.
A statement issued by Dr Ishmael Ackah, the Executive Secretary of PURC, noted that water supply to Greater Kumasi and its environs were curtailed since last Friday, 13th December.
Dr Ackah described the situation as unacceptable, stating that it undermines the fundamental right of access to clean and safe water for all citizens.
He directed GWCL to restore water supply to all affected customers in the Greater Kumasi area and surrounding areas with immediate effect.
He has also directed GWCL to engage with the affected communities and to provide alternative supply as needed.
According to him, public utility disconnection procedures, interruption in services and denial of service are governed by Regulations 2, 3 (d) & (e) and 4 of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (Consumer Service) Regulations 2020 (L.I. 2413).
Specifically, he mentioned that regulation four provides that: “Subject to these regulations, a public utility shall not deny the right of access of a consumer to a service except for stated reasons which are subject to review in accordance with the guidelines of the Commission.”
Making reference to the above regulations, Dr Ackah argued that a utility provider is obliged by law to use appropriate channels to address any challenges without punishing consumers.
“The denial of water supply not only affects the daily lives of residents but also poses significant public health risks.
Dr Ackah indicated that GWCL shall submit a detailed report on the reasons for the service interruption and measures being taken to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com