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
Ghana: Petrol, Diesel Prices Shoot Up
Some Oil Marketing Companies in the Republic of Ghana have adjusted their pump prices for both petrol and diesel for the first and second pricing window of December, which runs from the 16th to the 31st of December 2024.
Petrol is selling between ¢13.92 per and ¢15.30 while diesel is selling between ¢14.80 per litre and ¢15.66 per litre.
This follows a marginal increase in the price of refined petroleum on the international market.
In this pricing window, the local currency, the Cedi, appreciated against the major international currencies, especially the United States dollar.
Unlike other parts of Africa where fuel prices are reviewed every month, in Ghana, fuel prices are reviewed every two weeks.
Currently, a US dollar is being exchanged for Gh¢14.76 at the Forex Bureau.
Currently, GOIL is selling petrol (Ron 91) at Gh¢14.75 per litre while petrol (Ron 95) is sold at Gh¢15.45, with diesel being sold at Gh¢15.38 per litre.
Shell is selling petrol at Gh¢15.30 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢15.66 per litre.
TotalEnergies is selling petrol at Gh¢14.50 while diesel is sold at Gh¢14.80 per litre.
Star Oil is selling petrol at Gh¢14.45 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢14.99 per litre.
Petrosol Ghana is selling petrol at Gh¢14.39 while diesel is sold at Gh¢14.69 per litre.
Zen Petroleum is selling petrol at Gh¢14.50 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢14.99 per litre.
Lucky Oil is selling petrol at Gh¢14.35 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢14.98 per litre.
Cash Oil is selling petrol at Gh¢114.15 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢14.99 per litre.
Allied is selling petrol at Gh¢14.20 while diesel is sold at Gh¢14.95 per litre.
Pacific is selling petrol at Gh¢14.39 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢14.79 per litre.
Engen Ghana is selling petrol at Gh¢14.40 while diesel is sold at Gh¢14.80 per litre.
Benab is selling petrol at Gh¢13.99 while diesel is sold at Gh¢13.99 per litre.
Frimps is selling petrol at Gh¢14.06 while diesel is sold at Gh¢14.26 per litre.
Goodness is selling petrol at Gh¢13.59 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢14.70 per litre.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
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