Ghana: ECG Cuts Power Supply To Parts Of Accra Due To Floods
The Electricity Company of Ghana has reported widespread power outage in part of Accra, capital of Ghana, after torrential rains on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
The rains, which lasted for about three hours, caused flooding in several parts of the city and adjoining areas.
The affected areas in Accra include Borteyman Stadium, Affordable Housing, Borteyman Township, Little Roses, Lakeside, Nanakrom, Kissieman, Dome Pillar 2, Christian Village, School Junction, School Junction Melcom, Nmaidzor Zoomlion, University Farms, Trasacco 3rd gate, Legon Hill, Santoe, Blue Kiosk, Adenta ECG office, Madina Islamic University.
A statement issued by ECG on Monday, May 19, 2025, said that after the rainfall, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) requested that the above-mentioned areas be isolated due to the flooding.
The statement said ECG is collaborating with the NADMO team for their directives before power supply is restored.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya: Lawyers For Gitson Energy Mount Pressure On Ministry Of Energy And Petroleum Over Court Order
The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum in Kenya is facing pressure to comply with a High Court ruling related to a case filed by Gitson Energy Ltd.
The court, presided over by Justice Bahati Mwamuye, directed the Ministry to provide information regarding energy project approvals and government commitments.
This directive was issued on April 10, 2025, with a subsequent order on April 28, 2025.
Gitson Energy’s lawyers, W. Thuku and Associates Advocates, have accused the Ministry of ignoring the court’s directives and warned of potential contempt proceedings if the Ministry fails to comply within three days.
A letter dated May 15, 2025, states that the compliance timeline has lapsed, and the Ministry must respond urgently.
This legal standoff is part of a long-standing dispute over Gitson Energy’s 300MW wind energy project in Marsabit County.
The project has faced delays due to land gazettement issues and disagreements over project approvals. In 2010, Gitson Energy was initially granted approval for the project, but the process has been slowed down by various challenges, including a five-year court battle.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Exxon, ADNOC Agree To Boost Capacity Of Offshore Oil field
The United Arab Emirates and Exxon Mobil Corp. agreed to expand the nation’s oil production capacity.
Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. will work with Exxon to boost capacity at the offshore Upper Zakum field, the UAE company said in a statement Friday.
The site, where Japan’s Inpex Corp. is also a partner, currently can produce more than 1 million bpd. ADNOC didn’t specify the new target.
Increasing capacity is a touchy subject for the UAE and its partners in OPEC+, which puts limits on output. The nation’s current cutbacks as part of OPEC+ policy leave some capacity, which cost billions of dollars to add, lying idle.
ADNOC’s current capacity is 4.85 million bpd, according to its website, while its OPEC+ quota would allow it to pump just shy of 3.1 million bpd in June. Future additions, which can take years to complete, would widen that gap.
The Gulf energy giant is in the midst of a $150 billion spending plan focused primarily on raising crude production capacity and making the country self-sufficient in natural gas. That blueprint targets 5 million bpd. ADNOC could reach that by the end of this year.
One person who hasn’t been able to get enough of the local oil is U.S. President Donald Trump. Officials signed energy and other deals Friday morning at an Abu Dhabi meeting that included ADNOC Chief Executive Officer Sultan Al Jaber.
Occidental Petroleum Corp. CEO Vicki Hollub also attended. ADNOC and her company will jointly explore increasing capacity of the Shah Gas field to 1.85 billion standard cubic feet per day from 1.45 billion now, ADNOC said.
ADNOC also will participate in a project Occidental is setting up in the U.S. to suck carbon dioxide directly from the air and inject the gas into oil field reservoirs to boost production, Hollub said.
XRG PJSC, ADNOC’s new international investment arm, will participate.
EOG Resources Inc. will also get a concession to explore an unconventional oil block in Abu Dhabi, according to ADNOC’s statement.
The pledges add up to $60 billion of potential U.S. investment into the UAE, Al Jaber said.
Meanwhile, the UAE expects its initiatives to invest in the U.S. energy industry will reach a combined $440 billion by 2035 from $70 billion already spent, he said.
During this week’s visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, Trump announced $2 trillion in investments from the three allies.
Source; Worldoil.com
South Africa: Henkel And Sasol Collaborate To Deliver Lower Carbon Emission Adhesives
Henkel, a global leader in adhesives, sealants and functional coatings, and Sasol, a global leader in Fischer-Tropsch technology, have announced a strategic partnership focused on reducing the environmental impact of hot melt adhesives.
Through the integration of Sasol’s newly developed SASOLWAX LC product range into Henkel’sTECHNOMELT® portfolio for the European, Indian, Middle Eastern and African markets, Henkel is delivering advanced adhesive solutions with a reduced carbon emission impact, for consumer goods packaging manufacturers.
SASOLWAX LC100, produced via Sasol’s enhanced Fischer-Tropsch process, delivers a 35 percent reduction in Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) cradle-to-gate compared to proven baseline formulas without compromising on performance. As a drop-in replacement in Henkel’s legacy formulations, it enables seamless adoption across production lines while aligning with Henkel’s ambition to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 30 percent by 2030 (base year 2021).
The partnership reflects both companies’ alignment with the Science Based Target initiative and commitment to credible sustainability practices. The PCF methodology applied to entire SASOLWAX value chain is rigorously developed and independently reviewed to comply with ISO 14040, 14044, and 14067 standards, ensuring transparency and trust in environmental claims.
“This partnership exemplifies how innovation in material science can enable measurable benefits for our customers,” said Corbett Wallace, Corporate Vice President, Consumer Goods, Henkel Adhesive Technologies.
“As demand grows for more sustainable consumer goods, our collaboration with Sasol allows brands to achieve their environmental goals without trade-offs in quality or performance. Together, we are enabling smarter, more responsible choices across the value chain.”
“We are proud to join forces with Henkel in this strategic partnership, marking a key milestone on our aligned path to a more sustainable future,” said David Mokomela, Senior Vice President Chemicals Marketing & Sales at Sasol.
“The SASOLWAX LC range, with 35 percent PCF reduction, is only the first step in a broader roadmap toward further significant reductions. As our products are designed as drop-in alternatives, the market can quickly benefit from the next steps in carbon footprint reduction.”
TECHNOMELT® adhesives are widely used in applications ranging from food and beverage packaging to hygiene and personal care products. With the incorporation of SASOLWAX LC100, Henkel empowers its partners to improve product sustainability at the material level, supporting consumer brands in delivering on their climate commitments and strengthening supply chain transparency.
The partnership includes further exploration of renewable and recycled inputs, supported by Sasol’s adaptable synthesis capabilities and joint efforts toward sustainable innovation.
Source: Sasol
Ghana: Deputy Energy Minister Woos Investors To Tap Into Energy Sector Opportunities
Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah, has urged investors to tap into the country’s thriving energy sector.
Speaking at the Ghanaian-German Economic Association Business Forum, he highlighted the sector’s vast potential, citing a growing electricity demand of 300 MW annually and petroleum product consumption exceeding 400,000 metric tons monthly.
Gyan-Mensah emphasized Ghana’s attractiveness as an investment destination, outlining the government’s transformational agenda centered on energy security, affordability, universal access, and regulatory predictability.
Key initiatives include constructing a second Gas Processing Plant, expanding storage facilities, and reinforcing electricity transmission lines.
“Ghana is a leading destination for energy investments in West Africa and beyond. Our transformational agenda in the energy sector is anchored on four cardinal principles: energy security, affordability, universal access, and regulatory predictability. In the petroleum sector, the construction of a second Gas Processing Plant with a capacity of 150-300 million standard cubic feet per day is under consideration.
“The country plans to construct a new offshore mooring facility in Tema and expand storage in Takoradi to accommodate growing demand, reduce congestion and demurrage, and guarantee a steady supply of petroleum products,” the Deputy Minister stated.
The Deputy Minister further noted that in the electricity transmission sub-sector, GRIDCo is reinforcing existing lines and building new ones to improve supply quality. He mentioned the government’s construction of a new 330 kV line and a new transmission line from Tamale through Bimbila to Kejebi, as well as the upgrade of the existing 69 kV Asiekpe-Ho line to 161 kV.
Hon. Gyan-Mensah also encouraged investments in renewable energy, reflecting the President’s vision of ‘Green Transition.’ “In implementing the National Energy Transition Framework, the Ministry is dedicated to increasing the proportion of non-hydro renewable energy from less than 3% to 10% by 2030 and continuing the construction of new mini-hydro dams to meet energy demand.
“For instance, the Ministry is rolling out 12,000 net-metered solar PV systems and 35 mini-grids. We are championing the Renewable Energy Authority Bill to promote renewable energy generation and investment, demonstrating our government’s commitment to Green Transition.”
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: GOIL Slashes Petrol, Diesel Prices For Consumers
Ghana’s largest indigenous petroleum downstream oil marketing company, GOIL, has reduced its petrol and diesel prices effective May 19, 2025.
According to the price update, petrol (RON 91) is selling at Gh¢13.27 per litre, while petrol (RON 95) is sold at Gh¢15.27 per litre, with diesel being sold at Gh¢13.87 per litre.
During the first window pricing in May, GOIL sold petrol (RON 91) at Gh¢13.69 per litre, while petrol (RON 95) was sold at Gh¢15.11 per litre, with diesel being sold at Gh¢14.41 per litre.
GOIL’s current fuel prices are lower than some of its competitors.
In Ghana, fuel prices are reviewed daily by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) based on fluctuations in key factors such as exchange rates, cost of refined petroleum products, and inflation.
In contrast, fuel prices are reviewed monthly in other parts of Africa.
On the international market, gasoline is sold at US$673 per metric ton, while gasoil is sold at US$589.75 per metric ton, and LPG is sold at US$458.75 per metric ton.
Since April, crude oil prices have been relatively stable, with Brent selling at $64.89 per barrel and WTI sold at $62.03 per barrel as of Monday, May 19, 2025.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: NPA CEO Engages Petroleum Downstream Stakeholders In Western Region
The Acting Chief Executive, Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo (Esq.), has paid a working visit to the Western Region to engage key stakeholders and familiarize himself with various petroleum installations.
Accompanied by management members, Mr. Tameklo first paid a courtesy visit to the Omanhene of Esikado, Nana Kobina Nketsia V.
The team then toured the Ghana Gas Processing Plant, Quantum Terminal’s Anokyi Facility, and several key fuel installations within the Takoradi enclave to assess operations and encourage compliance.
The NPA CEO also engaged fuel tanker drivers, assuring them of his commitment to resolving their challenges.
The Chief Executive subsequently met with the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), where both parties pledged to strengthen cooperation to tackle illicit fuel smuggling and supply to galamsey sites.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Nigeria: TCN Begins Reconstruction Of Three Towers Along Kainji-Birnin Kebbi Transmission Line
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has begun reconstructing the three towers that collapsed along the 330kV Kainji-Birnin Kebbi transmission line on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
The collapse was caused by strong winds that felled the towers at approximately 5:35 pm.
TCN has mobilized three separate contractors to the site, each assigned to handle the reconstruction of one tower.
This strategic deployment aims to accelerate the restoration process and minimize downtime on the line, according to a statement issued by TCN.
According to TCN, efforts have been made to cushion the impact of the disruption in bulk power supply to Kaduna DisCo, affecting some of its customers.
Sokoto and Birnin Kebbi are currently receiving between 6 MW and 7 MW of bulk electricity from the Mando Transmission substation via the 132kV Mando-Zaria-Funtua-Gusau-Talata Mafara-Sokoto-Birnin Kebbi line.
TCN expressed appreciation to affected communities for their patience and understanding as contractors work diligently with its supervising engineers to rebuild the towers and restring the 330kV transmission line.
“We regret the inconvenience caused by the tower collapse and are committed to restoring full supply as quickly as possible,” the statement concluded.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Malawi: World Bank Approves $350 Million Grant For 358.5 MW Mpatamanga Hydropower Storage Project
The World Bank has approved a $350 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA) to support Malawi’s Mpatamanga Hydropower Storage Project (MHSP), part of plans to transform the country’s energy landscape and economic development trajectory.
This project will significantly increase the country’s installed capacity, delivering 1,544 gigawatt-hours of clean energy annually. The additional energy will supply electricity to over a million new households and create thousands of job opportunities.
“MHSP is a top priority for our government as the least-cost option for meeting our growing energy demand and achieving our access targets,” said Ibrahim Matola, Minister of Energy.
“Once operational, this project will drive long-term energy security and support lasting, inclusive economic growth. Energy access is fundamental to reducing poverty, fostering economic growth, and attracting private investment,” he added.
MHSP was co-developed by the Government of Malawi and the International Finance Corporation (part of the World Bank Group) as a public-private partnership (PPP) with an expected overall cost of over $1.5 billion, including financing costs during construction.
In September 2022, the Malawian Government selected a consortium consisting of Electricité de France (EDF) and SN Malawi BV (owned by British International Investment, Norfund, and TotalEnergies) as MHSP’s strategic sponsors through an international competitive tender process.
The project’s financing will consist of grants, equity contributions, loans, and guarantees from various development partners and private sector stakeholders, representing the largest foreign direct investment in Malawi’s history.
MHSP’s main and regulating dams on the Shire River will generate clean energy and store power to supply electricity during peak demand hours, improving the reliability of Malawi’s national grid.
The hydropower facility will also boost the grid’s capacity to support the growing demand of the country’s mining companies, an industry with significant potential to boost economic development prospects.
Commenting on the project, Nathan Belete, World Bank Division Director for Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, said,” This new hydropower project is a game-changer for Malawi, capable of catalyzing transformative change in productive economic sectors such as mining, agri-business, and tourism. As the country drives its economic development agenda, this new source of clean and reliable energy will help drive business growth, create jobs, and improve the lives of millions of Malawians.”
MHSP is one of several large energy projects in Malawi supported by the World Bank Group, reflecting the institution’s strong commitment to supporting this sector as a key enabler of economic growth and development.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Energy Minister Inaugurates Go Energy Board
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, has inaugurated the reconstituted board of Go Energy Company Limited, a subsidiary of Goil Plc.
The minister charged the board to steer the company to become the most reliable Bulk Distribution Company (BDC) in the country.
The new board is chaired by Mr. Yaw Akoto, with members including Mr. Theophilus Otchere, Mr. Emmanuel Jeffery, Mr. Alex Oti-Mensah, Madam Patricia Kyei Frimpong, and Mohammed Amin Osman. The Energy Minister urged them not to disappoint the president.
“Go Energy should aim to be the primary BDC for government and the most reliable BDC in the downstream sector,” he said.
“Unfortunately, the company has been saddled with debt, like most state-owned enterprises. You must come up with innovative ways to improve efficiency and the financial position of the company. His Excellency the President has absolute trust and confidence in this board. You have my full support and maximum cooperation.”
Mr. Yaw Akoto, the Chairman of the new board, expressed gratitude to the President and the Minister on behalf of the members, vowing to deliver on their mandate with integrity.
“It’s an honor to accept this role as Chairman of the Board,” he said.
“As a pivotal subsidiary of Goil Plc, we aim to be the best BDC in the energy sector, in line with the company’s goals. We will deliver on our mandate and work with integrity,” he concluded.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: GNPC CEO Outlines Strategic Upstream Reset Agenda At Africa Energies Summit In London
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Ghana’s national oil company, Mr. Kwame Ntow Amoah, has presented a forward-looking vision for GNPC within the overall policy context of the resetting agenda for Ghana’s oil and gas sector.
He emphasized the need for strategic investment and innovation to address production challenges and sustain growth.
Addressing a distinguished audience of industry leaders, policymakers, and global energy stakeholders at the 8th edition of the Africa Energies Summit, themed “Taking Ghana to the Next Level: Advancing Oil & Gas Exploration & Production,” Mr. Amoah outlined GNPC’s comprehensive approach to reversing the significant decline in oil production over the past eight years.
Resetting the Upstream Agenda
Mr. Amoah acknowledged that Ghana’s oil production has dropped dramatically from a peak of 195,750 barrels per day (bopd) in 2019 to around 110,500 bopd in recent years. He attributed this decline to factors such as declining field productivity, low exploration activity, and challenges with fiscal policies.
“Achieving sustainable growth in Ghana’s oil and gas sector requires bold thinking and a willingness to embrace innovation,” Mr. Amoah stated. He emphasized that to truly take Ghana to the next level, the focus must extend beyond increasing well counts to reimagining upstream strategies through data-driven decision-making and modern technologies.
Harnessing Technology for Enhanced Production
GNPC’s Ag. CEO emphasized the importance of incorporating advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), and similar technologies and their relevance for guiding exploration and production investment decision making.
Mr. Amoah highlighted GNPC’s plans to leverage digital solutions for better reservoir management, optimize drilling operations, and deploy cutting-edge seismic data acquisition methods.
One notable strategy discussed was the adoption of 4D seismic acquisition and Ocean Bottom Node (OBN) technology, designed to provide high-resolution data and improve subsurface imaging.
Additionally, GNPC is exploring non-seismic technologies such as Satellite Imagery and Airborne Transient Pulse surveys to de-risk exploration activities, particularly in the underexplored Voltaian Basin.
Investment as a Catalyst for Growth
Mr. Amoah made a compelling case for developing investor-friendly frameworks, stressing the importance of stable and transparent fiscal policies to attract new players into Ghana’s upstream sector. He noted that while Ghana’s geological prospects remain robust, the country must address perceived risks associated with frequent regulatory changes while positioning GNPC as the local investor who has similar concerns with excessive regulatory burden. “We need to adopt a new mindset — one that balances strategic investment, technological innovation, and sustainable practices,” he said.
“Only then can we position Ghana as a resilient and competitive oil and gas hub on the African continent.”
A Call for Strategic Partnerships
In line with GNPC’s broader vision, Mr. Amoah called for greater collaboration between local and international oil companies, service providers, and technology innovators.
He argued that multi-operator collaborations and the integration of marginal fields into hub-based developments could reduce costs and optimize resource utilization.
He also highlighted GNPC’s commitment to leveraging its role as the national oil company under His Excellency the President of Ghana’s vision of GNPC as a centre of excellence in Africa, to spearhead these initiatives, ensuring that local capacity and indigenous expertise are prioritized.
Positioning Ghana for the Future
Beyond addressing short-term challenges, Mr. Amoah urged the industry to consider long-term sustainability, including responsible environmental stewardship and social responsibility. He emphasized GNPC’s proactive approach to aligning upstream activities with global trends toward decarbonization and cleaner energy solutions.
“Resetting our upstream agenda is not just about boosting production — it’s about creating a more resilient and sustainable energy future for Ghana,” he added.
Next Steps
The summit session concluded with a call to action for industry stakeholders to seize investment opportunities and support GNPC’s mission to develop Ghana’s vast oil and gas potential responsibly.
Mr. Amoah’s strategic outline, built on innovation and collaboration, reflects GNPC’s dedication to arresting production decline, sustaining production, optimizing resource utilization, and building a more resilient upstream sector.
GNPC’s new direction highlights the Minister of Energy and Green Transition’s leadership in driving Ghana’s energy transformation, demonstrating a commitment to both economic development and sustainable exploration and production practices.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
U.S. And UAE Announce $440 Billion In Energy Investments
The United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) expect to invest a total of $440 billion in the energy sector through 2035, Sultan Al Jaber, the chief executive of the UAE’s state oil and gas firm ADNOC, said on Friday.
The United States is expected to invest $60 billion in energy projects in the UAE, while the Gulf oil-producing nation will invest in energy and technology in the United States.
During his visit to the Middle East this week, U.S. President Donald Trump announced deals with the UAE worth more than $200 billion in total.
The U.S. and the UAE also pledged to deepen cooperation in AI.
On Thursday, President Trump and UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, attended the unveiling of a 5-GW UAE-US AI Campus in Abu Dhabi, the U.S. Department of Commerce said.
The campus will include 5 GW of capacity for AI data centers in Abu Dhabi, providing a regional platform from which U.S. hyperscale’s will be able to offer latency-friendly services to nearly half of the global population living within 3,200 km (2,000 miles) of the UAE, the Commerce Department said.
The UAE pledged earlier this year a 10-year, $1.4 trillion investment framework in the United States.
In the energy sector, ADNOC has moved some of its natural gas and green energy assets in the United States into its newly-created energy investment arm, XRG.
“Under the XRG umbrella, we are partnering with Exxon in the world’s biggest ammonia and hydrogen production facility in Texas; we are investing with NextDecade in the state’s largest liquefied natural gas facility; and through our acquisition of Covestro, we are supporting thousands of highly skilled US jobs in high-performance plastics and advanced polymers,” said ADNOC’s Al Jaber, who is also the UAE’s minister of industry and advanced technology.
President Trump’s visit to the U.S. Gulf allies this week has led to the signing of major energy deals and technology agreements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Source: Oilprice.com
Egypt Turns To Fuel Oil For Electricity Generation Amid Rising Gas Prices
Egypt is turning to fuel oil to power its plants due to soaring natural gas prices. The Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) is seeking to purchase nearly 2 million tons of fuel oil for delivery in May and June.
This move comes as Egypt’s domestic natural gas output declines, forcing the country to rely on liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports.
In a bid to meet rising demand, Egypt has signed a 10-year agreement with Hoegh Evi to deploy a floating LNG import unit near Alexandria.
The floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) will supply up to 1,000 mmscf/day of peak LNG regasification capacity.
This development is part of Egypt’s efforts to diversify its energy infrastructure and address dwindling domestic production. The country has become a net LNG importer, a stark contrast to its status as a net LNG exporter just a year ago.
North African and Middle Eastern countries often resort to oil and direct crude burn for power generation during peak summer demand.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya:Fuel Prices Remain Steady As EPRA Announces No Changes
Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has maintained the prices of petrol, diesel, and kerosene in its latest price review, effective from May 15 to June 14, 2025. The regulator attributed its decision to a decrease in the average landed cost of imported fuel products.
According to EPRA, the average landed cost of imported Super Petrol decreased by 2.95% from $606.06 per cubic meter in March 2025 to $588.16 per cubic meter in April 2025.
Diesel decreased by 6.62% from $636.75 per cubic meter to $594.60 per cubic meter, while kerosene decreased by 4.52% from $628.22 per cubic meter to $599.84 per cubic meter over the same period.
As a result, a liter of petrol and diesel will remain at 174 shillings and 164 shillings, respectively, while kerosene will continue to retail at 148 shillings per liter in Nairobi.
The prices include 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 excise duty rates adjusted for inflation as per Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com