A great journey is indeed coming to an end at the National Petroleum Authority (NPA). A journey of vigour, upliftment, innovation, and growth. That is the journey the NPA Chief Executive, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, has embarked upon in the last four years.
It is mostly difficult for academicians and politicians to transition into the technical space or industry but Dr. Abdul-Hamid has belied that notion.
He was appointed NPA Chief Executive in 2021 for a four-year term with a background in academia and political leadership as a Minister.
He transitioned seamlessly into a guru in the country’s downstream petroleum industry.
He is credited for ensuring uninterrupted importation and supply of fuel products in the country in difficult moments when other African countries were experiencing shortages.
His acumen went beyond the borders of Ghana, encouraging downstream petroleum industry players in Africa to elect him as the President of the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA), the first-ever pan-African organization for the downstream oil sector.
In recent interviews with Directors at the NPA and players in the downstream petroleum industry, the unanimity of views is that Dr. Abdul-Hamid has introduced significant policies and brought stability and sanity into the industry.
They all touted his progressive and human-centred leadership style. His impact on the Authority in his four-year journey thus far is enormous. Snippets from the effects can be considered for the sake of brevity.
Relating to innovation and drive, the impact is evident in the implementation of key policy programmes of the Authority. He has implemented the cylinder recirculation model (CRM) policy to cater for the current intricate distribution concept and ensure safety in the distribution chain of LPG.
He has also introduced a tender programme for the importation of LPG. The programme has achieved its intended purpose of eliminating huge jumps in the price of LPG.
It has brought down the cost of LPG premium from about $100 per metric tonne (MT) to about $30 MT, saving the country about $70 MT.
He again supported the implementation of technological systems to ensure fuel integrity, effective monitoring of fuel transportation, and protection of customer interests.
The NPA has witnessed exponential growth in revenue generation for the state and infrastructure development through Dr. Abdul-Hamid’s drive. The collection of levies and margins have shot up from a little over 50 percent to above 90 percent.
The vigour that Dr. Abdul-Hamid introduced to the NPA is visible in the media presence of the Authority. His background as a former Minister of Information might have played a part in how the organization has been receiving the media mileage.
An aspect of Dr. Abdul-Hamid’s vigour is manifest in his ability to crack the whip no matter the supposed political affiliation of the offending party in the industry. With the support of the Board, he revoked the licenses of almost 80 Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) over the past three years due to their failure to meet regulatory requirements. His strong position has brought sanity to the country’s downstream petroleum industry.
On restructuring the Authority, he also led a process by the Corporate Affairs Directorate to rebrand the Authority regarding the look and feel.
Dr Abdul-Hamid believed there was a need to refresh the brand to reflect the positive direction and vision of the Authority, hence, the launch of a new logo, new color schemes, and typography.
The reception area was redesigned to give an exotic ambiance for receiving visitors. He commissioned a call centre for the Authority to increase efficiency and timeous handling of customer complaints and inquiries. The name of the NPA was broadly mounted at the frontages of the Authority for easy identification.
In terms of upliftment, it is an understatement to say Dr. Abdul-Hamid has put smiles on the faces of the staff of the NPA.
He pushed for general promotions, which have been delayed for years.
He also approved several training programmes for the staff to improve their performance in line with corporate goals.
Another significant upliftment drive initiated by Dr. Abdul-Hamid was his encouragement of young managers to be more visible in the media to explain technical issues. That push prepared the young leaders to take up director positions.
Besides, he promoted religious tolerance and cohesion at NPA; he allowed for morning prayer services for Christians and created an opportunity for Muslims to observe their daily and Friday (Jum’a) prayers at a designated place, which was unprecedented.
His modesty is sublime as he introduced a policy of sitting in common buses with his Deputies, Directors, Heads of Department, and officers for external meetings and sporting activities.
An office annex has been constructed at the Authority’s head office in Accra. The new building has a laboratory for testing fuel quality and offices. No wonder he has won many awards from industry watchers, including the 2021 and 2022 CEO for the Year and 2022 Outstanding Public Sector Leader.
As Dr. Abdul-Hamid prepares to end his four-year tenure as NPA CE, the joy is that he has left his footprints in the sands of NPA and the downstream petroleum industry in Ghana and Africa. It is indeed a strong mark and the industry will be better for it.
Source: NPA
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank has approved a loan of up to $170 million to support the development of the game-changing 1.1 GW Suez Wind Project, currently Egypt’s largest wind energy initiative.
The project is estimated at $1.1 billion.
The Bank’s financing is in addition to financing expected from a consortium of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), banks, and financial institutions, a statement issued by AfDB said.
The project has been awarded the Golden License by the Cabinet of Egypt, recognizing it as a strategic initiative for the country. This license provides a set of incentives, including streamlined approvals, to accelerate the project’s implementation and its contribution to Egypt’s renewable energy goals.
Commenting on the project, Kevin Kariuki, Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth at the African Development Bank, said: “The Suez Wind Project is a landmark development that underscores Egypt’s leadership in renewable energy and the Bank’s steadfast commitment to supporting transformative, clean energy projects across the continent. This project not only facilitates the Government of Egypt’s efforts to achieve 42 percent of renewable energy in its energy mix by 2030 but also drives local economic growth and strengthens regional energy security.”
Wale Shonibare, the Bank’s Director of Energy Financial Solutions, Policy, and Regulations added: “As the largest wind energy project in Egypt, this initiative exemplifies the scale of renewable energy potential across Africa.
It demonstrates how strong partnerships and innovative solutions can advance the energy transition and foster sustainable economic development.”
The project involves the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of a greenfield wind farm divided into two sites, each with a capacity of 550 MW, located along the Gulf of Suez. The Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) will be the sole off-taker under a 25-year take-or-pay Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
The wind farm is expected to generate 4,111 GWh annually, supplying clean, reliable, and affordable energy to over one million households.
It will reduce annual CO₂ emissions by approximately 1.71 million tons, contributing significantly to Egypt’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
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 Suez Wind Project reinforces Egypt’s commitment to achieving 42 percent renewable energy in its generation mix by 2030.
It also supports the African Development Bank’s mission to promote sustainable, inclusive, and resilient energy development across Africa.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Africa Energy Bank (AEB) – a supranational institution spearheaded by the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) – is preparing to open its doors to projects and businesses in 2025.
Aimed at addressing funding gaps within Africa’s energy industry, the institution is poised to play an instrumental role in ensuring Africa’s energy resources are both monetized and maximized for the benefit of the continent.
As the continent tackles with an energy crisis, the AEB will fundamentally change how projects are financed, laying the foundation for a new era of energy security continent-wide.
The AEB was born out of a vital need to introduce new sources of financing for African energy projects – from upstream oil and gas to renewable energy and power infrastructure to green hydrogen and petrochemicals.
Currently, the continent’s energy finance gap is estimated to measure between $31 billion and $50 billion, and the global energy transition has seen financing – specifically for fossil fuel projects – reduced even further.
Concurrently, despite promises of receiving billions in climate financing from the global north, Africa receives less than 3% of global energy investment, highlighting a fundamental challenge given that over 600 million people are living without access to electricity across the continent.
To address this challenge, APPO and Afreximbank introduced the concept of the AEB in 2022, signing the requisite documents for its establishment in June 2024. With an initial share capital of $5 billion, the bank will focus predominantly on financing energy projects.
Nigeria’s capital city of Abuja was selected as the headquarters of the bank in July 2024, with the institution expecting to accept applications from early-2025. The priority beneficiaries of the bank’s services will be the states that have ratified their documents for the establishment of the institution, with ratifications currently in the advanced stage.
APPO and Afreximbank represent the primary contributors to the bank’s financing, with additional financing secured from APPO member states and other financial institutions. Notably, the bank is seeking $83 million from each of APPO’s 18 signatories, amounting to $1.5 billion. Additionally, the AEB is seeking to partner with up to 700 banks in Africa to chart a profitable pathway for the African energy sector.
Representing the first of its kind in Africa, the AEB offers Africa a saving grace as the global energy transition makes financing projects that much more challenging. Despite holding over 125 billion barrels of proven crude reserves and 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, Africa struggles with lengthy project approvals, construction delays and red tape, most of which can be accredited to financing.
Through the AEB, African countries and companies stand to accelerate the pace of energy development continent-wide, reduce the reliance on foreign capital while maximizing resource development for the benefit of generations to come.
The AEB could not come at a better time for Africa. While countries such as Angola, Libya, Nigeria and the Republic of Congo have long-been major producers, efforts to address natural production declines have seen a rise in new discoveries.
At the same time, exploration efforts in frontier markets have highlighted a wealth of untapped opportunities, such as Namibia’s prolific Orange Basin; the offshore MSGBC Basin; Zimbabwe’s onshore Cabora Bassa Basin; and South Africa’s onshore Karoo Basin. Drilling activity and rig demand have been on the rise in Africa, with the continent rapidly emerging as one of the world’s most promising deepwater plays.
In the natural gas sector, Africa is well-positioned to become a leading global supplier. The continent represents 13% of global reserves, with LNG exports measuring just over 40 million tons per annum.
The sector is currently undergoing an $800-billion, 20-year upstream capital expenditure program, resulting in several world-class LNG facilities. Additionally, the continent is projected to account for more than half of the world’s FLNG capacity brought online between 2023-2027.
Without these resources, Africa’s efforts to industrialize and electrify its economies will be significantly impacted – highlighting the fundamental role of the AEB in providing project financing for African LNG.
“The value and role of the AEB cannot be overstated. By providing accessible and tailored financing solutions, the AEB ensures that African energy projects – whether in oil, gas, or renewables – receive the support they need to thrive. This institution is not just about financing; it is about empowering Africa to unlock its vast energy potential, drive industrialization and make energy poverty a thing of the past,” stated Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of APPO.
Source: Energy Chamber
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has cautioned its cherished customers and the general public about the illegal activities of individuals falsely posing as ECG staff.
A statement issued by the ECG said these persons are harassing customers and demanding payments through unauthorised channels, including specific MoMo numbers, under threats of disconnection.
“We wish to emphasise that ECG staff are not authorised to harass, threaten, or solicit payments in this manner. Such actions violate our core values and ethical standards”, the statement said.
It said for secure and authorised transactions, the ECG encouraged customers to use the ECG Power App or dial *226# or contact the ECG Contact Center at 0302 611611.Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Meta, the owner of Facebook, has officially joined the race for nuclear power generation to secure the energy supply for its artificial intelligence ambitions.
In a news release, the company said it was looking to contract developers to build between 1 and 4 GW of nuclear power generation capacity in the United States, to be completed by the early 2030s.
“We are looking to identify developers that can help accelerate the availability of new nuclear generators and create sufficient scale to achieve material cost reductions by deploying multiple units, both to provide for Meta’s future energy needs and to advance broader industry decarbonization,” the company said in the release.
Meta went on to say it would continue investing in wind and solar as well as part of its decarbonization efforts but mentioned that nuclear power facilities have “a longer expected operational life”.
Nuclear is also more reliable than wind and solar, which is why Big Tech is racing to secure new capacity as soon as possible—because nuclear power plants take quite a while to build, unlike wind and solar.
Unfortunately for Big Tech, it’s not just construction times that are making growth in nuclear generation capacity a challenge.
New nuclear also carried a heavy regulatory burden and, as Reuters notes in a report on the Meta news, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is “overburdened”.
In additional problems, the country is facing a uranium supply shortage and it is not limited to the U.S., either. Demand for nuclear capacity has shot up so quickly that supply has yet to catch up.
This will be problematic because Kazakhstan, the world’s top producer is suffering the effects of a sulfuring acid shortage, which has affected output.
Separately, the West is trying to replace its source of processed uranium because Russia is the biggest one but alternatives are not exactly abundant.
Source: Oilprice.com
Vivo Energy Ghana, the company that distributes and markets Shell-branded fuels and lubricants in Ghana, has commissioned its Nursing facility, a dedicated space in its Accra head office designed to support expectant and nursing mothers within the organisation.
The facility, named Obaatanpa (meaning a caring mother in the Ghanaian language) forms part of Vivo Energy Ghana’s ShePower project, a flagship programme under the company’s female diversity and inclusion agenda aimed at empowering women both within the workplace and in society.
The Obaatanpa Nursing Facility has been equipped with state-of-the-art amenities to provide comfort and convenience to nursing mothers, allowing them to balance their professional responsibilities and maternal duties effectively.
Features of the facility include a comfortable seating for lactation, refrigeration for breast milk storage, baby cots, playing toys for toddlers and a clean and serene relaxation area for nursing mothers.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Mr. Jean-Michel Arlandis, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana stated: “At Vivo Energy Ghana, we are committed to creating a workplace where all employees, especially women, feel valued and supported.
The Obaatanpa Nursing Facility exemplifies our dedication to ensuring that our female employees have access to the resources they need to thrive both professionally and personally.
This initiative not only aligns with our ShePower project but also reflects our belief in fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.”
Some nursing and expectant mothers within the company expressed their excitement and commended the company for such a timely investment which will help alleviate their anxieties worries associated with motherhood whilst ensuring work-life balance.
The facility which addresses a critical need of working mothers is a testament to Vivo Energy Ghana’s broader commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa’s power utility, Eskom has announced that the City of Tshwane has signed a payment arrangement plan to settle its R6, 661 123 246 (Six billion, six-hundred and sixty-one million, one-hundred and twenty-three thousand two hundred and forty-six) debt owed to the power utility.
Eskom had taken Tshwane to court for bulk electricity supply arrear debt and the matter was set down for hearing on 26 and 27 November 2024.
However, a statement issued by Eskom said the two parties met and agreed on a five-year payment arrangement plan.
The payment arrangement was made by an order of court on 26 November 2024.
In terms of the payment arrangement plan, the City of Tshwane has committed to make the initial payment of R400 million in December 2024, with the last payment scheduled for March 2029.
The payment arrangement plan is subject to the following conditions:
All current accounts must be paid in full on or before their due dates (30 days)
If the City of Tshwane defaults on the payment arrangement and the current accounts, the payment arrangement shall be terminated, and the full amount owing will become due and payable to Eskom immediately.
“We are pleased to have worked collaboratively with the City of Tshwane to reach this outcome,” said Monde Bala, Eskom Group Executive, Distribution.
“This agreement plays a part in maintaining the sustainability of Eskom to drive the economic growth of South Africa and reduce our burden on the taxpayer,” he continued.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Namibia’s offshore has yielded quality discovery as the African country continues to be an exploration hotspot for international companies.
Portugal’s Galp has just successfully drilled and logged the Mopane-1A appraisal well in block PEL83, encountering light oil and gas-condensate in high-quality reservoir-bearing sands.
The findings of this third appraisal well are “once again indicating good porosities, high permeabilities, and high pressures, as well as low oil viscosity characteristics with minimum CO2 and no H2S concentrations,” Galp, which is the operator of the block, said in a statement
The appraisal well confirms the extension and quality of the oil and condensate discoveries to date, it added.
Galp and its partners will continue to analyze and integrate all newly acquired data, whilst progressing with the upcoming activities, which include exploration and appraisal (E&A) wells, and a high-resolution proprietary 3D seismic campaign set to start in December 2024, the Portuguese company said.
In recent years, international majors have scaled back investments in Africa’s legacy producers such as Nigeria and Angola and have instead opted for exploration offshore Namibia, hoping it would be the next Guyana and the next major oil producer and exporter.
Shell, TotalEnergies, and Galp have announced major oil discoveries in the past two years offshore Namibia, including one giant find earlier this year.
At the end of April, Galp Energia said that the first phase of its exploration in the Mopane field offshore Namibia could contain at least 10 billion barrels of oil.
TotalEnergies and Shell have already made large discoveries offshore Namibia, kicking off the Namibian oil rush in 2022.
TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy are also expanding their efforts to explore for oil and gas in the Orange Basin offshore Namibia, which extends into South African waters.
Last week, QatarEnergy entered into an agreement to buy from TotalEnergies an additional 5.25% interest in block 2913B (PEL 56) and an additional 4.695% interest in block 2912 (PEL 91), in the Orange Basin, offshore Namibia.
Source: Oilprice.com
State-owned QatarEnergy has signed a long-term sales and purchase agreement with oil and gas major Shell to supply it with liquefied natural gas (LNG) for delivery to China.
The deal is for the supply of three million metric tons per annum year of LNG, said QatarEnergy in a statement on Monday, adding that the agreement will start in January 2025.
QatarEnergy added that the agreement highlights the continued growth of China’s LNG market, but did not say how long the duration of the supply deal with Shell would be.
China is the world’s largest importer of LNG. It shipped in 71 million metric tons of the super-chilled fuel in 2023, and a record high of nearly 79 million metric tons in 2021, according to the country’s customs data.
Qatar is the third largest LNG exporter globally after the U.S. and Australia. It has exported 73 million metric tons of LNG so far this year, according to data from analytics firm Kpler.
Source: Reuters.com
For more than a year, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) has been pushing back against continually building pressure to halt new foreign investments in Africa’s oil and gas industry.
To prevent catastrophic climate change, environmental organizations, financial organizations, and governments across Europe and North America have insisted that developing nations, including those in Africa, must immediately transition from fossil fuel production and usage to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydrogen.
Mind you, the majority of those making these demands are based in industrialized nations that were built on fossil fuels — oil and gas fueled their economic engines — yet they are unwilling to allow less developed nations to use fossil fuels to the same end.
Even more troubling, the countries these groups are taking aim at having a wealth of natural resources under their feet, resources that can be monetized and used to build a better future.
We have explained, over and over, why African countries, businesses, and communities still need support from international oil companies (IOCs), foreign governments, and investment institutions for oil and gas projects. IOCs, for example, play an important role in knowledge sharing and helping Africans build valuable job skills.
What’s more, foreign oil and gas investments create opportunities for revenue that can be used to build and improve energy infrastructure — for both fossil fuels and renewables. And, by supporting natural gas projects, investors create a path for gas-to-power projects that help minimize the continent’s widespread energy poverty.
In July 2021, when it became apparent that reasoning was not yielding results, the chamber went so far as to employ the same tactics the international community used against our members. We called for boycotts against financial institutions that discriminated against the African oil and gas industry.
But the calls to stop financing African oil and gas have only grown louder and more insist. Most recently, during the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, more than 20 countries and financial institutions pledged to stop public financing for overseas fossil fuel projects.
Europe then decided that gas was clean for Europe so it will be financed but for Africa, gas is dirty and will receive no funding. The United Kingdom and the European Union have also reportedly joined the chorus of voices demanding a ban against developed nations providing subsidies for fossil fuels.
Other expectations for this year’s conference include calls for member states to formally commit to triple their renewable energy capacity and double their energy efficiency across the board by 2030.
The thread tying all these pledges together, with respect to our work at the AEC, is that none of them bode very well for any future success stories from the African energy economy.
For those of us who care about Africa’s oil and gas industry, it’s time to face facts: We need to find a way to save it ourselves. The AEC is calling upon African states and the private sector to fund the African Energy Bank, an institution which is focused on funding African energy projects.
The African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have paved the way. The idea is to create funding sources for all types of African energy — from oil and gas exploration to solar and hydrogen operations — so that projects will not be dependent on foreign support.
We can do this, and we must. Too much is at stake. We can’t afford not to capitalize on recent discoveries such as the light oil found offshore Angola, the oil in Namibia’s Orange Basin, the shale gas in South Africa’s Karoo Basin, or the oil and natural gas off the coast of Côte d’Ivoire.
Those are only a few of the important discoveries that occurred recently, and each represents critical opportunities for everyday Africans.
You may be wondering if African energy banks are a realistic goal. How can a continent that is struggling to bring many of its people out of poverty raise capital for energy projects? I believe it can be done. To begin with, African governments can set aside a percentage of their oil and gas revenues for new project funding.
In its report, Africa Energy Outlook 2021, Rystad Energy projected that African governments’ earnings from royalties, profit oil, and other taxes in 2021 would reach USD 100 billion. Even 1% of that amount would produce USD 1 billion dollars.
We can also raise capital by investing African pension funds in African energy projects. According to Cape Town-based investment firm, RisCura, local pension funds collectively manage around USD 450 billion of assets in sub-Saharan Africa, and they are actively looking for new places to invest.
Why not encourage them to add oil, gas, and renewables projects to their list? Investing pensions in the energy sector is hardly a new practice. Some of America’s largest pension funds are invested in fossil fuel producers, and an increasing amount of pension funds around the globe are investing in green energy projects.
Our options for raising capital don’t end there. We should also seek the support of wealthy Africans who want to invest in a better African future. As of December 2023, total private wealth in Africa totaled approximately USD 2.3 trillion. That’s not even including the African diaspora.
In May 2022, Afreximbank signed an agreement with APPO on the joint establishment of a special multi-lateral financial institution (MFI) – the African Energy Bank – to provide support for the shift away from fossil fuels.
The agreement calls for APPO’s member states to provide equity for the new institution and serve as its founding members, with Afreximbank acting as co-investor and providing organizational support.
The new bank will be able to reach more countries than either APPO or Afreximbank could do on their own, as their rosters are not identical: APPO has 15 member states, while Afreximbank has 51 and there is a significant amount of overlap, as Algeria and Libya are the only APPO members that are not also Afreximbank members. But the point remains that if the two institutions join forces, their combined efforts will go further.
Professor Benedict Oramah, the President of Afreximbank, explained it as follows in May 2022: “For us at Afreximbank, supporting the emergence of [the Africa Energy Bank] will enable a more efficient and predictable capital allocation between fossil fuels and renewables.
It will also free human and other resources at Afreximbank that will make it possible to support its member countries more effectively in the transition to cleaner fuels.”
Not only do we have pathways for raising capital, we also have an example of the kind of banks Africa needs to finance its own energy projects, one that goes back decades. I’m talking about Afreximbank. In 1993, African governments worked with public and private investors to create a bank that would finance, promote, and expand intra- and inter-African trade.
They succeeded. In 2020, Afreximbank received the Africa-America Institute’s (AAI’s) Institutional Institution of Excellence Award for its commitment to the creation and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and its ongoing dedication to investing in education.
AAI noted that between 2015 and 2019 alone, Afrieximbank disbursed more than $30 billion in support of African trade, including more than $15 billion for the financing and promotion of intra-Africa trade.
I say, let’s build on Afreximbank’s model. And not only that, let’s cultivate a pool of investors who recognize and appreciate the importance of oil and gas to Africa. Capital from foreign countries and companies will always be welcome — as long as it isn’t predicated on phasing out fossil fuels on their timeline. If they’re pushing a rush to renewables, they’re not going to be part of our solution.
With the support of one or more African energy banks, local oil and gas companies will have the financing necessary to acquire assets. They’ll have the financing to build crude and gas pipelines across Africa and to facilitate the use of natural gas (including LNG) to power Africa, minimizing energy poverty and driving industrialization.
And African states and entrepreneurs will be able to finance the development of renewable energy operations, particularly blue, green, and gray hydrogen operations that create additional opportunities for Africans. Africa already has emerging green hydrogen operations in Mali, Namibia, Niger, and South Africa, and with the proper funding, could become a major green hydrogen exporter.
The AEC will support the energy bank initiative and work to bring potential participants together. Creating our own institutions to finance energy projects will send a clear signal to the marketplace that Africans are seeking to become leaders in scaling up private capital.
It will show that we are advancing natural gas development and infrastructure while supporting low-carbon investments.
With the financing in place, not only will African companies be able to produce oil and gas, but they will also support local community development, develop green energy markets, and create jobs.
For many African countries, the oil and gas industry represents our best shot at giving millions of Africans the kind of jobs, living standards, and stability that developed countries have enjoyed for well over a century. We must hold fast to these goals and do what it takes to achieve them.
Source:NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber
Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) PLC, a leader in Africa’s geothermal development, has recorded major progress in its Ksh. 250 million geothermal development contract with the state-owned Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC).
This milestone underscores KenGen’s continued commitment to advancing renewable energy across Africa.
The contract, awarded earlier this year, tasks KenGen with conducting comprehensive geoscientific studies to assess geothermal potential in three prospective regions of the Southern African country, Eswatini.
The studies, aimed at establishing the feasibility of developing a geothermal power plant, are now well underway, with completion expected in the next few months.
Commenting on the progress during the NSE-listed company’s 72nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) held today, KenGen Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga reaffirmed the company’s dedication to advancing renewable energy solutions across Africa.
“Our strategic focus is on expanding our footprint beyond Kenya and leveraging our geothermal expertise to foster sustainable development across the continent,” said Eng. Njenga, adding, “This partnership with Eswatini marks another significant step in our mission to support Africa’s renewable energy ambitions and mitigate the effects of climate change.”
Eswatini, a landlocked Kingdom in Southern Africa bordered by South Africa and Mozambique, has set its sights on harnessing geothermal energy to strengthen its renewable energy capacity and enhance energy security.
This aligns with the country’s broader commitment to sustainable development and global efforts to combat climate change by reducing carbon emissions.
“I am optimistic that our geoscientific studies will confirm the viability of Eswatini’s geothermal resources, enabling the country to increase its renewable energy portfolio and enhance its baseload capacity. This project also reinforces KenGen’s strategy to diversify revenue streams and ensure financial sustainability through geothermal consultancy and related services,” said Eng. Njenga.
Speaking during the AGM, KenGen Board Chairman, Eng. Frank Konuche described the new partnership as a strategic move by Eswatini to tap into its natural resources while contributing to Africa’s sustainable energy goals. “For KenGen, the project is a testament to our growing influence in geothermal development across the continent,” said Eng. Konuche.
KenGen’s experience and expertise in geothermal drilling, honed at Kenya’s Olkaria geothermal fields and in successful projects in Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Tanzania, played a strategic role in securing the Eswatini contract. The company’s reputation for excellence in geothermal consultancy and drilling services has solidified its position as a trusted partner in the region.
The Eswatini project is one KenGen’s latest geothermal development contract in Africa, following successful ventures in Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. Kenya remains the continent’s leading geothermal energy producer and ranks among the top 10 globally, with an installed geothermal capacity of 754MW.
KenGen’s expertise in geothermal energy development continues to position the company as a key driver of Africa’s green energy transition while contributing to economic growth and environmental conservation across the region.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
A prominent Belgian company in the renewable energy sector, We Green Energy, has announced its official entry into the African market through a strategic partnership with HMD, a specialized distributor and service provider of premium heavy machinery and parts.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in developing green energy solutions in Ghana, aiming to provide accessible, sustainable, and clean electricity to all.
“With a clear mission to enhance energy accessibility, We Green Ghana is set to implement comprehensive green energy supply solutions tailored for both businesses (B2B) and individuals (B2C). By leveraging advanced technologies, the company intends to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and combat energy insecurity, particularly in rural areas where access to electricity remains challenging,” a statement by Martin Awuku, Business Development & Operations Manager said.
In collaboration with HMD, We Green Ghana will focus on several key initiatives including Solar Panel Installation, Developing Electric Vehicle Charging Stations and Promoting Local Economic Growth by contributing to job creation and fostering innovation within Ghana’s renewable energy sector.
This expansion into Africa is aligned with We Green Energy’s global vision for a sustainable energy transition and reducing carbon emissions. By offering a combination of B2B and B2C solutions, the company aims to serve large businesses and households, thereby enhancing the country’s energy resilience and self-sufficiency.
“We are thrilled to partner with We Green and bring green energy solutions to Ghana,” said Matthew Khouri, CEO of HMD.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to sustainability and our desire to empower communities through clean energy access.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria’s power transmission company, TCN, has spent N8.8 billion to repair electricity transmission towers attacked by vandals and bandits across the country.
The Managing Director of TCN, Engr Suleiman Abdulaziz, revealed this at the Quarterly Power Sector Working Group meeting in Abuja in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Minister for Power on Communications, Bolaji Tunji.
Mr Abdulaziz, who was represented by the Executive Director, Transmission Service Provider, TSO, of TCN, Engr Olugbenga Emmanuel-Ajiboye, said that between January 13, 2024, and now, 128 transmission towers have been destroyed either by vandals or bandits across the country.
He said: “As I talk to you today, 128 of our towers have been destroyed by either vandals or bandits. To date, we have spent about N8.8 billion, by our estimation, to put them back to full and functional use.
“It is so sad that each time the vandals were caught and taken to the police for prosecution, police would charge them for theft instead of vandalism, and they would be bailed. If they are charged for vandalism, they cannot be bailed, but this is where we are.
“So many of them have been arrested, but each time they will be bailed because police often incident their cases as theft.
“When the Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna towers were destroyed, we had to get the full military escorts for our contractors to get the transmission lines and towers restored and, in some cases, they would tell us that we could only work for two hours in some days.
“In some instances, they would even tell us that it was not safe to move there. How do we get out of this? How can we deliver electricity to Nigerians under these terrible circumstances? These are part of the challenges we are facing in the power sector,” Mr Abdulaziz lamented.
At the meeting, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, also disclosed that the Federal Government was working in collaboration with the World Bank and the African Development Bank, AfDB, to make electricity available to 50 million Nigerians by 2030.
Mr Adelabu, who was represented by his Chief Technical Adviser, Adedayo Olowoniyi, said the Power Ministry was collaborating with its Finance counterpart to get this process achieved.
“Mission 300 is driven by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, and it is a project that will provide electricity to 300 million Africans, and Nigeria will benefit 50 million from this. Nigeria has a large population that is without electricity and this is a great opportunity for us to be part of this process.
“The Compact document will be signed by our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in Tanzania in January 2025. We worked extensively with the World Bank, the AfDB and the Ministry of Finance to develop the document with all the countries that will be participating in it.
“The most important thing is that we have to drive the process by ourselves through the private and public sector participation. We will do it through the solar form system, mini and microgrid, grid extension and connection,” the Minister said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s Ministry of Energy has distributed one thousand (1000) cookstoves to residents of James Town, a suburb of Accra, during an outreach programme oganised by the Ministry in collaboration with Women-in-Energy at Mantse Agbonaa.
The initiative, which falls under a cylinder recirculation model (CRM), was aimed at complementing the effort of LPG consumers since they would no longer need to buy or own a cylinder under the CRM.
Under the CRM, LPG marketers would provide branded cylinders, get them filled at LPG bottling plants and transport them to exchange points where consumers would then go with their empty cylinders to exchange for filled ones.
The outreach programme was attended by hundreds of residents of James Town, including ‘queenmothers’ of the area and the Manye of the Osu Traditional Area.
The Osu Manye advised the residents to consider using clean energy for cooking and avoid using firewood and charcoal since they are harmful to their health.
The Chief Director of the Ministry of Energy, Mrs. Wilhelmina Asamoah, charged the residents to switch to LPG usage to protect themselves from the effects of using charcoal and firewood for cooking.
Energy Minister Mr Herbert Krapa charged the Chief Director of the Ministry to ensure that the outreach programme is organised four times to ensure that more people hear the good news about using clean energy for cooking.
“Firewood and coalpot have damaged our eyes and we can’t continue this traditional form of cooking,” he said.
“We are concerned about the well-being and health of our mothers who spend hours to cook using charcoal and firewood. It is something that is very detrimental to their health and in response we are giving them cookstoves to help them to engage in clean cooking,” added.
Personnel from the Ghana Fire Service sensitised the residents to fire safety and how to prevent burns.
They advised the gathering to always light the matches before they turn on the regulator or gas cylinder and also switch off the regulator immediately after use to prevent children from playing with the gas cylinder.
Sarah Naa Dedei Agbey, a representative of Ghana Alliance for Clean Cookstoves and Fuel, urged the residents to embrace clean energy for cooking to prevent health hazards and save the environment.
Mrs. Wilhelmina Asamoah, Chief Director of Ministry of EnergySource: htts://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com 
Source: htts://energynewsafrica.com