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
The Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMC) in the Republic of Ghana has rebranded to the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), after two decades of existence and championing policy reforms and operational practices through collaboration with key stakeholders.
Since its formation, AOMC has gone through leadership transition and it is currently being led by Dr. Riverson Oppong, a petroleum engineer and economist.
He assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in April 2024 after the retirement of the late Kwaku Agyemang-Duah who held the position for 10 years.
Dr. Riverson believes that the Association should be rebranded to meet the changes in the energy industry in order to amplify visibility, strengthen advocacy and position the organisation as a formidable leader in Ghana’s downstream petroleum industry.
He told this portal at the Alisa Hotel in Accra last week that the rebranding of AOMC to COMAC is not a change in identity but rather a change towards maximising “our efforts that we have showcased for the past years.”
He said the rebranded entity would channel its efforts towards stakeholder engagement, advocacy and championing the industry performance of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and making sure that standards and regulations are adhered to.
He added that COMAC would enter into strategic partnerships and introduce downstream dialogue to engage CEOs and managing directors of OMCs to find solutions to problems in the industry.
“As we step into a new era as COMAC, I want to assure you that we remain steadfast in our commitment to the vision and mission you so diligently crafted. Our roots will never be forgotten; instead, they will serve as the compass that guides us forward into a future of continued growth and excellence,” he said.
The CEO reiterated that the word ‘Chamber’ evokes professionalism, unity and credibility, which are qualities that align seamlessly with the mission to fuel Ghana’s future while empowering the people.
The Minister of State for Energy, Herbert Krapa, in a speech delivered on his behalf, commended the chamber’s commitment to sustainable growth and its pivotal role in shaping the downstream petroleum industry.
Besides, he urged the chamber to be resolute, innovative and continue to demonstrate the resilience that was shown over the past two decades, especially during the COVID-19 era, a moment of distraction in global supply chains.
The Board Chairman of the chamber, William Tewiah, reiterated that the rebranding of AOMC to COMAC represented a bold step forward, uniting stakeholders under a shared vision of excellence and sustainability.
“It is not merely a transformation of identity but a call to action for industry players to embrace innovation, collaboration and environmental responsibility. As COMAC embarks on this exciting journey, it invites all stakeholders to join hands in shaping a brighter and more sustainable future for Ghana’s energy industry,” he said.
Goodwill messages from stakeholders, including representatives from the National Petroleum Authority and the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers, highlighted the importance of the rebranding in fostering collaboration and addressing industry challenges.
COMAC’s new logo, featuring a dynamic oil droplet infused with vibrant red, green and yellow colours, captures the essence of its mission and vision.
The oil droplet reflects the organisation’s core business and ties the logo to the energy and petroleum industries. The red symbolises energy, power and urgency, reflecting the dynamic nature of the sector and the chamber’s innovative approach.
The green represents sustainability and environmental responsibility, underscoring the chamber’s commitment to greener energy alternatives and regulatory compliance. The yellow signifies optimism, growth, and prosperity, symbolising the economic importance of the industry and the chamber’s hope for a thriving future.
The highlight of the evening was the grand unveiling of the new COMAC brand identity, featuring an impressive reveal of the logo on an LED screen. The unveiling was followed by a cake-cutting ceremony led by the CEO and Board Members, symbolising unity and the beginning of a promising new era.
During the awards ceremony, key contributors to the industry were recognised for their outstanding service and dedication, while a preview of the Downstream Dialogue, an innovative programme aimed at fostering meaningful discussions among stakeholders, added an exciting glimpse into the chamber’s future initiatives.
Source: htts://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa’s power utility company, Eskom, has published a disconnection notice for Tokologo municipality in the Free State over R328 million in unpaid electricity bill.
Should Eskom proceed with the disconnection, bulk electricity supply to Boshof, Seretse, Dealesville, and Hertzogville will be interrupted daily from 31 January 2025 for a set number of hours per day.
The municipality currently owes Eskom R328 million for the bulk supply of electricity. This excludes the current account of a further R3.68 million, which became due and payable on 20 November 2024. The last payment Eskom received from the municipality was R150 000 on 5 October 2021.
The municipality could not be immediately be reached for comment.
President Cyril Ramaphosa also recently signed a proclamation authorising the Special Investigating Unit to investigate allegations of serious maladministration in the municipality and to recover any resultant financial losses suffered by the state.
“The municipality charges, collects and receives money from its customers for the supply of electricity but fails to hand over the portion due to Eskom,” the utility said in a statement.
“This is at Eskom’s detriment, and it is not sustainable.”
The utility said its decision to proceed with the process to disconnect electricity supply is a measure of last resort to prevent the debt from spiralling out of control.
The notice is in accordance with the provision of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA).
Eskom said the municipality’s breach of its payment obligation undermines and places in jeopardy the utility’s ability to continue the national supply of electricity on a financially sustainable basis.
Municipal debt across the country has reached R90 billion and remains a major challenge for the utility.
The utility has invited all affected parties to make submissions indicating why it should not proceed to reduce, disconnect or terminate the bulk electricity supply points to Tokologo.
The closing date for submissions is 6 January 2025, and Eskom will communicate the final decision on or before 16 January.
“Eskom appreciates the hardships the community and the economy will suffer should it exercise its statutory powers to disconnect the municipality,” it said.
“There are no other meaningful options available for Eskom to stop the debt from growing and to collect for current consumption on bulk supply.”
The utility listed a raft of interventions since October 2021, noting that the municipality pulled out of a dispute resolution process and also failed to apply for a debt relief programme extended to local government by the National Treasury.
Despite all the avenues that Eskom explored and efforts to accommodate the municipality, the matter has reached a point where Eskom can simply no longer afford to accommodate the municipality without further financial strain and harming its own business.
Source: News24.com
Nigeria’s ex-Minister for Power, Saleh Mamman, allegedly used N20 million from the funds earmarked for Mambilla Hydro Power project on payment for lodging in a resort over a period of one year.
This was revealed by Colonel Adebisi Adesanya (retired), the Chief Security Officer and owner of Sami Court Resort Limited, a witness in the case against the former Minister during a cross- examination at the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, on Wednesday.
The cross-examination followed the testimony of the witness on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, a report by Rayyan Alhassan said.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting Mamman on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit money laundering to the tune of N33,804,830,503.73 (Thirty-three Billion, Eight Hundred and Four Million, Eight Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Five Hundred and Three Naira, Seventy-three Kobo).
The witness, the Chief Security Officer and owner of Sami Court Resort Limited, by the prosecution counsel, A.O. Mohammed, told the court that “Sami Court Resort Limited is a service apartment where people come to lodge and stay for a long time, one month, two months, a year,” adding that “you only book in with your clothes, then any other thing is serviced by the apartment.”
He also revealed that he was invited for questioning by the EFCC on September 6, 2023, regarding inflows from accommodation and lodging into the UBA account of the resort over the period spanning from 2019 to 2021 and identified Exhibit PWC as the invoice issued to Mamman by the resort after his payment of N20 million for lodging, covering the period between August 30, 2021, and August 30, 2022.
“This is our company’s invoice. We issued it after the payment of N20 million with respect to lodging and accommodation for Engineer Saleh Mamman,” he said.
Giving a breakdown of the lodging inflows from Mamman as contained in ‘Exhibit PWC’, he revealed that “on September 6, 2021, the inflow was N5 million, deposited by Golden Bond Nigeria Limited for the period covering 30th August 2021 to 30th August 2022 and the name of the lodger is Engineer Saleh Mamman.
The second column is on January 23, 2022, being N5 million payment deposited by Mintedge Nigeria Limited to cover from 30th August 2021 to 30th August 2022.
“The third column is March 9, 2022, and the amount is N2,500, 000 (Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira), payment by Abdullahi Suleiman and it is to cover the period of 30th August 2021 to 30th August 2022 for Engineer Saleh Mamman.
And the last one is on May 10, 2022, and the amount is N7,500,000 (Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira), deposited by A.I.J Global Tools Limited over the period covering 30th August 2021 to 30th August 2022 and the name of the lodger is Engineer Saleh Mamman,” he said.
The witness further disclosed that the payments by Mamman were just for one bedroom rental, all made through the resort’’s UBA account.
“The documents are our invoice in respect to payment for one bedroom rental from 30th August 2019 and 30th August 2020 and the amount is N20 million.”
Responding to enquiries from the defence counsel, Femi Atteh, SAN, at today’s cross-examination, the witness admitted that as the resort’s chief security officer, he was….
Justice Omotosho, afterwards, adjourned the case till January 13, 2025, for continuation of trial.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The installation of the core catcher of El-Dabaa nuclear power plant (NPP) Unit 4 has started recently making it one step closer to the launch.
Works for installation of the core catcher of El-Dabaa NPP Unit 4 in Egypt has recently started.
The General Designer and General Contractor of the NPP is Rosatom Engineering Division.
The core catcher is a part of the passive safety system, designed to prevent the release of radioactive substances into the environment in the event of a severe accident accompanied by destruction of the reactor vessel. It consists of several elements with the total weight over 700 tons (the weight of the core catcher body is 155 tons).
“The core catcher is one of the key safety components of power units of Generation III+. It is symbolic that we are beginning the installation of the core catcher at Unit 4 on Nuclear Energy Day celebrated in Egypt on November 19.
Works for construction of all the four units of the first nuclear power plant in Egypt are in full swing with observance of all the international requirements. In each of its projects, Rosatom puts safety above all, and the Egyptian construction site is no exception for us,” said Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom.
El-Dabaa will consist of four power units, 1200 MW each, with pressurised water reactors of Russian class VVER-1200.
This is an evolutionary Gen III+ design which fully complies with all international safety requirements. Earlier this August the core catcher was delivered to the construction site of the Paks-II NPP (Hungary) new power units.
Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy of the Arab Republic of Egypt Mahmoud Esmat confirmed that the El-Dabaa NPP project is under constant supervision and that the work is ongoing on schedule to complete all stages and connect it to the grid.
He explained the energy sector’s strategy, which focuses on energy balance, diversifying power generation sources, and utilising new, renewable, and clean energy sources to decrease fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions.
Mahmoud Esmat asserted the importance of the peaceful use of nuclear energy as an essential component of a sustainable development strategy and achieving our goals across various sectors, especially in electricity generation.
El-Dabaa NPP is the first NPP in Egypt. It is being built in the city of El-Dabaa, in the Matrouh province on the Mediterranean coast, approximately 300 km north-west from Cairo.
In accordance with the contractual obligations, the Russian party will not only construct the NPP but will also supply nuclear fuel for the whole life cycle of the NPP and will provide assistance to the Egyptian partners in training of the personnel at the operation and maintenance stages during the first ten years of NPP operation.
Besides, under a separate agreement, the Russian party will build special storages and will supply special containers for storing spent nuclear fuel.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s technical regulator for electricity and natural gas, Energy Commission on Tuesday made history by launching Energy Academy to be hosted at the recently inaugurated nearly-zero energy building headquarters in Accra, the capital of Ghana.
The Energy Academy is expected to provide cutting-edge training, foster innovation and the build capacity of energy sector players in Africa in the area of energy policy formulation, renewable energy, energy efficiency, electricity and natural gas regulation, Local Content management among others.
Effective 26th January 2025, the Energy Academy will offer courses in Energy Data Analytics and Energy Research, Energy Efficiency and Conservation, Renewable Energy, Energy Planning, Energy Policy and Climate Change and Energy Policy and Regulation.
Speaking at the launching of the Energy Academy, the Executive Secretary of Energy Commission, Ing Oscar Amonoo-Neizer, noted that the creation of the Energy Academy is a direct response to lessons from the past.
He said the Commission recognises that the cornerstone of a thriving energy sector is its people, stating that skilled professionals, empowered by knowledge and innovation are essential to tackling the challenges of energy security, access and sustainability.
Whilst reflecting on 30 years of energy reforms in Ghana, Ing Oscar Amonoo-Neizer noted that the same collaboration that had brought progress in the energy sector would ensure success of the Energy Academy.
He emphasised that “we are not only celebrating the birth of an institution that will shape the future of Ghana’s energy sector but also reflecting on a legacy of progress through the Energy Forum as we evaluate 30 years of reforms in our energy sector.
“Over the past three decades, Ghana has significantly transformed its energy landscape. The journey has been challenging and rewarding from ambitious reforms aimed at restructuring the sector to innovative solutions addressing energy access and sustainability,” he said.
He commended GIZ and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) for graciously accepting to collaborate with Energy Commission in this historic endeavour.
The Deputy Minister for Energy, Hon.John Kobina Aboah Sanie, described the Energy Academy as a beacon for progress.
Rev. Ing. Oscar Amonoo-Neizer, Executive Secretary of Energy Commission
“This Academy stands as a symbol of what is possible when we align innovation, collaboration and commitment. It serves as a powerful testament to the role of women and young professionals in shaping a sustainable future for Ghana’s energy sector,” he stressed.
He lauded the partnership with KNUST and other collaborators, adding that the Academy represents “a remarkable milestone in our infrastructure development and a critical step toward sustainable economic growth.
“Through forums, academic training and discussions, we are cultivating a virtuous cycle of learning and motivation that will guide energy reforms in Ghana and beyond,” the Deputy Minister emphasised.
Touching on the topic of advancing Electricity and Tackling Challenges in Ghana’s energy sector, an Energy Consultant at the World Bank Office in Ghana, Maame Tabuah Ankoh, noted that the national electrification rate has risen from 28 per cent in 1990 to an impressive 88.9 per cent in 2024.
“This positions Ghana among the top three countries in Sub-Saharan Africa for electrification. It’s a loud achievement in a region where many nations still struggle with rates below 50%,” she remarked.
However, she pointed out the persistent challenges the sector faces, including high system losses, electricity reliability issues and a slow transition to renewable energy.
“It’s projected that 1.5% to 2.5% of GDP is required to support these challenges. Yet, there’s a significant opportunity to leverage renewable energy and drive down costs,” Tabuah added.
Commenting on the vision for the future of Ghana’s energy sector, the Provost of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Professor Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko, underscored the critical role of research, innovation and capacity building in achieving energy sector reforms.
“Technical courses in solar PV, hydropower, and economic regulation are essential for balancing utility needs with affordability,” he said.
He emphasised the need for investment in research and development, highlighting that KNUST’s College of Engineering had recently graduated over 2,600 engineers, many of whom are poised to make an impact in the energy sector.
He also called for greater national support for research and innovation.
“We have the responsibility to create technologies that address local challenges, and that requires investment in good graduate education and innovation accelerators,” Professor Nyarko urged.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com 
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Besides, he urged the chamber to be resolute, innovative and continue to demonstrate the resilience that was shown over the past two decades, especially during the COVID-19 era, a moment of distraction in global supply chains.
The Board Chairman of the chamber, William Tewiah, reiterated that the rebranding of AOMC to COMAC represented a bold step forward, uniting stakeholders under a shared vision of excellence and sustainability.
“It is not merely a transformation of identity but a call to action for industry players to embrace innovation, collaboration and environmental responsibility. As COMAC embarks on this exciting journey, it invites all stakeholders to join hands in shaping a brighter and more sustainable future for Ghana’s energy industry,” he said.
Goodwill messages from stakeholders, including representatives from the National Petroleum Authority and the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers, highlighted the importance of the rebranding in fostering collaboration and addressing industry challenges.
COMAC’s new logo, featuring a dynamic oil droplet infused with vibrant red, green and yellow colours, captures the essence of its mission and vision.
The oil droplet reflects the organisation’s core business and ties the logo to the energy and petroleum industries. The red symbolises energy, power and urgency, reflecting the dynamic nature of the sector and the chamber’s innovative approach.
The green represents sustainability and environmental responsibility, underscoring the chamber’s commitment to greener energy alternatives and regulatory compliance. The yellow signifies optimism, growth, and prosperity, symbolising the economic importance of the industry and the chamber’s hope for a thriving future.
The highlight of the evening was the grand unveiling of the new COMAC brand identity, featuring an impressive reveal of the logo on an LED screen. The unveiling was followed by a cake-cutting ceremony led by the CEO and Board Members, symbolising unity and the beginning of a promising new era.
During the awards ceremony, key contributors to the industry were recognised for their outstanding service and dedication, while a preview of the Downstream Dialogue, an innovative programme aimed at fostering meaningful discussions among stakeholders, added an exciting glimpse into the chamber’s future initiatives.
Source: htts://energynewsafrica.com 
Speaking at the launching of the Energy Academy, the Executive Secretary of Energy Commission, Ing Oscar Amonoo-Neizer, noted that the creation of the Energy Academy is a direct response to lessons from the past.
He said the Commission recognises that the cornerstone of a thriving energy sector is its people, stating that skilled professionals, empowered by knowledge and innovation are essential to tackling the challenges of energy security, access and sustainability.
Whilst reflecting on 30 years of energy reforms in Ghana, Ing Oscar Amonoo-Neizer noted that the same collaboration that had brought progress in the energy sector would ensure success of the Energy Academy.
He emphasised that “we are not only celebrating the birth of an institution that will shape the future of Ghana’s energy sector but also reflecting on a legacy of progress through the Energy Forum as we evaluate 30 years of reforms in our energy sector.
“Over the past three decades, Ghana has significantly transformed its energy landscape. The journey has been challenging and rewarding from ambitious reforms aimed at restructuring the sector to innovative solutions addressing energy access and sustainability,” he said.
He commended GIZ and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) for graciously accepting to collaborate with Energy Commission in this historic endeavour.
The Deputy Minister for Energy, Hon.John Kobina Aboah Sanie, described the Energy Academy as a beacon for progress.
