Africa’s Agenda At COP29
The African Group of Negotiators and leaders came to COP29 with a bold call for equitable climate finance, stronger global partnerships, and urgent action to address the climate crisis.
Their message emphasizes Africa’s role in global climate solutions while demanding accountability and meaningful progress from the international community.
The negotiators are calling for an ambitious new climate finance target of $1.3 trillion annually by 2030, reflecting the scale of the continent’s needs and the $3 trillion estimated to implement its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Among the least responsible for global emissions, the continent suffers some of the most severe impacts of climate change, losing an average of 5% of GDP annually to climate disruptions.
This agenda follows months of hard work by the African Group of Negotiators, supported by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, and AUDA-NEPAD.
These institutions collaborated to ensure the continent arrived at COP29 with a unified strategy addressing climate finance, renewable energy, and nature-based solutions.
ECA played a key role in refining countries’ NDCs and bringing stakeholders together to align positions. Regional consultations ensured that governments, youth, and private sector voices shaped Africa’s priorities for the negotiations.
A central focus of the continent’s agenda is equitable climate finance. Many African nations spend more on servicing debt than on healthcare or education. Leaders are calling for financial reforms to make funding accessible, affordable, and timely.
The Loss and Damage Fund, established at COP28, is a critical piece of this effort. Operationalizing the fund would provide essential resources to countries already suffering from floods, droughts, and rising sea levels.
Africa’s natural resources, particularly the Congo Basin, are a significant focus. The basin absorbs 1.5 billion tons of carbon annually and has sequestered 31 billion tons to date.
Without adequate protection, this critical resource risks releasing its stored carbon into the atmosphere. The undervaluation of Africa’s carbon credits only compounds this challenge.
Currently, carbon credits from Africa sell for as little as $5 per ton in voluntary markets, compared to over $80 in regulated markets.
African leaders are advocating for a comprehensive framework to guide compliance markets, ensuring transparency and credibility in carbon trading.
The continent is also showcasing its solutions. It has immense renewable energy potential, with abundant solar, wind, and hydropower resources.
Investments in renewable energy projects are already underway, from Morocco’s solar farms to Kenya’s geothermal energy initiatives. Expanding these projects could cut emissions, create jobs, and power industries.
Nature-based solutions are another pillar of the continent’s approach. Initiatives like afforestation, reforestation, and the protection of mangroves play a dual role—capturing carbon while preserving biodiversity.
The Congo Basin, often referred to as the planet’s lungs, is central to this strategy. African nations are calling for investments that align with conservation goals and provide financial returns.
Agriculture remains at the forefront of discussions. The livelihoods of millions depend on farming, yet extreme weather and droughts are disrupting harvests. Leaders are championing climate-smart practices such as drought-resistant crops and efficient irrigation systems to strengthen food security.
African leaders have also recognized the need for internal reforms. Strengthening governance and ensuring transparency in climate financing are critical to maximizing the impact of resources. Regional partnerships are being bolstered to ensure resources are shared and used efficiently.
Claver Gatete, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA, emphasized the cost of delay, stating, “The cost of inaction is far greater than the investment required to build a resilient and prosperous future for Africa.”
The continent has presented its priorities and solutions. It has demonstrated leadership in renewable energy, conservation, and climate finance. The question remains whether global partners will act decisively to meet these challenges.
Source: UNECA
Shanghai Electric Empowers Africa’s Industrialization With Accumulated 28 Power Supply Projects Put Into Operation
Celebrating its 17-year journey in Africa, Shanghai Electric (SEHK:2727, SSE:601727) is proud to have contributed to the industrialization and development of the region’s power infrastructure.
Since 2007, the company has successfully completed 28 power supply projects across African countries, constructing 1,457.16 kilometers of transmission lines and 51 power plants and substations. These achievements have delivered reliable electricity to millions, driving industrial progress and improving livelihoods in the vivid Africa.
“Industrialization in Africa is spurring unprecedented growth in energy demand. The foundation of power supply is not only critical to development but also to ensuring people’s livelihoods. Shanghai Electric is honored to collaborate with African partners to build a modern and thriving continent,” said Yang Xinghai, a senior executive at Shanghai Electric.
Powering Africa: A Journey of Growth and Innovation
Over the past 17 years, Shanghai Electric has expanded its footprint from North Africa to East and West Africa, developing and highlighting a diverse range of transmission and distribution projects, among others:
- Djibouti’s Railway Electrification (2014): Shanghai Electric constructed a 230kV substation and 83.85 kilometers of transmission lines to supply power to the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway. By offering an innovative dual-end power source solution, the project ensured efficient and reliable electricity for railway operations. Additional contributions in Djibouti include multiple substation upgrades and expansions, including the Doraleh Substation, Ghoubet Substation, Marabout Substation, and Palmeraie Substation transformer expansion projects, as well as the 63KV high-voltage line linking the capital’s two main stations (Boulaos and Marabout).
- Ethiopia’s Transmission Network (2008): Shanghai Electric has delivered eight major EPC projects in Ethiopia, including the BBDA 400kV transmission line project, Renaissance Dam transmission systems, and the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway power supply. The cumulative effort includes 1,115 kilometers of high-voltage transmission lines and 11 substations.
- Angola’s Urban Revitalization (2020): Shanghai Electric modernized the medium- and low-voltage power grids in Huambo and Caála, benefiting one million residents and over hundreds of enterprises with improved and stable electricity access.
- Nigeria’s Grid Modernization: In Lagos, Shanghai Electric upgraded ten aging substations, significantly enhancing the reliability of electricity for both residential and commercial users. Additionally, it completed two critical 330/132kV and 132/33kV substations, Egbin Substation and Makogi Substation, in northern Nigeria, benefiting over 500,000 residents.
Ghanaians Likely To Experience ‘Intense’ Load Shedding
Ghanaians are likely to experience ‘intense’ load shedding as three of the independent power generators have allegedly planned to shut down their power plants over unsustainable debt owed them by the largest power distribution company – Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
The independent power generators contribute more than 60 per cent of the power produced in the West African nation.
Already, the largest Independent Power Generator, Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited, has shut down its 560-megawatt combined-circled power plant over $259 million debt owed them by ECG.
Since the shutdown of Sunon Asogli Power Plant in October, Ghanaians have been experiencing power outages, especially from 6 p.m. through to midnight each day.
At times, when power goes off at 6 p.m., it returns by 11 p.m. or the following day.
This has been going on for more than a month even though there is no official statement from ECG.
On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, Chief Executive Officer of Independent Power Generators, Ghana warned that the power situation in the country could worsen as three independent power generators have also given indication of shutting down their power plants over unsustainable debt.
According to him, the three independent power producers (IPPs) are likely to shut down their plants by either Friday or Monday.
“We are up to date with our numbers, so we know what we are talking about. The government does not even know how to account for the power sector figures,” he said.
Independent checks by this portal indicate that the IPPs are not happy with the level of indebtedness to them by ECG.
Data obtained by this portal showed that key plants like Aksa which generates about 370 MW and Karpower Plant which produces 450 MW generated less than 100 megawatts each last night.
Other plants also generated less of their capacity.
Meanwhile, speaking on Accra-based Joy FM’s midday news on Tuesday, the former Deputy Minister for Energy, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, dismissed claims that load shedding is being implemented.
According to him, although the government through the Ministry of Finance has been negotiating with the IPPs over the debt owed them, there is nothing like generation shortfall to warrant any load shedding.
In his view, all is well with the power sector and urged those predicting doom to desist from it.
“I don’t have any information that suggests that there is load shedding. So I am wondering where they are getting that information from.
“I am on a platform that posts daily supply forecast demand and I have not seen any information from the value chain that there is outage,” he told the hostess, Emefa Apau.

Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Tesla Recalls More Than 57,000 Cybertrucks In 2024
Marketed as a durable, rugged vehicle, Tesla’s (NASDAQ: TSLA) Cybertruck has faced persistent criticism over performance issues, including breakdowns under basic conditions like rain, ever since its release.
Considering the growing reputation, it may come as no surprise that Finbold’s research found Tesla might have been forced to recall up to 57,332 Cybertrucks since the start of 2024 – an average of 172 units per day since January 1.
In total, there have been five recalls affecting the Cybertruck specifically in 2024, and one that was listed as potentially affecting more than 2 million Tesla vehicles across multiple models dating as far back as 2012.
The first of the Cybertruck-specific issues was announced on April 17, 2024. The recall was due to the danger of the accelerator pedal getting ‘trapped’ if ‘high force’ was applied to it, per Tesla’s official announcement.
The EV maker offered free corrections for the pickup and estimated the fix would take approximately 15 minutes. In total, 3,878 may have been affected, per the data available on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.
On June 19, Elon Musk’s EV maker issued two recalls due to potential issues with Cybertruck’s front wiper, and a trim piece called the sail applique. The first of these could have led to the front wiper motor malfunctioning. It was described as a free, 30-minute fix, affecting 11,688 vehicles at most.
The second was a problem with how the trim piece was attached, which could lead to it falling off. It potentially affected a slightly greater number – 12,150 – Cybertrucks, but again, it was described as a fix that would take 30 minutes at most.
Lastly, the most recent recall – and the last one to require physical intervention – occurred on November 5. It sought to resolve a problem in the drive inverter that could lead to a loss of power.
It was another fix administered free of charge but also the lengthiest intervention, as Tesla estimated it would take approximately three hours. Data retrieved from NHTSA also revealed that as many as 2,431 Cybertrucks may be suffering from the issue.
In September, Tesla issued its first over-the-air (OTA) firmware update correction for Cybertrucks in 2024. This update, announced on the 26th day of the month, was designed to resolve a problem with the rearview camera that could have led to a display delay once the truck was set in reverse.
The September 26 recall is particularly interesting both because it is an OTA fix and because of the large number of vehicles affected – 27,185. Indeed, there is a possibility the update inadvertently revealed the total number of Cybertrucks shipped between November 13, 2023, and September 14, 2024.
Due to Tesla Motors staying tight-lipped about the actual number of Cybertrucks sold, the recalls have been used throughout the year to estimate the likely total number of these pickups sold.
The June recalls in particular, were at the time seen as an admission of the sales figures to their size relative to other such announcements. Still, there are some problems with using the NHTSA safety data to gauge how many units were shipped to customers.
For example, nearly all of the recalls affected Cybertrucks manufactured after November 13, but the latest announcement – November 5, 2024 – demonstrated that at least some of the models were made as early as November 6, 2023.
Finally, it is worth pointing out that the figures provided on the NHTSA website represent the potential maximum number of affected vehicles, and the actual number of Cybertrucks suffering from the described issues could be significantly lower.
Despite the recall rate potentially approaching 200%, the situation might prove similar to the broader reputation of Tesla cars as spontaneous combustion engines. The actual number of instances in which Tesla vehicles caught fire for no apparent reason is minuscule compared to what the public perception and online representation suggest.
Source :Andreja Stojanovic
Ghana: President Akufo-Addo Commissions 200 MW Power Plant In Tema
The President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has commissioned a 200-megawatt combined-circled power plant in Tema in the Greater Accra Region under the partnership of Early Power Limited and Endeavor Energy, an independent power generation company.
The capacity of the plant will be expanded to about 590 megawatts in the near future, and it is expected to cost about $1.2 billion dollars.
The President was joined by the US Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Virginia Palmer, and other government officials to commission the plant.
President Akufo-Addo described the project as a significant step forward in securing Ghana’s energy independence and providing reliable electricity needed to drive economic growth, industrialisation and national development.
“This project stands as a testament to our resilience and ambition. It represents a shift away from the energy crises of the past, particularly the difficult years of dumsor between 2012 and 2016, which disrupted lives and livelihoods. Today, we send a clear message: Ghana will no longer be held back by energy shortages. The Bridge Power Station provides critical megawatts to the national grid, ensuring greater power stability for homes and businesses alike,” he said in a post on Facebook.
According to President Akufo-Addo, reliable electricity is the backbone of national development—it powers industries, illuminates classrooms and supports hospitals.
According to him, the impact of this facility extends far beyond industry, adding that “it enables hospitals to deliver life-saving care, schools to prepare our future leaders, and rural communities to thrive.”
The Bridge Power Station, he said, is also a step towards sustainability, showcasing our commitment to an efficient energy mix, with lower carbon emissions. This achievement reinforces our dedication to building a greener, healthier future for generations to come.
“As we celebrate this monumental milestone, let us remember that reliable power fuels opportunity, prosperity, and dignity for every Ghanaian. Together, we will continue to build a self-sufficient and globally competitive Ghana.”
He expressed gratitude to the American partners and Her Excellency Virginia Palmer, the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, for their steadfast support and presence at the commissioning of the project.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Nuclear Power In The COP29 Spotlight As Countries And Companies Eye Climate Solutions
Nuclear power is in the spotlight at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Azerbaijan, where both countries and industries presented plans to deploy the carbon-free energy technology, building on the historic consensus to accelerate its use that emerged from last year’s climate summit.
Reaching global decarbonization targets by 2050 will require a significant expansion of nuclear power. This was acknowledged at the first Nuclear Energy Summit in March 2024 as well as in the Global Stocktake at COP28 and the pledge by more than 20 countries to seek to triple nuclear capacity.
But to get there, capital is urgently needed, said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “Finance institutions need to evolve with the changing demands of the market—and there’s a clear demand for and growing interest in nuclear,” Mr Grossi said at a high-level event co-hosted by the COP29 Presidency and the IAEA that focused on financing low-carbon energy projects including nuclear power.
The high-level event featured speakers including Mr Grossi and Parviz Shabazov, Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan; Herbert Krapa, Deputy Minister of Energy of Ghana; Fatih Birol, IEA Executive Secretary; Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA); Tatiana Molcean, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE); Mark Bowman, Vice President for Policy and Partnerships, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD); Sama Bilbao y Leon, Director General of the World Nuclear Association; and Seth Agbeve, Director of Renewable Energy at the Ministry of Energy of Ghana.
The event followed the signing of a memorandum of understanding by the IAEA and Azerbaijan in which the Agency agreed to provide energy planning capacity building services, including a joint analysis under the Atoms4NetZero initiative on the potential role of nuclear energy in Azerbaijan’s clean energy transition.
Noting the importance of nuclear energy for Azerbaijan’s future, Azerbaijan Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov said at the event that “Azerbaijan sees opportunities for nuclear energy to be part of its energy mix in the future, as clean energy.”
Mr. Grossi signed cooperation agreements with several organizations at COP29. The company LinkedIn agreed to support capacity building in the nuclear sector with training, data insights and networking.
The IAEA and IRENA agreed to cooperate on joint missions, training, data sharing and case studies to support energy planning and clean energy goals. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the IAEA agreed to cooperate on nuclear safety, decommissioning, environmental remediation and nuclear energy.
Source: IEA
UK Energy Regulator Eyes Up To $10.2 Bln Fund To Aid Green Targets
Britain’s energy regulator Ofgem said on Wednesday it had begun consultations over a new investment fund of up to 8 billion pounds ($10.16 billion) that could help the country’s net zero prospects and aid energy transmitters to cut delays and costs.
The proposed fund, worth between 5 billion pounds and 8 billion pounds, would provide allowances for transmission owners to buy in advance equipment such as switchgear, cables and steel, thereby accelerating deliveries of projects, Ofgem said.
The regulator also added that the fund, consultation for which will run until Dec. 18, would help the government achieve clean power by 2030, and net zero targets eventually, among other things.
The consultation comes after Ofgem said last month it would offer developers of renewable energy storage projects a guaranteed minimum income to spur investment in technologies that would help Britain meet its climate targets.
Ofgem has proposed that it would be clear in its rules to ensure that the latest fund is used only for intended purposes, and that any unused allowances would be returned to consumers so as to minimise any impact on their energy bills.
Source: Reuters.com
Ghana: Herbert Krapa Confirmed Energy Minister
Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo has appointed Mr Herbert Krapa as the substantive Minister for Energy after five months of being the Minister of State at the Energy Ministry.
His appointment is effective 19th November 2024, a statement issued by Eugene Arhin, Director of Communications at the Presidency, said.
Mr Krapa previously served as Deputy Minister for Energy and Board Chairman of the Electricity Company of Ghana.
According to the President, Krapa had distinguished himself and contributed significantly to the progress and stability of Ghana’s Energy sector.
About Herbert Krapa
Herbert Krapa is a governance and legal expert who served as the Government’s Spokesperson on Governance and Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Information until December 2020.
He is an astute lawyer, called to the Ghana Bar in 2017, with experience in Trade and Investment Law, Commercial Law and Debt Restructuring, among others.
He previously worked as a lawyer at Africa Legal Associates, a reputable law firm in Ghana.
Krapa holds a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of Ghana and a Masters of Laws Degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science, UK, where he specialised in International Finance, Secured Financing, International Commercial Arbitration and Corporate Crime.
He also holds a Masters of Science Degree in Development Finance from the University of Ghana Business School and a Certificate in Human Rights Law from Fordham University in New York.
He is a lecturer at the University of Ghana School of Law where his research focuses on both legal philosophy and global constitutionalism.
Herbert Krapa is a member of the Ghana Bar Association, the Programme for African Leadership and the Criminal Justice Reform Ghana.
CREDENTIALS
MSc (Development Finance) – University of Ghana Business School, Legon, Accra, Ghana
Masters of Laws – London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
Certificate (Human Rights Law)- Fordham University, New York, USA
BL – Ghana School of Law, Accra, Ghana
Bachelor of Laws – University of Ghana School of Law, Accra, Ghana
BSc (Agricultural Science)- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS
Ghana Bar Association
Programme for Africa Leadership
Criminal Justice Reforms.
Ghana: Petrol Prices Drop Marginally
Oil marketing companies in the Republic of Ghana have reviewed the price of petrol with a litre selling between Gh¢14.35 and Gh¢14.82.
During the first pricing window of November which was from 1st to 15th, major oil companies sold a litre of petrol between Gh¢13.99 and Gh¢14.99.
Diesel was sold between ¢14.99 and ¢15.50 per litre.
However, as of Tuesday, November 19, GOIL PLC and Shell were the only OMCs that had revised their pump prices downward.
GOIL is selling Super XP(Ron 91) at Gh¢ 14.35 and Super XP (Ron 95) while diesel is sold at GH¢ 15.34 per litre.
Shell is also selling petrol at Gh¢14.87 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢14.92 per litre.
Other OMCs are likely to review their pump prices within the week.
Unlike other parts of Africa where fuel prices are reviewed every month, in Ghana, fuel prices are reviewed every two weeks.
As of the close of business, Tuesday, average interbank rates for a US dollar was Gh¢15.9120(buying) and Gh¢15.9280(selling).
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: TCN Accuses IBEDC Of Misleading Customers
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has accused Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) of grossly misleading customers within its franchise area.
According to TCN, on Sunday, November 17, 2024, IBEDC issued a public notice where it blamed TCN for power supply disruptions in some communities within its franchise area.
Contrary to IBEDC’s claims, TCN, in a statement on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, issued by Ndidi Mbah, Public Affairs Manager of TCN, said, “Our thorough investigation reveals the breakers at TCN’s 132/33kV Sawmill Transmission Substation are, in fact, fully functional. The actual cause of the disruptions lies within IBEDC’s distribution lines and not TCN.”
TCN, therefore, urged IBEDC to focus on addressing the challenges within its network, rather than spreading misinformation.
“Deliberate dissemination of falsehood is unacceptable and undermines the collaborative efforts necessary for efficient power supply.
“For the record, TCN’s infrastructure at the 132/33kV Sawmill Substation has not contributed to any power supply disruptions within IBEDC’s franchise area as claimed,” the statement concluded.
This portal reached out to IBEDC for its response but the source declined to comment on the concerns by TCN.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Angola: Police Seize 5,965 Liters Of Fuel Smuggled Into DRC
Angolan police in Zaire province has seized 5,965 liters of fuel, which was to be smuggled to the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The seizure happened at the border commune of Luvo, which is 60 km north of the city of Mbanza Kongo, capital of Zaire province.
According to a report by Angola News Agency, ANGOP, it received a note that nine national citizens were arrested for alleged fuel smuggling.
The suspects are being held and would be sent to the Department of Investigation of Criminal Offenses (DIIP) in Zaire for interrogation.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Editor Visits Oil Rig For The First Time (Photos)
Our Editor, Michael Creg Afful, was full of excitement when he dressed for the first time like an oil rig worker and joined media colleagues to tour the Deepsea Bollsta Rig, contracted by Springfield E&P to undertake appraisal of their Afina Discovery offshore Takoradi, Western Region of Ghana.
According to him, from the Takoradi Airport, they flew above sea level and travelled for about 70 kilometers before arriving at the Deepsea Bollsta Rig.
He described the facility as an imposing one and well-designed.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com




Source: https://energynewsafrica.com