Nigeria’s Oil Production And Exports Hit By Pipeline Explosion
The Trans-Niger Pipeline , one of Nigeria’s largest petroleum pipelines that carry crude the Niger Delta to the Bonny terminal was e rocked by a powerful explosion on Monday night, disrupting Nigeria’s oil production and exports.
The blast, which occurred at Bodo in the Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, triggered a massive fire.
Although authorities have yet to announce the cause of the explosion, speculation suggests that sabotage by militant groups in the region may be to blame.
Militant groups have recently threatened to attack oil infrastructure in Rivers State amid a political crisis between the state and federal governments over funding allocation.
The pipeline, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), is a critical artery for Nigeria’s oil industry, transporting crude oil from Rivers and Bayelsa states to the Bonny export terminal.
The explosion comes as Nigeria has been ramping up its oil production in recent months.
In February, the country exceeded its OPEC+ quota, driven by higher exports and demand from the new Dangote refinery.
However, the setback highlights the ongoing challenges facing Nigeria’s oil industry, including oil theft, vandalism, and infrastructure struggles.
The incident may also impact Nigeria’s efforts to increase its oil production, which has been hindered by years of oil theft and vandalism.
The country has struggled to meet its OPEC+ quota, and the explosion may exacerbate these challenges.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya: Kenya Power Injects Kshs 7.1 Million To Light Up 2025 WRC Safari Rally Service Park And Spectator Village
Kenya’s electricity distribution company, Kenya Power has announced a sponsorship of KShs.7.1 million towards the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally Kenya 2025.
The announcement reaffirms the Company’s commitment to support local sports, one of the pillars of the recently launched Kenya Power Foundation.
The sponsorship will be used to set up floodlights at the Safari Rally Service Park and enhance power supply to the Morendat Safari Rally Village thus easing electricity access for rally enthusiasts.
“Our participation in the WRC Safari Rally is a testament to our belief in the power of sports to unite people and drive positive change. We are proud to be associated with the WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2025 as the official lighting partner.
We aim to provide enough electricity supply to light up the service centre and enable rally fans to charge their phones and other gadgets so as not to miss iconic moments,” said Dr. (Eng.) Joseph Siror, Kenya Power’s Managing Director & CEO.
The Safari Rally Service Centre is located at the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) in Naivasha and serves as the central hub where rally vehicles receive crucial maintenance and repairs between race stages.
Enhanced lighting at the service centre will empower the service teams to work uninterrupted throughout the rally period.
Apart from the installation of lighting infrastructure, Kenya Power will also set up an exhibition pavilion at the Morendat Spectator Village to showcase its latest advancements in the push for the adoption of electric motorization (E-mobility) and E-cooking thus highlighting its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
The pavilion will also serve as a FREE charging station for electric vehicles, motor bikes and mobile phones, and provide customer education on various Company products and services to rally attendees.
“We believe in the power of sports to unite people and drive positive change.Through our exhibition at the Safari Rally Village, we aim to educate the public on the benefits of e- cooking and e-mobility, while also addressing their energy needs. This is an opportunity for us to connect with our customers and showcase Kenya Power’s commitment in driving energy transition in Kenya,” said Dr. (Eng) Siror.
The 2025 WRC Safari Rally is expected to captivate a global audience of over 120 million viewers across 70 countries through 43 international media partners.
Source: https://energynewsfrica.com
Ghana: Energy Expert Proposes Multi-Company Model For ECG Revenue Collection
The Executive Director and Editor of Energynewsafrica.com, Mr Michael Creg Afful has advised the government to adopt a multi-company approach in the proposed Private Sector Participation (PSP) in the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
He cautioned against entrusting revenue collection to a single entity, arguing that such a move could pose efficiency and accountability risks.
In a detailed proposal, Afful outlined a strategy involving five companies selected through a tendering process based on their technical expertise and financial strength.
According to his plan, four of these companies should form two joint ventures (JVs), while the fifth company operates independently.
To enhance efficiency, he proposed dividing ECG’s operational areas into three zones:
Group 1: Central, Ashanti, and Western Regions
Group 2: Eastern and Volta Regions
Group 3: Greater Accra (as a standalone zone due to its large population)
Under this arrangement, the two joint venture (JV) entities would each manage one of the first two groups, while a single company would oversee Greater Accra.
Afful also stressed the need for the government to establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure the efficiency and effectiveness of the selected companies.
He recommended that performance reviews be conducted after six months, with a full assessment at the one-year mark. If any company fails to meet the set targets, their contract should be terminated.
His proposal comes amid ongoing discussions on ECG’s PSP model, aimed at improving revenue collection and operational efficiency.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
China Stops Buying U.S. LNG
China has not received a single cargo of U.S. liquefied natural gas in 40 days and there are currently no LNG tankers en route to the country, Bloomberg has reported, citing data it compiled from ship-tracking information providers and energy analytics provider Kpler.
The purchase freeze was the result of the tariff exchange that President Donald Trump started as soon as he took office, by slapping an additional 10% tariff on all Chinese imports. In response, China imposed 15% tariffs on U.S. LNG imports and a lower tariff of crude oil imports.
Following the tariffs, Chinese LNG buyers with long-term supply contracts with U.S. producers have started reselling the cargos to Europe, Bloomberg reported, citing sources from the trading world.
What’s more, Chinese traders have grown cold towards new long-term commitments for future supply from the United States, instead seeking long-term deals with gas producers in the Middle East and the Asia Pacific.
The publication mentioned one new deal, between China Resources Gas International and Woodside Energy, which has a term of 15 years and is the first long-term deal between a Chinese company and an Australian company to be signed in years.
The moment is rather opportune for Europe, which is nearing the end of its leak gas demand season as spring comes.
Yet demand is going to remain elevated for a while as it restocks its depleted gas storage. Indeed, Kpler predicted European gas demand will tick higher in the coming weeks because it is coming out of winter with lower levels of gas in storage.
Kpler also revised South Korea’s 2025 LNG demand higher—but it revised Chinese LNG demand for this year down, based on weaker LNG imports in February, part of the reason for which is quite likely the tariff exchange with the United States.
Source: Oilprice.com
Ghana: Fuel Prices See Significant Drop
Some Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in Ghana have reduced their pump prices for petrol and diesel in the second pricing window of March. Petrol prices have decreased by between 66 pesewas and 30 pesewas, while diesel prices have dropped by between 47 pesewas and 30 pesewas.
In the first pricing window of March, petrol was sold between Gh¢15.79 and Gh¢14.99 per liter, while diesel was sold between Gh¢15.79 and Gh¢15.10.
However, as of Tuesday morning, some OMCs adjusted their prices, with petrol selling between Gh¢14.99 and Gh¢15.47, and diesel selling between Gh¢15.49 and Gh¢15.27 per liter.
The reduction in fuel prices is attributed to the decrease in refined petroleum product prices on the international market and the relative stability of the local currency, the cedi, in recent days. As of March 17, 2025, the average interbank exchange rate for a US dollar was Gh¢15.5478.
In Ghana, fuel prices are reviewed daily by OMCs, based on fluctuations in key factors such as exchange rates, refined petroleum product costs, and inflation. In contrast, fuel prices are reviewed monthly in other parts of Africa.
GOIL is selling petrol (Ron 91) at Gh¢14.99 per litre while petrol (Ron 95) is sold at Gh¢15.42, with diesel being sold at Gh¢15.36 per litre.
Shell is selling petrol at Gh¢15.30 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢15.47 per litre. Shell V-Power is being sold at Gh¢16.34 per litre.
TotalEnergies is selling both petrol and diesel at Gh¢15.49 per litre while Excellium is sold for Gh¢16.35 per litre
Star Oil is selling petrol (Ron 91) at Gh¢14.37 per litre while petrol (Ron 95) is sold at Gh¢15.67, with diesel being sold at Gh¢15.27 per litre.
Other OMCs are yet to review their pump prices.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: GNPC Signals Openness To Prudent Partnerships In Oil Trading, Upstream Financing, And Gas Commercialization
Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has reiterated its commitment to forming strategic partnerships to enhance its capabilities in oil trading, upstream financing, and gas commercialization.
This was emphasised during a high-level meeting between GNPC’s Acting CEO, Kwame Ntow Amoah, and a delegation from Trafigura, a leading global commodities trading firm.
The Trafigura team, led by Daniel Woodbridge, Global Head of Crude Oil, highlighted their expertise in assessing debt capacity for major Ghanaian assets, including the Jubilee and TEN fields. “Our in-house engineering team has a deep familiarity with these assets, derived from years of engagement with Kosmos and Tullow,” Mr. Woodbridge noted.
The discussions also focused on Ghana’s expanding gas sector, driven by rising production from fields like Jubilee and Sankofa.
GNPC emphasised its efforts to bolster gas processing infrastructure and align capacity with domestic demand and potential export opportunities.
Securing sustainable financing remains a cornerstone of GNPC’s strategy.
Mr. Amoah acknowledged that while certain legacy financial obligations have been fulfilled, the Corporation is actively exploring innovative funding models to maximize operational efficiency and commercial outcomes.
“As Ghana’s national oil company, our priorities include enhancing trading operations, ensuring long-term financing stability, and capitalizing on our growing gas resources,” he stated.
“Trafigura’s expertise in crude oil trading and energy investments positions it as a compelling partner in this endeavor.”
A key focus of GNPC’s gas strategy is the Tema LNG project, which aims to establish Ghana as a regional energy hub.
The Corporation is pursuing initiatives to mitigate risks tied to contracted capacity while exploring export markets, particularly in landlocked neighboring countries.
Both parties expressed a commitment to deepening their dialogue, intending to craft actionable strategies that bolster Ghana’s petroleum sector and elevate its standing in the global energy market.
Following the meeting, GNPC and Trafigura formalized their collaboration by signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), laying the groundwork for further engagement.
This development signals GNPC’s proactive approach to leveraging international expertise and capital to unlock value across its portfolio while reinforcing Ghana’s position as an emerging player in West Africa’s energy landscape.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Mr. Amoah acknowledged that while certain legacy financial obligations have been fulfilled, the Corporation is actively exploring innovative funding models to maximize operational efficiency and commercial outcomes.
“As Ghana’s national oil company, our priorities include enhancing trading operations, ensuring long-term financing stability, and capitalizing on our growing gas resources,” he stated.
“Trafigura’s expertise in crude oil trading and energy investments positions it as a compelling partner in this endeavor.”
A key focus of GNPC’s gas strategy is the Tema LNG project, which aims to establish Ghana as a regional energy hub.
The Corporation is pursuing initiatives to mitigate risks tied to contracted capacity while exploring export markets, particularly in landlocked neighboring countries.
Both parties expressed a commitment to deepening their dialogue, intending to craft actionable strategies that bolster Ghana’s petroleum sector and elevate its standing in the global energy market.
Following the meeting, GNPC and Trafigura formalized their collaboration by signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), laying the groundwork for further engagement.
This development signals GNPC’s proactive approach to leveraging international expertise and capital to unlock value across its portfolio while reinforcing Ghana’s position as an emerging player in West Africa’s energy landscape.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Eritrea: AfDB-Group, Eritrea Sign Agreement For 12 MW Mini-Grid Project
The African Development Bank Group and Eritrea have signed an agreement for $19.5 million in grant funding for the Desert to Power Eritrea 12MW Mini Grid Project.
Eritrea’s Minister of Finance and National Development, who is also the Bank Group Governor for the country, Dr. Ghiorghish Teklemichae, signed on behalf of the government during a 10 March signing ceremony.
The Bank Group’s Deputy Director General for East Africa, Dr. Léandre Bassole, represented the institution.
The financing, to be sourced from the Bank Group’s Transitional Support Facility (TSF), will support the rollout of mini-grids that will generate 12MW of electricity across the regions of Teseney (6MW), Kerekebet (3MW), and Barentu (3MW).
The project will be implemented by the national Ministry of Energy, the Eritrea Electricity Corporation (EEC) and local companies under the supervision and guidance of a design and engineering technical consulting firm to be contracted.
“We are proud to say that Africa is working with Africa to bring change to Africa,” Minister Teklemichae said during the signing ceremony. “This is for the good of our people and we are ready to work with you.”
The project is expected to provide improved energy access to more than 235,000 Eritreans, 20 percent of them women and youth.
Beneficiaries will include residential households, small-scale farms, agro-processing zones, and water supply systems. The project will additionally benefit over 160 schools and 90 health centers in the Gash Barka region.
To build local capacity and ensure project sustainability, 25 local companies will be trained and equipped with tools and machinery.
“The African Development Bank, your Bank, is here to work with you for you,” Deputy Director General Bassole said in his opening remarks.
“Our main objective is that we will accompany countries to drive their own development.”
“Capacity building and knowledge transfer are critical to the success of the project’s implementation.This will be a continuous process,” he added.
The project is aligned with the Bank’s Interim Country Strategy Paper 2022-2024 for Eritrea, which prioritizes developing quality and sustainable infrastructure to support agricultural value-chains for economic diversification and structural transformation.
The project also advances the objectives of the 2018 Eritrea National Energy Policy, which aims to increase electrification rates and ensure that renewable energy contributes 20% of electric power by 2030.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Energy Minister Storms Ashanti Region Over Persistent Power Outages
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has arrived in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, to assess the persistent power outages frustrating residents and businesses in the region.
Many residents have been wondering why the power situation has worsened recently.
Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, also concerned about the situation, expressed his worries on Facebook.
He stated that he has been inundated with calls from residents urging him to intervene and help resolve the power crisis.
“For some months now, we’ve been experiencing power outages. While some blame it on sabotage, others cite various reasons. Sunday, March 16, was particularly severe, with widespread outages across districts and municipalities, prompting numerous complaints from communities,” Dr. Amoakohene said.
During his visit, Minister Jinapor is expected to inspect ongoing power infrastructure projects in the Ashanti Region and engage stakeholders.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Let’s Work Together To Restore VRA’s Glory- Obeng-Kenzo Urges Staff
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s largest state-owned power generation company, Volta River Authority (VRA), Mr. Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo, has made a passionate appeal to staff to unite and work together to restore the Authority’s former glory.
Mr. Obeng-Kenzo made this heartfelt appeal during an engagement session with staff at the Anwomaso 1 Thermal Power Plant in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, as part of his ongoing tour to connect with employees across all operational areas.
The interactive session provided a platform for both unionized and senior staff members to ask questions, share suggestions, and discuss matters related to personal career growth and the organization’s overall progress.
Mr. Obeng-Kenzo, consistent with his recent approach, opened the Anwomaso meeting by outlining his visit’s purpose.
He shared his vision for VRA to solidify its position as the leading electricity producer, driving national progress, accelerating development, and doubling power sales to neighboring countries.
Mr Obeng-Kenzo stressed that the Authority’s human resource remains pivotal to achieving these objectives, hence his commitment to equipping staff with contemporary tools, comprehensive training, and enhanced conditions.
He further emphasised that the collective contribution of every VRA employee is indispensable in realizing the organization’s overarching goal to generate electricity at the most economical cost for the people of Ghana.
Mr. Obeng-Kenzo underscored that from support personnel to administrators, accountants, technicians, and engineers, each individual plays a crucial role in electricity generation.
He asserted that when every member of the VRA community recognizes their integral contribution, attaining organizational objectives will become significantly more attainable.
He announced plans for a series of world-class training programmes aimed at building staff capacity and expertise, supporting expansion projects, positioning VRA staff as industry-leading experts, and enabling them to present papers at international energy fora.
He revealed that VRA has received government approval to expand various thermal plants, with work scheduled to commence imminently and potentially become operational very soon.
This initiative aligns with the government’s mandate for VRA to provide for the majority of the nation’s electricity capacity needs.
Mr. Obeng-Kenzo concluded his visit by joining staff working on the second phase of the Anwomaso Thermal Plant which is expected to be completed by end of 2025 which will generate an extra 100 megawatts of electric power.
Accompanying the Acting Chief Executive were key VRA Executives, including Mr. Clement Boakye, Director of Corporate Strategy; Mr. Samuel Odartey Lamptey, Director of Thermal Generation SBU; Mr. Daniel Y. D. Onny, Director of Strategic Projects and New Business; and Mr. Francis Abban, Manager of Corporate Communications and Branding.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The interactive session provided a platform for both unionized and senior staff members to ask questions, share suggestions, and discuss matters related to personal career growth and the organization’s overall progress.
Mr. Obeng-Kenzo, consistent with his recent approach, opened the Anwomaso meeting by outlining his visit’s purpose.
He shared his vision for VRA to solidify its position as the leading electricity producer, driving national progress, accelerating development, and doubling power sales to neighboring countries.
Mr Obeng-Kenzo stressed that the Authority’s human resource remains pivotal to achieving these objectives, hence his commitment to equipping staff with contemporary tools, comprehensive training, and enhanced conditions.
He further emphasised that the collective contribution of every VRA employee is indispensable in realizing the organization’s overarching goal to generate electricity at the most economical cost for the people of Ghana.
Mr. Obeng-Kenzo underscored that from support personnel to administrators, accountants, technicians, and engineers, each individual plays a crucial role in electricity generation.
He asserted that when every member of the VRA community recognizes their integral contribution, attaining organizational objectives will become significantly more attainable.
He announced plans for a series of world-class training programmes aimed at building staff capacity and expertise, supporting expansion projects, positioning VRA staff as industry-leading experts, and enabling them to present papers at international energy fora.
He revealed that VRA has received government approval to expand various thermal plants, with work scheduled to commence imminently and potentially become operational very soon.
This initiative aligns with the government’s mandate for VRA to provide for the majority of the nation’s electricity capacity needs.
Mr. Obeng-Kenzo concluded his visit by joining staff working on the second phase of the Anwomaso Thermal Plant which is expected to be completed by end of 2025 which will generate an extra 100 megawatts of electric power.
Accompanying the Acting Chief Executive were key VRA Executives, including Mr. Clement Boakye, Director of Corporate Strategy; Mr. Samuel Odartey Lamptey, Director of Thermal Generation SBU; Mr. Daniel Y. D. Onny, Director of Strategic Projects and New Business; and Mr. Francis Abban, Manager of Corporate Communications and Branding.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: NPA Donates Ramadan Package To National Chief Imam For The Needy
Ghana’s petroleum downstream regulator, National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has donated assorted food items to the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, to help needy Muslims observe the ongoing Ramadan.
The items included bags of rice, sugar, cooking oil, and packs of milo, milk, and water.
In his remarks after the donation at the Fadama residence of the National Chief Imam on Friday, the NPA Chief Executive, Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo Esq., said the visit was to share in the bliss of the holy month of Ramadan.
“In this holy month of Ramadan, it is an opportunity to share so that those who have can share with those who do not have. One of the things I admire about Islam, is the opportunity to share” he said.
He expressed the hope that NPA’s gesture, which he described as a token, would inspire others to follow suit.
Flanked by his Deputies, Dr. Sheila Addo and Dr. Dramani Bukari, Mr. Tameklo Esq. lauded the National Chief Imam for his peaceful disposition and indicated that he had been instrumental in maintaining peace and stability in the country.
“I have always maintained that 32 years since 1992, one person who has been a source of stability in this country is the National Chief Imam.
“When he speaks, everybody listens. That is the extent of his control and influence”, he said.
The NPA Boss said in some countries, he would be said to be the shock absorber, working to resolve issues to ensure peace.
He said Ghanaians would continue to pray to the Almighty Allah to give him more life so that he continues to be stabilizing factor.
Mr. Tameklo Esq. said in his readings about Islam, one person he admired in the religion is Caliph Abu Bakr, who was the first Caliph (Supreme leader) to succeed Prophet Muhammed (PBUH). Caliph Abu Bakr succeeded in expanding the religion.
He, therefore, asked the National Chief Imam to pray for him to also manage and grow the affairs of the NPA in the interest of the country.
Mr. Tameklo Esq. called for a special prayer for President John Dramani Mahama, whom he acknowledged as the son of the National Chief Imam to deliver on his mandate to promote the country’s socio-economic development.
Responding, the National Chief Imam commended Mr. Tameklo Esq. for the relief he had given to the Muslim staff of the Authority during the Ramdan.
He said Allah would reward the NPA Boss abundantly for the care shown to the Muslims to observe the fast.
“If you help people, Allah will help you especially in this month of Ramadan”, he said.
Sheikh Sharubutu prayed to Allah to preserve Ghana’s peace and prayed for President Mahama and his team to succeed in the governance of the country.
Sheikh Sharubutu thanked the NPA for the gesture and prayed to Allah to support Mr. Tameklo Esq. and his executive management in all their endeavours.
The NPA delegation included Directors, Heads of Department and officers.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
“I have always maintained that 32 years since 1992, one person who has been a source of stability in this country is the National Chief Imam.
“When he speaks, everybody listens. That is the extent of his control and influence”, he said.
The NPA Boss said in some countries, he would be said to be the shock absorber, working to resolve issues to ensure peace.
He said Ghanaians would continue to pray to the Almighty Allah to give him more life so that he continues to be stabilizing factor.
Mr. Tameklo Esq. said in his readings about Islam, one person he admired in the religion is Caliph Abu Bakr, who was the first Caliph (Supreme leader) to succeed Prophet Muhammed (PBUH). Caliph Abu Bakr succeeded in expanding the religion.
He, therefore, asked the National Chief Imam to pray for him to also manage and grow the affairs of the NPA in the interest of the country.
Mr. Tameklo Esq. called for a special prayer for President John Dramani Mahama, whom he acknowledged as the son of the National Chief Imam to deliver on his mandate to promote the country’s socio-economic development.
Responding, the National Chief Imam commended Mr. Tameklo Esq. for the relief he had given to the Muslim staff of the Authority during the Ramdan.
He said Allah would reward the NPA Boss abundantly for the care shown to the Muslims to observe the fast.
“If you help people, Allah will help you especially in this month of Ramadan”, he said.
Sheikh Sharubutu prayed to Allah to preserve Ghana’s peace and prayed for President Mahama and his team to succeed in the governance of the country.
Sheikh Sharubutu thanked the NPA for the gesture and prayed to Allah to support Mr. Tameklo Esq. and his executive management in all their endeavours.
The NPA delegation included Directors, Heads of Department and officers.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com One Killed In Explosion At Rosneft’s Oil Refinery In Russia
A devastating explosion occurred at Rosneft’s oil refinery in Ryazan, Russia, resulting in the loss of one life and injuring three others.
The blast happened during scheduled maintenance work, when equipment depressurization occurred, according to the refinery’s representative cited by TASS.
The refinery, owned by Russia’s largest oil producer Rosneft, has been targeted multiple times by Ukrainian drones, leading to a temporary suspension of operations in February.
Located approximately 196 kilometers southeast of Moscow, the Ryazan refinery is one of Russia’s largest, processing 13.1 million metric tons of oil in 2024.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of oil infrastructure in the region.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Angola: Police Seize Over 123,000 Litres Of Smuggled Fuel In Cabinda
Angolan authorities have made a significant breakthrough in their fight against fuel smuggling, showcasing a massive seizure of 123,668 liters of contraband fuel in Cabinda.
This impressive haul, comprising gasoline, diesel, and paraffin, was accumulated over the past 12 months as part of anti-smuggling operations.
The seized fuel, along with 64 motorized vehicles used for smuggling, was handed over to the Technical Committee for the identification of the crime of fuel smuggling, led by Judge Daniel Modesto Geraldes.
Notably, 12 individuals, including nationals and foreigners, were arrested for their involvement in these crimes, and their cases are currently being processed by regional justice authorities.
According to Alves René, the commission’s spokesperson, the seized fuel and equipment will be returned to the State in the coming days, pending formalization of the case.
During their visit to Cabinda, the commission also inspected the 1st Border Guard Police Unit and the Navy’s Naval Squadron, where smuggled fuel and equipment are stored.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Executive Secretary Of PURC Embarks On Working Visit To Upper West Region
The Executive Secretary of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Dr. Shafic Suleman, has embarked on his first regional tour, visiting the Upper West Region.
This tour is part of his efforts to familiarize himself with the Commission’s operations across the country.
During his visit, Dr. Suleman paid a courtesy call on the Upper West Regional Minister, Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuing, to officially inform the Minister of his presence in the Region.
Dr. Suleman explained that the purpose of the visit was to engage with stakeholders and identify challenges in the utility value chain, with the goal of finding tailored solutions.
The Upper West Regional Minister welcomed Dr. Suleman and his team, expressing his gratitude for choosing the Upper West Region as their first destination. He highlighted several pressing issues, including recurring power outages, fluctuations on the main Wa–Burkina Faso distribution line, and lack of prior notice for water outages. The Minister suggested assigning a dedicated line and transformer to the Wa Teaching Hospital due to its critical services.
The Executive Secretary of PURC was accompanied by Alhaji Jabaru Abukari, Director for Regional Operations and Consumer Services; Dr. Eric Kofi Obutey, Director for Research and Corporate Affairs; Mr. Edmond Kweku Tuffour, Deputy Director, Regional Operations and Consumer Services responsible for the Northern Zone; Dr. Robert Tia Abdulai Aziz, Head of Corporate Affairs; Reginald Osei Asibey, Finance Officer; and Ms. Fauzia Tanko, the Secretary to the Executive Secretary.
The Upper West Regional team of PURC, comprising Mr. Ali Abdul Wadud, Regional Manager; Amin Bashiru Nuhu, Regional Public Relations and External Affairs Officer; Bilal Alhassan Pelpuo, Complaints Officer; Mrs. Zenabu Gyamfi, Administrative Officer; and Mr. Yussif Belko Mumuni, Transport Officer, were all present to assist in the success of the Executive Secretary’s tour of the region.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: TCN Establishes Committee To Develop Advanced Network Monitoring System
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has inaugurated a Network Monitoring System Development Committee as part of a strategic effort to enhance grid stability and mitigate power system disturbances.
The committee’s primary objective is to design and implement an advanced monitoring system equipped with integrated data analysis and real-time operational awareness capabilities.
This will ensure optimization of generation and transmission resources in grid operations.
At the committee’s inauguration, the Executive Director, Independent System Operations (ISO), Engr. (Mrs.) Nafisat Ali highlighted the importance of this initiative.
She noted that the System Operator is responsible for managing the entire power system network, which includes planning and monitoring operations.
However, the current manual operation poses challenges in terms of visibility and tracking the activities of various stakeholders.
Engr. Nafisat mentioned that the increasing complexity of the power system necessitates the development of a comprehensive Network Monitoring System.
The Committee Chairman, Engr. Ojo Thomas Oladeji, who is also the Assistant General Manager (Research) at ISO, noted that TCN’s in-house engineers have proficiently maintained the system with locally developed solutions.
He also mentioned that the committee intends to leverage the capabilities of Phase Measuring Units (PMU) along with existing IoT data to meet its goals.
The eight-member committee will employ domestic technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), to develop the Network Monitoring System.
This system will be operational prior to the completion of the ongoing work on the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System and will subsequently serve as a backup.
The comprehensive deployment of IoT throughout the grid network, coupled with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools across generation, transmission, and distribution data processing, will significantly enhance the project’s success.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com