South Africa power utility company, Eskom, has confirmed that loadshedding remains suspended, due to a stable power system and emergency reserves.
The power utility stated: “We are also on track to replenish the emergency reserves in preparation for the next business week.”
In a statement on Friday, February 28, 2025, Eskom said a key factor that contributed to the suspension of loadshedding is its ongoing high levels of planned maintenance, which averaged 7,032MW in February.
This maintenance is crucial in improving fleet reliability, meeting environmental license conditions, and regulatory requirements.
Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan, implemented in March 2023, has been instrumental in returning units to service. The strategic use of peaking stations has also played a vital role in managing electricity demand, particularly during the evening peak period.
Eskom’s Summer Outlook remains unchanged, with a total of 3,610MW expected to be returned to service before the evening peak on March 3, 2025.
As of February 27, 2025, unplanned outages stood at 14,534MW, while available generation capacity was 27,347MW, sufficient to meet the forecasted peak demand of 25,225MW.
Eskom appealed to the public to avoid illegal connections, buy electricity only from accredited vendors, and report any illegal activities to the Eskom Crime Line.
Eskom said it will provide its next update on March 7, 2025, or communicate any significant changes as soon as they occur.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
By: Dzifa Tetteh Tay
On February 20, a group of journalists from Tema and Accra, both in the Greater Accra Region, were invited by the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) for a media interaction with the facility’s management. The event aimed to update the media on WAPCo’s ongoing maintenance activities, which commenced on February 5, as part of efforts to ensure the Company’s commitment to an efficient and reliable operation of their pipelines.
WAPCo is an international gas transportation company noted for transportation of natural gas.
The management demonstrated exceptional hospitality by arranging transportation for the journalists from vantage points with additional stops at convenient points, ensuring a seamless journey to its Tema Metering and Regulating Station, which was about 25 kilometres.
This gesture was particularly noteworthy, as it highlighted WAPCo’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and security of media personnel. In an era where such considerations from corporate institutions are increasingly rare, WAPCo’s courtesy was a refreshing departure from the norm.
Dzifa Tay (left) is pictured shaking hands with the Managing Director of WAPCo (right).
The company’s recognition of the media’s vital role in disseminating information about their activities and the energy sector as a whole was evident throughout the event. By engaging with the media in such a thoughtful and considerate manner, WAPCo demonstrated its dedication to transparency and public awareness.
Security Briefings and Inductions
Upon arrival at the facility, the journalists underwent thorough security checks, along with the vehicle provided by WAPCo, to ensure a safe and secure environment. This attention to detail underscored WAPCo’s unwavering commitment to safety and security.
As part of their standard operating procedure, the Senior Process Operator, Eric Aguda, conducted a comprehensive visitor site induction. He briefed the media personnel on the essential rules and regulations. These included the company’s drugs and alcohol policy, environmental awareness, restricted areas, personal protective equipment and special hazards. Others were health awareness, fire safety alarms, emergency contact numbers, and motor vehicle safety.
“For WAPCo, safety is paramount and we are environmentally conscious. We always want to do things right,” he explained.
The General Security Superintendent, Samuel Ephraim, also provided a detailed security briefing, covering local security manning, security procedures, workplace violence and security emergency procedures.
He also talked about identity card issuance and administration, lost or misplaced ID cards, and tag management.
“We encourage you to ask questions so that we give you a feedback before you go onto the field. Kindly ensure you do the right thing for your safety and also for others,” he advised.
Safety Measures and Equipment
Before exploring the premises, all media personnel were issued personal protective equipment, including reflective jackets, helmets, and safety glasses. This emphasis on safety measures demonstrated WAPCo’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of its visitors.
Security Policy Statement
WAPCo’s security policy statement, displayed prominently in both English and French, emphasizes the company’s commitment to ensuring the protection of its personnel from harm and its assets from damage or loss. The statement also assures personnel and visitors of WAPCo’s determination to provide a workplace free of acts or threats of violence or harassment.
Notably, WAPCo’s security policy statement expresses the company’s support for the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, recognizing the importance of promoting and protecting human rights.
Some journalists being briefed by the MD for WAPCo Michelle BurkettA Commitment to Safety and Security
In an interview, WAPCo’s Managing Director, Michelle Burkett, she emphasized that the safety and security of staff and visitors are the company’s top priorities. She expressed pride in WAPCo’s impressive safety record, stating that the company has not recorded any major incidents for over a decade which she considers a “tremendous accomplishment.”
“If we cannot keep our people safe, our operations and right to operate in this environment will be challenged. You cannot operate a successful business without your people, and if you put them in harm’s way, the business won’t do well,” she said.
She explained that by making safety their priority, the company demonstrates its unwavering commitment to responsible operations, employee well-being, and environmental stewardship.
In a reaction to ensuring every visitor goes through a safety and security briefing, regardless of how little or much time they would spend with them, Ms. Burkett said they are poised to ensure an implementation of operational excellence in their management system.
“We want every individual who sets foot on our site to understand the precautions we take are not just words we speak, but to protect them and the risks that could be present. We take safety seriously to ensure everyone is always equipped and motivated, so there is always an incident-free environment.”
The Managing Director said their compliance with international best practices is also aimed at ensuring improved family well-being. She said the families of employees need to be assured that they are safe at work and will return home safely.
The engagement with management and staff of the facility ended with journalists departing the facility safely and being transported back to their vantage locations.
Indeed, any company that prioritizes the safety and security of its staff, the environment, the public, and the communities where they operate creates a lasting legacy and sense of security.
Conclusion
The WAPCo media engagement although primarily was not to showcase its safety and security measures, that came up strongly. Clearly, it was a testament to the company’s commitment to safety, security, and transparency. As a responsible corporate citizen, WAPCo’s dedication to prioritizing the well-being of its personnel, visitors, and the communities it serves is truly commendable and worth emulating by other corporate institutions.
Another observation was their commitment to ensuring that they have a cordial relationship with the community in which they operate.
WAPCo’s exemplary approach to safety and security serves as a model for other companies to follow. By prioritizing the welfare and safety of media personnel, WAPCo demonstrates its commitment to responsible operations and sets a high standard for industry excellence.
As I conclude, I could only wish WAPCo continued success in its operations and commend them for their dedication to safety, security, and transparency. WAPCo, ayekoo!
The writer Dzifa Tetteh Tay is a Freelance Journalist.[email protected][email protected]
Kenya’s government has declared the Olkaria area in Naivasha a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), paving the way for industrialization and clean energy investment.
This move aims to position Kenya as a regional hub for industrialization, leveraging its world-class geothermal resources for sustainable economic growth.
The Olkaria SEZ, spanning approximately 8,292 acres in Nakuru County, will drive industrial investment, clean energy manufacturing, and export-oriented production.
Businesses will enjoy incentives like tax exemptions, infrastructure support, and affordable geothermal power, attracting local and international investors seeking sustainable operations.
According to KenGen’s Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga, the Olkaria SEZ will support industries in green manufacturing, agro-processing, electric mobility, and data centers.
This initiative aligns with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and its commitment to net-zero industrialization.
“This declaration cements Kenya’s commitment to industrialisation, job creation, and sustainability. Olkaria’s abundant geothermal energy makes it an ideal location for industries looking for reliable, low-cost, and green power, aligning with Kenya’s vision of becoming a global leader in renewable energy-driven industrialization,” said Eng. Njenga.
The Olkaria SEZ’s strategic location along key transport corridors, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, will provide investors with seamless access to local and global markets.
KenGen’s Green Energy Park, part of the SEZ, will offer a conducive business environment with world-class infrastructure, reliable green energy, and investor-friendly policies.
With government backing, private sector interest, and KenGen’s commitment to reliable clean energy, the Olkaria SEZ is poised to become a cornerstone of Kenya’s industrialization strategy.
“Our Green Energy Park represents a transformative shift in Kenya’s approach to industrial development. By integrating clean energy solutions into manufacturing and industrial operations, we are not only reducing carbon emissions but also ensuring long-term sustainability and cost efficiency for businesses. This initiative aligns with our vision of making Kenya a top destination for investors seeking green energy-powered industrial operations,” said Eng. Peter Njenga.
The first phase of investor engagement has begun, with several multinational firms expressing interest in setting up operations within the SEZ.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) has announced the safe and successful completion of critical pipeline maintenance activities, and the resumption of gas transportation services in Ghana, Togo and Benin.
The maintenance project included the offshore pipeline cleaning and inspection, subsea
valve replacements, and other essential works across multiple locations in Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria.
The exercise, which spanned four weeks, involved temporarily shutting down the pipeline laterals into Cotonou, Benin, Lomé, Togo and Tema, Ghana.
The company completed the first phase of the maintenance and inspection exercise in December 2024.
The second phase which began on February 5, 2025 was expected to be completed by March 2,2025. Despite the complexities and challenges, the company managed to complete it ahead of schedule and with remarkable efficiency and safety WAPCo’s Managing Director Michelle Burkett praised the team for their outstanding effort.
“I want to congratulate every member of our team for their dedication and professionalism.
This was a complex project, and your hard work, even in the face of challenges, made it a success. While some countries experienced temporary disruptions due to the shutdown of the laterals, our teams worked tirelessly to ensure that maintenance was carried out swiftly and safely. The results speak for themselves, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve
achieved” she said.
“WAPCo expresses its sincere gratitude to the governments of Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo for their continued support. We also appreciate the efforts of the maritime and
regulatory authorities in these countries, along with our customers, shippers, gas off-takers, host communities, shareholders, and all other stakeholders, for their valuable collaboration and contributions to the success of the project.”
The project’s successful completion ensures the continued safe, reliable and efficient
operation of the pipeline system.
WAPCo said it remains committed to providing high-quality service and maintaining the highest safety standards.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has urged oil companies operating in Nigeria to prioritise the development of their host communities.
NEITI’s Executive Secretary, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, made the call at the official presentation of a Policy Brief on three per cent Operating Expenses (OPEX) for Host Communities on Thursday in Abuja.
The policy brief is titled: “Giving host communities their due: Revisiting the three per cent OPEX funding framework for host community development trusts in Nigeria”.
The unveiling, organised by the Spaces for Change, a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), had in attendance stakeholders from the oil industries and representatives of the host communities, among others.
According to a report by News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Orji emphasised the need for greater corporate commitment to community development.
“It is an honour to address you today on a matter of profound importance to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
“And more importantly, to the communities that bear the direct impact of resource extraction—the Host Communities Trust Fund.
“This fund, established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021), is designed to enhance the welfare of host communities, ensure sustainable development, and promote peaceful coexistence between industry operators and their host environments,” he said.
Orji said the successful implementation of the initiative required a collective effort, involving not only government agencies but also the vital contributions of NEITI and non-state actors, including CSOs, community leaders, and the media.
“The Role of NEITI as the national representative of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, plays a crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s extractive sector.
“Specifically, in the implementation of the Host Communities Trust Fund, NEITI’s role is multifaceted,” said Orji.
According to him, NEITI is mandated to ensure openness in revenue flows and financial transactions being pivotal in tracking funds allocated to host communities.
He also urged host communities to play their part by taking ownership of projects in their areas and ensuring their proper maintenance.
“The host communities must be willing to take responsibility by owning and maintaining the projects implemented for their benefit,” he emphasised.
Dr Dekor Robinson, Chairman of the House Committee on Host Communities in the House of Representatives, pledged continued engagement to ensure the effective utilisation of funds allocated to host communities.
Represented by Mr Clement Jimbo, a fellow committee member in the House of Representatives, Robinson emphasised that the three per cent allocation was not insignificant.
He stressed the importance of host communities taking full control of the funds to achieve their development goals.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
US President Donald Trump says he will revoke a license which allowed Venezuela to export some of its oil to the US despite sanctions.
The move is a major blow to the Venezuelan government as the license provided it, through joint ventures between the state-run oil company and US oil giant Chevron, with a crucial income in dollars.
Trump said he was revoking the licence – which gave Chevron permission to operate in Venezuela – because the government of Nicolás Maduro had failed to meet “electoral conditions” and had not transported “violent criminals” deported from the US at a quick enough pace.
Venezuela called the decision “damaging” and said it could increase migration to the US.
Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, writing that he was “hereby reversing the concessions that Crooked Joe Biden gave to Nicolás Maduro, of Venezuela, on the oil transaction agreement, dated November 26, 2022”.
He did not clarify which concessions he was referring to, but the only licence related to Venezuela granted that day was the one issued by the US treasury authorising Chevron to “resume limited natural resource extraction operations in Venezuela”.
The licence allowed Chevron to operate joint ventures with Venezuela’s state-controlled oil company PDVSA, but barred the US company from paying “any taxes or royalties to the Government of Venezuela”.
Chevron’s spokesman Bill Turenne said in a statement on Wednesday that “Chevron conducts its business in Venezuela in compliance with all laws and regulations, including the sanctions framework provided by US government”.
In a recent interview with the Financial Times newspaper, Chevron Chief Executive Mike Wirth argued that if Chevron was forced to pull out of Venezuela, it would allow companies from China and Russia to increase their presence and influence there.
He also warned that Venezuela’s economy could suffer more if Chevron left the country, which could drive further migration to the US.
The Venezuelan opposition, on the other hand, has in the past argued for the licence to be revoked, arguing that it provides the Maduro government with “a financial lifeline”.
The licence was granted in 2022 by the Biden Administration in an attempt to entice the Maduro government to allow free and fair elections.
It remained in place even after Venezuela’s government-aligned electoral council declared Maduro the winner of the presidential election in July 2024 – a result which has been refuted by the opposition and by a number of countries, including the US, which have recognised Maduro’s rival as the legitimate winner instead.
President Trump’s announcement came less than a month after his envoy, Richard Grenell, met with Nicolás Maduro in Caracas.
During his visit, Grenell secured the release of six US citizens who had been held in Venezuela, as well as a deal under which the Maduro government sent planes to the US to fetch deported Venezuelans.
In his Truth Social post, Trump said “the regime has not been transporting the violent criminals that they sent into our Country (the Good Ole’ U.S.A.) back to Venezuela at the rapid pace that they had agreed to”.
He added he was “therefore ordering that the ineffective and unmet Biden ‘Concession Agreement’ be terminated” as of 1 March.
Venezuelan Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez warned that US sanctions had in the past led to an increase of Venezuelans migrating to the US and that this was likely to happen again.
Stopping undocumented migration has been one of Trump’s main priorities since taking office.
The announcement had a swift effect on oil prices, which rose more than 1% on Thursday.
Source: BBC
Italy will announce on Friday measures to support households and small firms most hit by the high energy costs, in a package worth a total of $3.14 billion (3 billion euros), Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said on Thursday.
“We will set aside 2 billion euros to support families and an additional 1 billion for small and medium-sized (SMEs) companies,” Salvini said in a radio interview, as quoted by Reuters.
The government’s aid package would be effective for three months, the official added, as Italy expects energy prices to start declining after the end of the winter season.
Salvini also expressed hope that there would be a ceasefire in Ukraine in the next three months, which would help lower energy prices.
High energy costs have been a hot potato for the Italian government in recent years.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has insisted that the larger part of the $3-billion package go to support families struggling with energy bills, officials have told Reuters.
Italy, the EU’s third-largest economy and the country holding the second-biggest natural gas storage space in the bloc, planned to begin refilling its sites as early as February, to avoid price spikes later in the year.
“Due to ongoing geopolitical tensions and possible speculation, there is a risk for 2025 that wholesale gas prices next summer will be higher than next winter, as was the case during the energy crisis of 2022,” Italian Energy Security Minister, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, told Parliament last month.
Europe’s gas prices for the summer have been higher than for the next winter in February. Summer gas prices have traded to a premium over the futures prices for next winter.
This premium has plunged in recent days amid milder weather in northwest Europe, which has slowed inventory drawdowns, while discussions about peace in Ukraine have also depressed commodity prices.
Source: Oilprice.com
Ghana’s national gas aggregator, Ghana Gas, has attained ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System) and ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System) certifications.
This significant milestone underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable operations, ensuring the highest health and safety standards in the energy sector.
According to the Ag. Chief Executive Officer, Ing. Dr. Robert Kofi Lartey, “These certifications demonstrate our unwavering commitment to responsible business practices, safeguarding employee well-being, and minimizing environmental impact.”
Ghana Gas embarked on its ISO certification journey in November 2019 but faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, the company successfully secured ISO 45001 in April 2022 and expanded its scope to include ISO 14001 in early 2024.
As part of its drive for continuous improvement, Ghana Gas is now preparing for ISO 9001 certification (Quality Management System) under the theme: “A Future of Excellence: Triple ISO Certification – Our Commitment to Quality, Environment, and Safety.”
This achievement reaffirms Ghana Gas’ position as an industry leader committed to best practices, environmental sustainability, and operational excellence.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya’s President William Samoei Ruto has launched the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project (KOSAP) at Ndau Island in Lamu County.
The initiative aims to provide electricity access to people in remote areas, create employment, and drive economic growth.
President Ruto stated, “We are extending electricity access to the most remote corners of our country to light up homes, power industries, create jobs, and drive inclusive economic growth.”
The project covers 14 counties, including Garissa, Isiolo, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Mandera, Marsabit, Narok, Samburu, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Turkana, Wajir, and West Pokot.
The Sh10 billion initiative is part of a broader effort to expand electricity access through mini-grids and stand-alone solar systems.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Mr Haitham Al-Ghais, has tasked Africa to take drastic measures to unlock its proven oil reserves of over 120 billion barrels to improve their economies.
Besides oil, Al-Ghais said that Africa is blessed with around 18 trillion standard cubic metres of natural gas, which is a testament to the continent’s crucial role in the global energy landscape.
“The world will need more of this oil in the future. Therefore, it is critical that the African oil and gas industry attracts the level of investment necessary to unlock this great potential,” Al-Ghais added.
He said that the vast resources at Africa’s disposal should not be disregarded or neglected merely to accommodate the energy transition agenda pushed by western nations.
Al-Ghais stated this in a keynote address titled: ‘Driving Cross-Continental Investments: Scaling Africa’s Energy Frontier’, at the ongoing Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria.
The eighth edition of the energy summit, which opened on Monday and ends on Thursday, has ‘Bridging continents: Connecting investors with Africa’s Energy Potential’ as the theme.
The OPEC scribe expressed appreciation to the leadership and people of Nigeria for their hospitality and thanked the summit organisers for their efforts in organising this year’s edition.
According to him, OPEC’s market research and forecasting points to the importance of Africa.
“Additionally, we know from Nigeria’s countless contributions to OPEC’s successes, how rewarding it is to work in this great nation. We encourage all potential investors to look at Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.”
Al-Ghais highlighted the strong and enduring relationship between OPEC and Africa, noting that half of OPEC’s member countries are from the continent, including Nigeria, the most populous African nation, and Algeria, the largest in geographical size.
Other African OPEC members include Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and Libya.
He also lauded Africa’s youthful and dynamic population which presents a strong workforce for the oil sector.
“It’s crucial to discuss how we can unlock the potential that this great continent holds, and how to create an investment-enabling environment that attracts the capital necessary to fully realize that potential.
“The investment needs of the oil industry are substantial, with cumulative requirements amounting to 17.4 trillion dollars by 2050.
“This is why stability in the oil market is essential for investors to plan effectively,” he added.
He highlighted OPEC’s views on some important topics relevant to both the global industry and Africa, including future of global oil demand, energy investment and finance, as well as the ever-evolving issue of climate change and energy transitions.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Italian energy giant Eni has welcomed the Ghanaian government’s decision to withdraw the Unitisation Directives related to the Sankofa Cenomanian oil field.
The directives, issued in 2020, had been a subject of controversy, with Eni and its partners expressing concerns over the potential impact on their operations.
The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition’s decision to withdraw the directives is seen as a positive move by Eni and its partner Vitol.
Eni, which has been operating in Ghana since 2009, has reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging its portfolio of innovative projects to seize new opportunities in both traditional and transition energy sectors.
“Eni remains committed to leverage its portfolio of innovative projects, seizing new opportunities both in traditional and transition energy sector, while strengthening domestic energy security and sustainability,” the company said in statement issued by Eni on Thursday.
Eni’s operations in Ghana are focused on the Sankofa field, which is located offshore in the Tano Basin.
The field is expected to produce oil and gas until 2040, with Eni serving as the operator.
The company has also expressed interest in exploring new opportunities in the country, including renewable energy projects.
Springfield E&P is yet to respond to the government’s decision.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana is positioning itself as a major hub for energy investment, with the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition pledging to attract key players from the oil, gas and renewable energy sectors.
On the sidelines of International Energy Week in London, Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition John Abdulai Jinapor and the African Energy Chamber (AEC) – the voice of Africa’s energy sector – emphasized Ghana’s readiness to welcome investment and create a favorable business environment for foreign and regional firms.
During the meeting, the AEC also pledged to conduct a working visit to Ghana, focusing on identifying investment and collaboration opportunities.
Together, the AEC and the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition aim to drive growth and development in the country’s energy sector, promoting fiscal frameworks that reinforce Ghana’s position as an attractive destination for oil, gas and energy investors.
As part of these efforts, a dedicated “Invest in Ghana” Forum will be held at African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 in Cape Town, where the AEC will coordinate with the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), the National Petroleum Authority, the Petroleum Commission and private sector players to position Ghana as the go-to destination for oil and gas investments from both G20 and non-G20 countries.
With oil reserves of 1.1 billion barrels and gas reserves of 2.1 trillion cubic feet (World Bank),Ghana has committed to increasing production through enhanced investment in exploration and field development programs.
The country has more than 17 oil and gas projects scheduled for development by 2027, and recent and upcoming regulatory reforms are expected to further bolster investment and foreign participation in the sector.
Notably, the country’s Gas Master Plan – a market growth strategy through 2040 – incentivizes capital and technology deployment across the gas value chain, while upcoming fiscal reforms are expected to stimulate spending in the oil market.
These reforms include planned amendments to laws requiring companies to allocate at least 15% of each project to the state as free and carried interest, as well as more flexible oil royalty regimes.
In collaboration, the AEC and the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition seek to ensure Ghana continues to attract the right kind of investment, with additional reforms encouraging operators to expand their portfolios and new players to seize opportunities in the country.
Several major operators are already active in Ghana’s energy market. Energy giant Eni, for example, has a presence across exploration, refining and chemicals sectors.
The company is involved in the Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP) exploration project and the offshore CTP 4 block. OCTP serves as an integrated project for developing oil and gas fields, featuring the Agyekum Kufuor FPSO.
Independent energy company Tullow Oil is also a key player in Ghana, with production from the Jubilee and TEN fields amounting to 100,000 bpd and 10,100 bpd, respectively.
In partnership with Kosmos Energy, Tullow Oil began production at the Jubilee South East project in 2023, with three new wells brought onstream in Q1 2024.
Other major projects include the Pecan Phase 1A Upstream Project – developed by global energy firm Aker Energy, GNPC, Russian multinational Lukoil and maritime engineering and energy company Bulk Ship & Trade – and the Ntomme Far West Development.
Pecan Phase 1A is currently in the approval stage, with production scheduled for 2025, while Ntomme is in the pre-feasibility stage, with progress made towards drilling the first well. Energy major TotalEnergies is also active, operating several petroleum depots in the country.
In the downstream sector, Ghana is working to develop an integrated petroleum hub – the first of its kind in West Africa. The government finalized agreements in June 2024 to develop the initial phase of the project, supported by funding from the TCP-UIC private sector consortium.
This multi-phase development will include three refineries, five petrochemical plants, storage tanks, jetties, a port and associated LNG and logistics infrastructure.
“These projects affirm that Ghana is open for business. The country has been proactive in establishing regulatory frameworks that support million-dollar investments, and with further reform, Ghana is poised to become a leading energy hub in West Africa.
The AEC will continue to support the country as it pursues this goal and looks forward to a productive working visit ahead,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Government of the Republic of Ghana, through the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, has withdrawn the directive seeking to unitize the Afina Discovery oil block operated by Springfield E&P, a wholly owned Ghanaian upstream player, and the Sankofa Cenomanian oilfield operated by Italian oil and gas firm Eni and Vitol.
This move likely puts an end to nearly four years of dispute between Springfield E&P and Eni and its partner Vitol.
There were rumors that the ruling government, led by H.E. John Dramani Mahama, which took over from the immediate past administration of Akufo-Addo on January 7, 2025, would withdraw the directive issued by the Nana Akufo-Addo government in 2020 for the oil firms to unitize their blocks. As industry players waited for an official statement to confirm the rumors, the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition issued a statement on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, confirming that the government had withdrawn the unitization directive based on advice from the Attorney General and Minister for Justice and consultations with relevant stakeholders.
The Ministry stated that the decision follows a thorough review of the Arbitral Award referenced SCC Arbitration U2021/114 (ENI & Vitol v. Ghana & GNPC) dated July 8, 2024, and the legal opinion provided by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
The Ministry acknowledged the Tribunal’s findings that while the issuance of the directives breached the Petroleum Agreement due to specific circumstances of their implementation, the concept of unitization itself was not deemed inherently unlawful.
According to the Ministry, the withdrawal of the directives provides Ghana with flexibility to determine the most appropriate course of action in the national interest.
The statement clarified that the withdrawal of the directives is without prejudice to the power of the Minister to issue new directives where necessary for the equitable and efficient development of Ghana’s petroleum resources.
The statement emphasized that the government would explore options for coordinated development within and near the WCTP 2 contract area and continue to support Springfield as an indigenous Ghanaian E&P operator to commercialize the Afina discovery, which has proven to have potential to add to Ghana’s reserves of oil and gas.
The statement noted that while the Petroleum Commission continues to evaluate the appraisal report of the Afina IX well, the government believes that the Afina field has potential for future unitization or development on its own.
The government encouraged both Eni and Springfield to keep the door open for negotiations to determine an amicable and commercial solution.
“The government remains open to dialogue with its partners aimed at charting the best way forward in the sustainable exploitation of its natural resource endowments,” the statement concluded.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria’s Ministry of Labour and Employment has given the management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) and its outsourcing firm a 7-day ultimatum to renegotiate the mass sacking of 3,000 workers.
This directive was issued by Oyo State Comptroller, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr. Festus Igbinosun, after a meeting with IBEDC management, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the outsourcing firm, and representatives of the sacked staff.
Igbinosun said resolving the issues within the time frame would strengthen the industrial harmony in the state.
According to the chairman of NLC in Oyo State, Comrade Kayode Martins, the sack of the workers did not follow due process.
Martins urged IBEDC and the outsourcing firm to reinstate the sacked workers.
Responding, the representatives of IBEDC at the meeting said the outsourcing firm agreed to renegotiate with the sacked workers within the stipulated timeframe.
It would be recalled that the NLC had barricaded and laid siege at the entrance of the IBEDC, demanding that the company re-instate and pay the minimum wage for the over 3,000 employed staff that was sacked.
Martin bemoaned the attitude of the outsourcing agents who had refused to pay minimum wage for it employees and making deductions that cannot be accounted for.
He apealed to the management of IBEDC to resolve the issues amicably, before escalating into full blown crisis.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana Gas embarked on its ISO certification journey in November 2019 but faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, the company successfully secured ISO 45001 in April 2022 and expanded its scope to include ISO 14001 in early 2024.
As part of its drive for continuous improvement, Ghana Gas is now preparing for ISO 9001 certification (Quality Management System) under the theme: “A Future of Excellence: Triple ISO Certification – Our Commitment to Quality, Environment, and Safety.”
This achievement reaffirms Ghana Gas’ position as an industry leader committed to best practices, environmental sustainability, and operational excellence.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com 
The Sh10 billion initiative is part of a broader effort to expand electricity access through mini-grids and stand-alone solar systems.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com 
