Nigeria: TCN Refutes Report Alleging Looming Nationwide Blackout
Nigeria’s power transmission company, TCN, has refuted the publication alleging that the Head of Public Affairs of TCN said that there will be a national blackout.
According to the management of TCN, the publication by Daily Post is false and totally misleading.
“The statement is mischievous and baseless as TCN, through the Public Affairs Head, did not make such statement.
“We hereby note that the nation’s grid is intact and supplying bulk electricity to distribution load centers nationwide,” Management of TCN said.
TCN said the National Control Centre Osogbo which controls bulk power transmission nationwide, is actively operational.
“We would appreciate that reports are made with a sense of responsibility not just to cause panic,” TCN said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya: KenGen Steps Up Geothermal To Curb Suppressed Inflows At Large Hydropower Dams
Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) has announced a revamped plan to step up electricity generation from geothermal power plants in a strategic move to cushion Kenyans from the effects of low water inflows at the large hydropower stations.
The Masinga Dam, which is Kenya’s largest hydropower dam, recorded water levels of 1,039.42 meters above sea level (mASL) against a total capacity of 1,056mASL.
This was slightly above the minimum operating level of 1,037mASL, having received only 7.5 millimetres of rainfall in the last 24 hours.
“Despite the ongoing rains in most parts of the country, we are receiving very low inflows at our dams at the Seven Forks, located along the Tana River,” said KenGen Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga.
“This poor hydrology means that we now have to turn to another source to meet the growing demand for electricity in the country,” he added.
According to a daily electricity dispatch report by KenGen, the large hydroelectric power stations, which ordinarily would produce a combined maximum capacity of 626MW, were only able to achieve 471MW at their peak over the past 24 hours.
“One of the large power stations, Masinga, has been shut down most days of November as part of our ongoing water management program to ensure we are able to meet the energy demands for the longest duration possible,” said Eng. Njenga.
Even as the situation at the dams continues to remain largely subdued due to low inflows, several parts of the country continue to experience heavy rains, with cases of flooding reported in several places, including areas along the lower Tana River, Garissa, Mandera, Turkana, Meru and several parts in the Coastal region.
“We are continuing with our tree-growing campaign in support of the Government’s 15 billion trees challenge, taking advantage of the onset of rains to ensure the viability of the seedlings,” said Eng. Njenga.
The NSE-listed company said that it planned to plant at least 500,000 tree seedlings every year and had already planted 104,292 trees in the current financial year (from July 2023), bringing the total to 2,557,516 trees grown over the last nine years.
“We urge Kenyans to take advantage of the rains and plant trees in their homes and even in the workplaces and business areas as this is one way of not only greening the planet but also helping put protection against strong winds and heavy rains, which may sometimes cause flooding,” said Eng. Njenga.
KenGen made the shift to its current geothermal-led strategy following repeated failure of hydro generation over the years.
This poor hydrology is attributed to climate change, characterized by unpredictable rainfall patterns, making it difficult to plan and implement a sustainable water management program in the large dams.
The NSE-listed company CEO said KenGen’s strategic move to geothermal had helped cushion Kenyans from the effects of climate change which has seen rainfall levels drop significantly in the country over the past few years.
He said, “Notably, our investments in geothermal energy ensured uninterrupted electricity supply, even in the face of challenges posed by a prolonged drought and reduced hydropower generation.”
Eng. Njenga went on to say that KenGen was angling to acquire more geothermal drilling licenses in the Great Rift Valley as part of the company’s plans to increase geothermal generation capacity which he said was clean and more reliable as geothermal is not dependent on weather.
Kenya has a potential 10GW of geothermal energy of which only 950MW has been exploited, with about 799MW having been developed by KenGen in the Olkaria and Eburru Hill Geothermal Fields in Nakuru county.
KenGen boasts a diverse energy portfolio including, geothermal, hydro, wind, and thermal, adding up to 1,904MW of which 86% is drawn from renewable sources.
Source: KenGen
Nigeria: Power Minister Probes Extension Of Discos Licences
Nigeria’s Minister for Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has ordered for investigations into the circumstances leading to the five years extension of licences of power distribution companies in the West African nation.
Minister Adelabu cannot fathom why the Discos have had their licences renewed, when the country’s electricity supply has stagnated at about 4000MW for several years.
“When I came in, the licences I saw were for 10 years…2013 to 2023, but along the line, I spoke to the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) chairman who said they had extended the licences by another five years. We are trying to review the correctness of that.
“We have ordered an investigation into the extension of the licences (to see) if they are actually in order,” Mr Adelabu said in Abuja last Friday.
Adelabu who described the power situation in the country as unacceptable said despite the extension, the licences could still be revoked if the DisCos did not fulfil their performance benchmarks.
The Power Minister hinted that plans had been concluded to organise a Power Sector Retreat between December 12 and 14, 2023, which shall produce a workable roadmap for the sector.
Adelabu stressed that no nation can grow its economy, industries or any sector without a reliable power sector, noting that countries that had grown significantly were those that identified electricity as the engine or driver of growth.
“For example, South Korea, with a 49 million population, generates and distributes 130,000 megawatts of power. So companies like Daewoo, Hyundai, LG and others are now giants of industry, having grown from one-shop companies that they were in the 1960s.
“Secondly, China, with a 1.4 billion population, generates and distributes 1.3 million megawatts of electricity.
“So when we say we are over 200 million people and what we generate and distribute on our national grid is just 4,000 megawatts, it is shameful; it is not acceptable. We must achieve better results,” the Minister ordered.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Gambia: NAWEC And EDG Sign Deal To Improve Power Supply To Gambians
The Gambia’s Minister for Petroleum and Energy, Abdoulie Jobe, and the Prime Minister of Guinea Conakry, Dr Bernard Goumou, have formalised a transformative addendum to the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) of The Gambia and Électricité de Guinée (EDG).
The key highlights of the agreement include ensuring Cross-Border Synergy between the two countries.
It would also allow NAWEC to import a significant 205GWh annually from Guinea Conakry, a substantial stride in bolstering energy resources and cooperation.
Commenting on the agreement, Minister Jobe said the agreement aligned with the shared commitment to regional development and sustainable energy practices.
On his part, Prime Minister Dr Bernard Goumou expressed optimism, stating, “This agreement signifies the strengthening friendship between our nations and a shared dedication to advancing energy solutions for our people.”
The collaboration between NAWEC and EDG is poised to deepen the bilateral ties between The Gambia and Guinea Conakry, fostering a cooperative approach to addressing the energy needs of both nations.
As NAWEC and EDG embark on this transformative journey, the addendum reflects a collective commitment to an interconnected and sustainable energy landscape.
This landmark partnership heralds a step towards a future when energy knows no boundaries, benefitting citizens on both sides of the border.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: NNPC Ltd Settles Lingering PENGASSAN – TotalEnergies Management Rift
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association, (PENGASSAN) and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) have agreed to suspend their industrial action.
This has led to immediate restoration of 275, 000 barrels of oil per day production.
The two unions suspended their industrial action after a marathon negotiation chaired by top officials of NNPC Limited.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the negotiation chaired by Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd., it said all parties committed to resolving all the issues within an agreed framework.
The communiqué was signed by TotalEnergies MD/CEO Matthieu Bouyer, PENGASSAN President, Comrade Festus Osifo, and NUPENG President, Comrade Williams Akporegha.
It was witnessed by NNPC Ltd.’s, EVP Upstream Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan and Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, Bala Wunti.
Also in attendance was Victor Bandele, Deputy Managing Director, TotalEnergies. Olufemi O. Soneye Chief Corporate Communications Officer NNPC Ltd.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: GRIDCo’s CEO Charges KNUST Engineering Graduates To Be Visionary And Transformative
The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), Ing. Ebenezer Kofi Essienyi, has charged the engineering graduates of the College of Engineers at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to be ‘visionary, daring and transformative” as they embark on the next phase as engineers in the world of work.
Ing. Kofi Essienyi issued the ‘Call to Action’, when he delivered the Motivational Speech at the CoE’s Congregation on 10th November 2023.
In all, 1,655 students graduated.
Ing. Ebenezer Kofi Essienyi (KNUST 94), expressed delight at the increased number of women graduating as engineers as there was only one woman in his year group.
He posited, “Your path is not an easy one but it can truly change the world.”
Ing Essienyi charged, “It’s only in Ghana that your knowledge and skills can truly make a difference,” encouraging them to work at home.
The GRIDCo CEO talked about the importance and role of the modern engineer, saying that the power of engineering is not just to “solve problems” but to transform.
He, therefore, charged the fresh graduates to be “…tech-savvy and innovative to combine their knowledge in the application of science with smart systems to improve the livelihoods of all citizenry. Engineering is rife with situations that require diligent problem-solving.”
He also encouraged them to engage the local District Assemblies, stressing, “As engineers, you hold the keys to unlocking new and sustainable emerging solutions, improving infrastructure, and innovating in ways that can uplift communities.”
A plaque was presented to Ing Ebenezer Kofi Essienyi by Prof Kwabena Britwum Nyarko, Provost of the College.
Mr. Kelvin Tamakloe emerged as valedictorian and dubbed his speech, “The blueprint of our becoming.”
He expressed confidence that his cohort would emerge as, “bearers of change, innovators, individuals who are destined to influence the coming decades,” in a world that is continuously evolving.
The College of Engineering awarded 442 students with 1st Class Honours, while 921 achieved 2nd Class Upper, 285 secured 2nd Class Lower, and seven got passes.
Prof Kwabena Nyarko Britwum, Provost, College of Engineering shared details of efforts being made to ensure the engineering students from the college are ready for a world that is driven by technology and innovation.
He indicated that KNUST is well-positioned to provide graduates who can solve the country’s challenges.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
A plaque was presented to Ing Ebenezer Kofi Essienyi by Prof Kwabena Britwum Nyarko, Provost of the College.
Mr. Kelvin Tamakloe emerged as valedictorian and dubbed his speech, “The blueprint of our becoming.”
He expressed confidence that his cohort would emerge as, “bearers of change, innovators, individuals who are destined to influence the coming decades,” in a world that is continuously evolving.
The College of Engineering awarded 442 students with 1st Class Honours, while 921 achieved 2nd Class Upper, 285 secured 2nd Class Lower, and seven got passes.
Prof Kwabena Nyarko Britwum, Provost, College of Engineering shared details of efforts being made to ensure the engineering students from the college are ready for a world that is driven by technology and innovation.
He indicated that KNUST is well-positioned to provide graduates who can solve the country’s challenges.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Zambia: Zesco Restores Prepaid Vending System
Zambia’s power utility company, Zesco Limited, has announced that it has restored its prepaid vending system.
This means customers can now buy electricity from any of the company’s platforms.
Last Saturday, scores of Zambians were forced to sleep in darkness as a result of a technical challenge with Zesco’s prepaid vending system which made it difficult for them to purchase credit onto their meters.
The unfortunate development compelled Zambians to take to social media to express their frustration.
In a statement issued by the Corporate Affairs Department of Zesco, it said the Corporation was doing everything possible to resolve the technical problem and restore the vending system at the earliest time possible.
The system was restored after some hours on Saturday.
Zesco, in a statement, thanked Zambians for their patience.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Saudi Arabia To Support Nigeria To Revamp Ailing Oil Refineries
Saudi Arabia has pledged to make funds available to Nigeria to enable Africa’s largest oil producing nation to revamp its ailing refineries to sustain economic growth.
The refinery investments in Nigeria will be led by the Saudi state-owned oil company, Saudi Aramco, with the revamp to be completed within a two- to three-year timeframe.
Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, made the pledge at a bilateral meeting with President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the sidelines of the Saudi-Africa Summit in Riyadh.
“Saudi Arabia is very eager to see Nigeria thrive under President Bola Tinubu, and realize its full potential as the economic giant of Africa.
“In addition to these, Prince Bin Salman also highlighted Agriculture and Renewable Energy as areas of investment interest for Saudi Arabia, in Nigeria, to help the country attain food and energy security, respectively,” a statement signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation of Nigeria Mohammed Idris revealed.
“The Crown Prince also expressed appreciation to Nigeria for its active participation in, and support for OPEC+,” Mr. Idris said.
The minister also explained that Mr. Tinubu thanked the Saudi leader for the proposed investments, and pledged that Nigeria would ensure judicious management and oversight.
He added that the two leaders vowed to work together within the next six months to develop a comprehensive road-map and blueprint to deliver on the agreed investments and outcomes.
Nigeria, Africa’s top oil producer, imports almost all its refined fuel needs as a result of the shutdown of state-owned oil refineries namely, Kaduna, Port Harcourt and Warri.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Equatorial Guinea Seeks Regional Cooperation For Oil & Gas Development–Minister Ondo
The Minister for Mines and Hydrocarbons of Equatorial Guinea, Antonio Oburu Ondo, says the country is looking to establish cooperation with other African countries to develop its oil and gas potential.
According to him, regional cooperation among African nations would go a long way to help in achieving energy security.
Ondo, who said this in a speech at the African Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa, noted that Equatorial Guinea, recently, signed a bilateral trade agreement with Cameroon on cross-border oil and gas development.
Continuing, he said a similar agreement was signed with Nigeria in 2022.
“We are always looking for additional opportunities for regional collaboration.
“We are also aiming to form partnerships with more private sector companies which will drive ongoing exploration in our country and, in turn opens the door to economic growth and diversification,” he said.
Ondo, who is also the President of OPEC, mentioned that oil exploration and production is currently gaining momentum because of the enabling environment created for investment and strong records of offshore finds.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Zambia: Scores Of Electricity Users Sleep In Darkness Over Prepaid Vending Challenge
Scores of Zambians have been forced to sleep in darkness as a result of a technical challenge with Zesco’s prepaid vending system which has made it difficult for customers to purchase credit onto their meters.
The unfortunate development has compelled Zambians to take to social media to express their frustration.
The technical challenge occurred at about 13:00hrs on Saturday, November 11, 2023.
In a statement issued by the Corporate Affairs Department of Zesco Limited, the power distribution company said it was doing everything possible to resolve the technical problem and restore the vending system at the earliest time possible.
“Zesco regrets the inconvenience caused to its valued customers,” the company said.
https://web.facebook.com/ZESCOCORP/posts/831467832107715?ref=embed_post
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Brazil’s State-Run Oil Co Could Splash $100B On Projects Over 5 Years
Brazil’s state-run oil company, Petrobras, could spend $100 billion on investments in projects it is currently analyzing and already committed to, a Reuters source suggested on Friday.
Petrobras is set to issue its five-year plan that will cover 2024 through 2028. For now, the plan is still being discussed, but an anonymous Reuters source is suggesting that the plan could include $100 billion in investments.
In August, Petrobras CEO Sergio Caetano Leite said that the company’s investments spelled out by its up-and-coming five-year plan could be 10% higher than the previous plan, which would have placed the total investments around $86 billion—of which $1-$4 billion would be for new projects.
Petrobras said that low-carbon projects would account for a large part of the investment increase.
The plan is due to be released by the end of the year.
The five-year plan approved last year includes expenditures of $78 billion.
Brazil has seen year-over-year growth of oil production and has the potential to increase its production to become the world’s fourth-largest oil producer.
Petrobras reported a 41.5% decline in Q3 profits this year, missing analyst estimates, although it still expects its full-year oil and gas output to be higher than previously estimated, at 2.4 million boepd, up from 2.3 million boepd last year.
The company has plans to boost the number of producing wells in Q4. Capex for this year is expected to hit $13 billion, a 30% increase on last year. It is on track, however, to miss projections of a $16 billion capex this year.
In July, Brazil’s oil and gas production hit the highest level ever for a single month, with production totaling 4.48 million boepd in the period, according to Brazil’s oil regulator ANP.
Source: Oilprice.com
The Gambia: Electricity Access To Increase As 23MW Solar Plant Nears Completion
The Gambia’s plan of expanding electricity access through a mixture of energy sources including solar energy is on course as the West African nation is nearing the completion of a 23MW peak solar project.
The project, which is being funded by the World Bank, European Investment Bank and the European Union is more than 80 per cent completed.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Michael Creg Afful, editor of energynewsafrica.com, in Cape Town, South Africa, during the African Energy Week 2023, Nani Juwara, the Managing Director of National Water and Electricity Company of The Gambia stated that the solar plant, upon completion, would help expand access to electricity.
Nani Juwara said they expect that by January 2024, the project would be commissioned.
He said it is going to be the first of its kind in The Gambia and it would be connected to the national grid.
The Gambian government, he explained, is also working with the West Africa Power Pool to also develop a 150MW solar plant project in the country.
“So we are currently working on the first phase of the project which is going to be 50MW,” he noted.
He affirmed that studies had already been completed, adding that tender documents had also been done and waiting for procurement process, which is also expected to be done before end of this year.
Should the project start as stated, Nani Juwara observed that it could be launched before the end of 2024.
Touching on the access to electricity in The Gambia, he said currently, about 60 per cent of the population has access to power while a chunk of the rural folks do not have it.
It is in this respect that Nani Juwara said The Gambian government has made an ambitious statement to achieve universal access to electricity by 2025.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Zimbabwe: Former Deputy Finance Minister Convicted Of Fuel Smuggling
A former deputy minister of Finance and Economic Development in the Republic of Zimbabwe, Terence Mukupe and three others have been convicted of smuggling almost 140 000 litres of diesel.
The three accomplices are Same Kapisoriso, Ngonidzashe Mutsvene and Joseph Taderera.
According to freight news, the four are in custody and awaiting sentencing.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) proved that the former deputy minister and his accomplices smuggled a tanker filled with diesel into the country without paying duty in 2017.
The vehicle was intercepted by Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) officials at Chirundu border post leading to the arrest of the four.
“Mukupe, together with three others have been convicted of importing 138 979 litres of fuel without paying duty,” the NPA said.
“In doing so, the accused prejudiced the state of revenue amounting to $55, 591.
“The accused are in custody pending their sentencing at the Harare High Court.”
Mukupe and his accomplices connived to import 138 919 litres of diesel into the country without paying duty at the Forbes Border Post in Mutare.
They said the diesel was on its way to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), thereby making it duty-free.
While the tanker was in Zimbabwe, the four replaced the diesel with water, before driving the tanker to Chirundu where they were stopped by Zimra officials who checked the tanker’s contents and discovered the switch.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Eskom Opens Africa’s Biggest Battery Storage Facility
South Africa’s power utility, Eskom has unveiled what could be the largest Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project on the African continent.
In a statement, Eskom said the Hex BESS is the first project to be completed under Eskom’s flagship BESS project announced in July 2022 to help alleviate the pressure on the national electricity grid.
Eskom noted that the BESS project serves as a direct response to meet one of the urgent needs to address South Africa’s long-running electricity crisis by adding more storage capacity to strengthen the grid while diversifying the existing generation energy mix.
The facility uses large scale utility batteries with a total capacity of 1440MWh per day and a 60MW PV capacity.
According to Eskom, the Hex site is specifically designed to store 100MWh of energy, enough to power a town such as Mossel Bay or Howick for about five hours.
It forms part of Phase 1 of Eskom’s BESS project which includes the installation of approximately 833MWh additional storage capacity at eight Eskom Distribution substation sites in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Northern Cape. This phase also includes about 2MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity.
“We are grateful to the various funders of the Eskom BESS project, and to our construction partner Hyosung Heavy Industries. This is proof of what we can achieve when we work as a team and in collaboration with industry and local communities,” says Eskom’s group executive for distribution, Monde Bala.
The utility explains that the BESS technology offers a versatile solution for improving overall grid performance and is in line with South Africa’s commitment to the just energy transition to a more resilient and sustainable energy future.
“The initiative demonstrates Eskom’s commitment in finding innovative solutions and embracing new technologies in preparation for the new era in the energy distribution landscape,” the company said.
“We are pioneering the implementation of the BESS technology, serving as a large-scale commercial project to validate the technology’s feasibility and benefits. The successful implementation will pave the way for wider adoption and possible export of the technology to other regions beyond the borders of South Africa,” Eskom’s General Manager for distribution, operations enablement, Velaphi Ntuli said.
“The Hex project is a demonstration of what Eskom teams can do in finding alternative, innovative and lasting solutions in addressing the country’s electricity challenges,” said Eskom’s group executive for generation, Bheki Nxumalo.
Eskom notes that upon completion of the first phase, it will implement phase two of the project which includes the installation of a further 144MW of storage capacity, equivalent to 616MWh at four Eskom distribution sites and one transmission site.
The solar PV capacity in this phase will be 58MW, it adds.
“The rollout of these technologies together with a disciplined execution of our Generation Recovery Plan which started in March 2023, and aimed at achieving energy availability factor of 70% by end March 2025, will give the country the most needed megawatts to address capacity constraints,” Eskom concluded.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com