The United Nations Development Programme’s Head of Environment and Climate Cluster, Dr Abdul Razak Saeed, has observed that attempts by Ghana to implement prudent and pragmatic measures to control environmental and climate degradation are key to reducing its impact on the West African nation.
He said this in a speech read on his behalf by the UNDP’s Programme Analyst, Dr Catherine Adodoadji-Dogbe, at a day’s energy efficiency regulations training for stakeholders in the sector in Accra, the capital of Ghana.
According to him, the programme provides a valuable opportunity for stakeholders in the sector to discuss strategic measures that can transform the appliance-regulated landscape sector.
“Firstly, we would like to acknowledge the Energy Commission and Ministry of Environment, Science Technology and Innovation for their commitment to organising this important gathering and bringing together key stakeholders in Ghana’s regulated appliances sector,” Dr Saeed lauded the group.
He attested that Ghana was making significant strides in fulfilling its commitment under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) outlined in the 2015 Paris Agreement.
Dr Saeed was of the view that the partnership with the Energy Commission was crucial in supporting the Government of Ghana in achieving its environmental and energy efficiency goals.
“We would also like to recognise the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) for funding this meeting. PAGE collaborates with partner countries to transform their economies in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Through this initiative, PAGE is assisting the government in implementing SDG-7 which focuses on ensuring affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all,” he stressed.
The UNDP, according to Dr Saeed, through its flagship Climate Promise Programme, and in collaboration with the Ghana Energy Commission, continues to support the Government of Ghana in fulfilling its climate commitments and encouraging energy efficiency best practices.
“UNDP is confident that by engaging key stakeholders in Ghana’s regulated appliances sector, we can raise and build a shared understanding of the importance of energy efficiency regulation. Together, we can drive collective action towards reducing energy consumption and combating climate change,”‘ he emphasised.
Energy Commission’s Manager in charge of Energy Efficiency Regulations, Mr. Richard Donkor, who touched on ways to enhance consumer benefits of efficient electrical appliance use, said efficiency is with quality and prudent management of appliances.
This, he said, holds the key to cost reduction in electricity use. Mr. Donkor also advised Ghanaians to buy quality electrical appliances accredited by the Energy Commission to help reduce their cost of electricity.
The Ministry of Environment, Science Technology and Innovation, General Manager of Projects, Mr. Gyimah Mohammed, in his presentation, observed that human activities such as old vehicle carbon monoxide emissions, and cutting down of trees, among other environmental unfriendly acts, affect the sanctity of the climate and environment’s ecosystem
These negative acts, he stressed, impact negatively on Ghana and Africa’s agriculture sector, which relies on 90 per cent rain for production.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s Engineer, Enyonam Kumi, in her presentation, urged Ghanaian consumers to learn how to use their outfit’s corner to calculate, track and measure their energy consumption.
She explained that this would help consumers to be extra careful in how to manage the use of their electrical appliances.
Participants included hoteliers, UNDP staff, the Environmental Protection Agency, Municipal and Metropolitan executives, the PURC, the Ministry of Energy, the Energy Commission, Security Agencies and the media.
The essence of the programme was to arm participants to use the knowledge acquired to help educate Ghanaian consumers on the importance of adopting effective and efficient use of electrical appliances to reduce its negative impact on climate and environmental changes in Ghana.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana has expressed its commitment to do everything possible to successfully host Africa’s premier and largest oil and gas event, Africa Oil Week, in Accra, capital of Ghana, in September 2025 and beyond following the decision by the organisers of the event to permanently relocate the hosting of the event from Cape Town, South Africa, to Accra, Ghana.
Africa Oil Week, formerly Africa Upstream, was founded by Duncan Clarke, a Zimbabwean, in 1994 in Cape Town.
Year after year, the premier event had been held in Cape Town until 2021 when the Hyve Group, former organisers of the event, moved it to Dubai as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a move that apparently marked the end of decades of ownership of Africa Oil Week, the Hyve Group, early this year, ceded the ownership of the premier event to a UK startup company, Sankofa Events Limited, owned by Paul Sinclair, former Vice-President of Energy for the Africa region at Hyve Group.
Sinclair was with AOW for seven years and stepped down in mid-June 2023.
With Africa Oil Week coming to Accra, Ghana, West Africa, this portal believes Accra will not offer anything short than what Cape Town had offered for the past 30 years.
Accra stretches along the Atlantic Ocean and boasts of glittering beaches, monumental buildings, museums, libraries, galleries, traditional markets and a lively nightlife.
On Thursday, October 10 as the 2024 Africa Oil Week was wrapping up, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Mr. Joseph Abuabu Dadzie; Lawyer Egbert Faibille Jnr., CEO of Petroleum Commission Ghana; Chief Director of Ministry of Energy, Mrs. Wilhelmina Asamoah; Board Chairman of Petroleum Commission, Mr Stephen Sekyere Abankwah, and Managing Director of Tema Oil Refinery, Mr Kofi Tagoe Mocumbi, joined Mr. Paul Sinclair, Director of Sankofa Events, to launch Africa Oil Week 2025, which will be held in Accra between 15th and 19th September 2025.
Lawyer Egbert Faibille Jnr., Chief Executive Officer of Petroleum Commission Ghana.
Commenting on the announcement that Accra would be hosting Africa Oil Week 2025 and beyond, the CEO of Petroleum Commission, Lawyer Egbert Faibille Jnr., told the gathering that “we are happy from Ghana to be taking over at this point. We in Ghana, in taking over the hosting of this event, Africa Oil Week, are very mindful of the huge task ahead of us. Ghana is a land of peace. Ghana is a land of happiness. Ghana is a land of stability, and we want to assure you, especially from the standpoint of the petroleum commission of the Republic of Ghana that it is not a bad decision and that at the end of it all, when the jury is out, they will perhaps be said that it was the best decision after Cape Town.
“Cape Town has hosted this, I believe, for 30 years if I’m not mistaken. So as we take over from Accra, Accra being a city of so many firms, I believe that in partnership with other stakeholders from Ghana like TOR, NPA, Ghana Gas and GNPC, we pledge to you that when you come to Accra next year in September, we’ll have an even more meaningful Africa Oil week.
“We’ll build on the successes of Cape Town. And I’m sure that when it is all over, you may, like Oliver Twist, ask for extension for another week. We are ready for you. It shows your faith in Ghana and we’re very grateful to the Africans. We’re very grateful that we remain the Commonwealth of Africa.”
Mr Joseph Abuabu Dadzie, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Petroleum Corporation, GNPC.
Also commenting, the CEO of GNPC, Mr. Joseph Abuabu Dadzie, said, “Hosting the African Oil Week conference presents a very compelling case for investment within the various sectors in Ghana. And we do so with the spirit of collaboration because GNPC, and for that matter Ghana, has looked at the industry as collaborating efforts among NOCs in Africa.
One country cannot do it alone. If you look at the various drivers that move the industry, I don’t think any country in Africa has all it takes to be able to move the industry forward.
“So the spirit of collaboration is what we believe hosting the conference in Accra will offer all of us as a continent, not just Ghana. Obviously, hosting it in Ghana gives us some unique opportunities. It allows investors to come to Ghana and see what Ghana has to offer.
But I think on the larger scale, it offers a platform for Africa to showcase itself. It offers Africa, as an economic entity or economic body, the opportunity for the rest of the world to see what the continent offers and opportunities that investors who generally make things move to exploit that opportunities within the continent.
“On our part as GNPC, I think we will take the opportunity to promote this conference and say that we’ll work with the various stakeholders within Ghana and across the continent to ensure that, as my colleague said, this conference will be one of a sort.
“One that would usher Africa into a new era of doing business, an era where we find solutions to the challenges that we have, an era where among the various entities and among the various bodies within Africa, we have a very collaborative and very fruitful, productive collaborative approach to doing things.”
Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation, APPO.
Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo has endorsed the hosting of Africa Oil Week in Accra.
“I am personally delighted to endorse the hosting of Africa Oil Week in Accra,’’ he said in a video played at the launch of the event in Cape Town.
Paul Sinclair, Director of Sankofa EventsSource: https://energynewsafrica.com
The IAEA Director General has engaged with Slovenian leaders and civil society today, in the lead up to a key referendum on expanding the country’s nuclear power programme.
Rafael Mariano Grossi spoke at a forum on nuclear energy chaired by Prime Minister Robert Golob and attended by politicians, industry, energy experts and media at the Presidential Palace in Ljubljana.
In this opening address to the forum, Mr Grossi said: “Slovenia has a fine tradition of nuclear operation. You have sophisticated technology and know-how, giving you a great advantage for future plans.”
Slovenia already has one nuclear power reactor in operation with a total net capacity of 688 MWe, which produces almost 37 per cent of the electricity for the country.
Krško Nuclear Power Plant – which Mr Grossi also visited today – started commercial operation in 1983 and received approval to extend its lifetime from 40 to 60 years in 2023.
“With Slovenia’s experience and the need for carbon free options in our energy mix, it makes eminent sense for Slovenia to continue on this path,” said the Director General.
Over recent years, to reach its climate and energy security goals, the country has also been discussing adding another reactor to the Krško site, in a project known as JEK2. A referendum on this matter will be held in November.
The JEK2 project would provide up to 2400 MWe capacity with a pressurised water technology of either GEN III or GEN III+ design, further strengthening Slovenia’s capacity to reduce emissions and meet its climate and development goals.
The Director General spoke to a number of Slovenian media outlets on the topic. “I have seen much interest here in detailed nuclear topics related to price, waste and safety. I am happy to answer any questions and appreciate these informed exchanges.
“I think the important thing is that the Slovenian society is well-informed, and that there is a good public debate about it.
“My impression is that there is widespread consensus on the reasonability of moving forward with nuclear in the country. But, of course, it will be up to the Slovenes to decide what you want to do.” Mr Grossi spoke of nuclear power’s key role supporting the clean energy transition.
“An integrated intelligent energy mix is what is needed. You cannot have full reliance on one single source of energy. We believe that renewable energy is indispensable, and it should be scaled up.
The issue here is that you also need base load energy. You cannot power a full economy simply on renewable energies.
“So, countries are choosing what kind of base load capacity they can use. Many important economies are looking into nuclear simply because they need useful instruments that will allow them to have this base load energy,” he added.
Following the political gathering this morning and a meeting with Bojan Kumer, Minister of the Environment, Climate and Energy, Mr Grossi spoke with student groups on the topic.
Source: IAEA
Fortum, the biggest power utility in Finland, is being subjected to daily attempts of cyber attacks and cyber breaches, while suspicious individuals and drone activity have been spotted near its energy assets, CEO Markus Rauramo told Reuters.
“There are different kinds of cyberattack attempts, or cyber security breach attempts, against us daily, and then less frequently, drones and different kinds of suspicious movement around our assets,” Rauramo said.
Satellite connections have been disturbed in recent months, too.
The company has asked Finnish authorities to investigate the cyber and satellite disturbance incidents, the chief executive said.
There have been similar incidents at Fortum’s energy assets in Sweden, too, Rauramo told Reuters.
So far, there hasn’t been a major impact on the company’s operations, according to Jari Stenius, head of security at Fortum.
“There has been an uptick in the frequency (of incidents) just as authorities are also reporting. The numbers are increasing, but the impact on our operations is very small,” Stenius told Reuters.
Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation told Reuters that Finnish police have opened several separate investigations into incidents near critical infrastructure.
Fortum generates electricity in the Nordic countries from hydropower, wind power, solar power, nuclear power, and combined heat and power (CHP) plants.
Last year, a total of 98% of the company’s electricity generation was carbon dioxide-free, Fortum says.
Last month, Fortum announced that it has successfully started using nuclear fuel from U.S.-based Westinghouse Electric as it seeks to replace Russian supply.
For years, Fortum’s Loviisa power plant in Finland has sourced its nuclear fuel from TVEL, a subsidiary of Russia’s Rosatom.
However, Fortum began hunting for a new fuel source two years ago after Russia invaded Ukraine. The new fuel includes uranium, the fuel assemblies, and also the enrichment process originating from Western sources.
Fortum’s two nuclear reactors in Loviisa account for around 10% of total power production in Finland.
Source: Oilprice.com
Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation, Rosatom, which is constructing the $30billion El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant in the Republic of Egypt, has commenced the installation of the core catcher body of the project, signifying Russia’s commitment to completing the project.
The core catcher is one of the main elements of the passive safety systems. The cargo with components was delivered from Russia to the sea port of the El-Dabaa construction site on July 1, 2024, within 6 days.
El-Dabaa NPP is the first nuclear power plant in Egypt and Africa’s sole newly constructed NPP at the moment.
It is being built in the city of El-Dabaa, approximately 300 km north-west from Cairo.
The NPP will consist of four power units, 1200 MW each, with pressurised water reactors of Russian class VVER-1200. This is an evolutionary design which fully complies with all international safety requirements and has the potential to revolutionise the energy landscape of the entire African continent.
The official ceremony dedicated to the commencement of the core catcher installation was attended by Dr. Amged El-Wakeel, Board Chairman of Nuclear Power Plants Authority of Egypt, and Alexey Kononenko, ASE JSC Vice President – Director of El-Dabaa NPP Construction Project.
“Today, we are glad to note the completion of another milestone for this year. Works on the core catcher installation at Unit 3 started in accordance with the schedule. It would be impossible without comprehensive cooperation of the Egyptian Owner and the General Contractor. I would like to express profound gratitude to everyone who put their efforts in the achievement of this production stage in our project. We are looking into the future with confidence and going on with the construction of the safest and most up-to-date NPP in the world!” said Alexey Kononenko, ASE JSC Vice President – Director of El-Dabaa NPP Construction Project.
Dr. Amged El-Wakeel, Board Chairman of the Nuclear Power Plants Authority of Egypt, stated: “Egypt prioritises nuclear security and safety. The core catcher is one of the main elements in the safety systems of the El-Dabaa nuclear power plant, reflecting the highest levels of nuclear safety to ensure the safe and continuous operation of the plant. It is a unique safety system, installed under the reactor vessel’s base, to enhance the safety of the nuclear power plant”.
Nuclear energy holds significant importance for Egypt and the entire African continent, offering a reliable and sustainable solution to the growing demand for energy. In Egypt, the El-Dabaa NPP represents a crucial step toward diversifying the country’s energy mix. For Africa, nuclear energy can play a transformative role in fostering economic growth, industrialisation, and technological development.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s downstream petroleum regulator, National Petroleum Authority, NPA, has assured LPG consumers that there is enough of the product in the system; hence, there is no need to engage in panic buying.
The assurance follows media reports suggesting that there is a looming shortage of LPG, which is mostly used for cooking in homes.
In a statement issued by the Corporate Affairs Directorate on Thursday, NPA said there was a recent power challenge that affected the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant.
The statement said checks with the Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC) on 8th October 2024 indicated that the power challenge has been resolved.
However, NPA said the Gas Processing Plant is yet to return to full production.
“The plant is expected to return to regular production from 15th October 2024 onwards.
“There is adequate LPG in the country to meet national demand. The opening stock of LPG as of 9th October 2024 was enough to last almost two weeks of national consumption. In addition to this, the Sentuo Oil Refinery is also producing LPG, which serves the market daily.
“More than 20,000 metric tonnes of LPG is scheduled to be delivered between 21st and 27th October 2024 under LPG Tender programme.
“The Authority wishes to put on record that the boycott of the Quantum LPG Terminal and Tema Multi-Product Terminal by some LPGMCs has put pressure on the remaining depots in Tema.The refusal of these LPGMCs to load from these depots limits the volume of LPG that can be loaded from the Tema depots in a day,” the NPA said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Egypt’s Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat discussed with Côte d’Ivoire ambassador Dole Gueu Albert ways to enhance cooperation in the field of electricity and renewable energy, especially training programs and transferring Egyptian expertise in the fields of renewable energy, electrical networks establishment, and technical support provision in this regard.
In press statements, Esmat praised the historic relations between Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire and the close ties between the two peoples.
He briefed the ambassador on the development witnessed in the electricity and renewable energy sector in various fields, especially renewable energy, and the Egyptian expertise on spreading renewable energy, and the state’s strategy that aims to increase the contribution of renewable energy to the electricity mix, and reduce the use of fossil fuels in electricity generation.
There is a permanent mandate to transfer Egyptian expertise, provide the necessary technical support, and expand training programs in cooperation with our neighbours in Africa, explaining that there is cooperation in research and development aimed at promoting the renewable energy industry.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Three African nations announced major licensing rounds at the ongoing Africa Oil Week in Cape Town, South Africa, stimulating significant investor interest on the sidelines of the event.
Liberia, Tanzania and Zanzibar all outlined bidding rounds for the licensing of new blocks for oil and gas exploration, inviting bids from upstream stakeholders.
“Liberia is ready for business,” said Saifuah Mai Gray, President and CEO of the National Oil Company of Liberia.
“We are willing and ready to work with all of you, our partners, so that we all can succeed.”
Elaborating on the Liberia licensing round, Rufus Tarnue, Deputy Director General & Head of Technical Services at the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority, said there would be 29 blocks available in terms of the latest licensing programme.
The programme offers a three-phase exploration plan with flexible terms, including a 100 per cent cost recovery for pre-PSC seismic data. The process will involve a pre-qualification phase, followed by block selection and negotiation.
Energy data and intelligence company TGS is supporting the process, through its portfolio of multi-client subsurface data for the available blocks, providing more than 24000km2 of 2D seismic data and over 26000km2 of 3D data.
Tarnue and Gray both emphasised Liberia’s stable government, zero tolerance for corruption and strategic infrastructure investments.
“Rest assured, we can guarantee your investment,” said Tarnue. The Tanzania licensing round–the country’s fifth–sees the country offering 24 open defined exploration blocks in the offshore Indian Ocean, and in Lake Tanganyika, in the country’s west.
The round will be an open, competitive tender and will officially open on 5 March, 2025. The terms of the licences will involve an exploration period of nine years, and a development and production period of 25 years, with a possible further 20-year extension.
The offshore blocks also come with geotechnical data, including gravity/magnetic data, bathymetric and seismicity data as well as regional technical reports.
“We encourage all upstream operators to participate,” said Charles Sangweni, Director General of the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority of Tanzania.
“Our country has a well-developed gas pipeline infrastructure and is ready to go to the next phase of our development.”
Discussing Zanzibar’s first licensing round, Zanzibar Petroleum Regulatory Authority MD, Mohammed Said, said the process was aimed at building a resilient economy for the benefit of Zanzibar’s people through the sustainable development of its offshore petroleum resources.
The Zanzibar licensing round consists of eight blocks, ranging in size between 2846km² and 5666km² at depths between 500m and 3000m.
It covers a total licence area of 31883km² and comes with 10145 linear kilometres of 2D seismic data and a five-year exploration roadmap.
“We are delighted to welcome investors to take advantage of the enormous upstream opportunities available in Zanzibar,” he said. Paul Sinclair, CEO of AOW owner Sankofa Events, said the licensing round announcements were a key part of what the event stands for. “AOW has always been about upstream dealmaking,” said Sinclair.
“When these licensing rounds are announced, there is immediate interest right across the industry, among supermajors, independents and financiers alike.
“African countries are opening up an accelerating amount of exploration and development opportunities, and the time to invest is now.“
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has struck out a case by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) challenging the implementation of electricity tariff review by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company PLC and 11 others.
In the judgment on 7 October 2024, the Court considered all the parties’ arguments and ruled that MAN’s suit was an abuse of court process being premature and without due regard to the provisions of section 51 of the Electricity Act 2023.
The Court also held that MAN’s case disclosed no reasonable cause of action as it had not exhausted the dispute resolution mechanism.
It thus, held that the suit was not instituted with due process of law, and consequently struck out the case.
MAN had challenged the minor review of the electricity tariff by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and filed a lawsuit at the Lagos Judicial Division of the Federal High Court.
MAN sought four reliefs: that due process stated in the Act for the review was not fulfilled before AEDC and the others applied to NERC for the tariff review on 31 July 2023.
It stated that regulatory requirements for tariff reviews were not followed before NERC issued the Supplementary Order of 3 April 2024 and the subsequently reviewed rate of 6 May 2024.
MAN also held that placing the burden of the tariff increase on only Band “A” feeders and leaving out other bands amounted to discrimination against such consumers.
It then noted that the defendants must comply with administrative procedures for tariff review before rightfully implementing the April and May Supplementary Orders.
NERC had objected to the suit stating that MAN’s case constitutes an abuse of court processes, being hasty and prematurely filed without following due process of the law.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has participated in this years’ Africa Oil Week-Investing in African Energy, which is currently underway in Cape Town, South Africa.
It is under the theme: “Equitable Development of the Upstream; Expansion of Gas Value Chains, the Integration of New Energies; Adoption of Best-in-Class Technologies; and Access to Finance.”
The premier energy event has brought together government representatives from across Africa, energy policymakers, financiers, and dealmakers to create a sustainable roadmap for the development of the continent’s natural resources, positioning the continent as a stable destination for global investment.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GNPC, Mr. Joseph Abuabu Dadzie, on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, participated in two sessions, with the first session delving into the geological and exploratory opportunities in key basins, namely the Tano Basin, Voltaian Basin, and Keta Basin in the Republic of Ghana.
The second discussion focused on the extent to which gas can anchor new energy corridors in West Africa.
During the first session, Mr. Dadzie discussed the topic alongside Mr. Egbert Faibille Jnr., CEO of the Petroleum Commission Ghana; Christ Arage, Senior Vice-President Sales and Services, TGS, with Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, former Minister of State Petroleum Resources and former Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as the moderator.
The second session which focused on gas discussed how West African countries can collaborate to develop and expand regional natural gas infrastructural terminals to enhance trade and supply reliability.
The discussion also focused on critical steps needed to harmonise policy and regulatory frameworks across West African countries to facilitate smooth natural gas trade and investment.
It featured the Managing Director of West African Gas Pipeline Company, Michelle Burkett; CEO of Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, Mr. Joseph Abuabu Dadzie, Executive Director Oando Plc &COO, Oando Energy Resources, Dr. Ainojie ‘Alex’ Irune, and Director General Petrosen, Thierno Seydou LY.
It was moderated by Renaud Brimont, Head of EMEARC Consulting, Wood Mackenzie.
Mr Joseph Abuabu Dadzie, CEO of GNPC.Hon. Herbert Krapa, Minister of State at the Energy Ministry, Republic of Ghana shaking hands with a staff of GNPC after speaking at a session that showcased the opportunities in the oil and gas sector in Ghana.Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Secretary-General of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO), Dr Omar Farouk Ibrahim, has called for a unified African front in the global energy landscape and warned against the detrimental effects of the European Union’s planned carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM).
Speaking at the ongoing Africa Oil Week-Investing in African Energy in Cape Town, South Africa, Dr Omar Ibrahim provided an update on the organisation’s efforts to establish the African Energy Bank, a crucial initiative to counter the withdrawal of traditional financiers from African oil and gas projects due to climate change concerns.
He announced significant progress, with the establishment agreement signed and ratification underway in several member countries.
Nigeria has been selected to host the bank’s headquarters, further solidifying the commitment of APPO members to taking control of their energy destinies.
Addressing the proliferation of energy conferences on the continent, Dr Ibrahim reiterated APPO’s commitment to creating a single, impactful annual event that showcases Africa’s achievements in the energy sector.
He hinted at progress made in consolidating these events, thanking stakeholders like the Africa Energy Chamber and the organisers of AOW for their cooperation, and welcomed the conference’s move to its new home in Accra, Ghana, from 2025.
However, the crux of Dr Ibrahim’s message was a stark warning about the potential impact of the EU’s CBAM on African nations.
He urged African representatives attending the upcoming energy conference in Baku to take a strong stance against the planned tax on carbon-intensive imports.
“This is the time to sound the alarm,” Ibrahim declared, arguing that the CBAM would stifle Africa’s industrial and economic development.
He emphasised that developed nations, historically responsible for the bulk of global emissions, should focus on addressing their legacy emissions rather than imposing trade barriers on developing countries.
Dr Ibrahim called for a moratorium on the CBAM, urging a more equitable approach to the energy transition that recognises Africa’s right to utilise its resources for economic growth.
He concluded with a powerful message: “Africa cannot develop without fossil fuels. Africa deserves better.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
QatarEnergy has signed a 20-year agreement with Singapore-based Shell International Eastern Trading Company for the supply of 18 million tons of naphtha starting in April 2025.
“We are delighted to sign QatarEnergy’s first 20-year naphtha sales agreement, the largest and longest to date. This is our second such agreement with Shell since 2019 and builds on our strategy of stronger relations with established end-users and partners,” said Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the President and CEO of QatarEnergy.
Besides, Wael Sawan, the CEO of Shell, said: “This deal will support Shell as we deliver more value for our customers worldwide. Today’s signing marks another significant milestone in our long-established partnership.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Chinese oil and gas giant, CNOOC has commenced production at Bozhong 19-2 Oilfield Development Project with an estimated peak production of approximately 18,000 barrels of heavy crude oil per day.
Situated in central Bohai Bay, with an average water depth of approximately 20 meters, the project comprises a new central processing platform and four new unmanned wellhead platforms.
The development plan includes the commissioning of a total of 59 wells, consisting of 34 production wells and 25 water-injection wells.
The implementation of smart engineering and standardized construction has reduced the project’s construction cycle. CNOOC holds 100% operating interest in the project.
It has strongly promoted the efficient development of offshore oil and gas resources and laid a solid foundation for the production growth in the Bohai oilfields, the largest crude oil production base in China, CNOOC said in a press release.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kpando Senior High School in the Volta Region of Ghana has won the 2024 Energy Commission’s SHS Renewable Energy Challenge finals that took place at the Accra International Conference Centre on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
Kpando SHS beat five competing schools with 85 points to emerge as the winner of the SHS Renewable Energy Challenge.
The participating schools were St. James Seminary SHS, Yabokpa SHS, OLA Girls’ SHS, Obuasi Senior Technical School, Ahantaman SHS and Kpando Senior High School.
The theme for this year’s competition focused on the application of renewable energy technologies in solving land and water pollution.
In the last few years, illegal miners, known as ‘galamseyers’ in Ghana, have been mining in Ghana’s rivers, consequently, polluting the West African country’s water sources as well as destroying arable lands for agricultural purposes.
This year’s competition started with 125 Senior High Schools, which were divided into three zones across the 16 regions of Ghana in February, and the top three schools were selected for the semi-finals in August.
After the lead presenters showcased their innovative and technological ways of solving land degradation and water pollution to the admiration of the panel of judges and participants at the event, Kpando SHS emerged top with 85 points.
The school was awarded certificates for its participating students and a total cash prize of Gh¢210,000 for their excellent disposition.
Dabokpa Secondary Technical School came second, after their presentation with 82 points. They were awarded certificates and a cash prize of GH¢180,000.
St James Seminary SHS was third with 81 points. They also received certificates of participation and cash prize of Gh¢175,000.
Obuasi Secondary Technical School came fourth with 80 points and for their awards, the students were awarded certificates and a cash prize of over GH¢150,000.
The Ahantaman SHS placed fifth with 79 points and was given certificates and cash awards of over GH¢44,000.
Ola Girls was sixth and were equally awarded with certificates and cash awards.
The competition was initiated by the Energy Commission in February 2019 to foster interest in renewable energy and energy efficiency among students in the second-cycle institutions.
The Energy Commission wants to use the technologies displayed by the winning school in solving land degradation and water to be adopted and commercialized so that the school and students can benefit from their innovation.
It is the expectation of crafters of the competition that participating students will use their knowledge acquired to help fight Ghana’s environmentally unfriendly acts.
This year’s programme was in partnership with the Volta River Authority, Vivo Energy Ghana, Ghana Education Service, the European Union, Ministry of Energy, SCIR, GiZ, Ashesi University, AFD, and Cowbell, among others.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com 
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com 
The second session which focused on gas discussed how West African countries can collaborate to develop and expand regional natural gas infrastructural terminals to enhance trade and supply reliability.
The discussion also focused on critical steps needed to harmonise policy and regulatory frameworks across West African countries to facilitate smooth natural gas trade and investment.
It featured the Managing Director of West African Gas Pipeline Company, Michelle Burkett; CEO of Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, Mr. Joseph Abuabu Dadzie, Executive Director Oando Plc &COO, Oando Energy Resources, Dr. Ainojie ‘Alex’ Irune, and Director General Petrosen, Thierno Seydou LY.
It was moderated by Renaud Brimont, Head of EMEARC Consulting, Wood Mackenzie.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com