Libya: Oil Majors Return To Libya After A Decade Away
BP and Eni have returned to Libya after ten years of avoiding the country amid its civil war.
According to a statement by the National Oil Corporation of Libya, Italy’s Eni resumed exploratory drilling in the Ghadames Basin last weekend.
The company operates the exploration block where it is drilling in partnership with BP and the Libyan Investment Authority—the country’s sovereign wealth fund.
The Italian major acquired half of BP’s 85% stake in the Ghadames Basin block back in 2018. At the time, the company planned to start drilling at the site soon after the acquisition but the unstable political situation in the country changed those plans, as blockades of the oil fields and the oil export terminals became standard practice among various political and paramilitary factions.
Earlier this year, Libya’s oil production was decimated after the country’s two governments locked horns over the appointment of a new central bank governor. Since the central bank handles Libya’s oil revenues, both governments wanted their own man at the top position.
The eastern government, which controls most of Libya’s oil fields through affiliated armed groups, said production would be suspended until a compromise is found and promptly proceeded to carry out its threat.
As a result, Libya’s oil production dropped from over 1 million barrels daily to about 100,000 bpd for a short while, until the two governments shook hands on a new central bank governor.
The events highlighted the fact Libya is still not the safest of locations for oil operators, yet this appears to no longer be the deterrent it used to be.
Two other Western energy majors are also returning to Libya, according to the NOC.
Repsol, the Spanish operator, was preparing to start drilling in the Murzuq Basin in the coming weeks, and Austria’s OMV was also preparing for drilling in the Sirte Basin, the Libyan state energy company reported.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
UAE’s Renewable Energy Giant Pushes Back Green Hydrogen Targets
Masdar, the clean energy giant of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has pushed back its target to reach 1 million tons per year of green hydrogen capacity beyond 2030, the company’s press office told Bloomberg on Monday.
Masdar, which initially targeted this capacity by 2030, will now aim to reach it over the next decade, according to the press office, which did not elaborate on why plans have been deferred.
Masdar says that it is developing and investing in strategic green hydrogen projects and building scalable platforms in key markets around the world.
“Masdar seeks to be a project owner and integrator of world-scale developments along the entire hydrogen value chain,” according to the firm, whose shareholders include Abu Dhabi’s oil giant ADNOC, Abu Dhabi’s sovereign investment company Mubadala, and state utility giant TAQA.
On Monday, Masdar and EMSTEEL, the UAE’s largest publicly listed steel and building materials company, announced the successful completion of a pilot project demonstrating the use of green hydrogen to produce green steel.
Still, Masdar moving the capacity target beyond 2030 likely signals the challenges that green hydrogen is currently facing.
Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, CEO of EMSTEEL, told Bloomberg on Monday that “Green hydrogen is currently more expensive.”
“This highlights the need for alignment with regulators, suppliers, steel producers and customers,” the steel giant’s top executive added.
In recent weeks, major companies in Europe have scaled back some of their green hydrogen plans, either because of regulatory hurdles or a lack of future demand.
In Spain, oil firms Repsol and Cepsa are delaying green hydrogen investment in their home market as the Spanish government is considering making the windfall tax on energy firms permanent.
Further north, Shell and Equinor have ditched plans for low-hydrogen production and transportation in north Europe, due to a lack of demand.
Even the International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that policy and demand uncertainty are slowing down green hydrogen adoption.
Source: Oilprice.com
Ghana: BPA Expands Tsatsadu Mini Hydro Generation Capacity To 120 Kilowatts
Ghana’s second largest state-owned power generation company – Bui Power Authority (BPA) – has expanded its Tsatsadu Mini Hydro Generation Station with an additional 75 kilowatts, bringing the total to 120 kilowatts.
The first phase, which was 45 kilowatts, was executed when Mr Fred Oware was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BPA; it was commissioned in 2020 by President Akufo-Addo.
It was solely built by Ghanaian engineers at BPA and it has since eased the burden on the national grid, providing reliable energy to Hohoe and its surrounding areas.
Commissioning the project recently, Ghana’s Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, reiterated the imperative need for Ghana to consider renewable energy as a measure in reducing the cost of electricity.
Dr Bawumia, who is the flag bearer for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming elections on December 7, said the successful completion of the Tsatsadu Generating Station gives credence to his promise of increasing the country’s power generation capacity, by adding 2,000 megawatts of solar power.
According to him, this is aimed at reducing the cost of electricity by 50% within the first four years of his government and ensuring industries have enough power supply to expand their entities to propel economic growth.
“Today, my confidence has been further enhanced that it is possible. I have every confidence that working with Bui Power Authority, within the first four years, we are going to go all out and introduce 2,000 megawatts of solar power into the national grid,” he pointed out.
Dr. Bawumia also commissioned the Tsatsadu Centre of Excellence which would serve as a learning centre for tertiary students who want to undertake practical training in hydro-generating plant.
The CEO of BPA, Samuel Kofi Dzamesie, said the idea of constructing a Centre of Excellence was birthed by his predecessor, Fred Oware.
He said the 45 KW micro hydro plant was constructed solely by Ghanaian engineers at BPA and funded solely by internally generated funds of BPA.
Mr. Dzamesi announced that construction work would commence on a 3-MWp hydro plant at the Wli Waterfall to produce electricity to serve the Hohoe Constituency.
“BPA is very determined to be the renewable energy leaders of this country. As I speak to you, BPA will add 105 MW of solar power to the energy mix by November this year, 50 MW in Yendi, 50 MW in Bui, and 5 MW floating solar at Bui, the first of its kind in Africa.
“All these projects were done under the Nana Addo/Bawumia government. So, when you talk about adding 2000 MW solar to the grid, I assure you that it is possible and under your Presidency it shall be done,” he said.
The Railways Minister, John Peter Amewu, said he spearheaded the expansion of the plant in 2022, nearly doubling its capacity with the addition of a 75-KW micro hydro unit.
“We now have a total of 120 KW of energy capacity, the first of its kind in Ghana. This would not have been possible without the support of Hon. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (Napo) as Energy Minister and Hon. Kofi Dzamesi as CEO of Bui Power Authority who are committed to ensuring the implementation of this project,” he said in a post on Facebook.
According to him, the project aligns perfectly with Dr. Bawumia’s vision to deliver 2000 MW of solar power in the next four years if elected president on 7th December.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: IBEDC Signs N180Bn Power Purchase Agreement With Bresson SA, Magboro Power Plant.
Nigeria-based Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has signed a power purchase agreement with Magboro Power Plant and Bresson A.S, with the start of the first phase being a supply of 30 Megawatts.
Customers around Magboro, Mowe, are expected within eleven months to benefit from a 24-hour uninterrupted electricity supply as a result of the collaboration between Bresson and IBEDC at competitive rates.
The Magboro plant, designed as a 90MW plant, is expected to receive its first shipment of Titan 170 Solar Turbine by the end of April 2025.
In his remarks, Engr Francis Agoha, the Acting Managing Director of IBEDC, emphasised that the partnership aligns with the federal government’s target of 6000 Megawatts power projection for 2024 and the company’s strategic goal of improving customer energy availability.
“This agreement marks a significant milestone in our continuous efforts to ensure consistent and affordable power for the Magboro community and beyond,” he stated.
“We are committed to forging partnerships that foster progress and deliver lasting solutions to the power challenges faced by communities within our network.”
Magboro Power Company Limited, a respected independent power developer, will play a crucial role in this initiative.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: 2023/24 GRIDCo Batch Of National Service Personnel Hand Over Renovated, Equipped Fashion Centre, Other Facilities To Management
The 2023/24 batch of National Service Personnel (NSP) from the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) last Friday handed over a renovated fashion centre, washroom facilities and office space at the Accra Rehabilitation Centre at Adabraka, a suburb of Accra, to the management of GRIDCo.
With support from GRIDCo management, the NSP raised about GH¢100,000 for the project.
The initiative is part of GRIDCo’s sustainable corporate social responsibility strategy, and it underscores the commitment of GRIDCo’s NSP to support local communities.
The project involved a comprehensive renovation of the centre’s fashion centre, which has been re-equipped with three industrial and 10 manual sewing machines, including the renovation of four-unit washroom facility for improved sanitation and renovation of office space for administrators of the centre.
The support will boost vocational training opportunities for the student beneficiaries, while significantly improving the environment for both staff and students.
The GRIDCo 2023/24 NSP were able to successfully undertake this project through their self-imposed monthly contributions and with additional support from the management of GRIDCo.
Miss Rosabeth Akiwele Avio, President of the 2023/24 GRIDCo NSP, stated: “We are proud to contribute to the improved well-being of the Accra Rehabilitation Centre. This project reflects GRIDCo’s dedication to community service and the importance of empowering individuals through skills development.”
“As we hand over the renovated facilities and the new tailoring equipment today, let us remember that this is just the beginning. Together, we are providing not just resources but also hope and opportunity for those at the centre.”
This initiative continues a tradition of community support by GRIDCo NSP, who have consistently worked to uplift underserved areas.
Ms. Florence Agyei, Director of Human Resources, expressed her appreciation, saying: “On behalf of the management and staff of GRIDCo, I commend our NSP for their outstanding efforts in enhancing the lives of those in our communities.
Your actions exemplify GRIDCo’s core value of CARE, and we encourage you to carry this spirit forward in all your future endeavours.” The role of the centre is to rehabilitate persons living with disabilities.
In a comment, Mr. Seth Dzidzornu said: “We are, indeed, grateful to the management of GRIDCo and the 2023/2024 NSP for this generous gesture which will not only benefit the institution but also positively transform individual lives.”
He also commended GRIDCo for nurturing the NSP and instilling in them a strong sense of giving back to society.
The NSP appreciated the contribution of the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Grid Company, Ing. Ebenezer Kofi Essienyi, and Madam Ruth Abanga, CSR Officer for GRIDCo, with a citation for their commitment to the cause of service personnel.
GRIDCo remains committed to delivering Ghana’s power transmission needs, while actively supporting the communities it serves
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Riverson Oppong Receives Osagyefo Young Leadership Award
The Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMCs), Dr Riverson Oppong, has been honoured with the ‘Osagyefo Young Leadership Award’ at the 8th Edition of the Ghana Energy Awards underway at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, the capital of Ghana.
The citation accompanying the award acknowledged Dr. Riverson’s leadership and his remarkable contribution to Ghana’s energy sector.
“Your journey in the energy sector is marked by a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence. Prior to your current role, you served as the Manager in charge of Commercial Operations at the Ghana National Gas Company, where you played a crucial role in overseeing economic modelling, risk management, and strategic planning. Your tenure at the Ghana National Gas Company was pivotal in shaping operational efficiencies and promoting innovative solutions within the industry.
“With fifteen (15) years of global experience in oil and gas, you have worked on significant projects in various countries including Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Kazakhstan, and Iraq. Your involvement in these international endeavours has equipped you with a diverse skill set and a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s complexities. Your role as an experienced Oil and Gas Business Analyst showcases your ability to interpret value creation potential and drive impactful results.
“As an Adjunct Lecturer at esteemed institutions, you have taken on the responsibility of nurturing the next generation of energy leaders. Your dedication to education is evident in your engagement with students, imparting knowledge and inspiring future professionals in the field,” part of the citation said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: 8Th Ghana Energy Awards (Photos)
The 8th Edition of Ghana Energy Awards, organised by the Energy Media Group, ended successfully last Friday at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, the capital of Ghana.
It was under the theme: ‘The Role of Local Content In Building Ghana’s Energy Sector’.
The Special Guest of Honour at the event was Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, the Omanhene of Oguaa Traditional Council Area, Cape Coast, the capital of the Central Region.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com BRICS To Create Nuclear Energy Alliance
BRICS+ member states, including Russia, South Africa, Ethiopia, China, Brazil, Iran and Bolivia, have held the first meeting within the framework of the Nuclear Energy Platform being created.
During the meeting, top executives of the largest nuclear companies and organisations discussed the initiative and outlined further plans.
Experts claim that by 2050 the BRICS countries will account for half of the global energy generation and consumption, with nuclear power playing an important role in meeting the growing energy demand.
The Platform will promote best practices and advanced nuclear energy and other nuclear technologies in the BRICS and BRICS+ markets, providing incentives and models for nuclear projects in the BRICS member countries.
“Practically all the states of the association are implementing projects in the field of nuclear energy. Today, many BRICS members are the technological drivers of the international nuclear market.
“The common experience can and should be used and replicated throughout the BRICS space and on the planet as a whole.
Therefore, we propose to join forces within the framework of the BRICS nuclear platform, a voluntary alliance of companies, professional nuclear communities and NGOs supporting the development and implementation of nuclear technologies,” said Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom.
Currently, in addition to the 390 GW of operating nuclear power units, another 66 GW of nuclear capacity is under construction globally.
The BRICS countries are making a decisive contribution to global nuclear power. As early as 2030, at least two-thirds of the global nuclear energy growth will come from the BRICS countries.
The energy mix creation is an important step forward sustainable and economically successful future of a country.
Being a low-carbon, safe, reliable and cost-effective, nuclear energy may be considered as a vital element of national energy systems.
Africa is actively engaged in developing nuclear projects across the continent today.
South Africa’s Kouberg nuclear power plant (NPP) is operating, while Egypt is actively constructing the new El-Dabaa NPP – the installation of a core catcher body commenced at NPP’s Unit 3 in the beginning of October.
Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria and Sudan have already engaged with the IAEA to assess their readiness to embark on a nuclear programme. Algeria, Tunisia, Uganda and Zambia are also mulling the possibility of nuclear power.
Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Mali, the Republic of Guinea, Burundi have signed memorandums with Rosatom to establish strong nuclear energy ties.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
FERC Grants Exxon And Qatar Three-Year Extension To Build Golden Pass LNG
The U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has granted a three-year extension to ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy to build their $10-billion Golden Pass LNG export plant in Texas, Reuters reports, citing an FERC filing.
The federal regulator extended its authorization for construction after Golden Pass hit a snag earlier this year and faces delays due to the bankruptcy of Zachry Holdings, the lead construction contractor of the LNG project.
These delays were the reason for FERC’s extension, according to the document seen by Reuters.
In August, Golden Pass LNG, the Exxon-QatarEnergy joint venture developing the project, applied with the FERC for the three-year extension until November 30, 2029.
Earlier in August, Exxon said it is delaying the start-up of its Golden Pass LNG export project in Texas to late 2025 from the first half of next year after work at the facility stalled following the bankruptcy of the lead contractor.
The delay in the timeline for the start-up means that Exxon and its partner in the project, Qatar’s state firm QatarEnergy, will launch the export plant about six months later than originally scheduled, Exxon’s chief financial officer Kathy Mikells told Bloomberg at the time.
In a setback for the $10-billion project, the lead contractor Zachry Holdings initiated a voluntary court-supervised Chapter 11 process in May and fired thousands of workers.
As a result, progress on the LNG export project at Sabine Pass, Texas, stalled.
Zachry said in June that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas had approved its settlement agreement with Golden Pass LNG Terminal LLC and joint venture partners CB&I LLC and Chiyoda International Corporation.
The court decision paved the way for the resumption of work at the project as the settlement allows Golden Pass to resume construction on an expedited basis while Zachry exits the project.
Source: Oilprice.com
Ghana: NPA Boss Leads Charge For Clean Cooking Revolution In Africa
The President of the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA) and Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority, Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, has called for urgent action to address Africa’s clean cooking crisis.
Dr Abdul-Hamid emphasised the critical need for LPG to replace traditional biomass fuels, such as wood and charcoal which are still heavily relied on by millions of Africans.
He warned that the global effort to meet United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), which focuses on providing affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, is progressing too slowly, with Africa facing the steepest challenges.
The NPA boss who made the remarks at the opening of the 2024 ARDA LPG Forum in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, said, “Eighty per cent of Africans still use polluting fuels for cooking, resulting in nearly half a million premature deaths annually.”
This year’s ARDA LPG Forum under the theme: ‘Revolutionising LPG Adoption and Long-Term Sustainability as a Cleaner Cooking Alternative across Africa’, aimed at ensuring universal access to LPG by 2030, enhancing affordability and accessibility, fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships and developing infrastructure and supply chains.
The first-ever ARDA LPG Forum convened regulators, project developers, financiers, and experts to share success stories of LPG uptake; strengthen regulatory commitment and scale up finance for clean cooking.
As President of ARDA and Chief Executive of NPA, Dr Abdul-Hamid is driving the push for cleaner cooking solutions, noting that “Africa’s rapid population growth demands innovative energy solutions. LPG adoption is critical to reducing health risks, promoting sustainability, and driving economic growth.”
The NPA boss urged African governments and international stakeholders to work together to accelerate LPG infrastructure development and create policies that support the transition to cleaner energy sources.
Partnerships between the public and private sectors, ARDA believes, are key to expanding access to LPG, reducing costs, and making clean energy more affordable for low-income households.
“LPG is a proven solution to one of the biggest energy challenges we face,” Dr Abdul-Hamid stated. “We cannot afford to wait: this is a crisis and we need all hands on deck to solve it.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The U.S. Is Now More Dependent on Fossil Fuel Power Than China
Increased use of natural gas for power generation has made the United States more dependent on fossil fuels for its electricity supply this year than China, the world’s top carbon emitter.
Since June 2024, high U.S. summer electricity demand has been mostly met by increased gas-fired power generation, while a rebound in hydropower in China has limited to some extent the share of coal in its electricity supply.
As a result, fossil fuels – including natural gas and coal – have had an average share of 62.4% of total electricity output in the United States since June.
This compares to a lower fossil fuel share in the coal-dominated power system in China, where fossil fuels accounted for 60.5% of generation between June and September, according to data from energy think tank Ember reported by Reuters columnist Gavin Maquire.
The rise in natural gas power output could undermine the current U.S. goals of making the grid zero-carbon by 2035.
U.S. power generation from natural gas surged by 20% in the first nine months of 2024, compared to the same period of 2019. The share of gas in power supply has jumped to 43% from 38% five years ago.
In recent years, power demand in the United States, the single largest portion of which is delivered by gas-fired power plants, has soared and is expected to continue to surge with rising electrification and more electricity necessary to power and cool data centers.
U.S. power-generating companies are announcing plans for the highest volume of new natural gas-fired capacity in years as the AI boom is driving demand for electricity.
During the first half of 2024, electricity-generating firms unveiled plans for the new gas-powered capacity equal to all capacity announced in 2020, according to data from Sierra Club cited by Bloomberg last month.
Natural gas-fired electricity generation in the United States has jumped year-to-date compared to the same period last year, as total power demand rose with warmer temperatures and demand from data centers.
Source: Oilprice.com
Ghana To The Final Shortlist For Director-General Position Of International Solar Alliance
The Republic of Ghana has qualified and been shortlisted, together with Ethiopia and India, for the final stage where 120-member countries will gather in New Delhi, capital of India, on 4th November 2024 to vote and elect the new Director-General of the International Solar Alliance (2025-2028).
Ghana’s nominee for the position, Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo, a former Director for Renewable Energy at the Energy Ministry and Bui Power Authority (BPA), has received massive support and Ghana is anticipating that its nominee beats the other competitors.
Wizzie, as he is affectionately called, has over 30 years experience in the renewable energy sector.
He pioneered most of the renewable energy deployment in Ghana including the largest floating solar facility in Africa.
He was very instrumental in the development of renewable energy policies, plans and regulations in Ghana.
He delivered speeches on Renewable Energy at international events.
Below is the profile of Mr Wisdom Ahiataku -Togobo:
Mr Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo has a BSc degree in Physic and Mathematics from the University of Ghana, Legon and an MSc degree in Renewable Energy from the University of Oldenburg, Germany.
He also has a post graduate Diploma in Economics (Investment Appraisal and Risk
Management) from Queens University, Kingston Canada.
He is currently pursuing his PhD on Sustainable Energy Policy at the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani.
He started his carrier in the renewable energy sector in 1989 as an Associate Programme Officer with the then National Energy Board and has over the years developed his skills and capacity in the implementation of various renewable energy programmes for rural energy access.
He is currently the Founder and Director of Alternative Technology Consult, Ghana (AT Consult Ghana) after his retirement as the Director Renewable Energy at the Bui Power Authority, a state owned company dedicated to the generation of electricity from renewable and clean energy resources.
He was the Director of Renewable Energy at the Ministry of Energy, Ghana for eleven (11) years and was very instrumental in the development and passage of the Renewable Energy Act, 2011 (Act 832).
He also played a leading role in the development and amendment of the Bui Power
Authority Amendment Act 2020 (Act 1046) and the Renewable Energy Amendment Act 2020 (Act 1045).
Mr. Ahiataku-Togobo also chaired the Committee that developed the Ghana Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP) in 2019. Before then, he was the Renewable Energy Expert for the World Bank – Ghana Energy Development and Access Project (GEDAP).
He has also worked as the Project Coordinator for the UNDP Household Energy Programme in Ghana.
Mr. Ahiataku-Togobo is a Board Member of the Ghana Nuclear Institute and a founding member of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
He is also a visiting lecturer at the University of Oldenburg, Germany and has a number of publications, articles and reports on renewable energy and sustainable development to his credit.
He is the candidate of the Republic of Ghana for election in November 2024 for the position of the Director General of the International Solar Alliance.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Helicopter Carrying NNPC Officials Crashes, 3 Bodies Recovered, Others Missing
Nigeria’s National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC) has reported that a helicopter carrying six personnel and two crew crashed in the Gulf of Guinea, with five of them missing while three bodies had been retrieved as the time of this report.
A statement issued by NNPC Limited said it engaged the helicopter with registration number 5NBQG and it took off from Port Harcourt NAF enroute the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility-NUIMS ANTAN.
The company said, “At about 11:22 am, we lost contact with the Helicopter.”
The helicopter was operated by East Winds Aviation.
Soneye Olufemi Soneye, NNPC Ltd’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, who signed the statement confirming the incident, revealed that the appropriate authorities had been contacted, including the Ministry of Aviation, who had since issued a press statement.
“Search and rescue missions are currently ongoing. So far, three (3) bodies have been recovered,” he said.
He assured Nigerians that NNPC Limited would continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates as events unfold.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the passengers, crew and their families during this challenging time. We are committed to doing everything possible to support the ongoing search and rescue operation,” the NNPC spokesperson stated.
Meanwhile, Eastwind Aviation, which operates Sikorsky S76, also confirmed the incident in a statement.
The statement said the bodies of three (3) persons onboard have been recovered this far, and identification procedures are currently underway.
“Search and rescue operations are currently ongoing for the remaining individuals.
“Our immediate focus and priority is on the search and rescue efforts. We are working closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority NCAA and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and we will provide updates as soon as we have more confirmed information from the ongoing search and rescue operations,” he said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Angola: Over 900 High-Voltage Towers Vandalised In Zaire—Says Afonso Nzolameso
Nine hundred and eighty one (981) high-voltage electricity towers have been vandalised in recent years by unknown people in four of the six municipalities of Zaire Province in the Republic of Angola.
The Deputy Governor of Zaire for the Political, Social and Economic sector, Afonso Nzolameso, disclosed this at the opening of the awareness campaign on the preservation of electricity transmission lines, promoted by the National Electricity Transmission Network (RNT).
According to him, 476 high voltage towers were damaged in the municipality of Soyo, 372 in Nzeto, 128 in Tomboco and one in Mbanza Kongo, the capital of Zaire Province.
Without giving figures, the official said that the replacement of the equipment damaged by people he called ‘anti-patriots’ cost large sums to the Angolan state coffers.
In turn, the non-executive Director of RNT, Altino Salvador, said that three months ago, the company calculated an estimated loss of over six million US dollars, as a result of the actions carried out by the vandals.
According to the source, to reverse the current situation, RNT decided to relaunch the campaign to raise awareness of the population for the preservation of the social and economic equipment that the Executive makes available to it.
Launched in 2019 in the province of Cuanza-Norte, with the designation Kilueso (danger), the awareness campaign was interrupted in 2020 due to Covid-19.
It should be noted that the province of Zaire benefits from electricity from the national grid in all municipal headquarters, including some communes and villages.
The province of Zaire has an estimated population of more than 600,000 inhabitants, spread over six municipalities, 25 communities and 711 villages.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com