Ghana: Sunon Asogli Unveils 850MW Thermal, 200MW Solar PV, And 100MW Wind Power Plan In Greater Accra And Northern Regions
Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited, the largest independent power generation company in the Republic of Ghana, is set to commence major energy projects in Greater Accra Region and the northern part of the country as part of its expansion drive.
The company currently operates a 560MW combined-cycle power plant located in Kpone, near Tema.
Speaking at the celebration of the Chinese New Year — the Year of the Horse — at Kpone, Co-founder and President of Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited, Togbe Afede XIV, said Asogli Power has acquired four sites in the north for the development of solar projects, with an initial target of 200MW.
He further revealed that land has been secured for a 100–200MW wind farm in Sege in the Ada West District, as well as plans to expand the current plant with an additional 850MW.
He told this portal that the company would soon sign a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Electricity Company of Ghana to kick-start construction.
He added that the company is encouraged by the stability John Mahama’s government has brought to the economy and asked for the Vice President’s assistance “as we strive to support Ghana’s growth ambitions and energy transition plans.”
He continued: “…we want to be an integral part of Ghana’s economic success and support the Big Push, the 24-Hour Economy, and other exciting government initiatives.”
Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited is a joint venture between Shenzhen Energy Group and the China Africa Development Fund.
The first phase of the power plant was completed in 2010, and the second phase, with an installed capacity of 360MW, was commercialised in 2017.
Togbe Afede commended Ghana’s economic stability under President John Mahama’s administration, noting that renewed investor confidence has strengthened the country’s economic outlook.
He cited recent visits by top officials from Guangdong Province — home of Shenzhen Energy Group — as well as Madam Liu, the first female Deputy CEO of Shenzhen Energy, as clear endorsements of Ghana’s positive trajectory.
“As resilience and growth come, there will be increased energy demand. We want to ask you to assist us as we strive to support Ghana in this ambition to grow the energy sector, especially in the transition towards renewables,” he appealed.
He added that just as Shenzhen Energy Group played a key role in transforming Shenzhen and Guangdong Province into global economic powerhouses, Sunon Asogli aims to be an integral part of Ghana’s economic success, supporting flagship initiatives such as the 24-hour economy policy.
The colourful celebration blended business and culture, reinforcing both the commercial partnership and people-to-people ties between Ghana and China, as participants ushered in the Lunar New Year with renewed optimism for expanded cooperation in the energy sector.
Liberia: LEC Recovers 5MW From Illegal Power Connections
The Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), the state-owned power generation and Distribution Company, has recovered approximately 5 megawatts (MW) of illegally consumed electricity through its ongoing nationwide anti-power theft campaign dubbed “Operation Sweep.”
The day-and-night operation has enabled LEC teams to visit industrial facilities and residential communities across the country.
The exercise has resulted in the removal of illegally connected meters, unauthorized electrical cables, and other fraudulent power connections.
Authorities confirmed that several individuals have been arrested during the crackdown.
Some offenders have been prosecuted and sentenced to jail terms, while others are paying thousands of dollars in recovery and penalty fees.
Located in West Africa, Liberia has a population of more than 5.8 million people. The country’s total installed power generation capacity is approximately 126 megawatts, meaning the recovery of 5MW represents a significant portion of available supply.
Electricity access in Liberia remains limited, with the national access rate currently estimated at about 33 percent.
The government and its partners are working to expand generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure to improve nationwide access and reliability.
Liberia’s power sector was severely damaged during the country’s civil wars (1989–2003), leaving much of the infrastructure destroyed.
In the post-war period, LEC has been rebuilding the system, including the rehabilitation of the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant and expansion of thermal generation capacity.
Power theft remains a major challenge for the utility, contributing to financial losses, system overload, and unreliable supply. Officials at LEC have vowed to intensify enforcement efforts to ensure that individuals and businesses using electricity illegally are held accountable.
Nigeria: NNPC Ltd, Dangote Group Forge Strategic Alliance To Boost Nigeria’s Energy Security
Africa’s largest petroleum refinery, the Dangote Refinery, and Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) have renewed their commitment to a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s energy security and economic prosperity.
The renewed collaboration followed high-level discussions during a visit by an NNPC Ltd delegation to the refinery facility.
The delegation was led by the Group Chief Executive, Engr. Bashir Ojulari, and included a comprehensive tour of the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery.
Engr. Ojulari praised the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, for his vision and resilience in delivering the massive refinery project, which positions Nigeria as a key downstream hub in Africa.
Describing the partnership as transformational, Engr. Ojulari said the alliance would “unlock synergies across assets, infrastructure, capital, and markets,” while enhancing transparency and coordination in NNPC-Dangote business relations. He also highlighted opportunities for expansion into upstream operations, trading, shipping, and gas supply.
The NNPC chief further commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing policy clarity and investor-friendly reforms that have strengthened confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Aliko Dangote emphasized that Nigerians would be the ultimate beneficiaries of the partnership, noting that the collaboration would deliver economies of scale and unlock value across markets.
NNPC Ltd currently holds a 7.25 percent stake in the Dangote Refinery — a strategic investment aligned with its downstream growth objectives and commitment to expanding domestic refining capacity.
Both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation to ensure energy security, stimulate industrial growth, and create sustainable value for Nigerians.
Ghana: Disregard Claims Of Impending LPG Shortage – NPA Tells Consumers
Ghana’s petroleum downstream regulator, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has urged the public to disregard media commentary suggesting an imminent shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and has assured consumers that there is adequate stock to meet demand.
In a press release dated Friday, February 20, 2026, the Authority said it had taken note of publications referencing comments by the Chief Executive of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies, Dr Riverson Oppong, who reportedly advised the public to fill their cylinders in anticipation of a possible gas shortage.
The NPA, however, maintained that there is no basis for panic buying.
“The NPA wishes to assure the general public that there is enough LPG in stock to meet demand. The country currently has LPG stock covering over one month of consumption, with production by local refineries at its highest level.
“Additionally, as per the national import plan, the country is expected to take delivery of an LPG cargo within the next two weeks to further shore up existing stock levels and keep the market well supplied. Consumers are hereby advised to desist from panic buying and rest assured that there is no impending shortage of LPG in Ghana,” part of the statement read.
Earlier this week, the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) and the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) raised serious concerns over what they described as the unlawful diversion of funds from the LPG Fund to the Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company (GCMC), a state-owned entity.
According to the two industry bodies, the action constitutes a “flagrant breach of statutory mandate, a dangerous sabotage of national energy policy, and an unacceptable betrayal of public trust.”
The LPG Fund was established under Legislative Instruments (LI) 2262 (as amended) and LI 2481 and was implemented by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) on April 1, 2024.
The Fund has three explicit and legally binding objectives, including the imposition of a $44 per metric tonne (MT) Bottling Plant Margin and a $36 per MT Cylinder Investment Margin.
These levies are intended to finance the construction and operation of LPG bottling plants nationwide and to support the rollout of the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM), aimed at ensuring safe and efficient LPG distribution.
In a joint statement, CBOD and COMAC stressed that the LPG Fund was never intended to serve as discretionary capital for ad hoc allocations.
Ghana: Tullow Signs $205million Deal To Acquire TEN FPSO
Africa-focused independent oil and gas firm Tullow Oil has signed a sale and purchase agreement to acquire the floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel serving the TEN fields on the Deepwater Tano Block offshore Ghana, in a move aimed at reducing costs and improving long-term field economics.
The agreement, executed by Tullow Ghana Limited on behalf of the TEN Joint Venture, provides for the acquisition of the FPSO Prof. John Evans Atta Mills for a gross consideration of $205 million, equivalent to approximately $125.6 million net to Tullow.
Completion is expected at the end of the first quarter of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions.
The FPSO is the production facility for the TEN fields, where Tullow is operator alongside partners Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), GNPC Explorco, Kosmos Energy, and PetroSA.
Tullow said the acquisition will eliminate annual lease payments and lower fixed operating costs at TEN, supporting improved free cash flow beyond 2027. The company expects to fund its share of the purchase price from in-year cash flow generated by the TEN asset.
The transaction is also expected to enhance operational synergies with the nearby Jubilee Field, where Tullow is co-operator, as the partnership continues to advance long-term development plans offshore Ghana.
Company executives described the FPSO purchase as part of Tullow’s broader strategy to optimise production, strengthen asset economics, and extend the economic life of its West African offshore portfolio.
The FPSO transaction follows recent developments across the TEN and Jubilee partnership. Earlier this week, Ghana’s Parliament ratified licence extensions for the Jubilee and TEN fields through 2040, alongside ongoing drilling activities and production growth across the assets.
Ghana: Energy Minister Meets Cenpower To Strengthen Power Sector Collaboration
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, earlier this week met with officials of Cenpower Generation Company Limited, one of Ghana’s leading independent power producers, in Accra.
The company operates a 350MW combined-cycle power plant located in Kpone, near Tema in the Greater Accra Region.
The meeting focused on recent developments within the power sector and explored opportunities for sustained collaboration in support of President John Dramani Mahama’s energy agenda.
During the discussions, Dr. Jinapor outlined the government’s vision to ensure a reliable and sustainable power supply across the country. He emphasised the importance of maintaining strict fiscal discipline while safeguarding the long-term viability of the energy sector.
Both parties described the engagement as constructive and forward-looking, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening partnerships aimed at enhancing power generation and sector stability.
Dr. Jinapor also reiterated his commitment to continued engagement with key industry stakeholders as part of broader efforts to secure Ghana’s energy future.
Nigeria: Toxic Gas Leakage Kills 37 People At Mining Site
Thirty-seven people were reportedly killed and 26 others hospitalised following a toxic gas leak at a mine in north-central Nigeria, the Associated Press (AP) reported, citing the Nigerian Police Force.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday in the Kampani Zurak community, located in the Wase area of Plateau State, police spokesman Alfred Alabo said in a statement.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the miners were affected by a sudden discharge of lead oxide and other associated gases such as sulphur and carbon monoxide, which are toxic and poisonous to humans, particularly in a confined or poorly ventilated environment,” he said.
“The corpses of the deceased victims have been released to their families for burial in accordance with their religious practices.”
The Nigerian government has closed the mining site, and an investigation into the leak is underway.
The miners were reportedly unaware of the toxic nature of the emissions and continued their operations, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said in a statement.
It remains unclear what was being mined at the site and whether the operation was legal.
Nigeria has been attempting to rein in illegal gold mining operations across the country, which has claimed hundreds of lives over the years.
Nigeria: Power Generation Companies Blast NLC President For Calling GenCos An Extortionist Group
Power generation companies and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) have begun a battle that is likely to linger for some time.
It all started when the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, accused power generation companies of engaging in what he described as “institutionalised extortion.”
This statement drew a response from the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC), which described the claims as misleading and damaging to efforts aimed at stabilising the country’s fragile power sector.
The Chief Executive Officer of APGC, Dr. Joy Ogaji, faulted the recent remarks by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, saying they did not reflect the realities of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
Ogaji stated, “While we acknowledge the frustrations of Nigerians regarding unstable electricity supply, we must firmly reject the characterisation of the sector’s challenges as robbery and a grand deception. Such allegations are a misrepresentation of the facts and a disservice to ongoing efforts to stabilise the power sector.”
According to the association, power generation companies remain the most financially exposed segment of the electricity value chain because they generate electricity that is not fully paid for due to revenue shortfalls across the market.
She added, “GenCos face the greatest risk in the electricity value chain, with outstanding unpaid invoices now exceeding N6tn. Rather than castigate operators, attention should be focused on addressing the liquidity crisis that threatens the sustainability of electricity supply.”
The association also rejected claims that proposed government financial support for the sector amounted to a political arrangement, insisting that intervention funds were necessary to prevent further deterioration.
“We strongly refute the insinuation that proposed government support for the sector is a clandestine plan to ‘settle the boys.’ Such claims are baseless and undermine the critical liquidity interventions required to keep the lights on,” the statement added.
The GenCos said they were open to scrutiny and willing to subject their financial records to an independent forensic examination if required.
“If the NLC or any other institution considers it necessary, our books are available for any form of investigation. What is important is to identify the real causes of the sector’s challenges and work collaboratively toward sustainable solutions,” Ogaji said.
The development follows recent comments by the NLC accusing electricity firms of exploiting Nigerians through tariff adjustments and alleged hidden subsidies.
The power generators urged organised labour to engage constructively with stakeholders, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could discourage investment and worsen electricity shortages.
Zambia: Gov’t Approves Major Energy Pipeline Projects To Strengthen Fuel Security
Zambia has approved the construction of the Tanzania–Zambia Multi-Products Pipeline and the Namibia–Zambia Refined Petroleum and Natural Gas Pipeline under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement, Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, Minister for Information and Media, revealed in a statement following a Cabinet meeting held at State House on Wednesday.
The move is aimed at transforming Zambia’s petroleum infrastructure.
According to Mr. Mweetwa, the projects will provide alternative sources of petroleum products and strengthen the country’s supply chain.
He explained that with national fuel consumption projected to reach approximately 3.7 million tonnes annually by 2030, the new pipelines are designed to meet rising demand, reduce costs, and stabilize petroleum prices.
Mr. Mweetwa added that the development will enhance supply security and position Zambia as an emerging regional energy hub while supporting long-term economic growth.
Ghana: Parliament Approves 2040 Extension For WCTP And DWT Oil Blocks Amid Minority Pushback
Ghana’s Parliament on Thursday ratified a Memorandum of Understanding covering the West Cape Three Points (WCTP) and Deepwater Tano (DWT) blocks, extending the agreements to December 31, 2040, despite objections raised by the Minority.
The WCTP and DWT blocks, operated by Tullow Ghana Limited, have key partners including Kosmos Energy, PetroSA, and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).
Originally set to expire in 2034 (WCTP) and 2036 (DWT), the agreements have now been extended following a US$2 billion investment commitment to drill at least 10 and up to 20 new wells. The investment will also fund critical subsea infrastructure to sustain production from the Jubilee and Tweneboa–Enyenra–Ntomme (TEN) fields.
Government officials defended the extension as necessary to ensure continuity in upstream petroleum operations and maintain production in mature fields. They argued that retaining the current operators and contractual framework would help avoid disruptions from premature licence termination or changes in operatorship, while preserving institutional memory and minimizing transition risks.
During the parliamentary debate on Thursday, February 19, 2026, Minority Members of Parliament expressed concerns about approving the extension years ahead of the original expiry dates.
They warned that such early approvals could set a precedent encouraging other contractors to seek similar long-term security.
The Minority further argued that enough time remains to renegotiate terms closer to the existing expiration periods.
Parliament also approved the extension of a Master Gas Agreement involving the state, GNPC, and contractor parties.
The revised framework is expected to, among other things, reduce gas prices by 18%, increase gas supply from 100 mmscf/d to 130 mmscf/d, with potential for an additional 50 mmscf/d, and boost GNPC’s interest in each petroleum agreement by 10%.
US Threatens To Withdraw From IEA Over Net Zero Agenda
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has issued a one-year deadline for the International Energy Agency (IEA) to abandon its net-zero emissions agenda or risk the United States withdrawing from the organization.
Speaking at an IEA ministerial meeting in Paris, Wright criticized IEA’s goal for the world to achieve net zero by 2050 as a “destructive illusion” with a “zero percent chance” of being realized.
According to Wright, the global energy agency would be better served by refocusing on its founding mandate of energy security, energy access, and “energy honesty,” rather than acting as a “climate advocacy organisation”.
Wright has pressured the IEA to stop forecasting net-zero scenarios, claiming they distort global energy data and drive “deindustrialization”.
He, however, conceded that withdrawal by the United States could allow China to gain more influence over the agency, stating that “our goal is not to withdraw” but to use “all the pressure we have” to reform it from within.
The IEA’s “Net Zero by 2050” plan sets out how the global energy sector could reach net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.
The goal is to keep global warming to no more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, in line with the 2015 Paris Agreement.
“Net zero” means that any greenhouse gases still released are balanced by removing the same amount from the atmosphere. That can happen naturally, such as through forests and other carbon sinks, or through technology like carbon capture and storage.
The Trump administration is supporting carbon capture where it helps oil production, while cutting broader climate spending. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed in July 2025, keeps and expands the 45Q tax credit.
It raises the credit for carbon dioxide used in enhanced oil recovery to $85 per metric ton, the same level as the credit for permanent underground storage. That change makes it more attractive for oil companies to inject CO into older fields to increase output.
At the same time, the Department of Energy has canceled billions of dollars in clean energy and carbon capture funding.
That includes $3.7 billion in grants meant to help heavy industries lower emissions. In short, the administration is keeping support for carbon capture tied to oil production, while cutting funding for other decarbonization programs.
Ghana: CBOD And COMAC Condemn Illegal Diversion Of LPG Funds To GCMCL; Demand Immediate Cessation
The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) and the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) have raised serious concerns over what they describe as the unlawful diversion of funds from the LPG Fund to the Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company (GCMC), a state-owned entity.
According to the two industry bodies, the action constitutes a “flagrant breach of statutory mandate, a dangerous sabotage of national energy policy, and an unacceptable betrayal of public trust.”
The LPG Fund was established under Legislative Instruments LI 2262 (as amended) and LI 2481, and was implemented by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) on April 1, 2024.
The Fund has three explicit and legally binding objectives, including the imposition of a USD 44 per metric tonne (MT) Bottling Plant Margin and a USD 36 per MT Cylinder Investment Margin.
These levies are intended to finance the construction and operation of LPG bottling plants nationwide and to fund the rollout of the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) to ensure safe and efficient LPG distribution.
However, the portal understands that more than US$7 million has already been diverted from the Fund.
In a joint statement, CBOD and COMAC stressed that the LPG Fund was never intended to serve as discretionary capital for ad hoc allocations.
They argued that redirecting the funds to GCMC does not represent administrative flexibility but rather a statutory violation that undermines Ghana’s LPG safety and infrastructure framework.
The groups warned that the alleged misappropriation could lead to the destruction of private investment, job losses, consumer exploitation, and investor flight.
“Every diverted cedi erodes competitiveness, freezes critical investment, and transfers wealth from productive enterprise to governmental discretion,” the statement said. “Ghanaians’ confidence in state institutions—earned over decades—is being weaponized to justify institutional pilferage.”
The associations have demanded the immediate cessation of all disbursements from the LPG Fund to GCMC. They are also calling for the reversal of any allocations already made and the restoration of the funds to their lawful purpose.
Furthermore, the groups have served notice of their intention to pursue all legitimate avenues—policy, legal, and public—to defend the rightful utilization of the LPG Fund.
“We will not permit this fund to become a discretionary slush account. We will not remain passive while statutory protections are shredded. We will not accept anything less than full accountability, decisive leadership, and restoration of fund integrity,” the statement concluded.
The National Petroleum Authority, the regulator of Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector, has yet to respond to the allegations.
France: Nuclear Operator EDF Faces Higher Maintenance Costs Amid Solar Oversupply On The Grid
French nuclear power operator EDF is facing increased annual maintenance costs estimated between €1.5 million and €3.75 million as a result of reduced output from its nuclear reactors, Reuters has reported.
The cost increase is linked to a growing oversupply of solar power onto the French electricity grid.
According to Reuters, nearly 70% of France’s electricity comes from nuclear energy, which represents roughly half of the revenue of state-owned EDF. However, a recent surge in solar power generation has changed the way EDF operates its nuclear fleet.
“The increase in renewable energy has led to a fundamental change in how EDF modulates production, causing it to reduce output during the middle of the day when there is a lot of sunlight—compared to previously when it would do this during periods of low demand in the evening or at the weekend,” EDF said, as cited by Reuters.
Modulation—rapidly reducing reactor output to balance high renewable inflows—doubled in 2024 compared to 2019, driven by the expansion of renewable capacity and sluggish electricity demand.
“The main impact is that increased flexibility will lead to increased maintenance needs and therefore increased costs, simply because some equipment will be used more frequently,” said Jean-Marie Boursier, Deputy Director of EDF’s Nuclear Production Division said.
EDF stressed that modulation is a purely economic measure and does not affect the safety of the nuclear fleet. The company added that increasing electricity consumption would help absorb current production levels and reduce operational strain.
France last week introduced its new multi-annual energy planning law, which calls for expanded renewable energy production and deploying public funds to stimulate domestic electricity demand, which has remained weak.
Nigeria: Dangote Signs $400 Million Equipment Deal With Chinese Firm To Fast-Track Refinery Expansion
Nigeria-based Dangote Group, Africa’s largest petroleum refinery operator, has signed a $400 million construction equipment deal with XCMG Construction Machinery, one of China’s leading machinery manufacturers.
The agreement is expected to accelerate the expansion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals from its current capacity of 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day.
The company announced the development in a statement issued on Monday.
According to the Group, the agreement will facilitate the acquisition of a wider range of advanced construction equipment to support ongoing and upcoming projects across refining, petrochemicals, agriculture, and large-scale infrastructure development.
The new equipment will complement existing assets being deployed for the refinery expansion, which is projected to be completed within three years.
Beyond refining, the expansion programme will boost polypropylene production from 900,000 metric tonnes per annum to 2.4 million metric tonnes per annum.
Urea production capacity in Nigeria will also triple—from 3 million to 9 million metric tonnes per annum—in addition to the 3 million metric tonnes per annum capacity in Ethiopia, strengthening the Group’s standing as the world’s largest urea producer.
Production capacity for Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) will increase to 400,000 metric tonnes per annum, positioning the Group as the largest producer in Africa and enhancing supply to the detergent and cleaning products industry. Additional base oil production capacity also forms part of the wider expansion plan.
Describing the agreement as a strategic investment, the Group said it aligns with its ambition to build a $100 billion enterprise by 2030.
“The additional equipment we are acquiring under this partnership will significantly enhance execution across our projects. With this investment, we are positioning ourselves to become the number one construction company in the world,” the statement noted.
Dangote Group is currently accelerating its expansion and regional market development as it advances toward its long-term 2030 vision.