Japan Maintains Energy Policy Focused On Boosting Nuclear And Renewables
Japan aims to continue restarting nuclear power plants and boost renewables capacity, the new industry minister said on Wednesday, signaling that the new government will not alter materially the country’s current energy policy.
“We can use renewable power to the maximum, and we will restart nuclear power, the safe one, as much as possible,” Industry Minister Yoji Muto, appointed by the new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, told reporters in the first press conference as minister, as carried by Reuters.
Ishiba, who won the leadership race of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, and by default became the new prime minister, had opposed reviving nuclear in the early stages of his campaign
However, Ishiba stopped calling for ending nuclear power shortly after winning the race to be Japan’s new prime minister.
Currently, Japan is bringing back nuclear power as a key energy source, looking to protect its energy security in the wake of the energy crisis that led to surging fossil fuel prices.
The resource-poor country which needs to import about 90% of its energy requirements, made a U-turn in its nuclear energy policy at the end of 2022, as its energy import bill soared amid the energy crisis and surging costs to import LNG at record-high prices.
At present, fossil fuels account for about 70% of Japan’s electricity, which would clash with its net-zero goal.
Earlier this year, a government projection showed that Japan would need to increase its electricity output by between 35% and 50% by 2050 to meet a proportionate surge in demand.
In May, Japan launched the most important energy policy discussions in its post-World War Two history, aiming to strike a balance between the need to boost its energy security with conventional sources and its pledge to become a net-zero economy by 2050.
Source: Oilprice.com
FTC Bars HESS CEO From Joining Chevron Board After $53 Billion Deal On OPEC Collusion Accusations
U.S. regulators will allow Chevron to move forward with its $53 billion acquisition of Hess but are barring Chief Executive Officer John Hess from joining the supermajor’s board, saying he improperly communicated with OPEC.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission said in a statement Monday that Hess communicated with members of the group and its allies, encouraging them in some cases to stabilize oil production and draw down inventories.
“Mr. Hess’s communications with competitors about global oil output and other dimensions of crude oil market competition disqualify him from serving on Chevron’s Board of Directors,” said Henry Liu, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition.
Chevron and Hess didn’t immediately comment. The FTC voted 3-2 in favor of the agreement.
The Hess family’s stake in the company founded by John Hess’ father almost a century ago is worth about $5 billion under the terms of the takeover agreement announced in October. Hess, 70, stands to become one of Chevron’s biggest shareholders upon closure of the deal.
The agreement marks the second time this year the FTC has barred a senior oil executive from joining a suitor company’s board.
The agency reached a settlement with Exxon Mobil Corp. in May that blocked Pioneer Natural Resources Co. Founder Scott Sheffield from obtaining a directorship, citing texts and emails that it claimed amounted to “collusive activity” with OPEC officials.
Sheffield has denied any wrongdoing, and accused the FTC of “publicly and unjustifiably vilifying” him.
For Chevron, the end of the antitrust review clears a key hurdle for the company’s biggest transaction since its 2001 acquisition of Texaco Inc.
To close the Hess deal, Chevron still needs to prevail in arbitration over claims of rights of first refusal by Exxon Mobil Corp. and Cnooc Ltd. to Hess’ most important asset — a 30% stake in a huge Guyanese oilfield.
The FTC conducted similar probes of Occidental Petroleum Corp.’s acquisition of Texas shale driller CrownRock LP, and Diamondback Energy Inc.’s purchase of Endeavor Energy Resources LP, opting in both cases against challenging the transactions.
The agency also declined to challenge Chesapeake Energy Corp.’s takeover of Southwestern Energy Co.
Source: World oil
Japan To Keep Nuclear, Boost Renewables In Its Energy Mix, New Industry Minister Says
Japan plans to continue safely restarting nuclear power plants and will use as much renewable energy as possible, Industry Minister Yoji Muto said on Wednesday, indicating no major shift in policy under newly appointed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
Before he won the leadership race of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, Ishiba, who was sworn in on Tuesday, had pledged to do his utmost to cut out nuclear power.
He was the only candidate to oppose nuclear power usage in Japan, which relies on fossil fuel imports for two thirds of its electricity.
But shortly before becoming party leader, and by default prime minister, Ishiba stopped advocating for zero nuclear power, instead calling for the use of more renewable energy, including hydropower, and for more energy conservation.
“We can use renewable power to the maximum, and we will restart nuclear power, the safe one, as much as possible,” Muto told reporters at his first media event as the minister for economy, trade and industry (METI).
As demand for electricity is projected to grow as more data centres and semiconductor factories are set up, Muto said securing energy will be “the most important part of Japan’s growth”.
Renewable energy, driven by solar, wind and hydropower, accounted for more than a quarter of Japan’s power generation mix last year, with coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG) making the bulk of up the rest, according to consultants WoodMackenzie.
earthquake and tsunami triggered a meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear plant, creating the world’s worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl.
Japan now runs eleven nuclear power reactors, or a fifth of what it had before the meltdown, providing it with nearly 11 gigawatt of electricity. Reactor restarts contributed to an 8% fall in LNG imports last year to their lowest in 14 years.
However, imports of LNG and coal used in thermal power plants cost 12.4 trillion yen ($86 billion) last year alone, accounting for 11% of its total import bill and adding to living costs, an issue Ishiba must deal as prime minister.
Tokyo Electric Power Co (9501. (TEPCO) is looking to restart its Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the world’s biggest, but lacks approval from the eastern Niigata prefecture whose governor is pushing for more safety assurances.
Muto said TEPCO had yet to address all the community safety concerns, but added that it was important to restart nuclear plants to balance supply, manage power prices and decarbonise.
Mika Ohbayashi, director with Renewable Energy Institute in Tokyo, said that the upcoming House of Representatives election on Oct. 27 and the dynamics within the ruling LDP party will determinate the future of discussions about the nuclear energy.
“In terms of energy supply, it (nuclear power) can be reduced to zero,” Ohbayashi said, referring to the period more than a year after the Fukushima disaster when Japan stopped all its 54 reactors.
Source: Reuters
Hydrogen Project Investments Are Accelerating But Uncertainty Remains, IEA Says
Final investment decisions for hydrogen projects have doubled over the last 12 months, dominated by China, but installed capacity and demand are low as the industry faces uncertainty, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in a report on Wednesday.
The investment decisions represent a five-fold increase of current low-emission hydrogen production by 2030, with China covering more than 40% over the last 12 months, which would eclipse solar expansion at its fastest rates, the group said.
Demand targets, however, are only just over a quarter of the production projects, and progress made so far in the hydrogen sector is not sufficient to meet climate goals, the IEA added.
Most projects are also at early stages, the IEA said, and the project pipeline is at risk due to unclear demand signals, financing hurdles, incentive delays, regulatory uncertainties, licensing and permitting issues and operational challenges.
“Policymakers and developers must look carefully at the tools for supporting demand creation while also reducing costs and ensuring clear regulations are in place that will support further investment in the sector,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol.
Global hydrogen demand could grow by around 3 million tonnes (Mt) in 2024, concentrated in the refining and chemical sector, but that should be seen as a result of wider economic trends rather than the result of successful policies, the IEA said.
Demand is currently largely covered by hydrogen produced by unabated fossil fuels, with low emissions hydrogen still only playing only a marginal role, it added.
Technology and production cost pressures remain a large factor, with electrolysers in particular slipping due to higher prices and tight supply chains, while cost reduction relies on technological development and achieving economies of scale.
Source: Reuters
South Africa: Mantashe To Address Delegates At Africa Oil Week Next Week
South Africa’s Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mr Gwede Mantashe has committed to attend the four-day AOW energy event in Cape Town from 7 – 10 October.
AOW: Investing in African Energy brings together industry leaders to develop policy, share discoveries, secure investment, and shape Africa’s energy future.
This year’s event will feature more than 1 600 senior delegates, 80 ministers and officials from 70+ countries and representatives of more than 760 companies.
Announcing Mantashe’s confirmed attendance, Chief Executive Officer of Sankofa Events, Paul Sinclair said that the presence of the host nation’s two most senior energy leaders confirmed that Africa was committed to taking ownership of its own energy destiny.
“We are excited to welcome Mr Mantashe to AOW, where he will share stages and attend sessions with ministers from many other countries, as well as senior players from energy businesses and multilateral forms,” said Sinclair.
“We are proud to provide an environment where Africa’s energy leaders can discuss the latest industry trends, and how the continent can help to shape them.”
Mantashe has been a regular keynote speaker at previous AOW events, and the announcement of his attendance comes as lucrative energy opportunities open across the continent – in responsible oil exploration and production, in renewable energy, and in the trade of natural gas as a high-demand future fuel.
Ongoing major oil-and-gas discoveries in the Orange basin, offshore South Africa and Namibia, have highlighted the scale and importance of these opportunities – for African governments, their people, and energy businesses.
“The world’s energy markets are in the midst of a dynamic transition,” said Sinclair.
“Navigating that transition requires industry partnerships. Africa is showing that not only does it have massive resources, it also has the networks, the financial innovation and the commitment to develop those resources for Africa’s people, and all stakeholders.”
This year marks 30 years of the industry-leading AOW event. The four-day conference, exhibition and investment forum brings together governments, regulators, global operators, power producers, investors and service providers.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Ramokgopa Calls For Integration Of SA’s Renewable Energy Sources
Energy and Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has called for a concerted effort to integrate the country’s renewable energy sources, to mobilise resources to fund the country’s Just Energy Transition.
Ramokgopa delivered a keynote address at Standard Bank’s 4th annual climate summit in Johannesburg.
The country is looking at integrating its energy sources and to move from its reliance on coal power stations.
Ramokgopa has encouraged the private sector to cooperate with government.
“Our own targets suggests that we will need R1,5 trillion for us to achieve the kind of ambition we’ve set for ourselves. So, we welcome the fact that for the 4th year running, Standard Bank has occasioned this conversations so bringing into the fore the fraternity to say how best can they support this net zero path.
So, it’s important that in this conversations we don’t leave anyone behind and all the major players are able to take a position and see how best they can contribute towards, it’s a country effort led by government.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Hubtel Clarifies ECG PowerApp Deal…Says ACEP’s Claim Of PowerApp Costing US$25M Is False
Hubtel, a leading Ghanaian IT solution provider that developed a PowerApp for the Electricity Company for revenue collection, has denied a claim by the African Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) that it reported being paid US$12 million (Gh¢151 million) out of the total cost of US$25 million (Gh¢315 million) for developing the PowerApp.
According to Hubtel, the $25 million was the amount the ECG Board of Directors set out as the cost limit at the start of the project and not money that would be paid to them.
In a statement, Hubtel explained that with their guidance and other third-party service providers, ECG spent only about $12 million (GHS171 million) out of the $25 million.
“Hubtel has NOT been paid $25 million,” the company said.
“Hubtel has NOT quoted anywhere that we have received $25 million from ECG.”
It noted that the $12 million was spent on replacing old and obsolete systems that were causing severe revenue losses and frequent downtimes, and not just on the power app.
“These included the upgrading of ECG’s core databases from Oracle 10G to Oracle 19C, a new balance management and accounting system, hybridization of metering infrastructure, an overhaul of staff systems for commercial operations, an overhaul of customer self-service systems, an overhaul of revenue protection systems and others.
”The new ECG PowerApp is only one of the cost lines within these expenditure,” the statement said.
Again there were allegations that Hubtel gets three per cent of every electricity unit purchased by customers of ECG.
However, the company categorically debunked that allegation, saying, “Hubtel does NOT get 3% of electricity bought by ECG customers.”
It explained that for all merchants and retailers using Hubtel’s platform, the company charges a fee of 1.95 per cent on all transactions processed through their payment platform, and further explained that “one per cent of this 1.95% (more than 50%) is typically retained by the mobile money and card scheme providers, and Hubtel receives 0.95% as our fees.
”This is no different in ECG’s case. Hubtel’s fee is 0.95% and not 3%.”
The company further explained that other fees which are not part of its fees include fees retained by upstream payment providers such as mobile money providers, Visa and MasterCard, provision for metering cloud infrastructure, bank transfer charges and next-day settlement fees to meet ECG’s demand to receive all collections within one day of processing regardless of the settlement period by the upstream payment scheme provider, all of which have nothing to do with Hubtel.
Hubtel also flatly debunked the allegation that its contract with ECG is for 30 years, saying the contract is only for five years.
The critics of the Hubtel contract also claimed that Hubtel’s involvement has not yielded any revenue improvements for ECG, but the company laid out figures to debunk that allegation.
According to Hubtel, as of the time of putting out this statement, a monthly average revenue growth of over 210 per cent (compared to the revenues of August 2022) has been achieved as a result of the work being done by Hubtel and the new commercial system providers.
This, it said, is the longest-sustained record of monthly revenue growth in ECG’s collection history.
”Even factored for the recent average increase in tariff of about 80%, there is still a significant net monthly revenue growth of about 72%; which is a record growth since the year 2001.
”This significant jump in monthly revenues has enabled the ECG to become self-sufficient to meeting its obligations to key suppliers in the short-term,” it said.
Hubtel also pointed out that “for the avoidance of doubt, the new commercial systems designed, developed, and implemented by Hubtel and other service providers have only been involved in ECG’s operations since March 2023. Therefore, attempts by some CSOs and media commentators to link our work to ECG’s past financial performance and legacy matters are completely misleading.”
On the claim that ECG could have purchased APIs from Hubtel to cut cost, the company said that suggestion is tantamount to saying that each company has to purchase mobile money APIs off telcos just to save cost, but things don’t work like that in the payment service industry both in Ghana and around the globe.
Hutbel again debunked allegations that it is owned by some politicians, saying, “At no point since the founding of Hubtel have any of the company’s shares been held or owned, directly or indirectly, by an official of any government institution or any person affiliated with any political party in Ghana.
”Also, at no point since the founding of the company has it had any contract with the Government of Ghana.”
Hubtel said they are very proud of the work they have done at ECG and for the people of Ghana, adding that it remains a company deeply rooted in the ideals of good governance, transparency and an unyielding determination to contribute to the development of the digital economy in Ghana.
“We wish to assure the general public that our service at ECG has been guided by these principles at all times,” it said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Springfield E&P Secures Deepsea Bollsta Rig To Appraise Afina Well
Springfield E&P, a wholly-owned Ghanaian upstream petroleum plays, has contracted the Deepsea Bollsta Rig from Northern Ocean Limited (NOL) to lead the company’s appraisal of the Afina-1x well located deep offshore block, WCTP-2, in the Republic of Ghana.
In a statement, the company said the strategic initiative underscores its commitment to advancing Ghana’s oil production by aiming to finalise the unitisation of the Afina-Sankofa fields to ultimately bring significant value to the Government of Ghana and all stakeholders involved.
The company said the good test with the Deepsea Bollsta Rig would commence in October, adding that other blue chip service companies, both local and international, have been engaged to offer support services related to the upcoming operations.
Commenting on the agreement, Mr Kevin Okyere, Chief Executive Officer of Springfield, said: “I am hoping that our tenacity and persistence will inspire Ghanaians and the youth across Africa to know that they can all dare to dream and achieve anything they want.”
On July 8, the International Court of Arbitration ruled that Springfield should do further work to complete the unitisation process.
Following that, and to comply with the ruling, Springfield has worked swiftly on securing a rig and all other technical requirements to appraise and do a good test on Afina-1l. Springfield is a company that adheres to and respects all judicial decisions, both national and international.
“Together with GNPC and GNPC-Explorco, we are excited to work with Northern Ocean on this historic drilling campaign as the first independent African company to operate in deep water.
“The success of this campaign will result in us being the first independent African producer in deep water as well. Northern Ocean’s impressive track record, efficiency and expertise make them the ideal choice for Springfield as together, we have managed to plan and execute this drilling campaign in the shortest possible time, which will be unprecedented.
“We look forward to building a mutually beneficial long-term relationship that brings significant value to all our stakeholders,” the company said.
Arne Jacobsen, Chief Executive Officer of NOL, commented: “We are excited to announce this strategic alliance agreement with Springfield, which is an important step in the company’s plan to build a solid order backlog.
“In addition, this alliance creates the foundation for NOL and Springfield to work as partners to deliver first-in-class operation with our tier 1 HE rigs.
“Springfield is an important operator in Ghana, and we are eager to build a long-term relationship with this esteemed company.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
AJERAP Invites Oil, Gas Leaders, Others To One-On-One Engagement With Mr Julius Rone
The African Association of Energy Journalists and Publishers, AJERAP, whose members, including journalists, analysts are committed to promoting accurate reportage and analysis of the energy, environment, sustainability, and related sectors from an African perspective, has concluded plans to host the Group Managing Director/CEO of UTM Offshore Limited, Mr. Julius Rone, OFR, on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 11 am, Central African Time, CAT.
Key issues
The event is important as Mr. Rone, a leading African oil and gas leader, would provide insight into many issues, including the establishment of UTM Offshore Limited, the floating LNG project, the final investment decision, FID, and expected impact on Nigeria, Africa, and the global economy.
He would also touch on other issues, including Africa’s energy poverty, the global energy transition, the quest for energy security and investing in Africa’s energy, thus lighting the path of potential investors and other stakeholders interested in staking their resources in the continent.
His profile
Mr. Julius Rone is an alumnus of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile–Ife, and the University of Calabar where he attained his advanced diploma and Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration respectively.
He is a seasoned administrator with vast experience spanning over a decade in the public sector and a member of several professional bodies and philanthropic organizations.
Mr. Julius Rone came on board as Charge De’ Affairs of the UTM Group of companies, viz: UTM Offshore Limited; UTM FLNG Limited; UTM Energy Limited; UTM Dredging Limited; UTM Engineering and Construction Limited: UTM Properties Limited; UTM Logistics and Marine Services Limited; MWS Allied Services Limited; Water Petroleum Limited; SBM Limited; UTM Ghana Limited; UTM-CTK Ghana Limited.
He is a seasoned businessman and a renowned philanthropist and promoter of the Julius and Yutee Rone Foundation and holds a membership portfolio in the following professional bodies viz: The Institute of Directors (IoD); American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP); American Management Association (AMA); International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) USA; Association of Associate Executives (AAE) etc. Mr. Rone is married with children.
Moderators
The event would be anchored by two leading African journalists – Sanna Camara and Allen Atwine, from The Gambia and Uganda, respectively.
Invitation
The organizers said the event would be relevant to industry leaders, financiers, scholars, consultants, contractors, policymakers, government officials, opinion leaders, community leaders, students, journalists, and analysts in Africa and other continents.
Registration Link
https://bit.ly/4ekD34v
Ghana: Society Of Petroleum Engineers Appoints Dr Riverson Oppong As Regional Director
The Society of Petroleum Engineers, a global professional group of oil and gas sector engineers, has appointed the Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMC) in the Republic of Ghana, Dr Riverson Oppong, as the Africa Regional Director.
This appointment is a testament to Dr Oppong’s distinguished career and his significant contributions to the oil gas, and energy sectors.
With over 15 years of global experience in the industry, Dr. Oppong’s passion for knowledge-sharing, empowering young professionals, and promoting industry growth through volunteerism were highlighted as key factors in his recognition.
SPE praised his commitment to shaping the next generation of energy professionals, which played a major role in his appointment.
Dr Oppong, who also serves as the CEO and Industry Coordinator of the AOMC in Ghana, has been lauded for driving sustainability and innovation within Ghana’s oil and gas marketing industry.
His technical and advisory roles have been instrumental in shaping key national policies, including Ghana’s Gas Master Plan, Natural Gas Pricing Policy, and the country’s Energy Transition Plan.
His continuous support for the Energy Sector Recovery Program further underscores his contributions to the industry.
In his new role with SPE, Dr Oppong will gain access to a global network of experts, cutting-edge technologies, and innovative solutions.
This presents an opportunity to enhance Ghana’s oil marketing sector by fostering partnerships, driving innovation, and promoting strategic growth across Africa and beyond.
His dual roles with AOMC and SPE create a powerful synergy, allowing him to bridge local expertise with international best practices.
About SPE
The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) is the largest individual member organisation serving managers, engineers, scientists, and other professionals in the oil and gas industry.
With members in 143 countries, SPE offers a platform for its dedicated members to contribute to the profession through programs, activities, and innovations that shape the future of the global energy sector.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Three Million Crude Oil Production Per Day Achievable—NNPC
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, is optimistic of increasing the country’s current oil production from 1.7 million barrels per day to three million barrels per day.
According to the NNPC, the political will in that regard is already provided by President Bola Tinubu with directives to relevant security agencies to stem the ugly tide of oil theft and pipeline vandalism that led to an increase in the daily oil production from 1.4 million to 1.7 milliion barrels per day now.
Speaking on Saturday in Abuja at the Stakeholders’ Engagement Session the NNPCL had with journalists, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer (CCCO) of the oil conglomerate, Mr Olufemi Soneye, noted that the feat is attainable with support from all stakeholders.
He said: “Three million barrels oil production per day is achievable in Nigeria if all the stakeholders work in synergy for that purpose from the security agencies both government and privately owned to oil companies and host communities.
“With expected synergy from all the relevant stakeholders on war against oil theft and pipeline vandalism, required enabling environment would be in place for optimal oil production to the volume of 2.5 to 3million barrels per day.”
Soneye had earlier lamented that at a point, oil production went down to 900,000 barrels per day in the country before the involvement of private security agencies and renewed efforts of the military.
He noted, “At that time, we felt Nigeria was in trouble as far as oil theft was concerned, but the intensity of war against it has allayed our fears.”
In a powerpoint presentation on the menace of crude oil theft and its impact on Nigeria’s economy by Deputy Manager, NNPC Command and Control Centre, Murtala Muhammad noted that the crime of oil theft remains a serious concern.
He said that over 8,000 illegal refineries and 5,800 illegal oil pipeline connections were detected and destroyed within the last six months.
He listed, for example, Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, Abia to be hot spots of the crime.
In his paper presentation on ‘Balancing Reporting and Nation Building: The Role of National Assembly Press Corps’, the resource person, Professor Taiye Obateru, emphasised fairness and national interest in all stories.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
UK: End Of An Era As Britain’s Last Coal-fired Power Plant Shuts Down
Britain’s only remaining coal power plant at Ratcliffe-on-Soar in Nottinghamshire will generate electricity for the last time today (Monday, September 30,2024) after powering the UK for 57 years.
The power plant will come to the end of its life in line with the government’s world-leading policy to phase out coal power which was first signalled almost a decade ago.
The closure marks the end of Britain’s 142-year history of coal power use which began when the world’s first coal-fired power station, the Holborn Viaduct power station, began generating electricity in 1882.
The shutdown has been hailed by green campaigners as a major achievement for the government in reducing the UK’s carbon emissions, providing international climate leadership, and ensuring a “just transition” for staff in Britain’s coal industry.
Michael Shanks, the minister for energy, said: “Today’s closure at Ratcliffe marks the end of an era and coal workers can be rightly proud of their work powering our country for over 140 years. We owe generations a debt of gratitude as a country.”
The UK became the first country to set an end date for coal power from 2025 after putting in place increasingly stringent green regulations to reduce the running hours of its coal plants.
Ministers strengthened the UK’s leadership on phasing out coal by calling for the deadline to come forward by a year, shortly before the UK hosted the UN’s Cop26 climate talks in Glasgow in late 2021.
Ratcliffe’s 170 remaining staff will be invited to gather in the canteen on Monday where a live stream from the power plant’s control room will show the moment that its generating units are turned off for the last time.
Peter O’Grady, Ratcliffe’s plant manager, said: “This whole year has been a series of poignant moments. I’m sure there will be a few tears as the whole thing stops and as people leave.”
The coal plant once employed 3,000 engineers but its workforce has declined in line with its power output over recent years.
Coal power made up 80% of the UK’s electricity in the early 1980s, and 40% in 2012, before petering out in the last decade due to costly carbon taxes and the rise of cheaper renewables.
“This is the final chapter of a remarkably swift transition from the country that started the industrial revolution,” said Phil MacDonald, managing director of global energy thinktank Ember.
A report by Ember found that coal power has halved among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries since reaching a peak in 2007.
Coal power made up 17% of electricity generated by OECD countries last year, according to Ember, but 27 of the 38 member states have pledged to be coal-free by the end of the decade.
Ed Matthew, a director at climate crisis thinktank E3G, said: “The UK was the first country to build a coal-fired power station. It is right that it is the first major economy to exit coal power. This is true global leadership, lighting the path for other countries to follow.”
Tony Bosworth, a campaigner with Friends of the Earth, said: “The priority now is to move away from gas as well, by developing as fast as possible the UK’s huge homegrown renewable energy potential and delivering the economic boost that will bring. But this vital green transition must be fair, by protecting workers and benefiting communities.”
Staff were first told in 2021 that the plant would close in late 2022 but Ratcliffe’s owner, the German energy company Uniper, later said it would keep the plant running during the Europe-wide gas crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine under an agreement with the government.
Uniper has worked with unions to help many engineers into new jobs at the company’s other power plants or into training which could lead to work in other areas of the energy industry.
More than 100 are expected to remain at the plant to carry out decommissioning work over the next two years.
Michael Lewis, Uniper’s chief executive, said: “For me, Ratcliffe has always been more than just a power station – it has been a pillar of the UK’s energy security for decades. Built during a time when coal was the backbone of industrial progress, Ratcliffe powered over 2m homes and businesses – equivalent to the entire East Midlands region.
It played a crucial role in boosting economic growth and supporting the livelihoods of thousands of people.
“This will be the first time since 1882 that coal has not powered Great Britain. As we close this chapter, we honour Ratcliffe’s legacy and the people working here, while embracing the future of cleaner and flexible energy,” he said.
Source: The Guardian
Zambia: ZESCO Assures Of Improved Power Supply In October
Zambia’s debilitating power supply situation is likely to improve in October, according to ZESCO.
This will certainly be good for Zambians as thousands of them have been living without a power supply for either some hours in a day or days without a power supply.
Zambia has 3,493.5 Mega-Watts (MW) of installed electricity generation capacity, of which 85 per cent is hydro-based.
Unfortunately, severe drought has affected the hydroelectric power supply in the Southwestern African nation, forcing the power distribution company, ZESCO, to implement load shredding, which has brought a lot of burden on households and businesses.
Speaking to the media earlier last week, the Managing Director of Zesco Limited, Eng Victor B. Mapani, assured Zambians that the power supply would improve in October.
Mapani, who outlined several measures being rolled out to diversify the country’s reliance on hydroelectric power, said the country is investing in the development of renewable energy sources.
He said his outfit is planning to partner with solar power developers to import solar panels and accessories at a cheaper cost.
He said one of the things they have done is asking mining firms to pull back 30 per cent of the power they consume so that this power could be channelled to consumers.
Mr. Mapani said they are expecting the Maamba coal power plant, which was shut down for maintenance since August 2024, to come online in October.
“Within the next 10 days, the Maamba power plant will come online, and we expect the power situation to improve,” he stated.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
AfDB Group’s Sustainable Energy Fund For Africa Approves €6 Million For Desert To Power – Burkina Faso Solar Project
The African Development Bank Group has approved a €6 million concessional financing package from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), a special multi-donor fund managed by the Bank, to accelerate the completion of Burkina Faso’s Dédougou photovoltaic solar project in support of the Bank’s Desert-to-Power initiative.
The project involves designing, constructing and operating an 18-megawatt solar power plant in Dédougou, located 250 kilometres west of the capital, Ouagadougou.
Burkina Faso is one of five priority countries under the Desert-to-Power initiative, which aims to generate 10 gigawatts of solar power across 11 Sahelian countries by 2030, promoting socio-economic development.
This project stands as one of the first independent power producers (IPPs) in Burkina Faso and has secured both senior and subordinated loans, along with a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Société Nationale d’électricité du Burkina Faso (SONABEL).
However, the project encountered challenges in reaching financial close due to cost escalations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The SEFA Covid-19 IPP Relief Programme (SEFA Programme) played a pivotal role in overcoming these hurdles.
Through concessional financing, SEFA helped restructure the financial arrangements to absorb the pandemic-related cost increases, ensuring the project’s viability and preserving the originally agreed structure with the Government of Burkina Faso, thereby contributing to the country’s energy security.
Under the SEFA Programme, a €2.5 million senior concessional loan and a €3.5 million reimbursable grant have been provided through its concessional finance facility.
SEFA’s involvement has been instrumental in unlocking additional financing from the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank, FMO, including subordinated and senior loans.
These funds will be disbursed to Dédougou Solaire SARL, the project company jointly developed by QAIR, which is responsible for managing the project.
As part of the Desert-to-Power initiative, the project is expected to contribute to energy security, diversification of the energy mix, reduced electricity costs, and increased national electrification rates.
“The Dédougou Solar PV project increases Burkina Faso’s renewable energy generation capacity in line with the objectives of the Desert-to-Power Initiative.
By backing projects like this, we are making tangible strides toward electrifying the Sahel, bolstering energy security, and improving the lives of millions,” said Dr. Daniel SCHROTH, Director of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Department at the African Development Bank “Abdoulaye Toure, CFO at Qair Africa, acknowledged SEFA’s support and the project’s advancement: “We are pleased with this approval by SEFA and thank the African Development Bank for their support of the project.
This allows us to move forward with our commitment to supporting Burkina Faso’s energy goals by developing a second solar plant, just a year after the successful commissioning of Zano.
This achievement aligns with the country’s ambitions for energy supply and reinforces Qair’s vision of becoming a leading player in Africa’s renewable energy sector in the coming years.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com