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
The Gambia: Karpowership Line Damaged By Thunderstorm Repaired—Says NAWEC
The Gambia’s National Water and Electricity Company Limited has announced the restoration of power supply in the West African country.
This follows the repair of the lines to the Karpowership that was damaged as a result of a thunderstorm last night.
Earlier today, Saturday, NAWEC, in a statement, assured the public that their team was already on the site, working with the Karpower team to resolve the issue.
In an update about two hours ago, the power and water distribution company said the damaged line had been successfully repaired.
“The power-ship is now fully operational and normal service has been restored.
“We thank you for your patience and understanding during this period,” the company said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Electricity And Water Tariffs Up By 3.02%, 1.86%
Ghana’s economic regulator for electricity and water utility, Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), has announced a 3.02 per cent and 1.86 per cent increase in electricity and water tariffs respectively effective, October 1, 2024.
This was contained in a statement issued by Dr. Ishmael Ackah, Executive Secretary for PURC and copied to energynewsafrica.com.
In arriving at the decision, the Commission took into account the US Dollar/Ghana Cedi exchange rate, domestic inflation rate, cost of natural gas and electricity generation mix, among others.
“By incorporating changes in the values of these indicators in the quarterly tariff reviews, the Commission ensures that the real value of the tariffs are maintained, to provide for the financial viability and ability of utility service providers to deliver on their mandate,” Dr Ackah said.
The new tariff, according to the Commission, is necessary to keep the light on and the water flowing.
Dr Ackah mentioned that the Hydro-Thermal generation mix considered for the projected period remained unchanged with hydro sources contributing 34.81 per cent to generation, while thermal sources contributed 65.19 per cent to the generation mix.
“There was, however, a 4.96% depreciation of the Ghana Cedi against the US Dollar between the second and third tariff quarters.
“Projected inflation rate for the period declined marginally from 24.38% to 22.27%. Similarly, the Weighted Average Cost of Gas (WACOG) declined from US$/MMBtu 8.0422 to US$/MMBtu 7.8368 for the third quarter.
“The overall changes in these factors under consideration amounted to a total under-recovery of GHS 173.98 million, which translates to a 3.02% increase in electricity tariffs. In the case of water, a revenue gap of GHS 12.01 million was recorded which translates to a 1.86% increase in water tariffs,” he said.
The Commission, he said, expects the regulated utilities, including the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ghana Water Limited (GWL) and Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) to adhere strictly to the PURC regulatory benchmark of 98 per cent for revenue collection and, consequently, pay what is due all stakeholders in the value chain.
“This is very necessary for the sustainability of both the energy and water sectors,” he concluded.
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Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: TCN Commissions New 100MVA Power Transformer At ALAUSA Sub-station
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Lagos Region, has successfully commissioned a new 1×100/125MVA 132/33kV power transformer at its 132/33kV Alausa Transmission Substation in Lagos State.
The new100MVA transformer has increased the substation’s capacity from 105MVA to 230MVA, enabling Ikeja DisCo to offtake more bulk power for its customers in IKEJA, OREGUN, ALAUSA, OJODU, and surrounding areas.
This project is part of the ongoing TCN-World Bank-funded initiatives aimed at improving power supply in Nigeria.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Egypt: Gov’t Targets 42% Renewable Energy In The Energy Mix By 2040
Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mahmoud Esmat, outlined key targets during the BRICS Energy Ministers Conference, including the goal for renewable energy to comprise over 42 percent of Egypt’s energy mix by 2040 and ambitions to capture 5-8 percent of the global trade for green hydrogen by the same year.
During the opening of the conference in Moscow, Esmat highlighted Egypt’s commitment to transitioning to sustainable energy sources and leveraging its abundant renewable resources, particularly solar and wind energy.
Esmat noted that Egypt’s strategy focuses on effectively managing and maximizing the benefits of its natural resources while aiming to reduce carbon emissions and promote green energy.
“Our shared goals are essential to address the global energy landscape’s challenges and opportunities,” he stated, underlining Egypt’s ongoing efforts to balance economic growth with sustainable energy development.
He elaborated on the country’s plans to diversify its energy mix and enhance energy efficiency, emphasizing the significance of renewable sources alongside nuclear energy in the transition to a greener future.
The Electricity Minister also highlighted Egypt’s recent launch of the national hydrogen strategy, positioning the country as a future leader in green hydrogen production, as well as the establishment of the National Hydrogen Council and new legislation for green hydrogen investment incentives reflecting the Egyptian government’s commitment to attracting foreign investments in this emerging sector.
Esmat also stressed the importance of cooperation within BRICS, particularly regarding hydrogen transport and technology development.
He outlined ongoing partnerships with BRICS countries, including Egypt and Russia’s cooperation on the El Dabaa nuclear power plant, and collaborations with China in various energy sectors, including green hydrogen.
There are also continuing partnerships with India on thermal power projects and hydrogen initiatives, he added, also highlighting that the unified electrical grid in Egypt is linked to its neighbors in Jordan, Sudan, Libya, and soon with Saudi Arabia.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Russia, Mali Strengthen Co-operation On Alternative Energy, Nuclear Power
Russia’s state-owned atomic corporation, Rosatom, and Malian Ministry of Energy and Water have discussed progress in the implementation of alternative energy and geological exploration projects, and considered ways of expanding bilateral co-operation.
The meeting was a follow-up on a series of meetings that took place in July 2024 where a memorandum was signed between Rosatom and Mali to develop nuclear energy infrastructure.
On 25 September, Nikolay Spasskiy, Deputy Director General-Director of the International Co-operation Unit of Rosatom, met with a delegation from Mali led by Alusseni Sanou, Minister of Economy and Finance.
From the Malian side, the Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Bintou Camara, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Madina Sissoko Dembele, and the Minister of Mines, Amadou Keita, attended the event.
The parties discussed progress in the implementation of projects in the field of solar power generation and geological exploration, and considered ways of expanding bilateral co-operation.
These discussions follow the meetings that took place earlier this year between the President of the transition period of the Republic of Mali, Colonel Assimi Goïta, and Rosatom.
Three memoranda related to the development of nuclear infrastructure and human capital were signed as the final outcome.
It was agreed to continue close contacts and to hold regular co-ordination meetings as joint work progresses.
Co-operation and partnership are the backbone of the Russia-Mali relationship in the field of the energy sector’s development, and a step towards a sustainable energy future of the entire African continent.
Mr. Spasskiy invited the Malian delegation to visit a Russian NPP by the end of the year.
This invitation was gratefully accepted as nuclear projects based on international collaboration can be a key to unlocking the potential of many African nations, including Mali, and addressing pressing economic and social challenges.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Vivo Energy Ghana Achieves Outstanding Safety Milestone – 5000 Goal Zero Days
Vivo Energy Ghana, the exclusive distributor and marketer of Shell branded products has proudly marked an exceptional milestone in its commitment to safety and operational excellence, celebrating 5000 Goal Zero Days (no harm to people and minimising its impact on the environment).
This achievement reflects the tireless dedication of employees, contractors, transporters, and all its stakeholders in maintaining the highest safety standards and incident-free operations.
The commemorative event was held at the company’s head office in Accra and saw key stakeholders in attendance, including the company’s Managing Director, the Vice President-Group HSSEQ-MS, the company’s Board Director, and representatives from its contractors and transporters, all of whom who shared remarks and applauded the collective effort that has made this milestone possible.
In his remarks, Mr. Jean-Michel Arlandis, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana highlighted the crucial role of teamwork, vigilance, and the earnest commitment to safety: “I am grateful to all contributors for their roles in sustaining an incident-free environment including my predecessors under whose tenure this achievement has been made possible,” he said.
He emphasised the company’s ongoing commitment to ensuring workplace safety and excellence.
The Vice President, HSSEQ-MS of Vivo Energy Group Mr. Grant Bairstow in his goodwill message commended the proactive measures and rigorous safety protocols that have become the foundation of the company’s culture and expressed his appreciation towards this great feat by the Ghana team.
He further encouraged the team to keep up the good work towards achieving more Goal Zero Days in the business operations both internally and externally.
The Company’s Board Director, Mr. Samuel Sarpong also reflected on the journey thus far and underscored the importance of continuing this path to sustain this impressive record.
He also expressed his enthusiasm and hope for the company to clock 7500 Goal Zero Days in some few years to come.
As part of the celebrations, the company’s transporters and contractors were acknowledged and presented with citations of appreciation, symbolising the collective pride in achieving this feat.
Well wishes from both internal and external stakeholders were shared, further highlighting the broad support for the company’s safety-first approach.
As Vivo Energy Ghana celebrates this achievement, it also looks ahead to the future with renewed determination.
The 5000 Goal Zero days stand as a testament to the company’s long-standing commitment to Health, Safety, Security, Environment, and Quality Management Systems (HSSEQ-MS). But more importantly, it serves as a reminder that when a team comes together with a shared purpose, no goal is out of reach.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Stop Refuelling Vehicles With Passengers Onboard—NPA Cautions
The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has cautioned commercial drivers against refuelling vehicles with passengers onboard.
The Authority said such a practice endangers the lives of passengers as they are exposed to harmful chemicals.
Speaking at the NPA Central Regional sensitisation durbar in Cape Coast, the Central Regional Manager of the NPA, Mr Michael Opoku-Obiri, said one of the primary risks associated with refuelling is the inhalation of toxic fumes.
He explained that gasoline contains harmful chemicals like benzene, a known carcinogen.
These fumes can easily enter vehicles through open windows or doors, exposing passengers—especially children and the elderly—to health risks such as nausea, dizziness and respiratory issues.
He noted that despite the open, well-ventilated nature of most fuel stations, drivers often overlook the dangers of trapped fumes inside vehicles.
Many drivers routinely stop at gas stations without asking passengers to exit the vehicle. Whether rushing to drop kids at school, heading to work, or running errands, refuelling with passengers inside the car is a common practice.
However, this seemingly harmless habit has serious safety implications, with the most significant danger being the risk of fire.
From January to July 2023, Ghana recorded 3,819 fire incidents across various sectors, with commercial and fuel-related fires being major contributors.
In light of the frequent fire outbreaks at fuel-filling stations in recent years, Nana Aduam stressed the need for increased public education on safety measures related to fuel and gas usage.
Mr Opoku-Obiri indicated that the Authority had implemented several safety regulations to ensure public safety at fuel stations.
He explained that while refuelling may seem like a routine task, it carries significant risks that are often underestimated.
“By taking simple precautions, such as ensuring passengers exit the vehicle and remaining vigilant about potential hazards, drivers can significantly reduce the dangers associated with refuelling,” he said.
Mr Opoku-Obiri also noted that although specific rules governing the refuelling of commercial vehicles are not publicly available in one comprehensive document, general safety guidelines and warnings are emphasised.
He gave the assurance that the NPA would continue its efforts to raise awareness, educate and inform dealers of petroleum products, consumers, and passengers about the dangers of neglecting safety measures in the use of gas and fuel.
In her speech, the Paramount Queen Mother of Agona Nsaba, who also serves as the President of the Central Regional Queen Mothers Association, Nana Adwoa Nkansah Aduam III, called for stricter enforcement of the NPA regulations on refuelling vehicles with passengers onboard. She noted that this practice posed significant health and safety risks to the public.
Nana Adwoa Nkansah Aduam III emphasised that the NPA must ensure stricter enforcement of its public safety mandate.
She commended the Authority for its ongoing efforts to educate the public on safety protocols within the petroleum industry. However, she also called for further action, especially as the country approaches the dry season when the risk of fire incidents is heightened.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Ghana Gas Resolves Technical Fault At Atuabo Gas Processing Plant
Ghana National Gas Company has resolved the technical fault that occured at its Atuabo Gas Processing Plant, which resulted in limited gas supply for power generation plants.
In a statement issued by Ernest Kofi Owusu- Bempah Bonsu, Corporate Communications Manager, he said there was a plant equipment trip on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, which resulted in limited gas flow rate from the plant to power generators.
He explained that immediately, the company’s engineers started working and successfully resolved the issue and restarted the plant.
“We are currently flowing at 40MMscfd which is about 45% of our normal flow,” he said.
He added: “Our team is working assiduously around the clock to ensure power stability of the plant.”
He apologised to Ghanaians for the inconvenience caused and assured that there would be full gas flow for power generation in due course.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: David Asamoah Appointed As Acting MD Of ECG
The Board of Electricity Company of Ghana has announced the appointment of Mr. David Asamoah as the Acting Managing Director following the resignation of Samuel Dubik Mahama on Wednesday, September 25.
Mr Asamoah previously served as the Deputy Managing Director in charge of Commercial Services at the ECG.
His new role is temporary, pending a decision by the Government of Ghana, the sole shareholder of ECG.
The appointment was announced by the Board Chairman of the ECG, Alexander Afenyo Markin.
Asamoah has experience working with ECG, having previously served as the Sectional Manager of Revenue in charge of Technical Investigation.
He has demonstrated expertise in handling complex cases, including testifying in court against companies accused of illegal power connections.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Exxon Proposes $10 Billion Investment In Nigeria’s Deepwater Oil
U.S. supermajor ExxonMobil has proposed an investment of $10 billion in Nigeria’s deepwater oil resource development, Stanley Nkwocha, spokesman and senior special assistant to the Nigerian President, said in a statement on Thursday.
Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima “welcomed ExxonMobil’s proposed $10 billion investment in Nigeria’s deep-water oil operations, describing it as a clear testament to the administration’s economic reforms and investment-friendly policies,” says the statement.
Shettima on Wednesday held a high-level meeting with ExxonMobil executives on the sidelines of the ongoing 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Nigerian presidency said Oil theft and pipeline vandalism have long plagued Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas industry, often resulting in force majeure at the key crude oil export terminals.
International majors have shrunk their exposure to Nigeria’s energy sector in recent years, with transparency in the licensing rounds one of the reasons for Big Oil to divest from their Nigerian assets, on top of oil theft and frequent pipeline damages.
ExxonMobil intends to sell its shallow water business in Nigeria to Seplat, the biggest Nigerian energy company by market value, in a $1.3 billion deal, which has yet to be approved by the regulator.
Now ExxonMobil’s new strategy in Nigeria will focus on the Owo project, a substantial subsea tie-back that could represent a $10 billion investment, the presidential spokesman said today.
“We’re working closely with the President’s office and the Special Adviser to the President to secure favorable fiscal arrangements that will make this significant investment possible,” said Shane Harris, chairman and managing director of ExxonMobil affiliates in Nigeria, as quoted by the press release from the presidency.
“Our commitment to Nigeria remains unwavering. As we celebrate 70 years of oil production and 8 billion barrels produced, we’re not retreating but refocusing our investments on deep-water opportunities,” Harris was further quoted as saying.
Source: Oilprice.com
Uganda: President Museveni To Commission 600MW Karuma Power Project
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni is set to commission the Karuma Hydroelectric Power Station, a 600 MW hydroelectric power project today Thursday 26th September/ 2024.
This is the largest power-generating installation in the country and 14th of the kind in the world.
Karuma Hydropower Station commenced commercial operations on June 12, 2024, with an installed capacity of 600 MW.
According to Eng. Emmanuel Nsubuga, Project Manager the project faced a number of challenges but said the construction was successfully completed in August 2024.
He said the project was packaged in a way that it supports the national grid, with a number of substations spread across the country.
“We built a substation connecting power to the central business region through Karuma-Kawanda, we have another taking power to West Nile through Olwiyo Substation and Lira substation connecting the Northern region” Eng Nsubuga added.
Dr. Patricia Litho, Assistant Commissioner of Communications Ministry of energy said Karuma Hydropower Station is strategically situated on the Kyoga Nile, upstream of the Nile River—the longest river in the world making it a tourist attraction.
“This project will bring social economic development, stable power but is also a tourist attraction site.
Karuma was funded through a loan; however it is purely a public project. Govt contributed an equity of 15% and borrowed 85% from Exim Bank of China which has to be paid over a period of time.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Power Supply To Be Fully Restored As Ghana Gas Resolves Technical Fault At Atuabo Gas Processing Plant
Ghana National Gas Company is close to resolving the technical fault that occured at its Atuabo Gas Processing Plant, which resulted in limited gas supply for power generation plants.
This resulted in power outage in some parts of the West African nation.
In a joint statement issued by the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) and Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), it said due a challenge at the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant, gas supply for power generation has been limited.
The statement said engineers of Ghana Gas were actively working to resolve the issue and restore the full gas supply required to stabilise power generation.
However, speaking to Ernest Kofi Owusu- Bempah Bonsu, Corporate Communications Manager for Ghana Gas, he said the plant tripped for about three hours on Wednesday but the issue had been resolved.
This means power supply is likely to be restored in the affected areas.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Ghana Gas CEO To Speak At African Energy Week 2024 Amid Drive For Accelerated Project Development
The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana National Gas Company (Ghana Gas), Dr Ben K.D. Asante will join hosts of speakers at this year’s African Energy Week scheduled for 4th—8th November 2024, in Cape Town, South Africa.
The event unites global investors and project developers with African projects.
Dr Asante’s return to the event underscores a commitment to driving projects forward in the country, as Ghana Gas seeks foreign funding to fuel development and production.
Under the Gas Master Plan—a market growth plan covering the period up to 2040—Ghana is targeting increased investments in gas-related infrastructure.
In addition to increasing oil production, the country seeks to diversify the energy sector by bolstering the natural gas value chain.
Aiming to achieve universal access to electricity by 2030 while boosting petrochemical production, the country offers a wealth of opportunities for investors and project developers.
Dr Asante will delve into these opportunities at AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024.
‘The African Energy Week (AEW) Invest in African Energy’ is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and governments, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy.
In line with efforts to boost national gas production, Ghana expects the Tema FLNG plant, situated near the capital city of Accra, to start production by the end of the year.
The project comprises the requisite infrastructure to import, store, regasify and deliver LNG to off-takers in the Greater Accra Area.
Operated by private equity company, Helios Investment Partners, the US$350 million project will have a capacity of 1.7 million tons of gas per year and is set to play a major part in meeting domestic demand.
In addition to Tema FLNG, Ghana expects production to start at the Atuabo II Gas Processing Plant in 2025.
The project, developed by Ghana Gas and joint venture partners, features a second processing plant at the Atuabo project in the Ellembele District of the Western Region of the country.
With an initial capacity of 150 million standard cubic feet per day, the project can be expanded to 300 million standard cubic feet per day and will process LNG, propane, butane and pentane condensates.
Downstream, the country is focusing on expanding gas infrastructure to not only support the development of new concessions but also strengthen the domestic uptake of gas.
Energy company, Genser Energy, inaugurated a 100km natural gas pipeline in April 2024, transporting gas from western Ghana to power the 250MW Kumasi I Thermal Power Plant.
Known for its small- and medium-scale commercial and industrial enterprises, northern Ghana stands to benefit from a direct supply of gas from the country’s resource-rich provinces.
Upon completion, the project will form part of a network that spans 420km, supplying gas to power generation facilities such as the 500MW AKSA and 330MW CENIT facilities.
“Natural gas stands to play a major part in spurring electrification and industrialisation in Africa. Ghana, rich in gas resources and with attractive energy policies, is laying the foundation for a new era of gas development in the country.
Ghana Gas continues to be instrumental in the market as it collaborates with foreign companies, promotes newfound investment and drives long-term economic growth through inclusive projects,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
During the AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, Dr Asante will provide an update on the country’s natural gas project pipeline, delving into emerging opportunities and industry challenges.
His participation opens new pathways for collaboration, representing a strategic opportunity for companies across the entire gas value chain.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com