Angola: Police Foil Fuel Smuggling In Lunda-Norte
Angolan Border Guard Police in the province of Lunda-Norte have thwarted the departure of 8,525 litres of fuel destined for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as part of a micro-operation underway in the district.
Of the 8,525 litres, 6,000 were diesel and 2,525 petrol, which were handed over to the General Tax Administration (AGT) as a trustee.
The micro-operation, which has been underway since the beginning of this year in Lunda-Norte, aims to combat fuel smuggling, illegal immigration, drug trafficking, human trafficking and the illegal exploitation of diamonds.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
OPEC’s World Oil Outlook 2024 To Be Launched In Rio De Janeiro On 24 September
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has set September 24, 2024, to launch the 18th edition of its World Oil Outlook (WOO) at ROG.e 2024 in Rio de Janeiro, Federative Republic of Brazil.
The event will take place at the ‘Palco Petrobras 1’ hall, at 14:00 (Rio de Janeiro time) / 19:00 (Vienna time).
HE Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of OPEC, will deliver opening remarks, followed by a video and presentation highlighting the publication’s key findings.
A panel discussion and a Q&A session will be held thereafter with management and analysts from the OPEC Secretariat’s Research Division.
First published in 2007, the WOO, one of the Organization’s flagship publications, provides an in-depth review and analysis of the global oil and energy industries and offers assessments of various scenarios in their medium- and long-term development.
The publication also presents insights into key relevant issues, such as supply and demand, investment, the potential impact of policies and sustainable development, and a detailed analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing the global oil and energy industries.
HE Al Ghais said: “The World Oil Outlook has been a key reference tool for the industry since its first edition published in 2007, serving as a testament to the research quality of the Organization and those involved in producing the publication, including officials from OPEC Member Countries.
By producing this annual publication, OPEC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to enhancing data transparency and facilitating knowledge sharing in support of data-driven decision-making.”
The WOO 2024 will be available in an interactive format and PDF on the OPEC website and via the OPEC App upon publication. More details will be provided in this regard following the launch.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Italian Energy Major Scraps Vietnam Energy Transition Plans
Italy’s power utility Enel has become the latest international energy investor to scrap plans for participating in the energy transition of Vietnam.
According to unnamed sources who spoke to Reuters, Enel has decided to exit Vietnam’s wind and solar markets, with one source attributing the move to a broader company reorganization.
Earlier this year, Norway’s Equinor scrapped plans to invest in offshore wind in Vietnam. Wind turbine major Orsted also revised its plans for Vietnam, pausing a large-scale offshore development amid regulatory challenges.
Enel two years ago announced plans to invest in the construction of up to 6 GW of wind and solar capacity in Vietnam.
The company, through its arm Enel Green Power, is one of the biggest wind and solar operators in the world with 64 GW of capacity.
At the time it highlighted Vietnam’s considerable potential in wind and solar generation.
Indeed, Vietnam enjoys strong winds and shallow waters but at the same time, it appears to have a complicated grid connection mechanism, which has meant that a lot of completed wind and solar projects are yet to start generating because they need to be connected to the grid first.
This is rather unfortunate because Vietnam is suffering from tight energy supplies that earlier this year swung into a shortage, causing rolling blackouts.
At the same time, the country has considerable ambitions in transition energy, planning to double its installed generation capacity by 2030.
That capacity currently stands at some 80 GW. About a fifth of the doubled capacity should be wind turbines, per plans.
Yet it is wind power that is one of the biggest problems in Vietnam. According to Reuters, the government has yet to draft regulations for the development of offshore wind power projects and it also has to finalize negotiations on the price that it would undertake to pay to wind power project operators.
Source: Oilprice.com
Nigeria: Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero Arrested On The Way To UK
Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday arrested the President of Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC), Mr. Joe Ajaero, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where he was about to board a flight to the United Kingdom, UK, for an official assignment.
Ajaero, who is a former General-Secretary of Nigeria Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) was on his way to attend the conference of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, UK, holding today.
It is not clear why he was arrested.
However, new development suggests that Ajaero was arrested for his failure to honour invitation by extended to him by the DSS.
His arrest has triggered anger among Nigeria Union of Electricity Employees(NUEE) and Nigeria Labour Congress.
In a statement issued by Acting General-Secretary of NUEE, Igwebike Dominic, the union demanded immediate and unconditional release without harm.
“We are perplexed with the information that Joe Ajaero who is the General Secretary of National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) was whisked away by agents of the Nigerian state while on his way to the United Kingdom on the invitation of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, of Britain.
“Joe Ajaero has been detained and treated like a fugitive that he is not without access to his lawyers, families and colleagues. This brazen act of intimidation and harassment is a violation of his fundamental rights and freedom as a Nigerian citizen.
“We are demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Joe Ajaero and we are saying to the government to desist from its unscrupulous harassment of labour leaders and Nigerian workers who speak out on the crushing hardship they are battling with caused by the irresponsible acts of the government that has turned deaf ears to the groaning of the people that they are governing.
“The last we know, Nigeria is still a democratic nation, so why is the government witch-hunting and trying to silence those that speak out to protest their deplorable state of living and economic hardship?
“Joe Ajaero represents the Nigerian workers and the common man on the street. This act of the government signifies trampling on masses and is tantamount to beating a child and preventing the child from crying. An injury to Joe Ajaero is an injury to all Nigerian workers and Electricity employees in particular.
“Nigeria is our collective country, our leaders should not make us live like slaves that cannot express themselves in our country. We demand unequivocal and unconditional release of Com. Joe Ajaero without any harm meted to him. We are using this medium to put all our members on alert for further directives.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
IAEA Concludes Long Term Operation Safety Review At South Africa’s Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts has completed a review of long term operational safety of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in South Africa.
The Safety Aspects of Long Term Operation (SALTO) follow-up review mission was requested by the plant’s operator, Eskom.
Koeberg Units one and two started commercial operation in 1984 and 1985, respectively.
Koeberg’s Unit 1 received a license to continue operating until 2044 in July this year, and Eskom is planning to extend operation of Unit 2 until 2045.
Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant is located approximately 30 kilometers north of Cape Town, South Africa, and provides around 5 per cent of the country’s electricity, playing a vital role in reducing reliance on coal.
It is the only commercially operating nuclear power station on the African continent. Koeberg is equipped with two pressurized water reactors with a combined capacity of 1934 MW(e), making it a key component of South Africa’s energy infrastructure.
During the 3 to 6 September mission, the SALTO team’s review focused on aspects essential to the safe Long Term Operation (LTO) of both units.
The mission reviewed Koeberg NPP’s response to recommendations and suggestions made during an IAEA SALITO mission in 2022, which built upon an initial IAEA pre-SALTO mission held at the plant in 2019.
“The team observed that the plant is addressing the SALTO team’s suggestions and recommendations from the 2022 review,” said team leader and IAEA Nuclear Safety Officer Bryce Lehman. “Based on its efforts, the plant has made significant improvements in ageing management and resolved most of the issues identified in 2022. The plant is on track to complete the remaining items in a reasonable timeframe.”
The team – comprising two experts from the Czech Republic and Slovenia, and two IAEA staff members – said the plant had:
- Updated the LTO programme ensuring that all long-term operation activities are systematically planned, executed on schedule, and aligned with safety and operational standards.
- Completed the revalidation of environmental qualification for qualified cables ensuring that nuclear facility cables remain capable of safely performing under specific environmental conditions over time, despite aging or wear.
- Completed the revalidation of the Time Limited Ageing Analysis (TLAAs) for concrete structures, including the containment TLAA.
- The plant programmes supporting LTO are fully implemented for the LTO period.
- The containment monitoring system is fully refurbished and remains fully functional during the LTO period.
South Sudan Considers New Pipeline Route To Boost Oil Exports
South Sudan and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) are discussing the idea to build an alternative oil pipeline from the landlocked African country to Djibouti via Ethiopia to boost export capabilities, the presidency has said.
The statement came during the visit of South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir to China and the CNPC offices to discuss reforms in South Sudan’s oil sector, “including improving oil production through establishing a new refinery and building distribution networks.”
Kiir also took part in the 1st South Sudan-Zhejiang Economic, Investment, and Trade Forum, where he invited Chinese companies and potential investors to explore some of the untapped investment opportunities in South Sudan, the government of the African oil producer said.
During talks with CNPC in China, an alternative pipeline through Djibouti via Ethiopia was proposed, aiming “to enhance export capabilities of expanding extraction in Blocks 3 and 7.”
CNPC holds 41% of Dar Petroleum Operating Company, the biggest oil operator in South Sudan.
CNPC assured the South Sudanese president that the Chinese state oil corporation would work closely with the local teams in the development of infrastructure projects and continue oil exploration in the country.
South Sudan’s oil exports have plunged since the beginning of the year. The country is struggling to get any money in its budget as its oil exports, on which it depends for 90% of state revenues, are stalled by a ruptured pipeline in neighboring Sudan that is currently the only outlet for South Sudan to sell its crude.
In March, Sudan declared force majeure on crude oil exports from its landlocked neighbor South Sudan, following a major rupture in the pipeline carrying crude from South Sudan to a port in Sudan in an area with active military activity.
The latest conflict in Sudan erupted in April last year, when the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, took up arms against the Sudanese army in the capital Khartoum.
Many of South Sudan’s oilfields cannot send their oil north via the pipeline in Sudan and revenues for South Sudan are plummeting.
Source: Oilprice.com
Namibia: Exxon Withdraws From Race To Buy Stake In Namibia Oil Block From Galp
US oil and gas super major, ExxonMobil, has pulled out of the race to buy half of Galp Energia’s stake in a large oil discovery in Namibia that has attracted interest from top energy companies, Reuters reported citing inside sources.
More than 12 oil companies including Exxon, Shell and Brazil’s national oil company Petrobras had expressed interest in Galp’s 40% stake in the offshore Mopane discovery, sources had previously said.
Galp is also proposing the buyer operate the field.
The reasons for Exxon’s withdrawal from the process were unclear. Other companies have continued to engage with Galp on the sale, the sources said.
Exxon and Galp declined to comment.
Mopane is estimated to hold at least 10 billion barrels of oil and gas equivalent and could be valued at more than $10 billion, according to some estimates.
The sale process follows a string of promising offshore discoveries by Shell and TotalEnergies in recent years, which raised the prospect of the south African country becoming a major oil producing nation.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Trinasolar Reinforces Its Commitment To South Africa’s Renewable Energy Future With Landmark Event In Cape Town
Trinasolar, a global leader in smart PV and energy storage solutions, further solidified its commitment to South Africa’s renewable energy future with an insightful customer event in Cape Town on August 26th.
This event not only emphasized Trinasolar’s ongoing expansion in the region but also highlighted its transformative impact on the country’s energy landscape.
The event featured a keynote address by Kadri Nassiep, the City of Cape Town’s Energy Executive Director, who provided an insightful overview of the city’s energy strategies.
Mr. Nassiep’s address tackled the critical challenges of power outages and outlined innovative solutions that align with Trinasolar’s mission to deliver reliable, sustainable energy to communities across South Africa.
Zaheer Khan, Regional Director for South Africa at Trinasolar, spoke to the company’s significant milestones in the region, reflecting on Trinasolar’s growing leadership in the renewable energy sector.
“Our journey in South Africa is one of partnership and progress. Trinasolar’s advanced technologies and strategic collaborations are not only addressing the immediate energy needs but also laying the foundation for a sustainable energy ecosystem in the country,” Khan stated. He further emphasized Trinasolar’s role as a catalyst for positive change, driving both economic growth and environmental stewardship in South Africa.
Peter Pan, Trinasolar’s Storage Sales Manager, presented the company’s cutting-edge energy storage solutions, which have been instrumental in ensuring energy resilience across different regions. His presentation highlighted Trinasolar’s ability to offer full-process solutions that adapt to the diverse and dynamic needs of South African customers, further reinforcing the company’s pivotal role in the country’s energy transition.
In a surprise highlight, legendary South African cricketer Dale Steyn shared his journey of overcoming challenges, drawing parallels between his career and the resilience required in the energy sector. Trinasolar also announced the establishment of the Trinasolar SA Padel Club, an initiative designed to strengthen business relationships with key partners in South Africa’s renewable energy industry. The club will serve as a platform for collaboration and networking among industry leaders, fostering a community dedicated to the shared goal of sustainable energy advancement.
The evening concluded with a gala dinner and a captivating performance, leaving guests with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to driving forward South Africa’s renewable energy agenda, with Trinasolar at the helm.
Since its founding in 1997, Trinasolar has emerged as a world-leading photovoltaics technology provider. With a robust presence in South Africa, the company continues to innovate and expand, playing a crucial role in the country’s transition to a sustainable energy future.
Ghana: Timing For Proposed Merger Of VRA, BPA, ECG And NEDCo Wrong—IES
The Institute for Energy Security (IES) has urged the government to reconsider its planned merger of some state-owned power sector agencies, noting that embarking on such a venture is likely to worsen the liquidity issues that have already plagued the power sector.
“The focus should be on stabilising and strengthening the existing institutions such as the VRA, Bui Power Authority, the ECG and the NEDCo, rather than dismantling them,” said Nana Amoasi VII, the Executive Director for IES, in a statement issued and copied to energynewsafrica.com.
He argued that while the proposed merger and restructuring of Ghana’s power sector may have its proponents, he expressed the belief that the risks far outweigh the benefits in its current form.
Nana Amoasi VII urged the government to conduct extensive engagement with all relevant stakeholders, including the VRA staff and industry experts, to ensure that the proposed changes are thoroughly vetted and understood by all parties.
“Transparent dialogue is essential to avoid potential pitfalls that could harm the sector, but rather ensure that the best interests of the nation are prioritized,’’ he said.
The IES boss’ statement follows agitations by the staff of the VRA and the NEDCo over the government’s plan to merge the Volta River Authority and Bui Power Authority into one entity, Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) into another entity.
Full Statement By The IES
The Institute for Energy Security (IES) has taken note of the recent draft bill proposing the merger of the Volta River Authority (VRA) with Bui Power Authority, the combination of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) with the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), and the establishment of an independent Thermal Power Authority.
The IES’ attention has also been drawn to media publication of stories reflecting significant opposition by the VRA staff and the Ghanaian government regarding the proposed restructuring of key institutions in the energy sector. The IES glean from the publications that the VRA staff view the potential merger and privatization of assets as detrimental to the organization, the country’s energy security, and the affordability of electricity.
The IES finds the VRA staff group’s opposition justifiable in several respects. First, they raise concerns about the long-term financial stability of VRA, particularly if profitable parts of the organization like the thermal assets are privatized. Second, they argue that VRA’s ability to generate diverse sources of power (hydro, thermal, and renewable) is essential to national energy security and restricting it could weaken its role. Third, the staff claim that VRA’s support for NEDCo ensures consistent electricity supply to underserved regions, and disrupting this support may have social and economic repercussions. Lastly, the staff feel excluded from key decisions, raising suspicions that these reforms might prioritize private interests over the nation’s welfare.
After careful analysis of the concerns raised by the staff group, we find their opposition to be both valid and critical to the future of Ghana’s energy security and affordability. In IES’ assessment, the proposed bill presents significant risks to the stability of Ghana’s power sector, and to VRA’s operational and financial health, especially regarding the separation of its thermal assets.
Below are the key concerns and recommendations:
Key Concerns
- To the extent that the allocation of hydro-generated power is determined by the Electricity Market Oversight Panel (EMOP), VRA’s flexibility in managing its customer base and financial health is restricted to exclude bilateral customers like the mines and the export market. Selling primarily to ECG and VALCO, both of which have delayed payments, could exacerbate VRA’s liquidity problems, as it would have limited options for recovering outstanding debts. Payment delays reduce VRA’s cash flow, making it difficult to invest in maintenance or expand operations, and increase its reliance on external borrowing, which could weaken its long-term sustainability.
- The staff groups have raised concerns that separating the thermal power assets of VRA from its hydro asset may lead to the gradual privatization of these critical assets. We support this concern, as thermal power generation forms a key pillar of VRA’s revenue. It is the revenue from unregulated thermal power sales that helps augment and stabilize cash flow for the VRA. If the proposed bill removes thermal assets from VRA’s control, it could jeopardize the organization’s financial viability, as it would lose a significant revenue stream.
- The Cash Waterfall Mechanism (CWM) is designed to ensure equitable distribution of revenue across the power sector. However, VRA receives a paltry 30% of what it is owed from power sales to ECG under the cash waterfall mechanism month-on-month. This represents a major threat to VRA’s liquidity, as it would be receiving less cash than needed to maintain operations and service its debts. If these liquidity challenges persist, VRA could face operational difficulties.
- VRA has highlighted that ECG and VALCO owe millions of dollars in unpaid bills, which exacerbates VRA’s liquidity challenges. With the current CWM generating a backlog of revenue entitlement to the VRA, this non-payment threatens the sustainability of the entire organization. The merger of ECG with NEDCo, without addressing these financial shortcomings, could make matters worse.
- In the context of the government owing independent power producers (IPPs) over US$2 billion, the financial health of an independent Thermal Power Authority is far from guaranteed. The creation of an independent Thermal Power Authority could exacerbate the existing financial burden on the government if it inherits the same capacity charge obligations. This could lead to strained relationships with IPPs and, in turn, compromise power reliability if the IPPs cut off supply due to non-payment.
- We urge the government to conduct extensive engagement with all relevant stakeholders, including VRA staff, and industry experts, to ensure that the proposed changes are thoroughly vetted and understood by all parties. Transparent dialogue is essential to avoid potential pitfalls that could harm the sector, but rather ensure that the best interests of the nation are prioritized.
- VRA should retain control over its thermal power plants. These plants are crucial to VRA’s financial health and their removal would severely compromise the authority’s operational sustainability. We urge the government to reconsider the creation of an independent Thermal Power Authority.
- The government must urgently resolve the outstanding debt issues between VRA, ECG, and VALCO. These entities’ failure to meet their payment obligations has created a severe liquidity crisis for VRA, and this must be corrected before any structural changes are made.
- A thorough impact assessment should be conducted on the cost implications of merging VRA’s hydro assets with Bui Power Authority. Any move that risks increasing electricity tariffs must be reconsidered in light of the economic challenges facing Ghanaians.
- With the government currently owing independent power producers (IPPs) over US$2 billion, it is critical to address this debt before creating any new energy authorities. The IPPs play a crucial role in maintaining power supply, and any shutdown threats due to non-payment could severely affect the reliability of Ghana’s electricity supply.
- It is imperative to encourage competition and innovation in the distribution sector. As a result, the ECG and NEDCo should be allowed to operate independently for purposes of quality service delivery.
- To the extent that the allocation of hydro-generated power is determined by the Electricity Market Oversight Panel (EMOP), VRA’s flexibility in managing its customer base and financial health is restricted to exclude bilateral customers like the mines and the export market. Selling primarily to ECG and VALCO, both of which have delayed payments, could exacerbate VRA’s liquidity problems, as it would have limited options for recovering outstanding debts. Payment delays reduce VRA’s cash flow, making it difficult to invest in maintenance or expand operations, and increase its reliance on external borrowing, which could weaken its long-term sustainability.
- The staff groups have raised concerns that separating the thermal power assets of VRA from its hydro asset may lead to the gradual privatization of these critical assets. We support this concern, as thermal power generation forms a key pillar of VRA’s revenue. It is the revenue from unregulated thermal power sales that helps augment and stabilize cash flow for the VRA. If the proposed bill removes thermal assets from VRA’s control, it could jeopardize the organization’s financial viability, as it would lose a significant revenue stream.
- The Cash Waterfall Mechanism (CWM) is designed to ensure equitable distribution of revenue across the power sector. However, VRA receives a paltry 30% of what it is owed from power sales to ECG under the cash waterfall mechanism month-on-month. This represents a major threat to VRA’s liquidity, as it would be receiving less cash than needed to maintain operations and service its debts. If these liquidity challenges persist, VRA could face operational difficulties.
- VRA has highlighted that ECG and VALCO owe millions of dollars in unpaid bills, which exacerbates VRA’s liquidity challenges. With the current CWM generating a backlog of revenue entitlement to the VRA, this non-payment threatens the sustainability of the entire organization. The merger of ECG with NEDCo, without addressing these financial shortcomings, could make matters worse.
- In the context of the government owing independent power producers (IPPs) over US$2 billion, the financial health of an independent Thermal Power Authority is far from guaranteed. The creation of an independent Thermal Power Authority could exacerbate the existing financial burden on the government if it inherits the same capacity charge obligations. This could lead to strained relationships with IPPs and, in turn, compromise power reliability if the IPPs cut off supply due to non-payment.
- We urge the government to conduct extensive engagement with all relevant stakeholders, including VRA staff, and industry experts, to ensure that the proposed changes are thoroughly vetted and understood by all parties. Transparent dialogue is essential to avoid potential pitfalls that could harm the sector, but rather ensure that the best interests of the nation are prioritized.
- VRA should retain control over its thermal power plants. These plants are crucial to VRA’s financial health and their removal would severely compromise the authority’s operational sustainability. We urge the government to reconsider the creation of an independent Thermal Power Authority.
- The government must urgently resolve the outstanding debt issues between VRA, ECG, and VALCO. These entities’ failure to meet their payment obligations has created a severe liquidity crisis for VRA, and this must be corrected before any structural changes are made.
- A thorough impact assessment should be conducted on the cost implications of merging VRA’s hydro assets with Bui Power Authority. Any move that risks increasing electricity tariffs must be reconsidered in light of the economic challenges facing Ghanaians.
- With the government currently owing independent power producers (IPPs) over US$2 billion, it is critical to address this debt before creating any new energy authorities. The IPPs play a crucial role in maintaining power supply, and any shutdown threats due to non-payment could severely affect the reliability of Ghana’s electricity supply.
- It is imperative to encourage competition and innovation in the distribution sector. As a result, the ECG and NEDCo should be allowed to operate independently for purposes of quality service delivery.
Nigeria: NNPCL Sets September 15 To lift Petrol From Dangote Refinery
Nigeria’s National Oil Company Limited (NNPCL) has set September 15, 2024, to commence lifting Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) from the Dangote Refinery.
Adedapo Segun, the Executive Vice President of Downstream of NNPC Limited, disclosed this last Thursday.
He stressed that the NNPCL was awaiting the September 15 timeline provided by the 650,000 barrels per day Lagos-based refinery.
His comments comes as fuel scarcity lingers nationwide despite the recent price hike.
Segun said that the NNPCL is collaborating with marketers to “ensure that stations open early but close late to maintain adequate fuel supply to meet the needs of Nigerians.
“We are also engaging relevant authorities to ensure product diversions are prevented and timely deliveries to all stations are ensured.
“The scarcity should ease in the next few days as more stations recalibrate and begin operations,” he announced to Nigerians.
Recall that Dangote Refinery, on Wednesday, denied claims that the NNPCL had started lifting its petrol.
This comes days after Aliko Dangote, the President of the Dangote Group, officially announced that his refinery had commenced production.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Fuel Tanker Explosion Kills At least 48 People In Niger State
A fuel tanker collided with a trailer carrying travellers and cattle, exploded and killed at least 48 people in north-central Nigeria on Sunday, the disaster management agency said.
Several other vehicles were also caught in the accident, it said.
Local media reported that two of the other vehicles—a crane truck and a pickup van—were involved in the accident and caught in the fire.
Abdullah Baba-Arah, Director-General, Niger Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said the agency received a report of a deadly tanker explosion that occurred on Sunday at about 12:30 am along the Bida-Agaie-Lapai highway.
Baba-Arab said initially 30 bodies were found.
However, in a later statement, he said there were an additional 18 bodies of victims who were burned to death in the collision.
Mr Baba-Arah said two other vehicles—a crane truck and a pickup van—were also involved in the multiple incidents.
Over 50 cattle were also burnt alive.
He said the dead had been given a mass burial.
Mohammed Bago, Governor of Niger state, said residents of the affected area should remain calm and asked road users to “always be cautious and abide by road traffic regulations to safeguard lives and property.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa:Green Capital’s Expansion In The South African Market
The Polish company Green Capital S.A., one of the leading firms in the renewable energy sector, has announced the dynamic growth of its operations in the South African market.
Green Capital’s presence in South Africa, headquartered in Johannesburg, underscores its commitment to the development of the renewable energy sector and its desire to participate in the energy transition of a country facing significant challenges related to energy shortages and reliance on fossil fuels.
The Green Capital team in South Africa consists of four highly qualified specialists with experience in the development of wind and solar energy.
With a diversified portfolio of projects exceeding 1000 MW, Green Capital South Africa is becoming a key player in the local renewable energy sector, actively contributing to the country’s energy transformation.
In July 2024, Green Capital signed five new land lease agreements in the Western Cape, Free State, and Gauteng provinces.
This marks another step in realizing our ambitious plan, which includes projects exceeding 2000 MW.
Mikołaj Kowalczyk, International Business Director at Green Capital, comments: “The South African market is very promising and full of potential, particularly in the context of the rapid development of the renewable energy sector. The country is struggling with severe electricity shortages, leading to temporary power outages that have a negative impact on the economy. According to observers, frequent power outages reduced real GDP growth by two percentage points in 2023. Currently, coal is the main source of energy in South Africa, which presents the country with the urgent challenge of transitioning to green energy. Green Capital plans to play a significant role in this process. We are pleased to see that the new government and the Minister of Energy in South Africa recognize the importance of renewable energy sources and are implementing favorable changes that support the development of this sector.
“In the coming years, Green Capital plans to implement dozens of projects in South Africa, with about half of them already secured with locations and in advanced planning stages. Cooperation with landowners and adaptation to challenges related to the transmission network are key aspects of our strategy.
“South Africa is grappling with transmission infrastructure issues, making it difficult to integrate new projects into the grid, so we are actively working on solutions to address this problem to meet the growing demand for green energy.”
Green Capital is focusing its efforts on developing photovoltaic projects, particularly in the western part of the country, including the Western Cape province, and from Limpopo through Gauteng and Mpumalanga to the Free State.
The company’s goal is not only to increase the share of renewable energy in South Africa’s energy mix but also to contribute to the country’s sustainable development and economic growth.
Despite visible progress, the renewable energy market in South Africa faces numerous challenges, such as insufficient transmission network capacity and long project implementation times, which can currently exceed five years. Although investments in transmission network development are being made on a large scale, the pace of infrastructure expansion is not keeping up with the growing demand for its use. Additionally, landowners often hesitate to commit to long-term projects that will yield results only after several years.
Green Capital is determined to accelerate the development of green energy and adapt its strategy to local needs, ensuring a future based on clean and renewable energy sources.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Zambia: ZESCO Signs MoU With Chinese Firm To Develop Energy Projects To Solve Power Crisis
Zambia’s power utility company – ZESCO Limited – has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China Datang Corporation Limited, one of the largest energy suppliers in China, to develop energy projects in Zambia to address the power crisis being experienced by Zambians.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by the President of Zambia, H.E. Hakainde Hichilema, in Beijing, China.
ZESCO Limited has been rationing power due to shortfalls in power generation occasioned by drought which has limited water inflow into the Kariba dam.
Some parts of the country receive power supply for only three hours, while others endure 24 hours without power.
In a Facebook post after the signing of the agreement, President Hakainde Hichilema wrote: “We are determined to resolve this energy crisis.
“We have directed both Zesco and China Datang to immediately get down to work so that we can address the current energy deficit. China Datang offers the kind of energy mix that our country requires to diversify away from our country’s dependence on hydro energy.
“We have since concluded our mission here in Beijing and heading back home,” he concluded.
Commenting on the agreement, ZESCO wrote: “This partnership underscores Zambia’s commitment to enhancing its energy infrastructure and diversifying its energy sources.
“With this strategic partnership, Zambia is taking a significant step towards ensuring a reliable energy supply that will support economic growth and improve the quality of life for its citizens,” ZESCO said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: VRA, NEDCo Workers Hoist Red Flags To Protest Merger
Staffs of the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) have hoisted red flags on their premises in protest at the proposed merger of some of the power sector agencies.
The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Energy, has submitted a bill to Parliament for consideration.
The bill is seeking to merge VRA and the Bui Power Authority (BPA) into one entity, and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and NEDCo into one entity.
Besides, there will be the establishment of an Independent Thermal Authority to take over the running of all the thermal plants of VRA.
However, this has triggered protests by the staffs of both VRA and NEDCo.
The groups argue that these decisions are not in the best interest of Ghanaians and could have severe consequences for VRA and the nation.
They declared that the proposed changes could undermine the contributions of VRA to the national grid and security.
Speaking to William Asare, Senior Staff Chairman for VRA/NEDCo via telephone, he questioned the rationale behind the proposed plan.
He told this portal that when the issue was highlighted by the media some time ago, they met their management and during the meeting the Board Chairman of NEDCo confirmed that a committee had been put together by the Energy Ministry to discuss the possibility of restructuring the energy sector.
According to him, the Board Chairman vehemently denied knowledge of any bill seeking to merge VRA and NEDCo.
He said the staffs of VRA and NEDCo hoisted red flags at all their offices across the country on Wednesday evening as a first step of many actions they would be taking.
Mr Asare pointed out that there was a good reason why the Act that established VRA mandated it to diversify its energy sources in the future.
He said the idea was for VRA to develop other energy sources because there could be erratic rainfall which could affect power generation from the Akosombo and the Kpong hydroelectric dams.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com