The Secretary-General of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO), Dr Omar Farouk Ibrahim, has called for a unified African front in the global energy landscape and warned against the detrimental effects of the European Union’s planned carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM).
Speaking at the ongoing Africa Oil Week-Investing in African Energy in Cape Town, South Africa, Dr Omar Ibrahim provided an update on the organisation’s efforts to establish the African Energy Bank, a crucial initiative to counter the withdrawal of traditional financiers from African oil and gas projects due to climate change concerns.
He announced significant progress, with the establishment agreement signed and ratification underway in several member countries.
Nigeria has been selected to host the bank’s headquarters, further solidifying the commitment of APPO members to taking control of their energy destinies.
Addressing the proliferation of energy conferences on the continent, Dr Ibrahim reiterated APPO’s commitment to creating a single, impactful annual event that showcases Africa’s achievements in the energy sector.
He hinted at progress made in consolidating these events, thanking stakeholders like the Africa Energy Chamber and the organisers of AOW for their cooperation, and welcomed the conference’s move to its new home in Accra, Ghana, from 2025.
However, the crux of Dr Ibrahim’s message was a stark warning about the potential impact of the EU’s CBAM on African nations.
He urged African representatives attending the upcoming energy conference in Baku to take a strong stance against the planned tax on carbon-intensive imports.
“This is the time to sound the alarm,” Ibrahim declared, arguing that the CBAM would stifle Africa’s industrial and economic development.
He emphasised that developed nations, historically responsible for the bulk of global emissions, should focus on addressing their legacy emissions rather than imposing trade barriers on developing countries.
Dr Ibrahim called for a moratorium on the CBAM, urging a more equitable approach to the energy transition that recognises Africa’s right to utilise its resources for economic growth.
He concluded with a powerful message: “Africa cannot develop without fossil fuels. Africa deserves better.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
QatarEnergy has signed a 20-year agreement with Singapore-based Shell International Eastern Trading Company for the supply of 18 million tons of naphtha starting in April 2025.
“We are delighted to sign QatarEnergy’s first 20-year naphtha sales agreement, the largest and longest to date. This is our second such agreement with Shell since 2019 and builds on our strategy of stronger relations with established end-users and partners,” said Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the President and CEO of QatarEnergy.
Besides, Wael Sawan, the CEO of Shell, said: “This deal will support Shell as we deliver more value for our customers worldwide. Today’s signing marks another significant milestone in our long-established partnership.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Chinese oil and gas giant, CNOOC has commenced production at Bozhong 19-2 Oilfield Development Project with an estimated peak production of approximately 18,000 barrels of heavy crude oil per day.
Situated in central Bohai Bay, with an average water depth of approximately 20 meters, the project comprises a new central processing platform and four new unmanned wellhead platforms.
The development plan includes the commissioning of a total of 59 wells, consisting of 34 production wells and 25 water-injection wells.
The implementation of smart engineering and standardized construction has reduced the project’s construction cycle. CNOOC holds 100% operating interest in the project.
It has strongly promoted the efficient development of offshore oil and gas resources and laid a solid foundation for the production growth in the Bohai oilfields, the largest crude oil production base in China, CNOOC said in a press release.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kpando Senior High School in the Volta Region of Ghana has won the 2024 Energy Commission’s SHS Renewable Energy Challenge finals that took place at the Accra International Conference Centre on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
Kpando SHS beat five competing schools with 85 points to emerge as the winner of the SHS Renewable Energy Challenge.
The participating schools were St. James Seminary SHS, Yabokpa SHS, OLA Girls’ SHS, Obuasi Senior Technical School, Ahantaman SHS and Kpando Senior High School.
The theme for this year’s competition focused on the application of renewable energy technologies in solving land and water pollution.
In the last few years, illegal miners, known as ‘galamseyers’ in Ghana, have been mining in Ghana’s rivers, consequently, polluting the West African country’s water sources as well as destroying arable lands for agricultural purposes.
This year’s competition started with 125 Senior High Schools, which were divided into three zones across the 16 regions of Ghana in February, and the top three schools were selected for the semi-finals in August.
After the lead presenters showcased their innovative and technological ways of solving land degradation and water pollution to the admiration of the panel of judges and participants at the event, Kpando SHS emerged top with 85 points.
The school was awarded certificates for its participating students and a total cash prize of Gh¢210,000 for their excellent disposition.
Dabokpa Secondary Technical School came second, after their presentation with 82 points. They were awarded certificates and a cash prize of GH¢180,000.
St James Seminary SHS was third with 81 points. They also received certificates of participation and cash prize of Gh¢175,000.
Obuasi Secondary Technical School came fourth with 80 points and for their awards, the students were awarded certificates and a cash prize of over GH¢150,000.
The Ahantaman SHS placed fifth with 79 points and was given certificates and cash awards of over GH¢44,000.
Ola Girls was sixth and were equally awarded with certificates and cash awards.
The competition was initiated by the Energy Commission in February 2019 to foster interest in renewable energy and energy efficiency among students in the second-cycle institutions.
The Energy Commission wants to use the technologies displayed by the winning school in solving land degradation and water to be adopted and commercialized so that the school and students can benefit from their innovation.
It is the expectation of crafters of the competition that participating students will use their knowledge acquired to help fight Ghana’s environmentally unfriendly acts.
This year’s programme was in partnership with the Volta River Authority, Vivo Energy Ghana, Ghana Education Service, the European Union, Ministry of Energy, SCIR, GiZ, Ashesi University, AFD, and Cowbell, among others.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s National Oil Company, GNPC, was decorated with a Platinum Award at the 3rd Western Regional Oil and Gas Excellence Awards held on Friday, October 4, 2024, in Takoradi, Western Region.
The event was held under the auspices of the Western Regional Coordinating Council to reward individuals and corporate bodies in the Western Region whose operations significantly empower the growth and development of the various sectors in the ecosystem.
The National Oil Company was awarded in recognition of its stellar performance in contributing to economic growth and development, building communities, empowering people, impacting lives and successfully implementing intervention programmes geared at mitigating environmental, social and economic impacts of activities within the enclave where its extractive business is carried out.
In a related development, the Chief Executive Officer of GNPC, Joseph Abuabu Dadzie, was honoured with a Special Award for his Eleemosynary and Visionary Leadership in harmonising all stakeholders within the industry towards attaining a common goal for the betterment of the Ghanaian people.
This Special Business Leader Award is in pursuance of Mr. Abuabu Dadzie’s pre-eminent contribution to the economic development of the Western Region and Ghana
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Africa Public Sector Conference and Awards 2024 (APSCA) has conferred the 2024 Visionary Leadership Award on the Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid.
The award is in recognition of Dr. Abdul-Hamid’s unwavering commitment to driving positive change and innovation in the public sector.
APSCA has also honored the NPA as the 2024 Africa Top 50 Innovative Public Sector Agency at the fifth APSCA held in Gaborone, Botswana.
It is recognition of NPA’s exceptional innovation and impact in delivering public services.
Earlier, in a speech on “Innovation in Energy: Key to a Sustainable Future” at the APSCA 2024, held in Gaborone, Botswana from 2nd to 4th October 2024, a Deputy Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mr. Perry Okudzeto, urged African countries to invest in energy innovation and infrastructure to ensure a sustainable future for the continent’s growing cities.
He said the future of energy in Africa lies in innovation and indicated that nowhere is this more evident than in the field of renewable energy.
“Africa is blessed with abundant natural resources that can power a sustainable energy future”, he said.
The conference was held on the theme: “Promoting Innovation for Sustainable Development.”
Mr. Okudzeto said the future of energy across Africa is full of promise, and indicated that whether it’s through renewable energy projects, or clean cooking solutions, energy innovation has the power to transform lives, uplift communities, and drive economic growth.
“As we move forward, let us commit to investing in energy innovation, building the infrastructure of tomorrow, and creating a future where every African has access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy.
“Together, we can power not just homes and industries but the hopes and dreams of millions of people across our continent”, he said.
Mr Okudzeto noted that according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Africa could generate up to 22% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.
“Solar energy alone has the potential to transform entire regions, particularly in areas where the grid cannot reach. Moreover, renewable energy presents an incredible opportunity for job creation.
“In fact, the African Development Bank (AfDB) estimates that transitioning to a green economy could create up to 3.3 million new direct green jobs across the continent by 2030, with the majority in the renewable energy sector, particularly solar.
“These are not just jobs in energy production but also in manufacturing, maintenance, and research and development”, he said.
Mr. Okudzeto said to make energy accessible and affordable, Africa must leverage smart technologies that enhance the efficiency of the continent’s energy systems.
He said Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven energy management systems offer a glimpse into the future, where power is distributed more intelligently across urban grids.
“AI systems could predict energy demand, allowing utilities to adjust supply in real time. Energy flows only where it is needed, and waste is minimized”, he said.
The Deputy NPA CE called for Public-Private Partnerships and significant investment in energy infrastructure in the coming decades.
“While governments have a critical role in driving energy innovation, public-private partnerships (PPPs) are essential for scaling these solutions.
“The private sector brings the necessary investment, technology, and expertise, while governments provide the regulatory framework that ensures success,” he said.
Mr. Okudzeto said while renewables are being developed, natural gas has been established as the bridging fuel for energy transition due to its low carbon emissions compared to coal and crude oil.
He said some cities in Africa are leading the way by using natural gas as an alternative to other fossil fuels for power generation—thereby reducing emissions, particularly in transportation, and ensuring stable electricity.
He said health outcomes in urban and rural households, especially in areas where traditional biomass is still used for cooking, can still be improved by shifting to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and other cleaner forms of energy, for cooking”, he stressed.
Mr. Okudzeto said energy transition in Africa cannot be approached with the same strategies used in wealthier regions.
“We must produce and consume more carbon in the short-to-medium term to bridge our development gap, even as we aggressively pursue renewable energy solutions. After all, the key to sustainable development is not just about moving toward clean energy but ensuring that no one is left behind as we do so”, he said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South African Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, made a direct appeal to investors at the 30th AOW: Investing in African Energy Conference: “Investors, we are not saying come to South Africa as a tourist destination, we have deposits, come and invest.”
Mantashe emphasised the significant untapped potential of South Africa’s oil and gas reserves, urging investors to look beyond the global shift towards renewables and recognise the lucrative opportunities at hand.
Highlighting the success stories of other African nations, Mantashe stated, “Notwithstanding the crusade against oil and gas development in South Africa, it is encouraging that over the last 10 years, the African continent has seen considerable interest in oil and gas blocks with major petroleum players making valuable investments.”
He pointed to Eni’s discovery in Côte d’Ivoire and Mozambique’s booming LNG revenue as prime examples of the sector’s potential.
Mantashe expressed strong confidence in South Africa’s own offshore oil and gas reserves, particularly in light of promising discoveries in neighbouring Namibia. “The discoveries of gas and condensate from two exploration wells drilled in Block 11B/12B offshore in the South Outeniqua Basin has also proven that South Africa’s under-explored deep waters have significant potential for oil and gas,” he explained, adding, “we are keen to see drilling happening here in South Africa.”
However, the Minister condemned what he called “unabated and frivolous litigation” against oil and gas exploration by foreign-funded groups, arguing that it creates a climate of uncertainty and discourages investment. “These NGOs must declare their source of funding,” he challenged, “because they are funded to block development.”
“They block development and hide behind protecting the environment,” he said on the sidelines of the conference. “Shell was harassed out of the seismic survey in the East Coast, and they left.
They went to Namibia made huge discoveries of oil next door, and there was no demonstration there. That discovery is generating an income for Namibia. We can’t touch our oil and gas,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Mantashe emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting the oil and gas sector and ensuring that South Africans benefit from their natural resources.
He highlighted the establishment of the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC), stating, “To ensure that South Africans enjoy maximum benefits from their national patrimony, their petroleum resources, we have established the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC).”
The SANPC will operate as a state-owned entity, partnering in projects and developing resources independently.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ukraine says it successfully hit a major oil terminal in Crimea in an overnight drone and missile operation.
The impacted oil terminal is in Feodosia, on the south coast of the Crimean peninsula, and is believed to be a key Russian military supply hub. It is also the biggest petroleum transhipment hub in the region.
“At night, a successful strike was carried out on the enemy’s offshore oil terminal in temporarily occupied Feodosia, Crimea,” the Ukrainian military announced Monday.It further described the strike on the key facility as part of an ongoing effort to “undermine the military and economic potential of the Russian Federation.”
On the Crimean side, the following was confirmed:
Russian-installed authorities in Crimea said a fire had broken out at an oil facilityin the Black Sea port town of some 70,000 people and that there were no casualties.
The defense ministry said that 12 Ukrainian attack drones had been downed over the peninsula overnight, out of a total of 21 deployed by Kyiv against Russian targets.
RT News also confirmed the major oil hub is on fire. Such attacks on vital energy infrastructure have proven hard for Russia to defend against, as they’ve come at a fast pace, but this still hasn’t changed the state of the front lines in Eastern Ukraine, where Kiev forces are being steadily pushed back.A Ukrainian media report has described of videos from the scene, “More night videos from Feodosia. It is clearly visible that at least three tanks are on fire.” And related to more footage: “Later, a morning video was posted on the Telegram channel, where plumes of smoke can be seen over Feodosia.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in a new interview with Newsweek took the opportunity to warn the West yet again that it is playing with fire in mulling giving Kiev the greenlight for long-range strikes on Russian territory.
Purported overnight video within hours after the attack on Feodosia on the Crimean coast:
“They are discussing authorizing the AFU [Armed Forces of Ukraine] to use Western long-range missiles to strike deep into Russian territory.‘Playing with fire’ in this way may lead to dangerous consequences,” the top diplomat said.
“As stated by [Russian] President [Vladimir] Putin, we will take adequate decisions based on our understanding of the threats posed by the West. It is up to you to make conclusions,” Lavrov emphasized.
President Zelensky had pitched this long-range capability as part of his ‘victory plan’ in Washington recently, but it has become clear even to the US administration that Ukraine is not going to win Eastern Ukraine back.
By many accounts Zelensky was subject to an icier reception on Capitol Hill compared to past visits. But Biden has still been more than willing to shovel billions in taxpayer funds out the door into Kiev’s coffers. Vice President Harris is vowing to continue doing the same if she’s elected.Source: Oilprice.com
Nigeria-based UTM Offshore Limited is optimistic that its five billion Floating Liquified Natural Gas Facility will create thousands of jobs for Nigerian youth and other professionals beyond Nigeria.
The five billion projects will be the first FLNG facility to be executed in Africa’s most populous nation.
The company is set to make a Final Investment Decision (FID) before the end of 2024.
Speaking to members of the newly-created African Association of Energy Journalists and publishers during a webinar recently, Managing Director and Group CEO of UTM Offshore Limited, Julius Rone, said his outfit has secured all the necessary approvals from the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“The project would create 7,000 direct and indirect jobs across the value chain, which means a lot of people, not only Nigerians but all over the world, would participate in this project. It should be noted that during the construction phase alone, over 25,000 jobs would be created.
“We would also take several Nigerian youths to different parts of the world where the construction and integration would take place for training.
“They would understudy the process so that on completion, they would sail back with the floating LNG, and have the hands-on experience to manage and upgrade the plant of such nature offshore.
“Also, the project would support the demand for energy in Nigeria, which requires over two million tonnes of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG for domestic consumption.
Currently, over 1.5 million tonnes are imported from the global market. The supply of our LPG in Naira would enhance the value of the local currency.
“The impact would go beyond Nigeria as one off-taker is currently discussing the possibility of taking the LNG to South Africa with us.
“It would benefit the entire continent. By the special grace of God, this would be the flagship project to open up that space for stranded gas offshore to be monetised through a technology that has been broken,” he said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa’s Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, is optimistic that fossil fuel and coal are going to be in the system for a long time despite the global push for energy transition into renewable energy sources.
“Fossil fuel is going to be there for a long time. Coal is going to be there for a long time,” Mantashe said as he delivered the government’s address at the ongoing Africa Oil Week in Cape Town, South Africa.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa has unbundled its power sector by creating a new entity known as National Transmission Company of South Africa.
Energy and Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa launched the new entity on Monday, October 7, 2024.
The NTCSA is one of Eskom’s legal separations of three entities, namely generation, distribution and transmission.
The unbundling was first announced in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2019 State of the Nation Address.
Ramokgopa described the launch as a positive step towards energy security and electricity availability.
“What are the benefits to the country? The first one is you make the point to accelerate their onboarding of the renewable energy process. We know that there’s a misalignment between our assets, renewable energy assets and also grid capacity, constraints in the Cape Provinces, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and Western Cape.
So, if you must unlock those opportunities, we have stated today that we think it’s possible that by 2027 we can get an additional 11 000 mw on stream.”
The company started its operations on July 1. Some of the work has already been done, including the building of the country’s transmission infrastructure.
Service providers were appointed to help with the building of 14 000km stretch of transmission lines by 2032.
“Despite being a newly formed entity, the NTCSA has already made substantial progress in implementing its strategy. We have approved R112 billion for TDP investments in the next 5 years.
“Recognise that collaboration and public-private partnerships are critical to ensure that we achieve the top bill for TDP investment in the 53 000 mw of new generation connection required over the next decade.
“As communicated by Mr Skippers, the ministry and the NTCSA are working together on ITP solutions to attract additional private sector funding which will not impact NTCSA’s balance sheet,” said NTCSA’s chairperson, Priscillah Mabelane.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Africa’s largest gathering of oil and gas players, Africa Oil Week (AOW), will be hosted permanently in Accra, the capital of Ghana, from 2025.
AOW, which is now owned by Sankofa Events, has been held in Cape Town, South Africa, for the past 30 years.
However, the organisers of the prestigious energy event have decided to move the host nation to Ghana, West Africa.
Speaking at the ongoing Africa Oil Week in Cape Town, South Africa, Dr Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary-General of the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO), expressed concerns about numerous energy events that happen at the same events with the same speakers underscored the need for organisers of Africa Oil Week and Africa Energy Week (AEW) to work together for the good of the continent.
Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of APPO.
“Africa Oil Week is moving base from Cape Town to Accra from 2025,” he said.
Commenting on this new development, Ghana’s Minister of State at the Energy Ministry, Herbert Krapa, welcomed the news, stating that Ghana is committed to hosting the event.
Organisers of the event have scheduled 15th September 2025 for the event.
Paul Sinclair, Managing Director of Sankofa EventsSource: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Republic of Kenya is intensifying cooperation with Russia in the fields of nuclear and renewable energy, Peter Mathuki, who is Kenya’s Ambassador to Russia, has said.
“I see how advanced Russia is in economic matters, and this is another sector in which we can develop together, especially nuclear energy.
“There is also the development of solar energy,” he said on the sidelines of the forum: ‘North Caucasus: New Geostrategic Opportunities’.
The forum was held in Stavropol on October 4-5.
It has been held annually by the North Caucasus Institute, a branch of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA), since 2017 with the support of the office of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the North Caucasus Federal District and the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Zambia’s power utility company, Zesco Limited, has announced that effective from 7th to 13th October 2024, residential customers will enjoy three hours of power supply each day.
According to the power firm, critical infrastructure such as hospitals, water pumping stations and essential security services will not be affected by this development.
“We remain committed to sticking to the planned schedule, though unforeseen circumstances may cause interruptions or delays,” the company said in a statement on Monday.
The company urged Zambians to report any outages lasting over 24 hours, as these may indicate technical faults requiring urgent attention.
ZESCO has been implementing load-shedding due to a shortfall in power supply occasioned by severe drought.
The Southwestern African nation generates over 85 per cent of its electricity from hydro.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com 
In a related development, the Chief Executive Officer of GNPC, Joseph Abuabu Dadzie, was honoured with a Special Award for his Eleemosynary and Visionary Leadership in harmonising all stakeholders within the industry towards attaining a common goal for the betterment of the Ghanaian people.
This Special Business Leader Award is in pursuance of Mr. Abuabu Dadzie’s pre-eminent contribution to the economic development of the Western Region and Ghana
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com 
