Ghana: President Appoints Afenyo-Markin As Board Chair Of ECG
Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo has appointed the Member of Parliament for the Effutu Constituency in the Central Region, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, as the Board Chairman of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
He replaces Herbert Krapa who was recently appointed as Minister for State-designate for the Energy Ministry.
The appointment is contained in a letter signed by the Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante.
The letter said: “The President of the Republic has nominated Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin (MP.), Member of Parliament for Effutu in the Central Region, as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited.”
“Kindly take the necessary steps to give effect to the President’s nomination in accordance with the Companies Act 2019 (Act 992) and the Regulations of the Company.”
Mr Afenyo-Markin is currently the Majority Leader in Parliament
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
TotalEnergies, SSE Join Forces To Establish EV Charging Infrastructure In The UK & Ireland
TotalEnergies and SSE have signed a binding agreement to create a joint venture to establish a new major player in EV charging infrastructure in the UK and Ireland, under the brand “Source”.
The new business will deploy in both countries up to 3000 high power charge points, meeting demand from EV and fleet owners to provide fast and reliable charging, a statement issued by TotalEnergies said.
Within the next 5 years, Source will deploy up to 3000 high power charge points (of 150 kW and more) grouped in 300 “EV hubs”, targeting 20% market share.
“Charging hubs will be in prime locations in and around urban areas and powered by renewable energy provided by SSE and TotalEnergies.
“Several hubs are already under construction with plans for dozens more, currently in development studies.
In the UK, Source will provide the reliable ultra-fast charging infrastructure needed across the country to meet the demand from EV drivers and fleet operators.
“This demand was recently triggered by the enforcement into law of the UK Government’s zero vehicle emissions mandate for all new cars and vans, raising power supply infrastructure for EV and fleet owners as one of the biggest challenges facing the decarbonisation of transport.
“Similarly in Ireland, Source’s plans will help accelerate action to meet the government target of placing almost 1 million electric vehicles on roads by 2030, while building consumer confidence in EV charging.
“TotalEnergies is proud to contribute to the development of electric mobility to decarbonize transportation in the UK and Ireland.
“This is a great opportunity to extend our network in Europe and stake out a key position as a reference high-power charging player.
“We want to offer our customers – passenger cars and fleet alike – a nationwide, ultra-fast and reliable charging service that allows them to travel efficiently with complete peace of mind.
“This development also contributes to our integrated power strategy in the UK, combining renewable and flexible power generation capacity, trading and marketing of low-carbon electricity available 24 hours a day,” says Mathieu Soulas, Senior Vice President New Mobilities at TotalEnergies.
“SSE is already playing a leading role in decarbonising the UK and Ireland’s power system including building the world’s largest offshore wind farm and transforming electricity networks.
“Now this agreement will help accelerate progress towards a decarbonised transport system too, ensuring the vehicles that keep the economy moving can do so in a more sustainable and efficient way,” says Neil Kirkby, Managing Director of Enterprise at SSE.
This agreement is subject to the applicable regulatory approvals being obtained from the relevant authorities.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s Lifespan Extended To 2044
The National Nuclear Regulator of South Africa has announced the extension of the operating life of Eskom’s Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Unit 1.
The unit will continue to contribute to the grid for another 20 years until July 2044.
Reacting to the news, Energy and Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa described the decision as an affirmation of the importance of nuclear energy’s contribution to the country’s energy needs.
Eskom’s spokesperson Daphney Mokwena has allayed any safety concerns due to Koeberg’s life extension.
“Koeberg’s unit 1 will join approximately 120 reactors worldwide that have safely continued operations beyond their initial 40-year life.
“Eskom has operated the plant for 40 years and has invested in safety improvement and extensive maintenance to ensure that it continues safely into the future.
“Together with our business partners, we are proud of our achievements that ensure that Africa’s first and only nuclear plant continues to operate into the future,” said Mokwena as carried by Sabcnews.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa Aims For Zero Emissions By 2050
President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa aims to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Speaking at the Climate Resilience Symposium underway at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) International Convention Centre in Pretoria, President Ramaphosa said the revised Nationally Determined Contribution balances the country’s developmental needs and economic realities.
“It takes into account the feasibility of undertaking a climate response through a set of just transition pathways. Importantly, it notes carbon tax as a vital component of our mitigation strategy to lower greenhouse gas emissions,” President Ramaphosa said.
By internalising the cost of carbon emissions, the President said the carbon tax incentivises companies to reduce their carbon footprint and invest in cleaner technologies, and also generates revenue for climate initiatives.
The President said these funds can be reinvested in renewable energy projects, energy efficiency programmes and social support mechanisms.
Government has launched a number of other initiatives to meet the country’s emissions targets, and these include the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme, which has been successful, attracting over R209 billion in investment and adding much-needed capacity to the electricity grid.
President Ramaphosa said the Integrated Resource Plan, which outlines the country’s energy mix, is in the process of being updated.
The plan sets out a viable energy mix over the medium- and long-term to achieve the decarbonisation objectives.
The President said the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan sets out a quantified investment plan of some $98 billion, noting this will drive huge investments in the electricity grid, green hydrogen, electric vehicles, economic diversification, and skills development, amongst others.
“We continue to explore opportunities to meet our emissions reduction targets in minerals extraction, in green hydrogen production, in new power infrastructure, in electric vehicle manufacturing, and economic infrastructure upgrades.
“It is crucial that the transition to a low-carbon economy is just and inclusive and that no worker or community is left behind.
“The growth of clean tech, renewable energy, battery storage, green hydrogen and minerals for the future low-carbon economy must result in opportunities for affected sectors, employees, and communities,” the President said.
The President also noted that government is investing in retraining programmes, creating new job opportunities in renewable energy, and supporting small enterprises in affected areas.
The President further underscored a need for substantial investments to build sustainable infrastructure, develop green technologies and support social programmes.
Moreover, he noted the substantial gap between available disaster funds and the cost of disaster response.
“Even as we have taken proactive measures like setting up a Climate Change Response Fund, we need to think seriously about the urgent financial and policy measures needed to address these shocks, and how to strengthen the National Treasury’s disaster financing response,” the President said.
He said the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is already working with the Presidential Climate Commission on recommendations for the Climate Change Response Fund, and an Adaptation and Resilience Investment Plan to accompany it.
The President called on international partners to fulfil their commitments to finance both, noting that mitigation and adaptation financing remains a challenge.
While acknowledging the positive steps taken with the establishment of the Green Climate Fund, including the Loss and Damage Fund, and other global mechanisms, President Ramaphosa emphasised a need for more innovative financing solutions that mobilise private capital and incentivise sustainable practices.
“The National Treasury’s Climate Finance Strategy is pivotal in this regard, outlining how we can leverage public and private finance to achieve our climate goals.
“We must not underestimate the importance of our own domestic capital and financial markets to innovatively mobilise and deploy capital towards our just transition,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President announced that the Just Energy Transition Funding Platform will be launched in the next few months.
The funding platform will be an important precursor to a broader Just Transition Financing Mechanism, proposals for which are being developed by the Presidential Climate Commission.
“We call on South African business to invest in the projects needed for a successful just transition in this country. We need to use blended finance to unlock private sector flows,” President Ramaphosa said.
Source: South Africa Government News Agency
Nigeria: ASI Engineering Ltd Acquires 60% Stake In Kaduna Electric
ASI Engineering Limited (ASI), a Kaduna -based firm has announced the successful acquisition of a 60% equity stake in Kaduna Electricity Company Plc (Kaduna Electric), as approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
A press statement issued by company said the acquisition of the Kaduna Electric marks a significant milestone for ASI Engineering Limited as it continues to expand its global footprint and contribute to the development of critical infrastructure in emerging markets.
The statement reads: “The acquisition of Kaduna Electric aligns perfectly with our strategic vision to enhance energy access, reliability, and efficiency in Nigeria.
“Kaduna Electric serves as a vital lifeline for residents, businesses, and industries in the franchise states (Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi) and we are committed to leveraging our expertise, resources, and technology to optimise its operations and service delivery.
“ASI is collaborating with stakeholders, especially the state governments within its franchise licence area, to create sustainable solutions that align with the region’s unique needs.
“These unique collaborations will attract the needed investments to upgrade and turn around electricity distribution in the Kaduna Electric franchise area.
“ASI’s vision is to make Kaduna Electric a national leader in electricity distribution, driving sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life through innovative and reliable solutions.
“Our collaborative approach will focus on modernising the electricity distribution network, implementing innovative solutions for energy management, and fostering greater customer satisfaction and engagement.”
The company said: “The acquisition of 60% equity of Kaduna Electric, which NERC has approved, marks a new dawn in the turnaround and repositioning of Kaduna Electric.
“ASI Engineering Limited’s entry into the Nigerian Electricity Market currently is a testimony and demonstration of faith in the efficacy of the renewed hope agenda of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“ASI Engineering Limited is bringing new dynamic leadership to Kaduna Electric through a newly invigorated board and management with vast experience in utility turnaround.
“We want to thank the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), the interim board and the Administrator of Kaduna Electric for their work so far at Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya: EPRA Announces A Drop In Fuel Prices
Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announced a drop in fuel prices effective today, July 15, to August 14.
According to the regulator, petrol price will drop by Sh1, diesel by Sh1.50 and kerosene by Sh1.30.
“The prices are inclusive of the 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) in line with the provisions of the Finance Act 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2020 and the revised rates for excise duty adjusted for inflation as per Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020,” EPRA said in a statement.
The drop in prices was necessitated by various factors including a decrease in the average landing cost of imported Super Petrol by 4.65 per cent from US$750.95 per cubic metre in May 2024 to US$716.03 per cubic metre in June 2024; Diesel decreased by 1.19 per cent from US$690.99 per cubic metre to US$682.73 per cubic metre while Kerosene increased by 2.01 per cent from US$679.14 per cubic metre to US$692.80 per cubic metre.
The drop in prices now means that consumers in Nairobi will pay a maximum of Sh188.84 for a litre of super petrol, Sh171.60 for a litre of diesel and Sh161.75 for a litre of kerosene.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Dangote Refinery To Source Crude Oil From Oil-Producing Nations In Africa
Africa’s largest crude oil refinery, Dangote Refinery, has announced plans to source crude from oil-producing African nations to feed the refinery.
The Nigeria -based Dangote refinery recently secured six million barrels of oil from the US, which is expected to reach the $19 billion facility by August.
In addition, the mega refinery will also receive about five million barrels of crude oil from the US by September, data from Bloomberg shows.
Dangote is also sourcing crude from the South American country, Brazil, in the coming months to ramp up production as it sets to commence the supply of petrol to the market this month.
Speaking to newsmen during the weekend, Chief Executive Officer and founder of the refinery, Aliko Dangote, mentioned that the refinery is expecting feedstock acquired from the US and Brazil in the coming months.
According to him, conversations are ongoing to secure more crude from African countries like Angola, Senegal and Libya, all of which are oil-producing nations.
“We will start importing crude oil from African countries. When we get to those countries, we’ll start negotiating with them. We’ll start bringing in from there.
“We have just bought from the US and Brazil. So I think by next month, we’ll expand the scope to most Asian countries.
“If we have availability in Nigeria, we won’t have to turn to these other countries,” Dangote said.
When asked about the timeline for sourcing crude from these African countries, Dangote stated that it could begin as soon as next month.
“Very soon. I think by next month. You know, crude…you have to book two months in advance. So, I’ll say October, we’ll be bringing in from these African countries,” Dangote responded.
The leadership of Dangote has vehemently lamented the unavailability of crude in Nigeria, forcing the oil facility to seek alternatives from other countries.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Botswana: World Bank Supports Botswana To Enhance Renewable Energy And Improve Electricity Services
The World Bank’s Board of Directors has approved its first lending operation supporting renewable energy development in Botswana.
The Botswana Renewable Energy Support and Access Accelerator (RESA) Project, approved on July 11 2024, aims to transform the country’s energy landscape through enabling renewable solutions and improved electricity access.
Botswana has vast untapped resources for renewable energy. It has set an admirable target to increase renewable energy to 30% of its energy mix by 2030 and 50% by 2036.
The first wave of 335MW renewable energy projects is already at different stages of development by private sector power producers.
This new World Bank project will finance the necessary grid investment and Botswana’s first 50MW utility-scale battery energy storage system to enable the first wave of renewable energy generation to be smoothly integrated and managed in the grid.
In addition, the World Bank project will support the Government of Botswana’s continued effort to enhance energy access by financing the grid expansion to rural villages and improve electricity services in the Southern districts.
“With the financing support and technical assistance from the World Bank, this investment will support us to harness our rich renewable energy resources for a reliable, affordable and sustainable energy future.
“This is not only critical for our own energy security, but also provides an important driver of economic growth,” said Honorable Minister of Minerals and Energy of Botswana, Lefoko Moagi in a statement issued by World Bank.
The project is financed through a loan of $88 million from the World Bank as well as a $30 million loan and a $4 million grant from the Green Climate Fund’s Sustainable Renewables Risk Mitigation Initiative Facility.
The project will also benefit from technical assistance on solar, wind, and storage project development carried out through an additional $3.5 million grant from the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program.
By combining technical assistance and public investments, the project will help mitigate the risks in renewable energy investments.
“The World Bank is pleased to support Botswana’s commitment to expand domestic energy generation with renewable solutions.
“In addition to financing, the World Bank will provide technical assistance to facilitate further renewable energy projects.
“This is an important part of our commitment to support more sustainable and inclusive growth in Botswana,” says Satu Kahkonen, World Bank Country Director for Botswana.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Nuclear Power Build Will Be At A Scale “We Can Afford” – Minister Ramokgopa
Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says South Africa will seek to build a nuclear plant for electricity generation at “a scale and speed that we can afford”.
The Minister was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the Cabinet Lekgotla held in Tshwane at the weekend.
President Cyril Ramaphosa lead the first Lekgotla of the Government of National Unity (GNU), which set out the programme of action government will undertake during the seventh administration.
“In the long term, we need to ensure that we anchor the baseload and nuclear is an important part of that intervention.
“We are working on the framework for procurement because we don’t want to discredit the process through a procurement process that is not transparent.
“We will do it at the scale and speed that we can afford as a country,” he said.
Turning to issues of electricity affordability, the Minister raised his concern that poorer communities are battling to keep up with increasing costs.
“The poor and those that are located in the townships are finding it exceptionally difficult to afford the increases in electricity.
“The pricing and the tariff is prohibitive and a lot of our people across the length and breadth of the country are not in a position to afford electricity.
“Those are challenges on the distribution side…and we know that over a period of time municipalities have underinvested in the maintenance, replenishment and protection of the distribution grid and of course we are paying the price now,” he said.
Also speaking to media at the lekgotla, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau assured South Africans that affirmative action policies like Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment will not be scrapped during the seventh administration.
“These are foundational principles to the establishment of the Government of National Unity. Included in there are priorities in relation to social justice, equity and redress.
“Therefore, these are parties that have come together on the basis of collectively addressing transformation because we have committed to redress in the foundational principles.
“The question is what do we do going forward? Of course, we need to look at the next wave of [BBBEE]…where there are lessons to be learnt, we take those lessons into account and where there are greater opportunities to be introduced we need to be able to introduce those.
“We have placed this firmly on the agenda of the programmes that would be driven by this administration and that is why we always say we are focussing on industrialisation, but we are equally focussing on transformation,” he said.
The Minister emphasised that the economic growth and development of South Africa is a key priority.
A key priority for the seventh administration will be to “leverage off the back of Operation Vulindela as a key programme”.
“This would be a focus on network industries amongst others…looking at energy, looking at logistics in particular, the digital economy and other areas.
“The fact that we’ve made significant progress in that regard enables us to use that as a springboard to grow the economy focused on industrialisation and re-industrialisation.
“But also, a deliberate and conscious focus on transformation because of course, this will enable us to broaden the base of entrepreneurs in the country and to broaden the base of participants in the economy of this country and enable us to grow the jobs that this country so much needs,” Tau said.
Source: SA News
Ghana: ECG Urges Customers To Stock Up Credit Ahead Of Nuri Kamstrup Maintenance Server Exercise Beginning Tonight
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) will from 11 p.m. today, Friday, July 12, 2024, undertake an emergency maintenance on its Nuri Kamstrup Prepayment Server.
The maintenance exercise will be completed on Sunday, July 14, at 11:00 p.m.
This means that after 11 p.m., customers who use the Nuri Kamstrup Prepayment system will not be able to buy credit.
Checks by this portal revealed that the Nuri Kamstrup Prepayment system is being used by customers of ECG at Makola, East Legon, Roman Ridge, Dodowa, Adenta, Kwabenya, Korle-bu, Achimota, Kaneshie, Dansoman and Prampram.
In a statement, ECG advised its customers in the aforementioned areas to purchase sufficient credit to last throughout the maintenance period to avoid any inconvenience.
Besides, the company has apologised for any disruption this necessary maintenance may cause.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
U.S Solar And Wind Power Generation Tops Nuclear For The First Time
For the first time ever, U.S. electricity generation from utility-scale solar and wind exceeded nuclear power plants’ power output in the first half of 2024, according to data from energy think tank Ember quoted by Reuters columnist Gavin Maguire.
Electricity generation from solar and wind hit a record-high of 401.4 terawatt hours (TWh) between January and June 2024, surpassing the 390.5 TWh of power generated from nuclear power plants, Ember’s data showed.
Solar power generation jumped by 30% and electricity output from wind power rose by 10% in the first half of 2024, compared to the same period of last year
In 2023, nuclear power accounted for 18.6% of U.S. electricity generation, while wind power output had a 10.2% share and solar accounted for 3.9% of total U.S. electricity output, according to data for 2023 from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Ember has estimated that the share of wind and solar grew to 16% in 2023, when nuclear was still the largest source of low-carbon electricity in the U.S.
However, expanding renewable energy capacity and record solar and wind power generation helped solar and wind combined to top nuclear as the biggest low-carbon electricity source during the first half of this year.
Early in 2024, the EIA said that wind and solar energy would lead growth in U.S. power generation for the next two years.
As a result of new solar projects coming on line this year, the administration forecast that U.S. solar power generation will surge by 75%, from 163 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) in 2023 to 286 billion kWh in 2025.
The EIA also expects that wind power generation will grow by 11% from 430 billion kWh in 2023 to 476 billion kWh in 2025.
In 2023, all renewable sources—wind, solar, hydro, biomass, and geothermal—accounted for 22% of total U.S. power generation.
Source: Oilprice.com
Africa To Dilate Its Energy Labour Market
African delegates took an active part in a discussion on the BRICS countries human resource potential to manage energy transition.
The dialogue within the recent international seminar was held in the Russian nuclear capital – Obninsk.
More and more countries on the African continent are interested in cooperation within the BRICS.
The only African country in the Union was South Africa recently, but Egypt and Ethiopia joined the list in January 2024 turning BRICS into BRICS+.
Africa plays an important role in BRICS’s global strategy, and its engagement in the association continues to gain momentum.
It is now imperative to define the configuration of future relations between BRICS and Africa and to present a strategic view on how BRICS-Africa relations should develop in the long term.
One of the key topics of cooperation is the development of energy sector labour market.
Official delegations from South Africa, Russia, the UAE, Brazil, China and Egypt met to exchange ideas within the international seminar on human resource development.
The event took place in Obninsk, the first science city in Russia and the place, where national nuclear power was discovered in 1954.
The seminar was organised with the support of the Russian Ministry of Energy and Rosatom.
“It is obvious that the BRICS countries have different energy balances and different access levels to energy resources. At this point, the staff training needs for the energy industry are different in each country.
At the same time, the BRICS countries have many similar goals and difficulties in the labour market development and staff training areas, and this opens up the potential of our cooperation extension.
I am confident that together we can achieve significant success in any direction,” Deputy Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation Anastasia Bondarenko noted.
Project Manager of the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) Nelisiwe Nhlapo stated that the BRICS countries are world leaders in the workers quantity in all energy sectors.
They are 50% of all employees in the renewable energy sector (RES) and 80% of employees in the coal sector.
At the same time, the main challenges that the BRICS countries face today are the aging of working staff in the traditional energy sector, difficulties in transferring experience to the younger generation, the need to develop specialised skills among young people.
It is of great significance to unite countries in the scientific research, standardizing qualifications, and disseminating exchange programmes for students and teachers, creating mutual programmes in energy education.
BRICS delegations also presented their national strategies for skills development in the energy sector.
The South African delegation dwelled on the experience of the sectoral education system: more than 20 educational institutions of various industrial sectors have been created in the country in order to develop specific hard and soft skills.
The UAE delegation outlined the main areas of education that are in demand in the context of the energy transition.
This includes expertise in renewable energy, energy efficiency, engineering and design, digital skills, project management, regulatory frameworks, research and development, public education, and specialized technical skills.
The Egyptian delegation presented the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources experience programmes for mid-level and senior managers in the energy sector, a leadership development programme and an energy efficiency training programme.
Gulnara Bikkulova, Deputy General Director of the International Initiatives and Partnerships Block of the Rosatom Corporate Academy, shared the experience of the Russian nuclear industry. She gave a snapshot of the Russian energy sector with 2.6 million working staff.
The average age of employees is 42 years, women account for 26% of total personnel.
Rosatom is doing a lot of work within the human resources development ecosystem to improve these indicators.
Inter alia, company involves the youth into the industry by cooperating with 250 Rosatom schools and 21 partner universities.
The special attention is paid to issues of gender balance: The Corporate Academy has launched the Invisible Force women’s leadership programme and is assisting schools in teaching technical disciplines to female students.
BRICS cooperation provides tangible benefits for Africa in the fields of research and innovation, energy, health, and education cooperation.
As Africa moves towards a low-carbon development path that is inclusive and sustainable, BRICS membership will give the country access to policy and technical expertise of partner economies to accelerate Africa’s industrialisation and meet Fourth Industrial Revolution aspirations.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Eskom Power Stations Still Vulnerable To Vandalism, Theft
Power utility Eskom says acts of maleficent continue to impact operations and its ability to generate revenue.
This despite the fact that Eskom has kept the lights on for over 100 days.
Mpumalanga power stations are threatened by vandalism of electricity infrastructure and several reports of malpractices, including sabotage and theft of diesel and coal.
Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena says they are working tirelessly to protect the grid.
“Criminal activities like infrastructure theft, vandalism and sabotage undermine the stability and reliability of power supply and impact businesses large and small.
These maleficent acts negatively impact Eskom operations and its ability to generate revenue.”
Ongoing investigations by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) have uncovered corruption at Eskom power stations in Mpumalanga.
This has led to members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) being deployed to the stations.
The SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, says the SIU has been investigating several Eskom officials and contractors doing business with the power utility.
“There are instances where people are swapping the coal.
When they go on tender, they bring quality coal, but they deliver different kinds of coal of lower standards.
There are instances where people deliberately destroy conveyor belts to create alternatives for transporting the coal on the road rather than from the mine to the power stations on conveyor belts.
It is huge, we have been investigating in Eskom for a while now, and I can safely say there are many things happening,” says Kganyago.
According to South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan issued in 2019, 11.3 gigawatts of coal power at seven plants were scheduled to retire by 2020.
To date, only the Komati power plant in Mpumalanga has been retired.
Mokwena adds Eskom has already planned for when stations shut down, “We have decoupled Just Energy Transition from station shut down, simultaneously addressing security of supply as well as Repowering and Repurposing projects.
We have developed 50 repowering and repurposing projects in the pipeline to deliver approximately 2 172MW and 1 754 permanent jobs.”
The power utility urges members of the public to refrain from vandalizing and stealing electricity infrastructure.
With higher energy consumption during the winter, Eskom has implemented load-reduction to protect the network.
Source: Sabcnews
Ghana: Energy Minister Matthew Opoku Prempeh Resigns
Ghana’s Minister for Energy Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has resigned from his position.
This was contained in a statement from the presidency signed by the Director of Communications, Eugene Arhin.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh was last Tuesday, unveiled as the running-mate of Dr Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The statement said Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s resignation is to enable him to focus on his new role as the running-mate to the 2024 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Abu Jinapor, has been asked to exercise Cabinet oversight responsibility over the Ministry of Energy while the Minister-of-State-designate at the Ministry of Energy, Herbert Krapa, will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Ministry.
Below is the full statement from the Presidency
PRESIDENT AKUF0-ADDO ACCEPTS RESIGNATION OF HON. DR MATTHEW OPOKU PREMPEH AS MINISTER FOR ENERGY
The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has today, Thursday, 11h July 2024, accepted the resignation from the office of Hon. Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, as Minister for Energy, with effect from 18h July 2024.
This decision has been made to enable Dr Opoku Prempeh to focus on his new role as the Vice-Presidential Candidate and Running Mate to the 2024 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
President Akufo-Addo has expressed his deep gratitude to Hon, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh for his dedicated service to the government and the people of Ghana.
His tenure as Minister for Education and as Minister for Energy has been marked by a stellar record of accomplishments and significant contributions to the education and energy sectors.
In light of Dr Opoku Prempeh’s resignation, President Akufo-Addo has asked the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Abu Jinapor, MP for Damongo, to exercise Cabinet oversight responsibility over the Ministry of Energy.
Additionally, the Minister-of-State-designate at the Ministry of Energy, Herbert Krapa, will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Ministry.
The President has asked the two persons to liaise closely with Dr Opoku Prempeh to ensure a smooth transition in the affairs of the Ministry.
The President extends his best wishes and God’s blessings to Dr Opoku Prempeh in his new role and is confident that he will continue to serve the party and the nation with distinction.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com