One of Russia’s biggest energy companies and exporters, Novatek, has resumed gas condensate processing at its second unit at Ust-Luga, a major complex and export port on the Russian Baltic Sea, a month after it was damaged by a Ukrainian drone attack, market sources told Reuters on Wednesday.
Until the unit was fixed to become operational again, Novatek rerouted approximately 70,000 metric tons of gas condensate to the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk.
The Ust-Luga complex, operated by Novatek, was hit by a Ukrainian drone strike at the end of August. It was the second time Ukraine has attacked – and damaged – the Ust-Luga port this year.
As a result of the late August strike, the three units at Novatek’s complex were damaged after a fire. Reports had it that all operations at the complex were shut in for several days, including loadings of fuel.
One unit of the damaged complex was expected to resume operations within days of the drone hit, but a second unit was set to take several weeks to repair. Repairs at a separate unit that was most seriously damaged by the attack could take up to six months, according to market sources who spoke to Reuters at the time.
Ust-Luga, one of the key export hubs for Russian crude oil and fuels, has three processing units and refines stable gas condensate into light and heavy naphtha, jet fuel, fuel oil, and gasoil.
The August attack on Ust-Luga was the second time this year that Ukraine has hit and damaged the Novatek complex at the port.
In January, the Russian company was forced to suspend operations at the fuel export terminal at the Ust-Luga complex following a drone attack by Ukrainian forces, which caused a fire at one fuel storage tank.
Meanwhile, Russia is considering extending its current ban on exports of gasoline and introducing a ban on diesel exports as fuel shortages have emerged amid intensified Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries and other energy infrastructure.
Source: Oilprice.com
Ghana’s largest state-owned power generation company, the Volta River Authority (VRA), has hosted a high-powered delegation from Uganda’s energy sector on a courtesy visit to the Authority’s Head Office, Electro-Volta House, in Accra.
The visit was a gesture of goodwill and an opportunity to strengthen ties between the Ugandan energy sector and the VRA, fostering mutual understanding, knowledge-sharing, and the exploration of potential areas of collaboration.
The Acting Chief Executive of VRA, Ing. Edward Obeng-Kenzo, expressed delight at the visit and underscored the importance of such engagements in enhancing cooperation and benchmarking institutional practices. He further emphasized the Authority’s openness to joint initiatives that create shared opportunities for both parties.
During the meeting, Mr. Clement Boakye, Director of Corporate Strategy, provided an overview of VRA’s diverse operations in hydro, thermal, solar, and mini-grid power generation. He also highlighted upcoming projects, outlined current challenges, and reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to innovation and long-term energy security.
This was followed by a presentation from Ing. Abdul Noor Wahab, Director of Water Resources and Renewable Energy, who highlighted VRA’s mini-grid projects. He noted that eight mini-grids are currently operational, expanding electricity access to rural and island communities. He also discussed challenges in system management and outlined strategies to enhance efficiency, expand coverage, and ensure sustainable delivery.
The delegation actively engaged during an interactive session, gaining deeper insight into VRA’s operational framework and its measures for addressing challenges while driving continuous improvement.
The meeting concluded with closing remarks from Eng. David Birimumaso, Assistant Commissioner of Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), and Mr. Samuel Fletcher, Acting Deputy Chief Executive (Services) of VRA.
Other members of the VRA Executive present included Mr. Samuel Odartey Lamptey, Acting Deputy Chief Executive (Engineering and Operations), and Mr. John Maxwell Mbeele, Acting Deputy Chief Executive (Finance).
The Ugandan delegation was led by Ms. Mbakolaki Oliver, representing the Hon. Minister of State, MEMD. It included senior officials such as Protaze Tibyakinura of the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), Kasoba Albert of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), Evelyn Manyiraho of the National Planning Authority, and Namuli Monica Mukasa from the Ministry of Finance.
They were joined by representatives from academia, development partners, and other agencies, including Makerere University Business School, GIZ, MEMD, and MoFPED.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Vitol, a global energy and commodities trading company, has acquired a 30% stake in the Baleine project offshore Côte d’Ivoire, this portal can confirm.
Following the acquisition, Eni, the operator, will hold 47.25%, Vitol 30%, and Petroci, Côte d’Ivoire’s national oil company, the remaining 22.75%.
In a statement, Eni noted that the transaction aligns with its strategy of optimising its upstream portfolio by accelerating the monetization of exploration discoveries through the divestment of equity stakes, a model known as the “dual exploration model.”
Eni and Vitol are already partners in the OCTP and Block 4 projects in Ghana, and this transaction further strengthens their collaboration in West Africa.
Eni has been present in Côte d’Ivoire since 2015. Baleine is Eni’s first development in the country, and the first net-zero development in Africa.
The giant Baleine field was discovered in 2021, two decades after the last commercial discovery in the country, and achieved production in record time in 2023.
Currently, Baleine produces over 62,000 barrels of oil and more than 75 million cubic feet of gas per day from Phases 1 and 2.
With the launch of Phase 3, production is expected to rise to 150,000 barrels of oil and 200 million cubic feet of gas per day, positioning Baleine as a cornerstone in meeting the country’s domestic energy needs.
Vitol has maintained an upstream presence in the West African region for many years.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the theft of electricity infrastructure belonging to Kenya Power in the Manyatta Kona Maji area of Kisumu County.
The suspects, Stephen Bala Magak and Frederick Odhiambo Owino, are accused of receiving stolen energy infrastructure from vandals in the region and reselling it to individuals who engage in illegal electricity connections.
Kenya Power’s security team, working in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, managed to recover equipment valued at approximately KShs 3 million.
The items included six steady bars, one cross arm (channel), three rolls of stay wire measuring about 100 metres, 146 shackle insulators, and around 20 metres of HT aluminium conductors.
“The two suspects are already in custody, and this operation is a testament to our commitment to weed out all persons involved in illegal activities within the network. We call upon members of the public to work with us in reporting and safeguarding the infrastructure that powers their businesses and lives,” said Kenya Power’s Security Services Manager, Maj. (Rtd.) Geoffrey Kigen.
He added: “The Western Region and Kisumu County have been experiencing power challenges, some stemming from vandalism and, in some cases, illegal connections. Through a coordinated security operation between Kenya Power and the Kisumu Central Sub-County Police, we have managed to recover a huge consignment of our equipment valued at approximately KShs 3 million. We thank the law enforcers for their support in our fight against criminal activities that compromise the stability of power supply and endanger lives.”
The Energy Act 2019 criminalises tampering with electricity installations, energy theft, vandalism, and damage to power infrastructure. Offenders face a fine of up to KShs 5 million, a prison sentence of up to five years, or both.
These security operations underscore Kenya Power’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted power supply to its customers.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
A renowned economist and Board Chairman of the Energy Commission (EC) of Ghana, Prof. John Gartchie Gatsi, has urged women to show interest in electrical wiring training programs and get certified by the Commission.
He said this would enable them to become professional electricians, increase female representation in the field, and compete with their male counterparts for opportunities.
He noted that the electrical wiring profession is very lucrative, yet only a few women pursue training programs to become certified professionals.
Speaking at the 23rd Graduation Ceremony for Certified Electrical Wiring Professionals in Accra, Prof. Gatsi revealed that out of the 18,435 certified electrical wiring professionals in Ghana, only 183—representing just 0.01%—are females.
He described the situation as unhealthy and called for urgent action to encourage more female enrollment in order to bridge the gender gap.
According to him, Ghana needs more certified electrical wiring professionals to help reduce incidences of fire in homes, factories, offices, and other manufacturing environments.
To address this challenge, Prof. Gatsi promised to collaborate with the appropriate authorities to eliminate the influx of fake electrical wires and related products by tightening monitoring at the ports and intensifying inspection drives by Energy Commission staff.
He further assured the nation of the Commission’s commitment to improving the professional environment of electrical wiring practitioners. He disclosed that customer care and other innovative modules would be added to the training curriculum to align with modern trends in the electrical wiring industry.
In an interview with this portal, the Assistant Manager in charge of the Electrical Wiring Secretariat (EWS) at the Energy Commission, Mr. Stephen N-ebe Yomoh, said that 1,163 candidates sat for the various categories of examinations this year. Out of this number, 80.56% passed the Domestic category.
He added: 88.50% of candidates in the Commercial category were successful while 77.27% passed in the Industrial category with 44.90% also passed in the Inspector category.
In total, Mr. Yomoh disclosed that 944 candidates were successful, representing an overall pass rate of about 81.17%.
“This brings the total number of electricians certified by the Commission to 18,435 nationwide,” he affirmed.
Mr. Yomoh, however, expressed concern over the continuous activities of uncertified electricians who exploit the unsuspecting public, often resulting in avoidable fire outbreaks.
Delivering the keynote address, the Registrar of the Engineering Council, Ing. Isaac Bedu, urged certified electrical professionals to exhibit the highest professional and ethical standards to protect Ghanaian homes and industries from fire disasters.
Ing. Isaac Bedu
He also encouraged aspiring electricians to take advantage of the Energy Commission’s certification examinations to qualify as certified professionals.
The Director at the Energy Commission, Mr. Anthony Bleboo, who was among the guests, cited the Electrical Wiring Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 2008), describing them as a milestone in addressing fire hazards.
He used the opportunity to urge graduates to uphold professional standards as they enter the job market.
“This will ensure that electrical installations are done correctly and that public safety is protected,” he emphasized.
He reminded the graduates that they would be held accountable for all installations they undertake.
The overall best candidate for the 2025 examination was Larnyoh Mawuliku Kumordji from the Accra Examination Centre. He received GHS 1,000 and assorted products from Reroy Cables Co. Ltd and Nexans Kabel Metal Ltd.
The overall best female candidate was Dzandu Vivian, also from Accra Centre. She received GHS 3,000 in cash and products from Focus Cables Co. Ltd, Reroy Cables Co. Ltd, and Nexans Kabel Metal Ltd.
Other award winners included: Best Inspector Candidate: Larnyoh Mawuliku Kumordji – products from Services Merchandise Ltd.
Best Industrial Candidate: Awudi Isaac (Accra Centre) – products from Services Merchandise Ltd.
Best Commercial Candidate: Dzandu Vivian – products from Services Merchandise Ltd.
Best Domestic Candidate: Amekor Ishmael (Accra Centre) – products from African Diamond Cables Co. Ltd.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
East Africa’s largest annual renewable energy event – will be held from 11–13 November 2025 at the Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi, in partnership with AFSIA (African Solar Industry Association) and supported by KAM, KEREA, ESAK and KNCCI.
This edition will feature over 150 exhibiting companies, 50+ domain expert speakers, 500 conference delegates, and approximately 4,000 trade visitors from across East African countries.
Running alongside the international exhibition, a 3-day international conference will take place in partnership with AFSIA, under the theme Clean Energy Pathways: Innovation-Driven Strategies for Africa.
Dates:November 11–13, 2025Venue: Sarit Expo Center, Nairobi, Kenya
The C&I Energy+Storage Summit Johannesburg focuses on energy security for commercial and industrial businesses, emphasising solar-plus-storage projects.
Attendees will gain insights into reducing energy costs, ensuring reliable energy supply, decarbonisation and leveraging new technologies.
The event features keynote sessions, panel discussions and networking opportunities with industry leaders, government and project developers.
It provides practical knowledge on project financing, cost management, regulatory requirements and energy storage technologies.
Date: 4 – 5 November 2025
Venue: Sandton, Johannesburg
The AIMC 2025 is the premier platform for stakeholders involved in Angola’s mining industry, including government officials, mining companies, investors, technology providers, and industry experts.
The conference will focus on the country’s evolving mining landscape, sector reforms, infrastructure development, and sustainable practices, highlighting Angola’s strategic positioning in the global mining industry.
Under the patronage of João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of Angola, and chaired by Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum, and Gas (MIREMPET), the Angolan International Mining Conference is regarded as one of the most important international mining conferences for the region.
Date: 21-23 October 2025
Venue: Talatona Convention Center, Luanda, Angola
Building on years of energy expertise, we proudly introduce an event that’s engineered to capture the essence of South Africa’s energy evolution, focusing on the transformative power of solar energy, cutting-edge battery storage solutions, the forefront of clean energy advancements and disruptive market forces that are propelling South Africa’s energy transition.
Solar & Storage Live is Cape Town’s largest renewable energy exhibition that celebrates the technologies at the forefront of the transition to a greener, smarter, more decentralised energy system.
Date: 15 – 16 October 2025
Venue: CTICC, Cape Town
Get ready to join the most impactful and forward-thinking minds across Africa, as we empower leaders to drive a more sustainable future at the ESG Africa Conference.
This highly-anticipated event provides an unparalleled platform for industry pioneers and experts to come together and tackle the common challenges associated with embedding ESG practices within organisations.
The conference’s core theme, Sustainable Future Through Leadership, underscores the essential role that leaders play in ensuring their organizations align with ESG principles and integrate them into their overall strategy.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to be part of the change-makers shaping Africa’s sustainable future!
Date: 15 – 16 October 2025
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre
The CIGRE SA 12th Regional Conference is the biennial discussion forum organised by the CIGRE Southern Africa Committee for members, associates and experts from Africa and developing economies.
Recent amendments to South Africa’s Electricity Regulation Act have highlighted the dramatic shifts in the country’s energy landscape. The African continent and the international energy sector as a whole are undergoing substantial structural changes.
These changes necessitate urgent action in three key areas:
technological innovation,
regulatory reform, and
environmental considerations.
Such measures are necessary in order to create an environment conducive to a sustainable power system that can meet the growing demand for electricity.
Moreover, this energy transition has to be achieved while balancing multiple objectives:
decarbonising the sector to combat climate change,
ensuring equitable access to clean energy, and
fostering new economic opportunities within the industry.
This conference will provide a platform to attendees, from the region and beyond, to deliberate on subjects that expand on how we can build, transform and adapt a sustainable power system in the energy transition on the continent.
The discussions and knowledge exchange at this conference will be between industry stakeholders: electric utilities (generation/transmission/ distribution), regional power pools, municipalities, system operators, regulators, policy makers manufacturers and suppliers, universities, standardising bodies, research laboratories and other authorities in the field of the development of electrical systems, primarily in Africa, with a global perspective.
Date: 14 – 17 October 2025
Venue: CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria
Nigeria Mining Week will this year celebrate 10 years as Nigeria’s premier mining platform
Hosted by the Ministry of Solid Mineral Development of Nigeria, organised by the Miners Association of Nigeria, in partnership with PwC Nigeria and The VUKA Group, NMW is the premier event dedicated to the mining sector.
NMW provides a platform for industry professionals, government officials and key stakeholders to come together, share insights, and explore business opportunities.
This 10th annual event is pivotal in shaping the future of Nigeria’s mining industry by fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development.
Date: 13 – 15 October 2025Venue: Abuja Continental Hotel
This year’s theme, Empowering South Africa’s Energy Future, focuses on leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and smart technologies for a stable, balanced, just, and sustainable energy transition. Don’t miss this pivotal gathering shaping the future of energy in South Africa.
The Association of Municipal Electricity Utilities (AMEU) is an association of electricity distribution utilities and commercial companies providing goods and services to the electricity distribution utilities in Southern Africa.
Date: 5 – 8 October 2025
Venue: East London ICC
The theme for the SAEEC 20th Annual Conference — Engineering the Future: Energy Efficiency in the Circular Economy — reflects a critical intersection between technology, sustainability, and resource optimisation.
This theme highlights the need for innovative engineering solutions to improve energy efficiency within the context of a circular economy.
Date: 2 – 3 October 2025
Venue: Lanseria, Johannesburg
Other award winners included: Best Inspector Candidate: Larnyoh Mawuliku Kumordji – products from Services Merchandise Ltd.
Best Industrial Candidate: Awudi Isaac (Accra Centre) – products from Services Merchandise Ltd.
Best Commercial Candidate: Dzandu Vivian – products from Services Merchandise Ltd.
Best Domestic Candidate: Amekor Ishmael (Accra Centre) – products from African Diamond Cables Co. Ltd.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com