Russian Drones Pound Ukraine As Trump Slaps Sanctions On Rosneft And Lukoil
Russian drones attacked the Ukrainian capital for the second night in a row on October 22, injuring four people, officials said within hours of an announcement from Washington imposing sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies.
Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, said drones had damaged several dwellings and other buildings.
Air assaults the night before struck throughout the country, killing at least seven people and causing power outages. One of the attacks hit a kindergarten in Kharkiv and another hit an apartment building in Zaporizhzhya.
The Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Telegram that it struck Ukrainian energy infrastructure in response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian targets.
The US Treasury Department announced the sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil after the European Union unveiled a fresh wave of sanctions earlier on October 22. Both actions were aimed at pressuring Russia to end its full-scale invasion of its neighbor.
“Today is a very big day in terms of what we’re doing. These are tremendous sanctions. These are very big — against their two big oil companies. And we hope they won’t be on for long. We hope that the war will be settled,” US President Donald Trump said.
The move marks another shift for Trump, who has resisted putting more pressure on Russia in hopes that Russian President Vladimir Putin would agree to end the fighting. But his patience appeared to have run out after plans for a summit with Putin in Budapest collapsed.
“I just felt it was time,” Trump told reporters at the White House after welcoming NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. “Every time I speak with Vladimir, I have good conversations, and then they don’t go anywhere.”
In another indication that Trump’s patience is wearing thing, the president said he had canceled the Budapest meeting.
“It didn’t feel right to me. It didn’t feel like we were going to get to the place we have to get,” he said.
The US sanctions are designed to increase pressure on Russia’s energy sector and “degrade” the Kremlin’s ability to raise revenue for its war machine, the Treasury Department said in a “Given President Putin’s refusal to end this senseless war, Treasury is sanctioning Russia’s two largest oil companies that fund the Kremlin’s war machine,”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in the news release.
Bessent said earlier that Putin had not “come to the table in an honest and forthright manner, as we’d hoped.”
The EU sanctions include the blacklisting of oil tankers used by Moscow, travel curbs on Russian diplomats, and a ban on importing liquefied natural gas from Russia by 2027.
The package is the 19th imposed by the EU since the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The sanctions were presented last month by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who said the purchase of fossil fuels from Russia is financing the Russian war.
The US sanctions follow a similar move by Britain last week, said Rachel Ziemba, an analyst at the Center for New American Security. They are the first notable sanction on Russia from the Trump administration and should have an impact beyond those imposed by Britain alone, she said.
“So it’s a big deal but not as big as it would have been a year ago,” she said in response to a question from RFE/RL, pointing out that subsidiaries operating energy projects are also sanctioned and that could make getting new parts for rebuilding more expensive.
Ziemba also said that the Russian oil companies currently do little business in dollars or in the US financial sector, and the “evasive infrastructure” they use could “blunt” the impact of the new sanctions.
During his visit with Trump, Rutte praised the US president’s efforts to bring the two sides together even after some observers criticized Trump’s outreach to Putin, saying it only allowed the Russian leader to buy time.
Consistent pressure on Russia and frank talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are necessary to reach a cease-fire, Rutte said.
“Look at the Russian economy. There are long lines of cars into the gas stations,” Rutte told Fox News, adding that the Ukrainians have hit an estimated one-third of the Russian oil and gas infrastructure.
He also pointed to moves in Europe to do more to stop Russia’s use of a shadow fleet to move oil around the world.
“All of this will help change the calculus,” Rutte said.
“Collectively, we will change Putin’s calculus and get him to the table and get the cease-fire going. I’m absolutely convinced. It may not be today or tomorrow, but we will get there.”
Ghana: Energy Minister Visits PHDC, Reaffirms Government’s Commitment To Petroleum Hub Project
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, has paid an official visit to the head office of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) in Accra as part of his familiarisation tour of agencies under the Ministry of Energy.
The visit, which took place on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, provided an opportunity for the Minister to engage with the management and staff of the Corporation while reinforcing the government’s strong commitment to the successful implementation of the Petroleum Hub Project—one of Ghana’s most ambitious initiatives in the energy sector.
In his address, Hon. Jinapor underscored the strategic importance of the PHDC and the Petroleum Hub Project to Ghana’s energy future and overall economic transformation.
He explained that the Corporation was established to attract significant investment into the petroleum value chain and assured the management and staff of the Ministry’s full support in fulfilling this mandate.
The Minister encouraged staff to uphold professionalism, remain apolitical in the execution of their duties, and embrace innovation and dedication—qualities he described as essential to making the Hub attractive to global investors.
Addressing concerns about the project’s feasibility and scalability, John Jinapor noted that further stakeholder engagements would be undertaken to address any outstanding issues to ensure a smooth and successful rollout.
Welcoming the Minister, Dr. Toni Aubynn, Acting Chief Executive Officer of PHDC, expressed appreciation for the visit, noting that the Minister’s presence and assurances would inspire confidence and renewed commitment among the staff.
Dr. Aubynn described the Petroleum Hub Project as both ambitious and transformative, citing global examples from Singapore and the Netherlands to highlight its potential impact.
He also referenced Malaysia’s Petroleum Hub, which created over 80,000 jobs in its first phase, as an illustration of the employment and economic benefits the project could deliver for Ghana—particularly for the youth of Jomoro and beyond.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Onasis Rosely, Deputy CEO for Operations and Technical, expressed gratitude for the Minister’s visit and pledged that tangible progress would be evident ahead of the next engagement.
Also present at the meeting were Ms. Halimatu Sadia Abdulai, Deputy CEO for Finance and Administration, as well as directors and senior management of the Corporation.
The Minister was accompanied by a delegation from the Ministry, including Ing. Sulemana Abubakar, Acting Director for Power; Dr. Yusif Sulemana, Technical Advisor; Mr. Richmond Rockson, Esq., Spokesperson and Director of Communication; and other officials.
Welcoming the Minister, Dr. Toni Aubynn, Acting Chief Executive Officer of PHDC, expressed appreciation for the visit, noting that the Minister’s presence and assurances would inspire confidence and renewed commitment among the staff.
Dr. Aubynn described the Petroleum Hub Project as both ambitious and transformative, citing global examples from Singapore and the Netherlands to highlight its potential impact.
He also referenced Malaysia’s Petroleum Hub, which created over 80,000 jobs in its first phase, as an illustration of the employment and economic benefits the project could deliver for Ghana—particularly for the youth of Jomoro and beyond.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Onasis Rosely, Deputy CEO for Operations and Technical, expressed gratitude for the Minister’s visit and pledged that tangible progress would be evident ahead of the next engagement.
Also present at the meeting were Ms. Halimatu Sadia Abdulai, Deputy CEO for Finance and Administration, as well as directors and senior management of the Corporation.
The Minister was accompanied by a delegation from the Ministry, including Ing. Sulemana Abubakar, Acting Director for Power; Dr. Yusif Sulemana, Technical Advisor; Mr. Richmond Rockson, Esq., Spokesperson and Director of Communication; and other officials.
Kenya Leads In Renewable Energy Generation And Energy Consumption In East Africa
Kenya has emerged as the leader in energy consumption and renewable energy generation in East Africa, according to a report by Capital FM citing the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority’s (EPRA) Energy and Petroleum Statistics Report.
The report shows that Kenya recorded the region’s highest electricity peak demand of 2,316 megawatts (MW), up from 2,177 MW in 2024, surpassing Tanzania’s 1,944 MW, Uganda’s 1,176 MW, and Rwanda’s 262 MW.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) followed closely with 2,174 MW, while Zanzibar registered 131 MW.
Kenya’s installed electricity generation capacity stood at 3,192 MW, ranking third regionally after DRC’s 3,238.9 MW and Tanzania’s 3,091.7 MW.
However, Kenya dominated in renewable energy generation, with geothermal power accounting for 940 MW, representing 100 percent of the region’s geothermal capacity.
“Kenya has continued to strengthen its position as a continental leader in green energy, with renewable sources accounting for 80.17 percent of the electricity mix in the year under review,” the report stated.
“This remarkable energy mix underscores our commitment to sustainability and resilience in the sector.”
Regionally, renewable energy accounted for 81 percent of total installed capacity across the East African Community (EAC), with hydropower leading at 65.15 percent.
Kenya, however, maintained the most diversified energy mix in the region, combining geothermal, wind, solar, and hydro resources.
South Africa: Shell Appeals Court Ruling Halting Offshore Exploration
Shell Plc is appealing a court decision that overturned the environmental permit for an oil exploration block off the west coast of South Africa.
The oil giant is challenging, alongside the South African government, a decision by the Western Cape High Court to set aside the environmental impact assessment for Block 5/6/7 — a license previously held by TotalEnergies SE, the company said in response to questions.
The move escalates an ongoing battle between explorers and environmental groups in the country. South Africa estimates as much as $1.6 billion of investments have been stopped by legal challenges from non-governmental organizations, Minister of Mineral Resources and Petroleum Gwede Mantashe told parliament last month.
“The High Court judgment misinterprets the National Environmental Management Act, imposes practical and operational constraints outside of the Act and incorrectly expands the scope by conflating exploration with production,” Shell said in an emailed statement.
The appeal was heard on Oct. 16 and a judgment is expected in the next few weeks, according to Green Connection, one of the environmental groups involved in the case.
Both Shell and Total are ramping up preparations to drill in South Africa following discoveries across the maritime border in Namibia that have turned the area into one of the continent’s exploration hotspots.
Shell awaits a separate judgment in South Africa’s top court over exploration activity halted off its “Wild Coast” project along the Indian Ocean.
Ghana: Bui Power Authority Board Of Directors Embark On Four-Day Tour Of Bui Generating Station
The Board of Directors of the Bui Power Authority (BPA), Ghana’s second-largest state-owned power generation company, has undertaken a four-day working visit to the Bui Generating Station (BGS) in the Savannah and Bono Regions.
The visit aimed to gain deeper insight into the Authority’s operations and strengthen strategic relationships within the Bui Enclave.
As part of the itinerary, the Board paid courtesy calls on the Banda Traditional Council and other key opinion leaders to discuss avenues for enhancing community collaboration and promoting sustainable development partnerships.
During the visit, Board members gained firsthand appreciation of the operational processes, safety protocols, and efficiency measures that underpin BPA’s reputation as one of Ghana’s most reliable and innovative renewable energy producers.
The delegation toured the 404 MW Hydroelectric Plant, the 50 MWp Land-Based Solar Plant, and the 5 MWp Floating Solar Plant. They also inspected progress on the ongoing 25 MWp Floating Solar Plant and the 100 MWp Land-Based Solar Plant, as well as newly developed staff accommodation facilities and the Multi-Purpose Office Complex.
The four-day visit culminated in a staff durbar, where the Board, led by Ambassador Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, commended BPA staff for their unwavering dedication and professionalism.
They encouraged employees to continue upholding the highest standards of excellence, innovation, and teamwork in advancing the Authority’s strategic objectives and contributing to Ghana’s clean energy transition.
During the visit, Board members gained firsthand appreciation of the operational processes, safety protocols, and efficiency measures that underpin BPA’s reputation as one of Ghana’s most reliable and innovative renewable energy producers.
The delegation toured the 404 MW Hydroelectric Plant, the 50 MWp Land-Based Solar Plant, and the 5 MWp Floating Solar Plant. They also inspected progress on the ongoing 25 MWp Floating Solar Plant and the 100 MWp Land-Based Solar Plant, as well as newly developed staff accommodation facilities and the Multi-Purpose Office Complex.
The four-day visit culminated in a staff durbar, where the Board, led by Ambassador Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, commended BPA staff for their unwavering dedication and professionalism.
They encouraged employees to continue upholding the highest standards of excellence, innovation, and teamwork in advancing the Authority’s strategic objectives and contributing to Ghana’s clean energy transition.
Zambia: ERB Approves 35 Licences, 15 Construction Permits Worth $284 Million In Zambia’s Energy Sector
Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has approved thirty-five (35) licence applications and fifteen (15) construction permits across the petroleum, electricity, and renewable energy sub-sectors, representing a total investment pledge of over ZMW 6.5 billion (US$ 284 million).
According to the regulator, the approvals—granted at the Board’s Licensing Committee meeting held on 15th October 2025—reflect growing investor confidence and sustained interest in Zambia’s energy sector.
In a statement, the ERB noted that the continued inflow of investments underscores the country’s favourable regulatory environment and ongoing efforts to streamline approval processes. The Board reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring predictable, safe, and efficient regulatory mechanisms that facilitate timely project implementation.
The 35 approved licences span various energy activities, including:
- 15 for the manufacture, supply, installation, and maintenance of renewable energy generating equipment;
- 9 for the road transportation of petroleum products;
- 4 for the distribution, import, and export of petroleum products;
- 1 for wholesale marketing of petroleum products;
- 1 for retail of petroleum products;
- 1 for biofuel production as an alternative to charcoal;
- 1 for electricity generation;
- 1 for electricity supply; and
- 1 for electricity distribution.
Ghana: How PURC’s 2.45% Tariff Increase In Third Quarter Betrays The People’s Economic Relief (Opinion)
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) announced a weighted average increase of 2.45% in electricity tariffs for all consumer categories for the Third Quarter of 2025, effective July 1, 2025.
This decision according to the utility regulator follows a comprehensive quarterly review, balancing significant savings from a stronger national currency against crucial provisions to address historical revenue shortfalls and ensure future power system stability.
The decision to adjust electricity tariffs upward in that quarter on the surface appears to be a minor adjustment but underneath, represents a profound failure to pass on significant economic relief to the people of Ghana.
The PURC’s own data tells a story not of a need for increase, but of an overwhelming justification for a major reduction. The projected exchange rate used for tariff calculation strengthened by 34.35%, moving from GHS transmission and distribution observed reduction.
The core cost of the electricity consumed in Ghana is built on three pillars: Generation, Transmission, and Distribution. The PURC’s Table 2 in its 2025 Third Quarter Natural Gas, Electricity & Water Tariff Decis15.6974/US$ in Q2 to GHS 10.3052/US$ in Q3, implying that all most of the cost elements from generation, ion shows that in the third quarter, every single one of these pillars saw massive cost reductions.
The Bulk Generation Charge, the very cost of producing power, plummeted by 34.03%. The composite charge from all power producers fell by 27.18%. The cost attributed to losses in transmission and distribution fell by over 26%.
The Sum of all these decreases including reduction in generation, transmission, and distribution costs accounts for the total net saving amounts to a staggering 72.75 Ghana pesewas for every single unit of electricity consumed (kwh).
The energy outlook for 2025 published by Energy Commission estimates that total electricity consumption for 2025 is 25,836 GWh, implying that electricity consumption averagely for each quarter is estimated at 6459Gwh.
Based on quarterly consumption data and savings of Ghp/kwh72.75 influenced by the appreciation of the cedi, the estimated total savings for the period is about Ghc4.7 billion, and the net savings is about Ghc3.2 billion (deductions of transmission and technical losses of 31%).
The usage of an over-recovery of Ghc3.2 billion would have seen electricity tariff in the third quarter decline by about 20% because net monetary effect would be an over-recovery of Ghc667 million, and not the under-recovery of Ghc166 million as indicated by the PURC.
Interestingly, the PURC acknowledges windfall, generated primarily by the 34% appreciation of our Cedi yet decided to use a lower boundary consumption to compute the total monetary value of the windfall, denying electricity tariff reduction benefits to poorer households from James Town to Pusiga.
The very purpose of the quarterly review is to reflect changes in macroeconomic factors. The most significant positive change in a generation occurred, and the PURC has decided to filter it away from the people.
The honest, data-driven decision would have been a significant tariff reduction by about 20% in the third quarter of 2025.
The 2.45% increase is not justifiable; it is a betrayal of the economic relief that was rightfully to Ghanaian electricity consumers as a result of the Ghana cedi appreciation, thereby making the electricity users paying more than expected for electricity.
The writer is the executive director for Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy (CEMSE)
Ghana: NPA Intensifies LPG Safety Campaign In Universities And Tertiary Institutions
Ghana’s petroleum downstream regulator, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has stepped up its nationwide Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Safety Campaign, extending the sensitization programme to universities and other tertiary institutions across the country.
The campaign, led by the Consumer Services Directorate in collaboration with the Corporate Affairs and Gas Directorates, seeks to promote the safe and efficient use of LPG, following recent gas-related incidents, including an explosion at the UDS–Nyankpala Campus that injured two students.
A team from the NPA, headed by Acting Director of Consumer Services, Mrs. Eunice Budu Nyarko, visited the Northern and Upper East Regions to educate students and traders in major markets on the health, safety, and environmental benefits of adopting LPG within a secure and well-regulated environment.
The sessions included interactive demonstrations, open fora, and the distribution of educational materials to deepen awareness of safe LPG use.
The team, which comprised Ing. Johnson Gbagbo Jnr, a Supervisor at the Gas Directorate; officials from the Consumer Services and Corporate Affairs Directorates; and representatives from the respective Regional Offices, visited the University for Development Studies (UDS – Dungu and Nyankpala Campuses) and the Tamale Nursing and Midwifery Training College in the Northern Region.
In the Upper East Region, the team interacted with students of the Bolgatanga and Zuarungu Nursing and Midwifery Training Colleges, as well as traders at the Bolgatanga Main Market, among others.
Delivering an insightful presentation on LPG Safety Tips, Ing. Johnson Gbagbo Jnr conducted practical demonstrations on how to safely install, handle, and maintain LPG cylinders and accessories. He emphasized the importance of regular cylinder inspection, proper ventilation, and prompt response to gas leaks.
Ing. Gbagbo further enlightened the students on the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM)—a key national policy aimed at ensuring safety in LPG distribution—and encouraged them to become advocates of safe LPG practices both on campus and within their communities.
In her remarks, Mrs. Eunice Budu Nyarko underscored the health and environmental benefits of LPG over traditional fuels such as firewood and charcoal. She cautioned that prolonged exposure to smoke from these fuels contributes significantly to respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, while LPG offers a cleaner and safer alternative that aligns with the Authority’s sustainability and public health objectives.
Regional Managers and their representatives, who were part of the delegation, also sensitized participants on the broader regulatory functions of the Authority, including the siting and licensing of fuel stations.
They assured students and the general public that the Authority remains committed to maintaining safety standards across the downstream petroleum sector and operates an open-door policy to receive and address consumer concerns.
Nigeria: Petrol Tanker Explodes In Niger State Village, Kills 35 People
A petrol tanker exploded on Tuesday afternoon after skidding off the road near the Essan and Badeggi communities along the Bida-Agaei Road in Niger State, killing 35 people who had gathered to scoop fuel.
The tragic incident caused heavy vehicular traffic on the busy expressway, worsened by the poor condition of the road.
Aishatu Sa’adu, Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Niger Command, confirmed the death toll to reporters. Several injured persons were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Sa’adu noted that the deplorable state of the road also affected the response time of the rescue operation.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed his “deepest condolences” to the people of Essan in the Katcha Local Government Area, where the explosion “claimed many lives and left several others injured.”
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor said several victims had approached the tanker after it overturned, attempting to retrieve its contents before the explosion occurred.
“This is yet another painful, difficult, and tragic incident for the people and the state government,” Governor Bago stated.
The Chairman of the Niger State Tanker Drivers’ Association, Farouk Mohammed Kawo, described the tragedy as “devastating and avoidable,” according to a report by Channels Television.
Kawo added that the tanker was transporting petrol from Lagos to northern Nigeria when it crashed, noting that about 30 accidents have been recorded on the same route in October alone — a situation he attributed to the “deplorable state of the road.”
Ghana: Energy Minister Commissions Nine Borehole Facilities To Improve Water Access
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Jinapor, has commissioned nine mechanised boreholes across communities in the Yapei Kusawgu Constituency in the Savannah Region, as part of his commitment to providing clean water for his constituents.
During the commissioning ceremony, Hon. Jinapor reaffirmed his dedication to improving the quality of life in the constituency through impactful projects in water, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
He described the borehole initiative as a vital step toward increasing access to safe and clean drinking water for the people of Yapei Kusawgu. “As the Member of Parliament for Yapei Kusawgu, I am pleased to announce the successful completion and commissioning of nine mechanised boreholes in various communities within my constituency,” he said.
The beneficiary communities include Ali Complex, Cemetery, Fire Service, Near MP’s House, Technical, Chanchanco, Chanchanco (Second Site), Yipala East, and the Fulani Borehole at Npaha Junction.
Hon. Jinapor emphasized that this project forms part of his broader development agenda focused on ensuring equitable distribution of essential social amenities throughout the constituency. He added that it is one of several ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive development and improving living standards across Yapei Kusawgu.
Ghana: IEA Hosts Over 200 Energy Efficiency Professionals In Accra
Over 200 energy efficiency professionals from nearly 20 countries have gathered in Accra, the capital of Ghana, for a three-day training hosted by the International Energy Agency (IEA) to share experiences on how energy efficiency can enhance Africa’s energy security.
Co-hosted by Ghana’s Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, with support from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the African Union Energy Commission (AFREC), the training marks a key milestone in the IEA’s growing collaboration with African countries on energy efficiency.
The event brought together policymakers and energy professionals from across the continent to exchange expertise on energy efficiency policies and explore how efficiency can contribute to energy security, affordability, and sustainability in emerging and developing economies.
“Delivering energy efficiency progress in Africa is the fastest and most affordable way to expand energy access, strengthen economies, and build a sustainable energy future for all across the continent,” said Brian Motherway, Head of the IEA’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Inclusive Transitions.
“The IEA has worked closely with countries across Africa to develop the expertise required for effective policymaking on energy efficiency. These training weeks help strengthen that knowledge base among countries and sustain momentum in this critical area,” he added.
Ghana serves as a leading example in Africa for advancing ambitious energy efficiency policies. It was among the first countries to ban second-hand appliances and restrict the import of products that fail to meet Minimum Energy Performance Standards, thereby preventing the inflow of outdated and inefficient technologies.
Complementing these efforts, Ghana has introduced comprehensive measures to promote clean cooking and e-mobility—addressing energy access challenges and supporting electrification.
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, highlighted the progress the country has made, stating that through various initiatives, Ghana has saved 400 GWh of electricity, reduced peak load by 124 MW through efficient lighting, and saved 1.6 million tonnes of firewood annually through the use of improved cookstoves.
According to him, these milestones demonstrate that targeted energy efficiency policies can deliver lasting economic, environmental, and social benefits.
“Energy efficiency is a central pillar in Ghana’s Mission 300 Energy Compact, complementing renewable energy expansion by reducing overall demand, improving system reliability, and maximizing the value of every unit of energy produced,” said Jinapor.
“The Training Week provides a unique opportunity for policymakers, energy efficiency practitioners, experts, and learners to exchange knowledge, ideas, and practical tools to accelerate the implementation of energy efficiency policies across the continent.”
Since 2015, the IEA has convened 20 Training Weeks, engaging more than 3,000 energy efficiency professionals and contributing to the development of over 1,000 new energy efficiency policies in participating countries.
The Training Weeks form part of the IEA’s Energy Efficiency in Emerging Economies Programme and are funded through the Agency’s Clean Energy Transitions Programme. These events aim to build a community of experts to ensure that energy efficiency remains a key component of national energy strategies.
Complementing these efforts, Ghana has introduced comprehensive measures to promote clean cooking and e-mobility—addressing energy access challenges and supporting electrification.
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, highlighted the progress the country has made, stating that through various initiatives, Ghana has saved 400 GWh of electricity, reduced peak load by 124 MW through efficient lighting, and saved 1.6 million tonnes of firewood annually through the use of improved cookstoves.
According to him, these milestones demonstrate that targeted energy efficiency policies can deliver lasting economic, environmental, and social benefits.
“Energy efficiency is a central pillar in Ghana’s Mission 300 Energy Compact, complementing renewable energy expansion by reducing overall demand, improving system reliability, and maximizing the value of every unit of energy produced,” said Jinapor.
“The Training Week provides a unique opportunity for policymakers, energy efficiency practitioners, experts, and learners to exchange knowledge, ideas, and practical tools to accelerate the implementation of energy efficiency policies across the continent.”
Since 2015, the IEA has convened 20 Training Weeks, engaging more than 3,000 energy efficiency professionals and contributing to the development of over 1,000 new energy efficiency policies in participating countries.
The Training Weeks form part of the IEA’s Energy Efficiency in Emerging Economies Programme and are funded through the Agency’s Clean Energy Transitions Programme. These events aim to build a community of experts to ensure that energy efficiency remains a key component of national energy strategies.
Ghana: Over 300 Entries Received 10 Days To Close Of Nominations For 9th Ghana Energy Awards
With barely 10 days remaining before the close of nominations for the 9th Ghana Energy Awards, organisers say the prestigious scheme has received over 300 entries from individuals and companies.
The nomination window officially closes on Friday, 31st October 2025.
Nominations for this year’s event opened on Tuesday, 9th September 2025, inviting submissions from individuals, companies, and institutions across Ghana’s energy value chain.
Established to recognise and honour outstanding achievements, innovation, and leadership within the energy sector, the Ghana Energy Awards has over the years become a respected benchmark for excellence.
The initiative is endorsed by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, its allied agencies, and the World Energy Council – Ghana.
Held under the theme “Repositioning the Energy Sector as a Pillar of National Development,” this year’s edition underscores the central role of energy in driving Ghana’s economic transformation. It calls for strategic reforms that foster sustainable growth, inclusivity, and resilience across the sector.
Now in its ninth year, the Ghana Energy Awards continues to evolve in line with both global and national energy trends. The 2025 edition features twenty-six competitive categories, reflecting the breadth of Ghana’s energy landscape—from the power to the petroleum subsectors.
The Awards Secretariat has also introduced new categories this year, broadening participation and ensuring recognition for diverse contributions that support the country’s energy development agenda.
The response to this year’s call for nominations has been exceptional, with a noticeable shift away from the traditional last-minute submissions.
Entries have been overwhelming so far, with several nominations coming in earlier than expected — a change that signals stronger engagement and a growing sense of ownership among industry players.
With over 300 entries already received from across the energy sector, competition for shortlisting is expected to be intense.
The Secretariat has, however, reminded prospective nominees who have yet to file their submissions to do so within the stipulated period, stressing that no extensions will be granted beyond the October 31 deadline.
As part of the rigorous evaluation process, the Ghana Energy Awards Secretariat and the Awarding Panel have commenced site visitations, which will continue through to 15th November 2025.
These visits form a crucial component of the Awards’ verification framework, allowing the Panel to assess nominated projects and initiatives firsthand.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Awards Secretariat has also introduced new categories this year, broadening participation and ensuring recognition for diverse contributions that support the country’s energy development agenda.
The response to this year’s call for nominations has been exceptional, with a noticeable shift away from the traditional last-minute submissions.
Entries have been overwhelming so far, with several nominations coming in earlier than expected — a change that signals stronger engagement and a growing sense of ownership among industry players.
With over 300 entries already received from across the energy sector, competition for shortlisting is expected to be intense.
The Secretariat has, however, reminded prospective nominees who have yet to file their submissions to do so within the stipulated period, stressing that no extensions will be granted beyond the October 31 deadline.
As part of the rigorous evaluation process, the Ghana Energy Awards Secretariat and the Awarding Panel have commenced site visitations, which will continue through to 15th November 2025.
These visits form a crucial component of the Awards’ verification framework, allowing the Panel to assess nominated projects and initiatives firsthand.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com South Africa: Energy Minister Unveils Massive R2.2 Trillion Electricity Plan To Revive Economy
The South African government has announced plans to invest R2.2 trillion, representing about 30% of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), in a comprehensive energy strategy aimed at resolving the country’s long-standing electricity crisis and jump-starting economic growth.
Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, disclosed this on Sunday, saying the government is determined to resolve the electricity crisis through the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).
“As a result of the lights being off, the South African economy has not been able to grow. Electricity has been a structural constraint to the South African economy,” Ramokgopa said.
He highlighted how persistent power shortages have stunted economic development and contributed to high unemployment rates.
“Now that we have turned the corner on load shedding, we are addressing the future. Energy now ceases to be a crisis; energy and electricity are going to be a catalyst for growth,” he added.
The IRP aims to address electricity supply challenges, promote economic growth, and create jobs, targeting a 3% GDP growth rate by 2030.
“There is no economy that grows if the lights are off. There are no industries that will decide to locate in South Africa if we can’t guarantee them reliable, good-quality, and affordable electricity.”
The plan introduces a dramatic shift in the country’s energy mix, with cleaner energy sources such as hydro, nuclear, wind, and solar set to surpass coal for the first time in the nation’s history.
By 2039, the government aims to add 105,000 megawatts of new generation capacity—effectively building Eskom “two and a half times” its current size.
Key highlights include: 11,270 MW of solar photovoltaics (PV) by 2030, 7,340 MW of wind energy, 6,000 MW of gas-to-power, and 5,200 MW of new nuclear capacity
Currently, 58% of installed capacity comes from coal, with 10% from rooftop PV, 10% from grid-connected solar PV, 8% from wind, and 3% from nuclear sources.
The Minister acknowledged two key challenges — a limited skills pipeline and a weakened construction industry. However, he emphasized that the government remains committed to transforming South Africa’s energy landscape and creating new economic opportunities.
“This is not just an electricity programme, but a response to an economic question,” Ramokgopa said.
He underscored the plan’s broader ambitions of economic revival, job creation, and industrialisation.
“We’re talking about growth, industrialisation, new skills, and resuscitating collapsed industries,” he said.
Ramokgopa also stressed the importance of energy security, reducing load shedding, and ensuring affordable electricity for all.
“We want to ensure that each household has access to electricity that is affordable and reliable, and that we can guarantee it into the future. That’s the point we are making.”
He further noted the link between electricity access and human development:
“For as long as there is no electricity, for as long as the lights are off, we will undermine the country’s potential to achieve its ambitions of growth, attract investment, and enable our people to reach their full potential.
“This is not just about megawatts; we are constructing a story about how we are going to get the South African economy back on its feet.”
The strategy also commits to significant emissions reductions, targeting 160 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) equivalent by 2030, declining to 142 million tonnes by 2035.
The Minister revealed that Eskom has already shown encouraging improvements, with the energy availability factor rising from 48% during peak load shedding to around 70% currently — providing a strong foundation for the country’s ambitious energy transformation.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Stabbing CRM In The Back At The Mercy Of Climate Change (Article)
In the Northern and Oti regions, the impact of climate change is strongly felt due to rapid environmental degradation caused by bush burning and deforestation.
These challenges make the area a fertile ground for promoting safe and clean energy alternatives through the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM).
However, the inaccessibility of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) stations poses a major threat to the success of the CRM campaign in Northern, Oti, and adjoining communities.
The situation is not different in the other five northern regions of Ghana. There is therefore a pressing need for authorities to intensify education, advocacy, and infrastructure expansion to support the CRM policy in these areas.
While efforts by the Ghana Gas Company to sensitize citizens on the importance of switching from charcoal and firewood to LPG are commendable, more must be done.
It is crucial for the responsible agencies to ensure the establishment of LPG refill stations across the length and breadth of the country to make refilling cylinders convenient, accessible, and safe for all.
This call is informed by my personal experience in Kpandai and its environs. Although many residents are willing to switch from firewood and charcoal to LPG, their enthusiasm is being dampened by the lack of nearby refill stations.
Several LPG users shared with me their struggles in accessing refill services. Many are forced to travel long distances just to refill their cylinders.
What they initially believed would be an easy, affordable, and clean energy option has turned into a burden — leaving them torn between returning to firewood and charcoal or enduring the high cost and inconvenience of LPG.
Consumers lamented that, in addition to the inaccessibility of refill stations, they often have to hire vehicles or tricycles to transport their empty cylinders to distant towns such as Dambai (Oti Regional capital), Salaga, and Nkwanta South for refilling.
The distances are considerable:
• Kpandai to Dambai – 68 kilometres
• Kpandai to Salaga – 69 kilometres
• Kpandai to Yendi – 120 kilometres
• Kpandai to Nkwanta South – 120 kilometres
Beyond cost and accessibility, consumers also expressed concern about the safety risks associated with transporting such highly flammable materials over long distances under the scorching sun. The risk of an explosion or accident remains high, especially given the lack of safety equipment such as fire extinguishers during transit.
Some motorists confirmed that due to these risks, they charge higher fares for transporting gas cylinders—ranging between GH₵25 and GH₵60 per cylinder, depending on the size and weight.
On one particularly hot day while traveling from Kpandai to Dambai, I could not help but ponder the danger faced by tricycle riders who risk their lives daily to transport gas cylinders for refilling. One small mistake could lead to a tragedy, yet many of them remain unaware of the magnitude of the risk they face.
The implementation of the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) aims to ensure that at least 50 percent of Ghanaians have access to safe, clean, and environmentally friendly LPG by 2030.
If successfully executed, the CRM policy could significantly reduce deforestation resulting from the use of wood fuel, which continues to deplete Ghana’s forest reserves. The policy will also enhance safety standards, accessibility, and efficiency in LPG production, distribution, and usage nationwide.
According to a report by the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), Ghana’s Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) consumption in the first half of 2025 stood at 168,636,916 kilograms, compared to 160,541,591 kilograms recorded during the same period in 2024.
This represents an increase of 8,095,325 kilograms, or approximately 5%, in LPG consumption across the country.
In terms of regional distribution, the data indicates that the Northern Region consumed 3,614,780 kilograms of LPG in the first half of 2025, compared to 7,161,580 kilograms in the same period of 2024.
This shows a decrease of 3,546,800 kilograms, representing a 49% decline in LPG consumption within the region which is a clear indication of the accessibility gap in the northern parts of the country.
The Cylinder Recirculation Model serves as the implementation framework for the National LPG Policy. It provides a structured, market-driven approach to ensuring that LPG is distributed safely and efficiently, while also strengthening regulatory capacity to enforce health, safety, and environmental standards.
The success of the CRM policy depends not only on public education but also on the establishment of widespread infrastructure that guarantees accessibility and safety. Without adequate LPG refill stations across Ghana—especially in the northern sector—the noble goal of transitioning to clean energy will remain elusive, leaving communities to fall back on destructive traditional fuels.
To truly combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability, Ghana must match policy ambition with practical accessibility.
The Writer is a Journalist, Public Relations practitioner and communications specialist.
Email address: [email protected]