South Africa: Relief For Petrol And Diesel Consumers As Prices Set To Drop On Wednesday
South African motorists can breathe a sigh of relief as petrol and diesel prices are expected to drop effective, Wednesday, June 5, 2024.
The price reduction will be welcome by South Africans as they navigate a hostile economic climate.
According to a release from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), the price of both 93 and 95 octane petrol will decrease by R1.24 per litre effective Wednesday.
The price of diesel (0.05% sulphur) will be cut by R1.19 per litre, while diesel with 0.005 per cent sulphur will drop by R1.09 per litre.
Meanwhile, illuminating paraffin will cost 80 cents less per litre, while the price of LP Gas decreases by R1.35 per kilogramme.
The DMRE said several international and local factors contributed to the decreases in petrol and diesel prices.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Germany And EU Pledge 68 Million Euros For Electricity Projects
German cooperation and the European Union, through the KFW programme, have pledged to disburse 68 million Euros (about 74 million US dollars) to the Mozambican state to promote electrification projects in off-grid areas, based on renewable energies.
The guarantee was given recently by the German Ambassador, Ronald Münch, during the announcement of renewable energy auctions to be launched in the coming months for private operators.
“German cooperation and the European Union are providing a grant of 68 million Euros for the implementation of renewable energy programmes. The intervention aims to promote the participation of the private sector in the transition to green energy, improving the conditions and incentives for private sector investors, reinforcing the capacity to use renewable energy solutions in the public sector, at a time when the political and regulatory framework is favorable to new investments in the sector”, he said.
According to the diplomat, the initiative will stimulate competition, enabling competitive and favorable tariffs for suppliers and end consumers, boosting the socio-economic impacts of the productive use of energy and ensuring the financial and operational sustainability of electrified communities.
As part of the electrification of off-grid areas, the National Energy Fund (FUNAE) recently installed the photovoltaic plant at the Mahel Administrative Post, in Magude district, bringing to a close the cycle of electrification of the Administrative Posts in Maputo province.
There are 26 administrative posts in the province. 23 of them are now supplied with electricity from the national grid, and the remaining three by the government’s Energy Fund, FUNAE, through the off-grid system.
In order to improve the coverage and supply of energy in remote areas, FUNAE is investing in the construction of 19 electricity generation mini-grids with a capacity of between 100 and 200 megawatts a project that should benefit around 7,000 families, as part of the national programme for universal access to energy by 2030.
Source: Aimnews.org
Egypt: Afreximbank, APPO Sign Establishment Agreement Of Africa Energy Bank
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and Africa Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) have signed the Establishment Agreement and the Charter of the Africa Energy Bank (AEB).
The agreement was signed at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
The event was hosted by Tarek El Molla, Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, a statement issued by Vincent Musumba, Manager, Communications and Events, Afreximbank, said on Tuesday.
Musumba said Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman, Board of Directors, Afreximbank, and Dr Omar Ibrahim, Secretary-General, APPO, signed the Establishment Agreement and the Charter of the Africa Energy Bank on behalf of their respective institutions.
He said the signing ceremony concluded two years of negotiations and preparations by the two parties, having signed a Memorandum of Understanding in May 2022 toward the establishment of the AEB.
Musumba said the AEB was created to address the impending funding crisis in the African oil and gas industry, triggered by the global energy transition.
“Traditional financiers, on whom Africa has relied for decades, are withdrawing support, particularly in Africa, citing climate change concerns as the primary reason.”
He said while the AEB’s focus would be funding oil and gas projects, it would not close its doors to renewable energy projects.
Musumba said AEB would strive to harness all forms of energy to ensure that Africa’s energy poverty was eradicated.
“Although started by Africa, shareholding is open to all investors who share the mission and vision of the bank”.
He said the AEB had been structured as an independent and supranational Pan-African energy development bank with an initial five billion dollars capital.
“With the signing of the establishment documents by the two founding institutions, at least two member countries now need to sign and ratify the establishment documents for the bank to take off.”
He said El Molla, who is also a member of the APPO Ministerial Council, was quoted as saying, “It is a great honour to witness the establishment of the AEB.
“This moment marks a significant milestone in our continent’s journey towards energy independence and sustainable development.
“By harnessing our collective resources and expertise, we are paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for all Africans”.
El Molla said the collaboration between Afreximbank and APPO was a testament to the two institution’s unwavering commitment to powering Africa’s growth and ensuring energy security for generations to come.
“ I am confident that this newborn institution shall grow to serve the cause of Africa and its people. I commend the negotiating team and on behalf of the APPO Ministerial Council, I congratulate the team.’’
Musumba quoted Oramah as saying, “today marks a historic day for our continent and we are honoured to have collaborated with APPO towards the establishment of the AEB.
“These are challenging times when we must strive to find the right balance between the imperatives of mitigating climate change.
“Also the urgency of averting social upheavals as a result of increasingly difficult economic and financial conditions in Africa.
“For us at Afreximbank, we are proud to be co-investing in this new vehicle and for taking the lead role in advising on the management and implementation process with the operational launch set to commence in July,” Musumba quoted Ibrahim as saying.
“The AEB is Africa’s response to the imminent funding challenge that the global paradigm shift from fossil fuels to renewable energies, euphemistically called the energy transition poses to the oil and gas industry in Africa”.
Ibrahim said for too long, Africa’s oil and gas industry had been dependent on extra-African funding.
“We came to take foreign financing of our oil and gas projects for granted until the advent of energy transition made us realise that those on whom we have depended for many decades have decided to abandon us.”
The Secretary-General argued that Africa cannot afford to abandon oil and gas in a hurry when it has the largest proportion of its population living without access to energy.
Ibrahim commended Oramah for his exemplary leadership and commitment to the cause of the African continent.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Uganda, South Korea Collaborate On Nuclear Power Plant In Buyende
Uganda and South Korea have initiated plans to construct a Nuclear Development Plant in Buyende District in eastern Uganda.
This announcement was made by Vice President Jessica Alupo, highlighting the project’s primary goal of supplementing the country’s electricity supply.
Uganda’s energy sector has predominantly relied on hydropower resources.
However, with a national target of generating 54,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity, there is a clear need to explore alternative energy sources.
VP Alupo noted that achieving this target would require developing nuclear energy capabilities, specifically aiming to generate 24,000 MW of nuclear power in a planned and systematic manner.
The revelation came during a bilateral meeting between Vice President Alupo and Han Duck-Soo, the prime minister of Korea, in Seoul.
The meeting was part of the preparatory discussions ahead of the Korea-Africa Summit, scheduled for June 4-5
Representing President Museveni, Vice President Alupo said Museveni had already reached out to the South Korean President, inviting a team to visit Uganda for further engagement on this nuclear development initiative.
Premier Han Duck-Soo underscored the longstanding diplomatic relations between South Korea and Uganda, which date back to 1963.
He expressed optimism that these friendly ties would continue to flourish, commending President Museveni for his efforts in fostering development not only in Uganda but across Africa.
The Prime Minister also emphasised that the upcoming Korea-Africa Summit would enhance cooperation between the two nations.
The meeting was attended by notable figures including the State Minister for Foreign Affairs Henry Oryem, Ambassador Elly Kamahungye, Deputy Principal Private Secretary to the Vice President Vincent Musubire, and officials from the South Korean government.
The Korea-Africa Summit, under the theme, “The Future We Make Together: Shared Growth, Sustainability, and Solidarity”, marks a pivotal moment for strengthening Korea-Africa relations.
South Korea extended invitations to all African Heads of State and Government, encouraging them to propose their preferred modes of cooperation during the summit in Seoul.
Officially, the summit reflects President Yoon Suk-Yeol’s vision of fostering a mutually beneficial and strategic long-term partnership with Africa.
This initiative aligns with Korea’s goal of becoming a Global Pivotal State.
However, underlying these diplomatic gestures is a strong focus on business opportunities and economic collaboration.
Chung Byung-won, South Korea’s Deputy Minister for Political Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spoke to African journalists ahead of the summit, promising a renewed commitment to Africa.
He emphasised that Korea aims to enhance both the quantity and quality of its assistance to the continent, tailoring support to meet the specific needs and conditions of each African nation.
Targeting strategic investments and trade
One of South Korea’s primary goals is to create a conducive environment for Korean companies to collaborate seamlessly with their African counterparts.
This strategic approach is expected to facilitate greater business integration and mutual growth.
Additionally, South Korea aims to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement, addressing trade barriers through technical support.
This includes helping rebuild African customs systems by implementing advanced Korean electronic customs clearance systems.
The collaboration on the nuclear plant in Uganda is a testament to the broader strategic interests shared by both countries.
It signifies a step towards not only meeting Uganda’s growing energy needs but also enhancing bilateral relations through sustainable and technologically advanced projects.
As Uganda and South Korea embark on this ambitious nuclear energy project, the partnership exemplifies how international cooperation can drive development and innovation.
The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other African nations seeking to diversify their energy sources and achieve sustainable growth through strategic international alliances.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Korea To Develop “Large” Offshore Oil And Gas Discovery Holding Up To 14 Bbbl Of Oil
South Korean oil and gas shares surged Monday after President Yoon Suk Yeol approved a plan to develop a fossil fuels offshore discovery off the country’s southeastern coast.
State-run Korea Gas Corp. closed up 30%, the most on record, and Posco International Corp. advanced 19% following Yoon’s televised speech on the discovery.
SK Gas Ltd settled almost 7% higher on Monday, after jumping as much as 29% earlier, and SK Innovation Co., an oil refiner, rose more than 6%.
Fossil fuel importers like South Korea have been looking to boost energy security after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine upended markets, briefly sending gas prices to an all-time high and triggering shortages.
Developing domestic resources is one way to reduce dependence on overseas suppliers and normalize subsidized prices at home.
Geophysical exploration indicated there’s a “high possibility” the discovery offshore the port city of Pohang holds as much as 14 Bbbl of oil and gas, Yoon said.
The estimated volume could be worth more than four years of oil consumption and as much as 29 years of gas demand for the country, he added.
While the president called the offshore oil and gas discovery “large,” the estimated amount of fuel still pales in comparison to reserves in major exporting countries like the U.S. or Saudi Arabia.
The energy ministry said the reserves are estimated to hold as much as 1.29 billion tons of natural gas and up to 4.22 Bbbl of oil.
Drilling, which will be carried out by Houston-based exploration and production consultant Act-Geo, will begin at the end of this year to evaluate the actual level of reserves, with results due by the first half of 2025, Yoon said.
It typically takes seven to 10 years before production can take place, and the expected life of the resource is about 30 years, according to the energy ministry.
Source: Worldoil.com
Komi: Two Killed At A Refinery Operated By Russia’s Lukoil
Two persons have been killed following a fire outbreak at a refinery that is being operated by Russia’s Lukoil in the northern Komi Republic, according to the head of the Komi Republic revealed in a report filed by Reuters.
Russian Environmental regulator said in the report that the fire was not caused by a drone attack but by “failure to comply with safety rules.
“According to revised data, it was established that a fire occurred during routine technical works by a contracting company,” the Russian Ministry for Emergencies said.
This year, Ukraine has intensified attacks on oil refineries in Russia, which have reduced Russian refining capacity, and which, reportedly, have the White House concerned about rising international prices.
The United States has repeatedly urged Ukraine to halt its drone attacks on Russian oil refineries due to Washington’s assessment that the strikes could lead to Russian retaliation and push up global oil prices, the Financial Times reported last month, citing sources familiar with the exchange.
The drone attacks from Ukraine on Russian refineries could disrupt fuel markets globally, the International Energy Agency said in April, estimating that up to 600,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Russia’s refinery capacity could be offline in the second quarter.
To protect against drone attacks, one local oil company, Rosneft subsidiary Bahsneft, earlier this year, installed metal mesh over its refining facilities.
“We don’t stop there. There are several solutions there, which I won’t talk about yet. They are classified. But believe me, we worry about this very much,” the governor of the Bashkortostan region where Bashneft is based said at the time.
Earlier, there were suggestions to protect refineries with missile systems, but some military experts point out that this would be an unwise decision.
“It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to have those systems laid out like polka dots on the interior of your country, especially one as vast as Russia. You intercept these sorts of threats at the borders of your airspace, not the interior,” George Barros from the Washington Institute for the Study of War told Radio Free Europe last week.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya: Gas Tanker Explodes, Causes Injuries
A Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanker has exploded at an area popularly known as Pipeline in Embakasi, Nairobi County, in the Republic of Kenya.
The explosion occurred around noon on Monday, according to a local report.
One person who was passing by reportedly sustained injuries and has already been rushed to hospital for treatment.
Firefighters arrived at the scene on time and managed to douse the fire.
Report suggests that ‘Embasavva’ 14-seater ‘matatu’ and the tanker were burnt to bare metal.
“The matatu did not have any passengers only the driver who was moving the vehicle after being stuck that is when it exploded. Both drivers for the matatu and truck are unharmed,” said an eyewitness.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Energy Commission’s Head Of Public Affairs Called To The Bar
The Head of Public Affairs at the Energy Commission, Ghana’s technical regulator for electricity, Ms Ethel Linda Mensah, has been called to the Ghana Bar, energynewsafrica.com can report.
Ms Mensah was among 182 BL graduates who were called to the Bar last Friday.
Linda started her legal education in 2014 at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) Faculty of Law and earned an LLB in 2017.
She then entered the Ghana School of Law, Makola, that same year.
With persistence and perseverance, she has finally gained a place on the Roll of Lawyers during the Mini Call held last Friday, 31st May 2024.
A product of Wesley Girls’ High School, Linda has worked with the Ghana Energy Commission since September 1999.
Before embarking on her legal education journey, she held a Masters in Governance and Sustainable Development from the University of Cape Coast and a second Masters in Public Sector Management from GIMPA.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Abuja Electricity To Disconnect Federal Government Agencies Today Over Unpaid Bills
Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) in the Federal Republic of Nigeria has served notice of disconnection to over twenty government agencies and individual customers owing the company.
The company intends to begin the disconnection from today, June 3, 2024.
In a notice issued by the management, the company mentioned the Nigeria Army, Power House, Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance, Federal Ministry of Works, Federal Ministry of Interior and Nigeria Police Force Headquarters as some agencies it would disconnect.
It is not clear how much these agencies owe.
The company underscored the need for customers to make timely payments of electricity bills to continue delivering efficient and reliable service.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Nigeria: Nationwide Blackout As Electricity Workers Union Deliberately Shuts Down National Grid
Electricity workers in the Federal Republic of Nigeria have shut down the country’s grid, thereby triggering blackout across Africa’s most populous nation.
The national grid shutdown occurred at about 2.19 this morning, 3rd June 2024, according to a statement issued by Ndidi Mbah, the General Manager of Public Affairs Manager for the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
Mbah said at about 1:15 a.m., the Benin Transmission Operator, under the Independent System Operations unit of TCN, reported that all operators were driven away from the control room and that staff members that resisted were beaten, while some were wounded in the course of forcing them out of the control room, and without any form of control or supervision, the Benin Area Control Centre was brought to zero.
Other transmission substations that were shut down by the labour union include the Ganmo, Benin, Ayede, Olorunsogo, Akangba and Osogbo transmission substations.
Some transmission lines were equally opened due to the ongoing activities of the labour union, she said.
On the power generating side, power generating units from different generating stations were forced to shut down some units of their generating plants, the Jebba Generating Station was forced to shut down one of its generating units, while three others in the same substation subsequently shut down on very high frequency.
The sudden forced load cuts led to high frequency and system instability, which eventually shut down the national grid at 2:19 a.m.
At about 3.23 a.m., however, TCN commenced grid recovery, using the Shiroro Substation to attempt to feed the transmission lines supplying bulk electricity to the Katampe Transmission Substation.
The situation is such that the labour union is still obstructing grid recovery nationwide.
“We will continue to make efforts to recover and stabilize the grid to enable the restoration of normal bulk transmission of electricity to distribution load centres nationwide,” she assured Nigerians.
The electricity workers union issued a notice of strike during the weekend over the failure of Federal Government to implement new minimum wage and non-reversal of hike in electricity tariff.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: PURC Holds Third Regulatory Conversation Series On Water Supply
Ghana’s technical regulator for electricity and water utilities, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), has held its third regulatory conversation series at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, the capital of Ghana.
The ‘Regulatory Conversation Series’ presents insights on contemporary utility regulatory matters to a high-level audience of policymakers, development partners, other African utility regulators, utility executives, industry, academia and regulatory professionals.
The format is a lecture followed by an in-depth panel discussion facilitated by a knowledgeable moderator about the sector.
This year’s event which was under the theme: ‘Confronting the Status Quo of Ghana’s Drinking Water Supply: Best Practices in Resilience, Sustainability, and Investment’, attracted participants from the water and electricity supply sectors, consumer advocacy groups, and academia.
The Special Guest Speaker for the public lecture was Jeanne-Astrid Ngako De Foki, Manager in -charge of Water Coordination and Partnership at AfDB.
The panel members were Ing. Clifford Braimah, Managing Director for Ghana Water Company Limited, Ing. Bertha Darteh, Water and Sanitation Governance Expert, and Ing. Kwabena Britwim Nyarko, Provost College of Engineering, KNUST.
Delivering a welcome address, the Board Chairman of PURC, Mr Ebo B. Quagrainie, said that even though PURC’s water mandate is limited to urban areas, the Commission, from its vantage position as the sole regulator of energy and water utility service, has acquired deep insights into cross-cutting structural and operational bottlenecks that exist between urban and rural structures.
It is worth noting that despite significant progress in the water sector in Ghana, obstacles persist that impede universal access to safe drinking water.
He said, “These circumstances have prompted us to question whether, after several years of implementing the aforementioned reforms, is it not time to reassess the situation?”
He raised concerns about low investment in water infrastructure despite the critical nature of the sector.
He said, “We have long been conditioned to accept perennial water rationing attributed to ageing infrastructure and high water losses.
“How can we attract sustainable investment to address water infrastructure needs and supply security, while at the same time keeping tariffs affordable?”
Touching on the need to invest in technology, Mr. Ebo B. Quagrainie noted that much investment should focus on cost-effective systems, leak detection technologies, modern mapping technologies and database systems.
He said the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources has been actively collaborating with the PURC to address the sustainable development and management of Ghana’s water resources and supply and regulatory structures.
He noted that the new National Water Policy developed by the Ministry and approved by Cabinet in 2024, accurately acknowledges these imperatives.
He said the Commission sees the regulatory conversation as an important step on a journey which it hopes would remove the persistent bottlenecks which have made it too comfortable with a status quo that fails to address resilience, sustainability and investment in Ghana’s water sector
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The panel members were Ing. Clifford Braimah, Managing Director for Ghana Water Company Limited, Ing. Bertha Darteh, Water and Sanitation Governance Expert, and Ing. Kwabena Britwim Nyarko, Provost College of Engineering, KNUST.
Delivering a welcome address, the Board Chairman of PURC, Mr Ebo B. Quagrainie, said that even though PURC’s water mandate is limited to urban areas, the Commission, from its vantage position as the sole regulator of energy and water utility service, has acquired deep insights into cross-cutting structural and operational bottlenecks that exist between urban and rural structures.
It is worth noting that despite significant progress in the water sector in Ghana, obstacles persist that impede universal access to safe drinking water.
He said, “These circumstances have prompted us to question whether, after several years of implementing the aforementioned reforms, is it not time to reassess the situation?”
He raised concerns about low investment in water infrastructure despite the critical nature of the sector.
He said, “We have long been conditioned to accept perennial water rationing attributed to ageing infrastructure and high water losses.
“How can we attract sustainable investment to address water infrastructure needs and supply security, while at the same time keeping tariffs affordable?”
Touching on the need to invest in technology, Mr. Ebo B. Quagrainie noted that much investment should focus on cost-effective systems, leak detection technologies, modern mapping technologies and database systems.
He said the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources has been actively collaborating with the PURC to address the sustainable development and management of Ghana’s water resources and supply and regulatory structures.
He noted that the new National Water Policy developed by the Ministry and approved by Cabinet in 2024, accurately acknowledges these imperatives.
He said the Commission sees the regulatory conversation as an important step on a journey which it hopes would remove the persistent bottlenecks which have made it too comfortable with a status quo that fails to address resilience, sustainability and investment in Ghana’s water sector
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Irrigation Development Authority, Minority MPs Clash Over State Of Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam Project
The Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA), the agency responsible for the construction of Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam in the Upper East Region of Ghana, has provided detailed explanation on the project, but the explanation has sparked further concerns by the Minority Members of Parliament (MPs), who are accusing GIDA of deceiving the public.
Last Monday, the Minority MPs claimed that their visit to the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam site showed that there was no activity on the land despite the government sinking $12 million into the project.
The Minority claimed that the contractor had abandoned the site, compelling some locals of the area to turn part of the site into farming.
Led by John Jinapor, a former deputy minister for power and Ranking Member on Mines and Energy Committee in Parliament, the group served notice to use all possible means to ensure that the $12 million spent on the project was accounted for.
However, in a statement issued by GIDA on Tuesday, the agency clarified that the $11.9 million payment to the contractor – Messrs Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA) – was designated as mobilisation funds.
GIDA emphasised that the payment to POWERCHINA was made in accordance with the terms of the contract, which stipulated a mobilisation fee.
This fee was intended to facilitate initial project activities, including the submission of preconstruction documents and the commencement of certain physical works.
The EPC contract consisted of a detailed feasibility study (engineering designs, social and environmental impact assessment, soil and agronomic studies) and engineering construction (working drawings and setting out of works). It is important to note that these are all preconstruction activities that are required before actual construction works can commence.
GIDA said Messrs POWERCHINA commenced mobilisation to the site on April 2021, and completed the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, Topographic Survey and Mapping, Geology and Geotechnical Studies and Drawing, Soil and Land Sustainability for PIP, Design Report and Drawings in Parts 1-3, Resettlement Action Plan and Cadastral Survey.
Touching on physical activities on the land, GIDA detailed the establishment of a contractor’s camp and site offices at Sariba, which includes 10 buildings with 100 rooms, as well as the completion of auxiliary facilities such as a wood processing factory, a steel bar factory and 5.2-kilometre (km) access road off the main Sariba-K… road to the contractor’s camp and 4 km onsite in and around the camp.
According to GIDA, the project was originally scheduled to be financed under the $2 billion Master Project Support Agreement (MPSA) with the Chinese state-run Sinohydro Corporation Limited in September 2018.
Unfortunately, this arrangement stalled and government had to fall on its regular budget to finance it.
GIDA mentioned that given the constraints with the national budget, government is working on an alternative dedicated funding source to ensure that all components of the project can be executed without any hiccups.
It assured that no frivolous payments had been made and the $11.9 million paid to the contractor was fully covered by a Bank Guarantee valued at US$60.7 million.
However, the Minority MPs appear not to be satisfied with the explanation by GIDA.
The MP for Bongo, Edward Bawa, and Godfred Seidu Jasaw, MP for Wa East and Deputy Ranking Member on Agric Committee in Parliament, in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM, described the explanation by GIDA as misleading.
They stated that the current state of the project site does not match the description by GIDA.
Hon. Seidu Jasaw indicated that the containers and other structures mentioned in the statement are no longer present at the site.
“What Edward Bawa and his team went to see is the same site but what we are seeing now is that the containers have actually disappeared and this is rational. No contractor will leave his containers and go to construct new containers at another site, they don’t do that.
“So, as we speak, the current state of the project is that the camp doesn’t exist anymore; what you see is the relic of a camp that existed. And villagers I’m told came to vandalise the place when they knew the contractors were gone.
“My quick reaction is that the statement by GIDA from my hazy perusal appears to be misleading because the wrong impression is being given, particularly showing committee pictures with camp. These were pictures taken in October 2021,” he stated.
Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo cut the sod in November 2019 for the $993 project which consisted of a hydro-solar hybrid system with 60 megawatts hydropower and 50 megawatts solar power.
The project was to be completed in the second half of 2024.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Electricity Tariff Up By 3.45%, 5.84%, Water Tariff Up By 5.16 %
Electricity and water consumers in the Republic of Ghana will be paying more for water and electricity with effect from July 1, 2024 to September 30, the country’s economic regulator for electricity and water utilities announced on Saturday, June 1, 2024.
According to a statement issued by the regulator and signed by its Executive Secretary Dr Ishmael Ackah, lifeline consumers (0-30 kWh) will pay 3.45 per cent more for electricity, while all other consumers who are not part of the lifeline category (31kWh and above), as well as non-residential, will pay an increase of 5.84 per cent.
Industries will experience an increase of about 4.92 per cent.
Water consumers will also pay 5.16 per cent more for three months between July and September.
The increases were based on the Quarterly Tariff Review Mechanism which tracks and incorporates movement in key uncontrollable factors, namely exchange rate between US dollar and Ghana cedi, domestic inflation rate, electricity generation mix and cost of fuel mainly natural gas.
During the first Quarter Tariff Review which took effect from April 1, the exchange rate was GH¢12.1349 to US$1, while the Weighted Average Cost of Natural Gas (WACOG) was $7.64 MMBtu.
For the second quarter, the Commission pegged the exchange rate at GH¢14.6584 to a US$1, while the Weighted Average Cost of Natural Gas (WACOG) was pegged at US$8.0422 MMBtu.
For the revenue requirement, the Commission noted that the revenue requirement for the second quarter is projected to GH¢6.81 billion from
GH¢5.67 billion in the first quarter.
This means the revenue requirement has increased by GH¢1.14 billion.
The Commission said it had decided to let the utilities recover only GH¢5.90 billion because the continuous increases in tariffs have not yielded corresponding increase in revenue collection.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Nigeria: MD Of IBEDC Sacked
The Board of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) in the Federal Republic of Nigeria has terminated the contract of the company’s Managing Director, Engr Kingsley Achief, a source within the company has said.
The source failed to give details on why the Board took the decision but quickly said the company will soon state that effect.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Engr Francis Agoha, who is a senior executive of the company, has been appointed as acting Managing Director with immediate effect.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com