Utilities across the European Union boosted electricity output from gas and coal plants by 13% in the first half of 2025 from a year earlier—the biggest annual increase for January to June since 2017, according to data from clean energy think tank Ember cited by Reuters market analyst Gavin Maguire.
Gas-fired power plants saw generation jump by 19% to the highest level in three years. Coal-fired electricity output increased by 2% to the highest in two years, the data compiled by Reuters showed. At the same time, wind power generation slumped by 9%, the steepest drop on record, due to low wind speeds. The jump in fossil fuel power output came as Europe went through the coldest winter in four years and wind power output dipped across major markets. Hydropower generation was also lower in January to June compared to the same period of 2024. As a result of higher fossil fuel-generated electricity, European emissions from the power sector jumped by 9%, reversing a couple of years of a trend of declining emissions. The slump in renewable energy output, especially wind power, this winter and early spring contributed to the higher fossil fuel power generation, highlighting the EU’s challenge in increasingly relying on renewable power sources. Europe has suffered the most from the lower wind speeds in the past few months, while power demand was higher in the coldest winter months. For example, Germany saw lower-than-normal winds for several months in a row, which reduced wind power generation, boosting electricity prices and the reliance on fossil fuels. The lower wind power generation, Germany’s largest source of electricity, extended from the end of 2024 to the early months of 2025. Solar became the EU’s largest source of electricity for the first time in June 2025, according to Ember’s data out on Thursday. But this wasn’t enough to offset the loss of wind power generation and keep the energy systems balanced during the cold winter in the first six months of the year. Source: https://energynewsafrica.comTogo: ProEnergie II Project Electrifies Several Homes In Savanes Localities
Several homes in Togo’s Savanes Region have been electrified under the Rural Electrification Project (ProEnergie II), funded by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) at an estimated cost of €6 million.
The communities benefited from Phase II of the project, which installed mini-grid systems in about 20 communities.
In addition to the mini-grid systems, approximately 2,800 household solar kits were distributed to residents, and several health centers were connected to the power supply.
These efforts are part of the Emergency Program for the Savanes Region (PURS), a government initiative launched to address the basic needs of residents in this area, which has faced security threats since 2021.
According to Togolese Energy Minister Messan Eklo, these achievements demonstrate the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable, reliable, and sustainable energy access.
He added, “They also express the authorities’ commitment to strengthening the resilience of local communities in the face of economic and security challenges.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Eni To Increase Gas Supply By 25 mmscfd For Power Generation – Says Energy Ministry
Italian oil and gas firm Eni is expected to increase gas supply for power generation in the Republic of Ghana, Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has revealed.
According to the Ministry, Eni will increase its natural gas production by 25 million standard cubic feet per day to ramp up its current production of 245 mmscf per day to 270 mmscf per day.
This will result in the temporary shutdown of Eni’s Offshore Gas Receiving Facility on Sunday, July 13, 2025, to allow for this strategic upgrading of the facility to receive the additional gas for export to power generation plants in the country.
This shutdown, according to the Ministry, will impact on the availability of gas for power generation.
In a statement issued by Richmond Rockson Esq., Head of Communication at the Ministry, it said the Ministry, in collaboration with key stakeholders in the power sector, has proactively implemented comprehensive measures to mitigate any potential disruptions.
“These measures include enhanced monitoring of power generation, and contingency plans to ensure minimal impact on power supply. We are confident that these proactive steps will effectively manage the transition and maintain a stable power supply for all citizens,” the statement said.
The Ministry expressed commitment to ensuring a stable and sustainable energy future for all.
“We appreciate the co-operation and understanding of the public and stakeholders during this period of enhancement,” the statement concluded.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: NNPC Ltd. Supports Presidential Initiative On CNG With 35 Buses
Nigeria’s National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC Ltd., has handed over 35 hybrid Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses to the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) at a brief ceremony held at its headquarters in Abuja.
Group CEO, NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s gas aspirations. He stated that the move was in line with NNPC Ltd.’s efforts to drive the adoption of CNG as a cleaner, cheaper, and sustainable fuel alternative.
The company has recorded significant progress on gas supply, infrastructure, distribution, and retail outlets. “I am proud that NNPC Ltd is playing a pivotal role in driving the Federal Government’s gas agenda towards energy transition,” the GCEO stated.
Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the CNG buses represent not just vehicles but serve as instruments of economic relief, social equity, and environmental responsibility. “They signal a future where the ordinary Nigerian can commute safely, affordably, and efficiently,” he added.
The Minister described the initiative as a direct reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, a bold step to reduce transportation costs, lessen dependence on petrol, and ensure the utilization of the nation’s abundant natural gas resources for the benefit of the people.
Earlier, the Executive Vice President, Downstream, NNPC Ltd., Mr. Mumuni Dagazau, said the adoption of CNG as a fuel alternative has significant economic benefits for the nation by reducing reliance on PMS and AGO as automotive fuels, which also leads to substantial cost savings and supports the growth of the local gas industry.
The Executive Vice President, Gas, Power & New Energy, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, said that as the CNG commercialization drive continues to gather momentum, NNPC Ltd. will lead the way.
The Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, said through the initiative, NNPC Ltd. is advancing and shaping a new energy future that will purposefully serve people, communities, and the planet.
The Programme Coordinator/CEO, Presidential CNG Initiative, Mr. Michael Oluwagbemi, commended NNPC Ltd. for supporting the initiative, stressing that the company has been a reliable partner since its commencement.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the CNG buses represent not just vehicles but serve as instruments of economic relief, social equity, and environmental responsibility. “They signal a future where the ordinary Nigerian can commute safely, affordably, and efficiently,” he added.
The Minister described the initiative as a direct reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, a bold step to reduce transportation costs, lessen dependence on petrol, and ensure the utilization of the nation’s abundant natural gas resources for the benefit of the people.
Earlier, the Executive Vice President, Downstream, NNPC Ltd., Mr. Mumuni Dagazau, said the adoption of CNG as a fuel alternative has significant economic benefits for the nation by reducing reliance on PMS and AGO as automotive fuels, which also leads to substantial cost savings and supports the growth of the local gas industry.
The Executive Vice President, Gas, Power & New Energy, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, said that as the CNG commercialization drive continues to gather momentum, NNPC Ltd. will lead the way.
The Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, said through the initiative, NNPC Ltd. is advancing and shaping a new energy future that will purposefully serve people, communities, and the planet.
The Programme Coordinator/CEO, Presidential CNG Initiative, Mr. Michael Oluwagbemi, commended NNPC Ltd. for supporting the initiative, stressing that the company has been a reliable partner since its commencement.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: PHDC And UKGCC Commit To Strategic Partnership For Petroleum Hub Project
The Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) and the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC) have reaffirmed their commitment to a strategic partnership aimed at advancing the development of Ghana’s Petroleum Hub project in the Western Region.
The two entities renewed their pledge during a courtesy visit by the UKGCC leadership to the office of the Acting Chief Executive Officer of PHDC, Dr. Toni Aubynn, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Welcoming the delegation, Dr. Aubynn commended the UKGCC for its continued interest in the Petroleum Hub initiative and expressed PHDC’s eagerness to work closely with the Chamber to explore investment opportunities in the UK.
He emphasized that such collaboration is critical to mobilizing the financial and technical resources needed to drive the project forward. Dr. Aubynn noted the historically strong ties between Ghana and the UK, adding that leveraging the Petroleum Hub as a platform to deepen these relations would be a significant step forward.
He also outlined key investment prospects within the project and emphasized PHDC’s commitment to partnering with the UKGCC in building the human capital required for the construction phase.
UKGCC Executive Director, Adjoba Kyiamah, who led the delegation, congratulated Dr. Aubynn on his appointment and expressed confidence in his leadership to deliver on the ambitious vision of the Petroleum Hub.
She acknowledged the challenges ahead but assured PHDC of the UKGCC’s support through strategic initiatives, including investor-focused events and capacity-building programs.
Dr. Aubynn expressed optimism about the future of the partnership and reiterated PHDC’s readiness to work with the UKGCC to ensure the successful realization of the Petroleum Hub.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
He also outlined key investment prospects within the project and emphasized PHDC’s commitment to partnering with the UKGCC in building the human capital required for the construction phase.
UKGCC Executive Director, Adjoba Kyiamah, who led the delegation, congratulated Dr. Aubynn on his appointment and expressed confidence in his leadership to deliver on the ambitious vision of the Petroleum Hub.
She acknowledged the challenges ahead but assured PHDC of the UKGCC’s support through strategic initiatives, including investor-focused events and capacity-building programs.
Dr. Aubynn expressed optimism about the future of the partnership and reiterated PHDC’s readiness to work with the UKGCC to ensure the successful realization of the Petroleum Hub.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Uganda’s National Oil Company Seeks Partner To Explore Oil Block
The Ugandan National Oil Company (UNOC) is searching for a joint venture partner to help operate an exploration block in the western part of the East African nation, according to the company’s spokesperson as carried by Reuters.
The company acquired the 1,285- square-kilometre Kasuruban exploration block in 2023 after signing a production sharing agreement (PSA) with the government.
UNOC spokesperson Angella Ambaho did not disclose how much equity the company is prepared to share with the new partner in the venture.
The PSA was initially signed for two years and is subject to two renewals for the same period.
UNOC renewed it in March this year.
Ambaho said the company has acquired geophysical and geological data and expects to process it, acquire new data, and drill at least one exploration well in the next two years.
UNOC already owns a 15% stake in two other production projects – Tilenga and Kingfisher – alongside France’s TotalEnergies and China’s CNOOC, and expects to start pumping crude commercially in 2026.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: TotalEnergies And Shell Hint At Boosting Oil And Gas Output Significantly
Two oil and gas supermajors, Shell and TotalEnergies, expect to raise oil and gas production over the next two years from their production fields in Nigeria.
Shell anticipates the start-up of the Bonga North deepwater oil and gas field by 2027, while TotalEnergies expects the Ubeta gas field to begin production by the same year.
Top executives of the Nigerian units of the two supermajors made these remarks at a recent energy conference in Abuja.
Last year, TotalEnergies, the operator of OML 58 onshore license in Nigeria with a 40% interest, took the Final Investment Decision (FID) with its license partners to develop the $550 million Ubeta gas field.
Gas from the Ubeta project will supply Nigeria LNG, a liquefaction plant on Bonny Island with an ongoing capacity expansion from 22 to 30 Mtpa, in which TotalEnergies holds a 15% interest.
“The 70,000 bpd from Ubeta is a major milestone, and first gas commissioning is expected by 2027,” Matthieu Bouyer, CEO of TotalEnergies Upstream Companies in Nigeria, said, as carried by Nigeria- based ‘This Day Newspaper.’
Ronald Adams, Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), said that the UK-based supermajor is advancing the Bonga North project, a $5 billion development project.
“We are working on an accelerated project schedule, which will perhaps see us bring first oil around the middle of 2027,” Adams said, referring to Bonga North.
Shell announced the final investment decision for the development of the Bonga North deepwater project last December.
The project will be a subsea tie-back to the Shell-operated Bonga Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility.
Apart from these two ongoing projects, Shell and TotalEnergies expect to take FIDs on new projects in Nigeria soon.
Shell aims for FID on the $8 billion Bonga Southwest-Aparo project, while TotalEnergies targets FID on the IMA gas field in 2026, their respective executives said at the energy event in Abuja.
Earlier this year, Nigeria’s government urged oil companies operating in the country to collaborate to increase oil output, as the producer has not been able to pump to its OPEC quota for years.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Bp Appoints Former Shell CFO Simon Henry To Its Board
UK oil and gas giant, Bp Plc, has appointed Simon Henry, a longtime Shell veteran, to its board of directors as the firm seeks to turn around its fortunes.
Henry left Shell in 2017 after a 35-year stint, during which he held the role of Chief Financial Officer and board member. London-based bp said Monday in a statement.
He is currently a director of Rio Tinto Plc and on the board of Harbour Energy Plc—roles he will relinquish.
Henry has held other prominent board seats in recent years, at Lloyds Banking Group Plc and PetroChina Ltd.
“The board will benefit from his deep and broad experience of the global upstream and downstream energy industry and his financial and commercial understanding of global markets, together with his extensive and varied board experience,” bp Chair Helge Lund said in the statement.
Lund said he intends to step down, and senior independent bp director Amanda Blanc, who is also Aviva Plc’s CEO, is spearheading the search for a replacement.
Bp simultaneously announced on Monday that longtime director Pamela Daley will step down for personal reasons.
Bp’s board has been trying to expand its oil and gas expertise following the company’s pivot away from its failed low-carbon strategy, which has seen bp fall far behind its peers.
In May, bp named a former U.S. shale boss to the board.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Energy Minister Hints At Nationwide Power Supply Interruption On Sunday
Ghana is likely to experience interruption in power supply nationwide for some hours on Sunday, July 13, 2025, according to Energy and Green Transition Minister Mr John Abdulai Jinapor.
The disruption will result from a temporary shutdown of Eni’s Offshore Gas Receiving Facility at the Sankofa Field within the Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP) project for maintenance works.
Mr Jinapor explained that the exercise would pave the way for ramping up gas supply for power generation.
This portal understands that current gas supply from Eni’s facility is around 245 mmscf per day, and it is expected to increase to 270 mmscf per day, according to Mr Jinapor.
“This Sunday, July 13, Eni will turn off its valves temporarily to increase gas production to about 270 mmscf. It means that we are stabilising the energy sector,” Mr Jinapor said while speaking at a ground-breaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the 161kV Anmomaso to Kumasi transmission line.
The Energy Minister assured that while there may be some inconvenience, the upgrade would significantly benefit the energy sector by boosting gas supply to the national grid.
“Because the plant will be turned off for a short period within the day for maintenance works, we are likely to experience some interruption of power. It is for a good purpose,” he stressed.
Besides, Mr Jinapor indicated that technical advice had been followed in deciding not to run thermal plants on liquid fuel during the short shutdown period.
“Based on the advice from engineers, I have directed that we do not attempt to run those plants on liquid fuel for that short period. It involves changing nozzles, it involves a lot of work, and so if we are going off for about four to six hours, you don’t risk transitioning to liquid fuel only to come back to gas,” he explained.
The Energy Minister assured the public that all necessary steps were being taken to minimise the impact of the power interruption.
The Anwomaso to Kumasi transmission line project, co-funded by the European Union and the Government of France, is expected to address low voltage issues and improve power efficiency in Kumasi and mining communities such as Dunkwa.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ukraine’s Naftogaz Launches New Gas Exploration Well
Ukrainian state energy firm Naftogaz has launched a new natural gas exploration well through subsidiary Ukrgasvydobuvannya with a daily output of 383,000 cubic meters, the company said on Tuesday.
Naftogaz produces the lion’s share of Ukrainian gas, but its production facilities were severely damaged in a series of Russian missile strikes earlier this year, reducing production by as much as 40%.
The company has also signed deals to buy U.S. LNG from Poland’s Orlen, as Ukraine needs to import large volumes of gas ahead of the 2025/26 heating season after Russian shelling left its storage sites almost empty.
“Step by step, we’re building up domestic production and reinforcing Ukraine’s energy resilience,” Naftogaz CEO Sergii Koretskyi said in a statement.
Source: Reuters
Libya: Bp And NOC Sign MoU To Explore Redevelopment Of Sarir And Messla Oilfields
Bp has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) to evaluate opportunities in the mature giant Sarir and Messla oilfields in Libya’s Sirte basin.
The agreement provides a framework for bp to assess a range of technical data and to work effectively with NOC to evaluate presented opportunities and determine the feasibility of future development and exploration programs.
William Lin, bp Executive Vice President of Gas & Low Carbon Energy, said: “This agreement reflects our strong interest in deepening our partnership with NOC and supporting the future of Libya’s energy sector.
“We hope to apply bp’s experience from redeveloping and managing giant oil fields around the world to help optimize the performance of these world-class assets. We look forward to conducting thorough studies, working closely with NOC, to evaluate the resource potential of this promising region.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Algeria: Eni And Sonatrach Sign 30-Year Production Sharing Oil Deal Worth $1.35 Billion
Algeria’s state-owned oil company, Sonatrach, and Italian oil and gas giant, Eni, have signed a 30-year production sharing contract to explore and develop the Zemoul El Kbar region of Algeria.
The deal, signed in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, on Monday, July 7, 2025, aligns with the framework of Law No. 19-13 governing hydrocarbon activities.
The contract covers a development and exploration area of approximately 4,200 sq km (1,622 sq mi), located about 300 km (186 mi) southeast of Hassi Messaoud, and includes neighboring assets previously under separate contracts.
According to a statement issued by Eni, the Minister of State and Minister of Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energies, Mohamed Arkab, the CEO of Sonatrach, Rachid Hachichi, and the CEO of Sonelgaz, Mourad Adjal, were also present at the meeting where the deal was signed.
“This agreement represents a qualitative step that will enable the use of the latest digital solutions and innovative technologies in the fields of exploration and production, improve well productivity, and recover reserves,” said Sonatrach’s CEO, Rachid Hachichi.
With the renewed framework, Eni and Sonatrach are further enhancing the value of the asset through a plan encompassing exploration and development operations, leveraging innovative technologies to optimize recovery rates and existing nearby facilities.
This new agreement follows the recent award, in the context of the 2024 Algeria Bid Round, of the Reggane II block to Eni in partnership with PTTEP.
In addition to the contract signing, Eni and Sonatrach also discussed joint programs for gas production, as well as gas and LNG exports to Europe, renewables, hydrogen, and the electrical interconnector between Algeria and Europe.
Eni has been present in Algeria since 1981, with an equity production of about 137,000 boed in 2024.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Eskom Restores Medupi Unit 4 Online; Adds 800MW As Part Of Strategic Plan To Deliver 2,500MW
South Africa’s power utility, Eskom, has announced the restoration of Unit 4 of the Medupi Power Station, eight months ahead of the original schedule. This adds 800MW to the national grid. The extensive repairs were made possible by the innovative use of a refurbished Generator Stator.
The unit had been out of service since August 8, 2021, after sustaining significant damage from a Generator Stator explosion, a key component in the operation of the generation unit.
With Unit 4’s return, all six units at Medupi are now operational and will contribute a combined capacity of 4,800MW to the national grid once the unit reaches full output in the coming weeks.
“The return of Medupi Unit 4 marks a major milestone in our strategic objective of achieving operational stability through the addition of 2,500MW to the grid,” said Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane.
Eskom said it remains committed to its Operational Excellence Programme, focusing on restoring performance, strengthening oversight, and ensuring accountability from service providers.
“Today’s developments reflect the progress of our Generation Operational Recovery Plan, central to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the broader economy,” Marokane added.
Eskom commended the Medupi team, support staff, and execution partners for their dedication and professionalism.
The 400-tonne Generator Stator was transported approximately 1,000km by road from Richards Bay to the power station, a feat accomplished by Eskom Rotek Industries.
“We are confident that Unit 4 will deliver stable electricity to the national grid, enhancing South Africa’s energy security,” said Eskom Group Executive for Generation, Bheki Nxumalo.
Medupi Power Station, located in Lephalale, Limpopo province, is one of the world’s largest dry-cooled, coal-fired power plants. It features advanced supercritical technology, operating at higher temperatures to improve efficiency while reducing coal and water consumption.
The station is designed to recycle and reuse all water involved in power generation on-site and is equipped with low nitrogen oxide (NOₓ) burners to minimize NOₓ emissions.
Medupi is also designed to accommodate future installation of flue gas desulphurization technology, which will cut sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions by more than 90%.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Extend Payment Period Of Energy Sector Shortfall Levy From 30 Days To 45 Days – COMAC Tells Govt
The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) in Ghana has asked government to extend the payment period for the energy sector debt recovery levy from 30 days to 45 days to alleviate cash flow constraints on its members.
According to COMAC, its members are struggling with high operational costs, rising overhead fees, multiple regulatory compliance requirements, diminishing profit margins, the constant need for capital investment in infrastructure upgrades and safety, and compliance systems.
Addressing a recent press conference in Accra, the Chief Executive Officer of COMAC, Dr. Riverson Oppong, acknowledged the need for sustainable debt recovery in the energy value chain.
However, he noted that the recent increase in the Energy Sector Shortfall Debt Recovery Levy would have serious implications for the business operations of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
To support OMCs, Dr. Oppong reminded the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Ministry of Finance to implement the relief measures proposed during discussions on the levy increment.
“The sustainability of OMCs’ businesses heavily relies on the implementation of the corresponding relief measures, which were proposed and mutually acknowledged during those engagements, including the transition of eligible OMCs from the cash-and-carry model to credit-based tax payment structures supported by insurance bonds,” he said.
Dr. Oppong also called for the removal of all petroleum subsidies to eliminate market distortions and ensure parity.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com