Angola: Azule Energy Strikes Massive Gas In Gajajeira-01 Well, Block 1/14
The Angolan National Agency of Petroleum, Gas, and Biofuels (ANPG) and the Contractor Group of Block 1/14 have announced a gas discovery at the Gajajeira-01 exploration well, located offshore in the Lower Congo Basin.
The block is operated by Azule Energy (35%) in partnership with Equinor (30%), Sonangol E&P (25%), and Acrep S.A. (10%).
The well was spudded on April 1, 2025, in a water depth of 95 meters, approximately 60 kilometers off the coast. It encountered gas- and condensate-bearing sandstones in one of the Lower Oligocene targets, designated LO100.
Preliminary results from wireline logging and fluid sampling indicate over 30 meters of net pay in reservoirs with good mobility.
According to Azule, initial assessments suggest that gas volumes in place could exceed 1 trillion cubic feet, with up to 100 million barrels of associated condensate.
The results confirm the presence of a working hydrocarbon system and open new exploration opportunities in the area.
Azule Energy will continue to assess the full potential of the Gajajeira-01 discovery and collaborate with Block 1/14 partners to determine the optimal development strategy. The well was drilled safely using advanced formation evaluation and monitoring tools to assess reservoir quality and fluid characteristics, with a strong emphasis on operational safety.
Paulino Jerónimo, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ANPG, stated, “These new discoveries are a motivating factor in our ongoing efforts to attract private investment in the sector for the development and monetization of natural gas. This resource is vital for enhancing energy access and domestic consumption, as well as for boosting Angola’s petrochemical and fertilizer industries.”
Adriano Mongini, CEO of Azule Energy, commented, “This is a landmark moment for gas exploration in Angola. Gajajeira-01 is the country’s first dedicated gas exploration well, and its success reinforces our confidence in the potential of the Lower Congo Basin. We are proud to contribute to Angola’s long-term energy development with a focus on sustainability and energy security.”
According to Azule Energy, drilling operations are ongoing, with the next target being the last Lower Oligocene interval, LO300.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s President Scraps Fuel Allowances For All Appointees
Ghana’s President, Mr. John Dramani Mahama, has directed the immediate cancellation of payment of fuel allowances and allocation of fuel to all political appointees, a move aimed at promoting fiscal discipline and cutting down government expenditure.
A statement issued on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, and signed by the President’s Spokesperson, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, stressed that the decision forms part of broader efforts to reduce government expenditure amid ongoing economic challenges.
According to the President, the decision reflects the growing need for those in leadership positions to lead by example and embrace personal sacrifice for the greater national good.
This directive is expected to affect ministers, deputy ministers, presidential staffers, metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives (MMDCEs), as well as other categories of appointees who previously benefited from state-sponsored fuel support.
While the move has been hailed by sections of the public, others believe there should be further explanation. They wonder whether the appointees will be using their salaries to fuel their vehicles to work for the state.
A presidential staffer, who spoke to this portal, said the Minister for Energy and Green Transition is expected to address the issue in the coming days.
According to the presidential staffer, the appointees have not even received their salaries yet, explaining that fuel allowances are part of the salaries and that it is only when the Energy Minister speaks that they will know how much will be taken away.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Angola: ANPG, ExxonMobil, And Others Sign Deal To Extend Production Period For Block 15 From 2032 To 2037
The Angolan National Petroleum, Gas, and Biofuels Agency (ANPG), ExxonMobil (operator), and the consortium consisting of Azule Energy, Equinor, and Sonangol have signed an addendum to the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) for Block 15, aiming to extend oil production from 2032 to 2037.
The parties agreed to boost investment by approximately $3 million, which will allow oil reserves to grow by around 200 million barrels.
The signing was witnessed by Energy Minister Diamantino Azevedo, who acknowledged the efforts to continue attracting investment in Angolan oil and urged project partners to continue investing.
He stressed the need for observance of “environmental issues, which are and will continue to be an absolute priority.”
ANPG Executive Manager Alcides Andrade noted that the concession contract extension is within the legal, tax, and contract reforms implemented by the government to make the business environment more attractive and competitive.
The goal is to attract greater investment, expand reserves, prolong production, and significantly increase state revenues.
“The contract adjustments in this agreement aim to create conditions for new investments, guaranteeing higher economic returns for the country and strengthening the sustainability of the Angolan oil industry.”
ExxonMobil’s General Manager, Katrina Fisher, considered that ANPG has allowed the advancement of green hydrogen projects and feasibility studies for implementing a bio-refinery, demonstrating a commitment to the energy transition.
Regarding the attractiveness of the oil sector, ExxonMobil’s General Manager stated that continued interest from new companies to invest in the country demonstrates that Angolan oil remains competitive and relevant in the international market.
Concerning environmental issues, she emphasized that these are strictly safeguarded, highlighting the FPSO Agogo, built according to high standards of decarbonization, energy efficiency, and emissions reduction.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Trump To Launch $70 Billion AI-Energy Plan At Pittsburgh Summit
U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to unveil a $70-billion investment package on Tuesday designed to give a major funding boost to energy and data infrastructure, Reuters reports, with the announcement set to come during the Pennsylvania Energy & Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh.
Sources familiar with the plan also told Bloomberg that the funding would include federal-private partnerships and possible Department of Energy-led permitting reforms. While exact allocations remain undisclosed as of the time of writing, the package is expected to prioritize regions facing power congestion due to rising AI workloads, including Pennsylvania, Texas, and Georgia.
According to Axios, over 60 energy and technology CEOs will attend the summit, including representatives from ExxonMobil, Amazon Web Services, Chevron, Palantir, and BlackRock.
The initiative comes against a backdrop of mounting strain on U.S. electricity infrastructure, with data centers now among the fastest-growing sources of demand. A Reuters analysis published last week found that demand from AI-driven compute loads is outpacing available generation in key markets. Meta, for example, recently secured 1.1 gigawatts of nuclear power from Constellation’s Clinton Clean Energy Center in Illinois under a 20-year agreement.
Analysts say Trump’s proposal could redirect investment back toward fossil generation and nuclear while reducing federal support for wind and solar. Bloomberg noted the plan may scale back Inflation Reduction Act tax credits, potentially cutting over 300 gigawatts of future renewable capacity. Critics argue the energy shift could benefit legacy infrastructure at the expense of decarbonization targets.
Trump’s announcement also includes a plan to redevelop a former Aliquippa steel mill into a high-density data center complex, according to CBS News. The site would anchor one of several new AI-energy corridors envisioned under the program.
Source: oilprice.com
Ghana: ECG Board Appoints Ebenezer Baiden As Deputy Managing Director
The Board of the Electricity Company of Ghana has appointed Mr. Ebenezer Baiden as the Acting Deputy Managing Director for Commercial Services.
His appointment takes effect from today, Monday, July 14, 2025, according to an internal communication signed by John Ayiku Ocansey, Deputy Managing Director for Corporate Services.
The appointment follows a directive by the Board for Ing. David Boadi Asamoah, Deputy Managing Director for Commercial Services, to proceed on leave.
Prior to his appointment, Mr. Baiden was the Director for New Business and Risk Management.
Mr. Ebenezer Baiden is an energy economist with several years of experience in the country’s power sector.
He has worked with ECG for over a decade.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Eni Completes Upgrading Of Offshore Gas Receiving Facility; Increases Supply By 25 MMscfd
The Italian oil and gas firm Eni has successfully completed the upgrading of its Offshore Gas Receiving Facility, increasing gas supply for power generation from 245 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) to 270 MMscfd.
The facility was shut down on Sunday, July 13, 2025, to pave way for the upgrading.
A statement from the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, which confirmed the completion of the exercise, stated that this enhancement in gas supply is a significant step towards ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy supply for the nation.
“The increased capacity will support the power sector and contribute to the overall economic growth of Ghana,” the ministry said.
The Ministry expressed its gratitude to Eni and all power sector players for their dedicated efforts in facilitating this critical upgrade.
He also thanked Ghanaians for their cooperation and understanding during the project’s implementation.
“Your support is invaluable as we work together to build a brighter energy future.”
The Ministry reiterated its unwavering commitment to providing a consistent power supply for all Ghanaians.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Zambia: Energy Forum For Africa 2025 Launched With Call For Stronger Investment And Partnerships
The Zambian Minister for Energy, Makozo Chikote, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to driving investment and collaboration in the energy sector. He described the upcoming Energy Forum for Africa (EFFA) 2025, taking place in Zambia from September 10th to 12th, as a critical platform to unlock the region’s vast potential.
He emphasized that EFFA is not just a conference but a catalyst for concrete action through public-private partnerships.
“This year’s theme, ‘Investment Opportunities in the Energy Sector in Zambia and Africa,’ reflects our conviction that with the right policies and partnerships, we can translate ambition into bankable, sustainable energy projects,” Mr. Chikote said in a speech read for him by Minister of Sport, Youth, and Arts Elvis Nkandu.
Mr. Chikote outlined progress made by the Ministry, including reforms to improve transparency, streamline licensing, expand grid access, and promote cross-border energy trade.
A major milestone was the recent commissioning of the 100-megawatt Chisamba Solar Power Plant by KNBEPC, a project that emerged from discussions at EFFA 2024 and now stands as one of Zambia’s largest solar installations.
Mr. Chikote added that ZESCO Limited has signed Power Purchase Agreements with solar developers for over 1,000 megawatts, but many projects still need financing. He said EFFA 2025 would serve as a bridge between developers and financiers to unlock this potential.
Forum Chief Executive and Convener, Eng. Hope Chanda, said the forum is designed to deliver practical solutions to challenges facing Zambia’s energy sector.
She highlighted the recent launch of the open access policy as another key step towards opening the grid and encouraging competition.
She called on the media to highlight these success stories and urged new partners to take an active role in shaping the future of energy in Zambia and Africa.
EFFA 2025 is expected to attract leading energy players, policymakers, investors, and financiers from across Africa and beyond, all working to accelerate sustainable energy development for the continent.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Malawi: ESCOM Secures $2.15 Million Funding For Power Interconnection Project With Tanzania
Malawian electricity supply is expected to witness significant improvement leading to an end to persistent blackouts, according to a report by Nyasa Times, citing the approval of a $2.15 million (approximately MWK 3.6 billion) grant for the Tanzania-Malawi (TAMA) Electricity Interconnection Project.
The financing, approved by the Multilateral Cooperation Centre for Development Finance (MCDF), will be used to update the feasibility and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) studies for a proposed 400kV power transmission line linking Iganjo Substation in Tanzania to Nkhoma Substation in Lilongwe, Malawi.
The grant application was submitted jointly by the governments of Malawi and Tanzania through the African Development Bank (AfDB), which has congratulated both ESCOM and Tanzania’s TANESCO on the successful proposal.
The Chief Executive Officer of Electricity Supply Company of Malawi (ESCOM), Mr. Kamkwamba Kumwenda, described the grant as a “major step forward” in the country’s long-term energy strategy.
“We had already begun preparatory work, including the establishment of the Nkhoma Substation, which will anchor the interconnector line on our side,” Kumwenda said.
“This funding will allow us to assess the viability and benefits of this important infrastructure project, which has the potential to transform energy reliability in Malawi and across the region.”
The TAMA project comes as Malawi nears the completion of the Malawi-Mozambique (MOMA) Interconnector, expected to start operations before the end of the year and supply 50 megawatts of electricity.
Once implemented, the TAMA Interconnector will further stabilize the national grid and improve cross-border electricity trade.
The updated studies will build on earlier assessments conducted by ESCOM in 2008 and TANESCO in 2022. The feasibility and ESIA studies are expected to begin in February 2026 and take 12 months to complete.
Meanwhile, ESCOM will begin the procurement process for a consulting firm to undertake the work.
The project aligns with ESCOM’s long-term vision of becoming a provider of reliable, inclusive, and affordable power for Malawi and the wider region.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Uganda: UEDCL Celebrates 100 Days Achievement After Takeover From Umeme In April
Ugandan Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has marked 100 days after taking over electricity distribution from Umeme in April this year, emphasizing stability in power supply across the country since the takeover.
Giving an account of their first 100 days, UEDCL Managing Director Paul Mwesigwa said they have reached great milestones since taking over from Umeme over three months ago.
“We have managed to achieve stability in the vending and billing system, and our customers have not experienced any material issues. The cash collection is at 104%. That’s good progress for a good institution and distributor in general,” Mwesigwa said.
“We are creating a healthy energy sector. We have paid 100% of our bills, and generators can be financed. Total payments to the transmitter since the takeover in April are Shs220 billion, already paid to UETCL. With the few activities we’ve done so far, we’ve demonstrated improved reliability, and overall, by the end of June, it stands at 97.7% compared to 97.1% in March.”
According to Paul Mwesigwa, they have replaced about 116 outdated transformers, noting that they will soon replace more.
“There are more transformers failing, and we’re going to install more than 518 transformers so that people get a steady supply and good voltage,” Mwesigwa said.
He noted that they have streamlined the procurement process with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) to ensure the process of acquiring new transformers is efficient.
“If you need a transformer, the process is very easy, and you shouldn’t expect significant delays in our service delivery.”
The UEDCL boss said they have maintained the call center, and all channels of communication are available.
The UEDCL Managing Director said that as part of their ongoing efforts, they have started upgrading the network to solve the problems of load shedding.
Mwesigwa said they have established overload but also worked on some lines like the Kawanda-Matugga, Mbarara North transformer, Kabale-Kisoro, and Kakiri.
“We’re seeing stability in those areas.”
He, however, said they have also identified 11 critical substations that are loaded over 80%, noting that this causes load shedding in areas served by these substations.
Mwesigwa said they are working on solving this problem.
Commenting on the progress of UEDCL’s work, Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa hailed the company for proving the naysayers wrong.
“The country has not plunged into darkness as many had thought. We’re moving forward with supplying and selling power. UEDCL has paid 100% for the power it has bought. This is successful execution of the job,” Nankabirwa said.
“I’m proud of UEDCL’s first 100 days. My ministry will continue to support UEDCL to ensure it’s fit for the job.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: ECG Embarks On Operation ‘All Must Pay’ Exercise From July 14
The Electricity Company of Ghana Limited has announced that it will embark on a nationwide revenue mobilization exercise effective Monday, July 14, 2025, to recover all outstanding debts owed to them by customers.
The exercise, which will focus on all categories of customers with arrears—residential, commercial, industrial, and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies—is expected to end on Friday, July 25, 2025.
According to ECG, the exercise will be monitored by special teams who will apprehend and prosecute customers who attempt to interfere with the exercise, engage in illegal connections, or undertake self-reconnections after disconnection.
ECG urged customers with arrears to pay their bills now to avoid disconnection and payment of reconnection fees.
“We encourage customers to use their regular channels, including the ECG Mobile App, to pay their bills,” ECG said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Shell Obtains Permission To Drill For Oil And Gas Offshore
Shell has received environmental authorization to drill up to five deepwater wells to explore for oil and gas off the west coast of South Africa.
“Should viable resources be found offshore, this could significantly contribute to South Africa’s energy security and the government’s economic development programmes,” the supermajor said in a statement carried by Reuters.
The company did not provide details of the drilling plans.
Shell applied last year for environmental authorizations to drill ultra-deepwater wells offshore South Africa, targeting drilling in the Northern Cape Ultra Deep Block (NCUD) in the Orange Basin off South Africa’s west coast.
Previous attempts by Shell to drill offshore South Africa have ended up in court as environmental campaigners have challenged oil and gas exploration activities.
Analysts believe some offshore formations that South Africa shares with the offshore areas of Namibia – the latest deepwater exploration hotspot – could hold great resource potential.
Shell and another supermajor, TotalEnergies, have already made large discoveries offshore Namibia, in the same Orange Basin that spans South African and Namibian waters.
The basin extends to South African waters to the south and the majors are now looking to tap into these areas hoping to find huge resources similar to the ones in the Namibian portion of the Orange Basin.
However, red tape and court challenges to drilling offshore South Africa have impeded the majors from exploration off the country’s west coast.
While South Africa struggles to launch a domestic exploration and production sector, Namibia is weighing potential further incentives and financing options to offer to international majors preparing plans for oil production offshore the African country.
Namibia looks at financing mechanisms, including credit support instruments and partnerships with international lending institutions, Kornelia Shilunga, special adviser and head of upstream petroleum unit in the Namibian Presidency, told Bloomberg last month.
Namibia expects TotalEnergies and Norway’s BW Energy to take final investment decisions on oil projects in late 2026, a senior Namibian official said in May.
Source: Oilprice.com