Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: New ECG Board Chairman Sworn Into Office
The Minister for Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh on Thursday, 4th April, 2024, swore-in newly appointed Board Chairman of the Electricity Company of Ghana, Hon. Herbert Krapa at the Ministry of Energy.
Hon. Krapa took the oath of office and the oath of secrecy as administered by the Energy Minister.
The appointment of Herbert Krapa, according to the Minister sends the clearest indication of the President’s renewed interest in the affairs of the company and therefore the need for a commensurate culture of accountability, professionalism, and innovation within the ECG.
“We are all privy to the challenges that have plagued the company, almost making it for some, not even fit for purpose. However, for some of us, including, most importantly, the President of the Republic, we believe we must continue on a path of ensuring that the company lives up to its billing” the Minister said.
He continued “I urge you, Chairman, to reflect deeply on the trust and expectations placed upon you by the President of the Republic. Your foremost duty is to justify this confidence through your actions and leadership. You are acutely aware of the vexed matters and therefore have no doubt that, you will, with the necessary support, stem the tide”
On his part, Hon Krapa who is also a Deputy Minister for Energy assured of his unflinching desire to lead the company with integrity, transparency, and a relentless focus, on delivering value to the Ghanaian people.
“His Excellency the President has given a very unequivocal indication of his resolve to ensure an ECG that will be formidable to keep the lights on and I am determined to actualize this vision of the President, of course with the support of my Minister” he said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Nigeria: NERC Slaps Abuja DisCos N200 Million For Violation and Misapplication Of New Tariffs
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has slapped Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) with a hefty fine of two hundred million Naira (NGN200,000,000) for failing to adhere to its tariff guidelines, creating a stir among consumers and industry stakeholders alike.
The fine comes in the wake of the Supplementary Order to the Multi-Year Tariff Order for 2024, issued on April 3, 2024, which AEDC has been found in violation of.
In a detailed correspondence released by NERC and seen by this publication, it was revealed that AEDC improperly applied an approved tariff increase across all customer bands, contrary to the specific directive that only customers in Band A were subject to the rate hike.
The oversight has not only led to undue charges for customers in Bands B to E but has also called into question the operational compliance and fairness standards maintained by one of the country’s leading electricity distribution companies.
The regulatory body’s supplementary order had initially set out to adjust tariffs in a manner that would not unduly burden the vast majority of electricity consumers, particularly those not in Band A.
However, AEDC’s misapplication of the new tariffs has breached the trust of its consumer base and contradicted the principles of transparency and equity that form the cornerstone of Nigeria’s electricity regulatory framework.
As part of its remedial directives, NERC has mandated AEDC to reimburse all affected customers in Bands B, C, D, and E through the provision of balance tokens reflective of the rates they should have been charged.
This remedial action is expected to be complied with immediately, therefore providing relief to thousands of consumers who were wrongfully overcharged.
Moreover, NERC’s directive requires AEDC to present evidence of compliance with these corrective measures by April 12, 2024, emphasising the urgency with which the regulatory body seeks to address and rectify the oversight. Failure to meet these requirements could lead to further regulatory actions, underscoring the seriousness with which NERC is approaching this breach of regulatory compliance.
This incident brings to light the challenges facing Nigeria’s electricity sector, highlighting the critical need for strict adherence to regulatory orders designed to safeguard consumer interests and ensure the fair administration of energy services.
As the NERC continues to monitor the situation closely, the outcome of this enforcement action is being watched by industry observers as a test of the regulatory framework’s effectiveness in maintaining discipline and fairness in the country’s evolving electricity market.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: ACEP Pushes OMCs, LPGMCs To Go To Court Over NPA’s New Petroleum Pricing Guidelines
The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), one of the think tanks in the Republic of Ghana, has asked oil marketing companies (OMCs) and liquefied petroleum gas marketing companies (LPGMCs) to take legal action against the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) over the implementation of the amended petroleum pricing guidelines.
ACEP said it is dismayed by the decision taken by the NPA.
According to the think tank, the directive is expressly outside the plethora of functional activities prescribed by the NPA Act (Act 691), 2005.
ACEP asserts that most of the legally mandated functions of the NPA are outdated in the current deregulated market context, yet sustained by political settlement to levy petroleum consumers and the industry unnecessarily.
The new pricing guidelines, among other provisions, set a price floor for petroleum products below which OMCs and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) firms cannot price their products – a move which has triggered opposition from industry players.
“ACEP remains committed to advocating for a well-regulated downstream sector that prioritises competition, product quality, and consumer protection. We urge OMCs and LPGMCs, who are committed to an improved and cost-effective service delivery, to fight such illegal regulations and proceed to court to avert regulatory sabotage of genuine business efforts. ACEP will support any such challenge and demand accountability from the NPA in the public interest,” a statement released by ACEP said.
Full statement
ACEP is dismayed by the National Petroleum Authority’s (NPA) recent directive introducing price floors for the downstream petroleum sector.
The directive is expressly outside the plethora of functional activities prescribed by the NPA Act (Act 691), 2005. ACEP asserts that most of the legally mandated functions of NPA are outdated in the current deregulated market context yet sustained by political settlement to levy petroleum consumers and the industry unnecessarily.
ACEP argues that the NPA’s decision reflects a deepening of regulatory failure to effectively protect the consumer and the industry, which has crystallised in the:
Influx of illicit products through approved and unapproved routes on the market
Influx of substandard products on the market Stealing of tax revenue by some Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) Burdensome passthrough levies and charges to the consumer Anti-competitive behaviour, including price undercutting, which NPA thinks can be resolved by implementing price floors.
Rather than addressing the aforementioned challenges, the NPA is opting for a “lazy” solution that rewards inefficiency, discourages competition and punishes the consumer at the pump. Setting price floors creates a system that benefits OMCs and Bulk Oil Import, Distribution, and Export Companies (BIDECs), which have weaker market presence and are struggling to sell volumes at competitive rates.
This protectionist policy is detrimental to creativity and competitive business strategy and ultimately harms consumer welfare.
Curiously, the regulator admits that substandard products are in the market and some players are undercutting prices. This is an apparent supposition that the NPA knows the players that are violating ethical conduct.
Why they prefer to skirt around the issues and introduce protectionism is intriguing, even to the extent of creating potential windfalls for the merchants of the illicit substandard products.
ACEP urges the NPA to prioritise progressive regulatory functions. This entails a more targeted approach that enforces progressive rules and sanctions companies engaging in unfair practices by employing data-driven approaches focused on identifying and eliminating anti-competitive behaviour without undermining business creativity and cutting-edge strategies that benefit the consumer. This will foster a fairer market environment for consumers and businesses in the long run.
It is time for the NPA to realise that sustaining 200 OMCs and 30 BIDECs cannot be at the expense of the consumer. The excessive appetite for regulatory fees to sustain their growing staff is impeding the organisation’s creativity and efficiency. Currently, 15 percent of registered
OMCs supply 90 percent of the market. Over 160 OMCs supply only 10 percent of the market but pay the required regulatory fees. Businesses must survive in the downstream sector on the merits of their business acumen and not on the basis of the NPA’s wishes.
ACEP remains committed to advocating for a well-regulated downstream sector that prioritises competition, product quality, and consumer protection. We urge OMCs and BIDECs, who are committed to improved and cost-effective service delivery, to fight such illegal regulations and proceed to court to avert regulatory sabotage of genuine business efforts. ACEP will support any such challenge and demand accountability from the NPA in the public interest.
End.
Signed
Kodzo Yaotse
Policy Lead, Petroleum & Conventional Energy
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Africa Energy Forum 2024
The 26th edition of the Africa Energy Forum (aef), taking place in Barcelona from 25-28 June, will bring together investors and market leaders from the public and private sectors to discuss, collaborate and take action to advance the future of Africa’s energy sector.
With over 140 speakers already confirmed, get ready to deep dive into critical topics throughout the four-day, multi-streamed agenda.
There have been a number of notable developments to the programme over the past few weeks and you can download the latest agenda here.
Key speakers from the private sector include:
Mike Scholey, CEO, Globeleq
Olusola Lawson, Co-Managing Director, AIIM
Rentia van Tonder, Head: Power & Client Coverage, Standard Bank
Martin Meyer, Head: Power & Infrastructure Finance, Investec
Amith Singh, Head of Energy, Nedbank CIB
Lucy Chege, Associate Exectuvie, Project & Infrastructure Finance, TDB
Dele Kuti, Global Head of Energy & Infrastructure, Standard Bank
Eluma Obibuaka, Head of Power, AFC
Shirley Webber, Managing Principal, Coverage Head – Resources & Energy, Absa CIB
Holger Rothenbusch, MD & Head of Infrastructure & Climate, BII
Marcus Williams, Global Head & Sector Manager- Energy & Extractive Industries, MIGA, The World Bank Group
Bhavtik Vallabhjee, Head: Power & Renewables, Absa Securities UK
Owen Silavwe, Managing Director, Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC)
Giacomo Brambilla, CFO, Red Rocket
Kweku Awotwi, Board Chairman, United Bank for Africa (Ghana) & Co-Founder & Director Cenpower Generation Company, Republic of Ghana
Erik Granskog, CEO, Milele Energy
Meta Mhlarhi, Director & Co-Founder, Mahlako Financial Services
New for 2024:
Industry debates: empowering discussions on critical sector issues
Breakfast Briefing and Think Tanks: morning brainstorming sessions
Corporate Leadership Roundtable: exclusive closed-door session for private sector leaders
Tech Innovation Theatre & Boardroom: explore first-hand the innovations set to revolutionise Africa’s energy sector
Ghana: GNPC CEO Quits Amidst Pressure From Power Brokers.. Joseph Dadzie Appointed New CEO
Ghana’s National Oil Company (GNPC) has made changes to its leadership after the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Opoku-Ahweneeh Danquah, was allegedly forced to resign from his post by persons close to Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo.
Mr Opoku-Ahweneeh was appointed to act as the CEO of the national oil company in 2022 after the mandatory retirement of Dr. Kofi Koduah Sarpong, the former CEO.
Few days ago, this portal gathered that persons who facilitated the appointment of Mr Opoku Ahweneeh Danquah within the circles of President Akufo-Addo were angry and persuaded him to honourably resign to avoid being fired.
It was not clear what his crime was, but it appeared his fall out with the appointing authority had to do with performance and other issues.
There have been controversies at the oil company in recent times, with information from the company flying in the media frequently.
As a result of the controversies and tensions at the oil company, Mr Joseph Dadzie, who is the Deputy Chief Executive responsible for Commerce, Strategy and Business Development, went on an early retirement in December 2023, even though his retirement was due in August 2024.
In a letter addressed to the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Mr Opoku- Ahweneeh Danquah, according to sources, expressed his respect for the office.
He described his tenure as an honour and emphasised his commitment to the evolution of Ghana’s energy sector.
He pointed out that an atmosphere of misinformation and misunderstanding surrounding the transformative policies he championed made it increasingly untenable for him to continue effectively in his role.
Opoku-Ahweneeh emphasised the importance of unequivocal support and trust from all stakeholders for GNPC to thrive and fulfill its mandate.
Mr Danquah extended his gratitude to the President of the Republic of Ghana, saying, “In the starch that has stiffened my efficacious tenure, the main ingredients have been your astute guidance and the support of the talented team at GNPC. I am truly grateful for the opportunities that I have been afforded.”
Opoku Danquah reassured his commitment to the progress and prosperity of Ghana, standing ready to support any transition efforts as deemed necessary by the administration.
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has appointed Mr Joseph Dadzie, who went on early retirement in December 2023, to replace Mr Opoku-Ahweneeh Danquah.
“Pursuant to Section 10 (2) of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation Act, 1983 (P.N.D.C.L. 64), I am pleased to inform you that the President has appointed you to act as the Chief Executive of Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (the “Corporation”) pending receipt of the required advice of the honourable Minister for Energy, given in consultation with the Public Services Commission,” his appointment letter signed by the secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante and dated Wednesday, 3rd April 2024 read.
“Your appointment is effective 2nd May 2024. I take this opportunity to congratulate you formally on your appointment. Kindly indicate your acceptance or otherwise of this appointment within 14 days of receipt of this letter. Please accept the President’s best wishes,” the letter copied to the Vice President, Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Minister for Energy, the Chairman of the Public Services Commission and the Board Chairman of the GNPC further read.
Profile Of Dadzie
Mr Dadzie is a Banker, Energy and Communication Expert. He holds an MBA (Finance) and MSc (General Management) from the Nyenrode Business Universiteit, Netherlands, as well as a BSc (Chemical Engineering) from the KNUST, Ghana.
As a Banker, he worked as Director (Commodity Corporate), Head (Large Local Corporate & Parastatals), and Senior Manager (Financial Institution) all with the Standard Chartered Bank.
In communication, he was the Chief Operating/Finance Officer for Surfline Communication Limited.
Over the years, he has worked in the energy sector as an Assistant Operations Officer with TOR, Market Research Analyst with the GNPC, and CFO with Woodfields Energy Resources.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: GECA Cautions PURC Against Granting ECG’s Request For Tariff Increase Over Forex
The Ghana Electrical Contractors Association (GECA) has cautioned the Public Utilities Regularly Commission (PURC) against granting ECG’s request for tariff increase due to depreciation of the cedi against the international currencies.
The Association is of the view that problems like poor implementation of effective and efficient revenue collection mechanisms should be attended by the ECG to rake in the needed revenues to deal with forex shortfalls facing the company.
A release issued and signed by GECA’s President, Mr Awal Sakib Mohammed, on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, pointed out that the deployment of a comprehensive loss reduction programme and the adoption of productive strategies for managing the company’s limited resources are critical in resolving the issues affecting the efficient and effective functioning of the organisation.
“We urge careful consideration of alternative strategies to mitigate the impact of forex challenges on ECG’s operations, emphasing the importance of sustainable solutions for the benefit of our nation,” said GECA.
It further stated that there is evidence that a significant portion of ECG’s losses stem from various factors, including non-payment for electricity usage by households and businesses, faulty metres and illegal connections, all accounting for inefficiencies in the sector.
Additionally, GECA noted that undue strain on transformers largely attributable to actions or inactions of some ECG personnel further contributes to losses.
“Prevalent practice of connecting premises requiring dedicated transformers to local distribution networks are also affecting the national electricity grid from working well,” the group stated.
GECA further expressed regret that some ECG personnel exploit this situation, colluding with applicants to connect them to already over-loaded transformers for personal gains.
“We advocate for a solution that addresses the root cause of system losses and illegal power theft, namely through rigorous monitoring, maintenance of networks and reinforcement of pertinent status governing power distribution in the country.”
Furthermore, the group proposed a third-party contractor maintenance programmes, expressing the belief that it would inject fresh energy to reduce losses in the ECG’s distribution.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Tariff Increase Will Affect Only Customers Enjoying 20-Hour Power Supply — NERC
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, says the increase in tariff will only affect customers enjoying 20 hour power supply across the country.
The commission said that other customers in Bands B, C and D are not affected by the increase
Musliu Oseni, Vice Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, said this at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.
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According to him, the commission has approved the increase in electricity tariff paid by Band A customers from N68/KWh to N225KWh adding that the increase will not affect customers on bands B and C.
Mr Oseni said that the increase only affect about 15 per cent electricity consumers that have been proven to enjoy 20 hours power supply daily.
He said that other electricity customers not affected by the rate review would not be neglected as they would still continue to get service.
The vice chairman said that the commission had also downgraded some customers on the Band A to Band B due to the non-fulfillment of the required hours of electricity provided by the electricity distribution company.
“We currently have over 800 feeders that are categorised as Band A, but it will now be reduced to under 500. This means that 17 per cent of the feeder now qualifies as Band A.
“The commission using technology discovered that many of the feeders that the Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) currently brandish as Band A are not meeting the required service and as such.
“The feeders were ordered to be downgraded immediately as a way of protecting consumers,” he said.
Mr Oseni said that customers hitherto classified as Band A customers would not be affected by the rate review.
He said that as part of enforcement mechanisms to ensure that areas affected by the review get the 20 hours supply, DisCos have been mandated to set up rapid response teams in locations where the feeders are located.
“This is to ensure that the customers can have access to the DisCos.
“They have also been mandated to publish the contact of the rapid response team where the customers are located.
“Failure to meet the commitment for seven consecutive days, the feeder will be downgraded immediately to the service level the DisCos is able to provide electricity to the feeder,” he said.
Mr Oseni said where a DisCo failed to meet the commitment for two days by the third day at 10am, the company must publish an explanation also via bulk SMS contacting the affected consumers on the feeder.
“They should explain why they could not meet the service for the two days and also submit the explanation to the commission,” he said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Gov’t Withdraws Earlier Decision To Suspend Price Stabilisation And Recovery Levy On Fuel
The Government of Ghana has backtracked on its earlier decision that suspended the inclusion of Price Stabilisation and Recovery Levy (PSRL), one of the levies on petroleum products, for three months effective April 1, 2024.
The suspension of PSRL was intended to cushion consumers from paying high costs of fuel at the pumps due to rising global prices.
However, a letter signed by the Deputy CEO of NPA, Perry Okudzeto, to all the players in the oil marketing companies and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Companies (LPGMCs) mentioned that there has been a follow-up directive, hence, the PSRL has been revised.
“All Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Companies (LPGMCs) are to take note of the above revision of the PSRL and apply them in the Price Build Ups effective 4th April 2024,” a portion of the letter read.
The PSRL on petrol is 16 pesewas while that on diesel and LPG is 14 pesewas respectively.
Some OMCs on Wednesday began adjusting their pump prices upward.
TotalEnergies, Shell, Star Oil and Petrosol adjusted their pump prices
However, given the new development, all the companies would be adjusting their pump prices again today, Thursday.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: AOMC Appoints Dr Riverson Oppong As New CEO
Dr Riverson Oppong, a petroleum economist and one of Ghana’s finest petroleum experts, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Oil Marketing Companies in the Republic of Ghana.
Dr Oppong took over from Mr Kwaku Agyamang-Duah, who retired last Sunday, after serving for 17 years as the CEO and Industry Coordinator.
Before his appointment, Dr Oppong was a Manager for Commercial Operations in charge of Economics, Risks and Planning at the Ghana National Gas Company.
Dr Oppong brings over 15 years of global experience in the oil and gas industry, with a background in diverse projects across various countries.
Dr Oppong has worked on several oil and gas fields and projects, including the North Busachi Fields in Kazakhstan, the Independence Field in Cote d’Ivoire, the Djata Fields in Ghana and the West Quarna Gas Field in Iraq.
He also consulted for the Croatian Government on the Croatian LNG Project as a Project Economist.
Upon returning to Ghana, he has been playing an active role in Ghana’s Energy Sector Recovery Programme; a programme that gave birth to the Cash Waterfall Mechanism, Natural Gas Clearinghouse and P4R.
He worked tirelessly to ensure that the objectives of these programmes were holistically achieved.
Dr Oppong equally sat on Ghana’s National Energy Transition Technical Committee, where he contributed to writing policy documents to address Ghana’s energy transition roadmap.
He also played a dynamic role in the review of Ghana’s Gas Master Plan (GMP) and Natural Gas Pricing Policy (NGPP).
Dr Oppong holds adjunct lecturer positions at the Ghana Technology University College, University of Cape Coast, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration and KNUST.
He is also actively engaged in industry organisations, serving as the Africa Regional Director of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and a committee member of the International Gas Union.
Riverson holds a PhD and a Post Doctorate Degree in International Oil and Gas Management-Finance and Economics from the Gubkin University of Oil and Gas; a Diploma in Earth GeoScience from the Stanford University, USA; Master (with honours) in Petroleum Engineering from the Gubkin University of Oil and Gas, with Masters Exchange Programme in Arctic Development from the Norwegian University of Nordland; a Bachelors degree in Materials (Industrial) Science and Engineering from the K.N.U.S.T., Ghana; Diploma in Project Management from the Institute of Commercial Management, UK.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Koforidua Court Remands 27-Year-Old Man For Stealing ECG Cables
A Circuit Court in Koforidua in the Eastern Region of Ghana has remanded a 27-year- old man, Masaudu Fuseini, in prison custody for allegedly stealing cables belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited (ECG).
The court, presided over by Miss Asare Anima, on March 28, ordered the suspect to replace the stolen cables valued over GH¢9,000 and show prove of replacement on his appearance in court again on April 8, 2024.
Masaudu Fuseini pleaded guilty to stealing.
Police Inspector, Elorm Arku Klaye, the prosecutor, told the court that Fuseini was arrested at Klo-Agogo, a community in the Asesewa District of the Eastern Region, ans operational area of the ECG, on Monday, March 25, 2024.
The suspect, who resides at Nkurakan in the Asesewa District, was seen cutting some cables, belonging to the ECG.
He was nabbed by members of a watchdog committee set up by the Assembly member for the area.
The committee informed the police about the suspect’s activity and while carrying out a second operation, he was arrested.
He led the police to the spots he kept the stolen cables he cut from the poles.
His arrest has come at a time when the ECG is confronted with the challenge of transformer and cables thefts in the Eastern Region.
So far, nine transformers have been vandalised by suspected criminals this year.
The Eastern Region General Manager of ECG, Ing Sariel A. Etwire, expressed concern about the incidence of cable thefts and transformer vandalisation in the Region.
She commended the police for the swift response and the watchdog committee at Klo-Agogo for facilitating the arrest of Fuseini, and appealed to other communities to emulate the set example.
She said transformers and cables theft disrupt the mission of the company to supply reliable power supply services to customers.
She urged the communities to mobilise themselves and support the ECG to protect its installations.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Biden May Lift LNG Export Ban To Win Ukraine Aid
Markets are impatiently awaiting a decision from the White House that could see the ban on new LNG export projects lifted as the Biden administration seeks leverage in winning Republican approval for an extensive aid package to Ukraine, Reuters reports.
Late on Tuesday, Reuters reported that the White House was considering a reversal of its late January decision to pause new LNG export projects, with two anonymous White House sources saying that lifting the ban could be rewarded with Congressional approval for new aid to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
The potential for such a trade-off was suggested during a Sunday interview that aired on Fox News with Republican U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, who indicated that the Republican Party would be more likely to support Ukraine in the event of a reversal of the LNG project pause.
“We want to have natural gas exports that will help unfund (Russian President) Vladimir Putin’s war effort there,” Johnson told Fox News.
The Biden administration paused permit approvals for new LNG export projects in January citing uncertainty about the outlook for U.S. supply from the late 2020s onwards.
Last year, the U.S. overtook Qatar to become the world’s largest LNG exporter. Now, Qatar is stepping up investment and development, eyeing an 85% increase in its LNG export capacity by 2030 as it seeks to dominate the market.
Earlier this year, Qatar said it was adding another major LNG expansion project to its two ongoing projects, and is now proceeding with the North Field West project, after drilling appraisal wells at the world’s largest natural gas field, the North Field it shares with Iran, and finding “huge additional gas quantities” in the field.
On Sunday, QatarEnergy said it had signed long-term time charter party (TCP) agreements with four international shipowners for the operation of 19 new conventional-size LNG vessels, bringing the total of long-term chartered vessels for LNG exports to 104.
Source: Oilprice.com
South Africa Risks Thousands Of Deaths If Coal-Fired Power Plants Remain Open
South Africa could see additional up to 50,000 deaths due to air pollution and billions of U.S. dollars in health costs if a proposal to delay the decommissioning of coal-fired power plants goes through, a Finland-based research center says.
South Africa, one of the world’s largest coal producers and exporters, continues to rely on coal for a large part of its energy mix. Currently, some 85% of South Africa’s electricity is generated via coal-fired power stations.
Crippled by an energy crisis for several years, the country is now considering whether to extend the life of coal plants beyond 2030 and leave a substantial fleet still operational in 2050, to protect energy security.
But the proposal by South Africa’s energy department – if passed – could lead to the deaths of between 20,000 and 50,000 people, according to estimates by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) cited by Bloomberg.
“Given that the delayed retirement scenario leaves very substantial coal-fired capacity in place in 2050, there are going to be further health impacts beyond that year,” the research center told Bloomberg in emailed comments.
In a 2023 report, CREA said that if the rate of decommissioning in the 2030s and 2040s is not accelerated from current plans, further delays to the decommissioning of other units would multiply the health impacts of the delay to 32,300 deaths from air pollution and economic costs of $38.3 billion (721 billion South African rands).
“While Eskom plans to decommission coal-fired power plants, the exact pathways that will be followed are unclear and many of the plants have had their decommissioning delayed. Currently, the South African government plans to delay decommissioning even further,” CREA said at the end of last year.
Last week, South Africa’s energy minister Gwede Mantashe told Bloomberg that expecting the country to quickly give up on coal-fired power would be “very wrong.”
“This belief that you can leave coal and move to renewables: there’s a technical mistake, very wrong, it will never work,” Mantashe told Bloomberg.
Source: Oilprice.com
Ghana: My Memories With Wisdom Ahiataku -Togobo -The Renewable Energy Trailblazer As He Retires
The story of the renewable energy industry in Ghana would be incomplete without the mentioning of Mr Wisdom Ahiataku -Togobo.
Wizzy, as he is affectionately called, spent 35 years of his life working to promote the development of renewable energy policy and projects from cookstove through to biogas, wind, solar and hydro power in the country.
Mr Ahiataku-Togobo attained 60 years of age last Friday, March 29, 2024, and, therefore, retired from active public service.
On Sunday, Mr Ahiataku-Togobo went to the Global Evangelical Church, Adonai Chapel in Madina to thank the Almighty God for watching over him and protecting him for the past 60 years, out of which he spent 35 years championing renewable energy policy and development.
I was one of the people who were invited to join him at his residence to continue to celebrate him and appreciate God for making grace abound for him to leave indelible prints in the renewable energy industry in Ghana.
During the programme, guests gave testimonies about Wisdom’s selflessness, generosity, hard work, passion for renewable energy, tenacity and ability to get work done on time.
His schoolmates (Odadee) from the Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School, Legon, Accra, recounted how Wisdom used to excel in mathematics and science-related courses.
Ing Seth Mahu, Deputy Director for Renewable Energy at the Ministry of Energy, and Mr Fredrick Appiah, Deputy Director for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at the Energy Commission, gave testimonies about how Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo helped them to secure a job and also introduced them to the renewable energy.
The duo testified about Wisdom’s determination to always get work done, teamwork spirit and readiness to share with the needy.
In a nutshell, Wisdom’s effort put them in the position they both occupy in the energy sector today.
I also got to know Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo in 2019. Wisdom had been reading the stories I published about the energy sector, and seeing the quality of the stories, he managed to get my mobile number and called me and discussed his plans to visit some ongoing project sites in the northern part of Ghana.
I accepted his request to join him and we travelled to Bui in the Bono Region to inspect BPA’s site where preparation work was ongoing for the installation of a 200MW peak solar farm.
We spent a few days and continued the journey to Lawra and Kaleo to inspect VRA’s solar projects under construction by Elecnor SA.
We returned to Accra and Wisdom later facilitated a trip to the BPA’s Tsatsadu Mini Hydro Generation Station in the Hohoe District of the Volta Region. This project was then being constructed under the able leadership of Mr Fred Oware, the then CEO of Bui Power Authority (BPA).
Through Wisdom, I also had the opportunity to visit solar mini-grid sites in some island communities in the Ada District of the Greater Accra Region.
In 2020 Mr Ahiataku-Togobo did something that struck me.
The then Minister of Energy was scheduled to join His Excellency President Akufo-Addo to inaugurate the Lawra Solar Project and Wisdom arranged for me to join them at the Air Force Base for the Military Chopper to Wa.
I arrived at the Air Force Base early to wait for the Minister and his team to arrive for us to board the chopper.
It did not take long when the Minister arrived with member of the Ministry’s delegation.
At the reception, a message was communicated to the Honourable Minister, that I be excluded from joining the trip.
The reason was that I wrote about a case the Ministry of Energy reported to the police about the attempted withdrawal of about three million cedis from the Ministry’s account with NIB.
On hearing this, Mr Ahiataku-Togobo politely insisted that if I did not join them on the trip, he was not going to join them either.
Since Wisdom’s presence at the inauguration was necessary, they had to agree that i be allowed to join the the delegation to Wa for the inauguration of the project.
Anytime Wisdom needed my help, he would call me, and I gladly honor his request. I must say that he used the little resources meant for him to ensure that I was quite comfortable anytime I joined him on a trip.
After the 2020 election, a new Energy Minister was appointed, resulting in the reorganization of the Renewable Energy Directorate. As it is said, “New King New Law,” so Wisdom’s position was subsequently reassigned to the Bui Power Authority.
Mr Fred Oware, who had relied on the advice of the Renewable Energy Directorate headed by Wisdom and could testify about the expertise of Mr Ahiataku-Togobo in renewable energy, facilitated for him to join BPA till his mandatory retirement.
At BPA, he became the face of the company due to his level of expertise in renewable energy.
He represented BPA at many international forums, spoke to the hearts of audiences, and on many occasions received standing ovations and applauses from the gatherings.
My relationship with Wisdom continued even when he moved from the Ministry of Energy to BPA.
I had the opportunity to visit him on a few occasions to chat and discuss issues.
Two things that inspired me to write about Mr Ahiataku-Togobo was how the Lord used me to avert a spiritual attack on his life.
The first was sometime in 2021. The Lord revealed to me in a dream that I was having a conversation with Wisdom. After a while, we bade goodbye to each other and he drove off.
A few minutes later, I turned and watched Wisdom get involved in a terrible accident and was dashed to a Roman Catholic Hospital where his two legs were amputated.
I wept in the dream when I saw him in that state.
I prayed for him and communicated the dream to him.
He told me that the BPA was making arrangements to get him a vehicle but because it was not ready, he was still using the Ministry’s vehicle which he intended to travel with the following day.
Upon receiving my advice, Wisdom changed his plans and returned the vehicle to the Ministry.
The second thing was, one Thursday morning, I decided to call Wisdom on the telephone to check up on him since we had not spoken for weeks.
Surprisingly, Wisdom was not well and could not even breathe properly. I told him I would come over, called my prayer partner and we drove to his (Wisdom’s ) residence.
At the entrance to his house, we prayed before and God spoke.
When we entered the house, Wisdom was lying down with his wife beside him. There were a couple of medicines by him. I requested a bottle of anointing oil for prayer.
To the glory of God, Wisdom later recovered, and I am happy that God kept him safe and he has retired honourably and graciously.
God has a reason for bringing people close.
Jonathan, the son of Saul in the Holy Bible, became a good friend of David, and God used Jonathan to save David’s life when Saul developed hatred for David.
Let us show genuine love, care and compassion and create opportunities for people. The messenger could be your saviour tomorrow. That house help could be your saviour tomorrow. That schoolmate could be your saviour tomorrow.
God bless you, Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo.
Writer: Pastor Michael Creg Afful,
Managing Editor, energynewsafrica.com
Writer: Pastor Michael Creg Afful,
Managing Editor, energynewsafrica.com Nigeria: NERC Announces Hike In Electricity Tariff
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has announced an increase in electricity tariff for customers within the Band A category to N225/kWh.
This follows the recent increase in the base price for natural gas from US$2.18 to US$2.42 per metric million British thermal units (mmbtu) by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Addressing a press conference in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, on Wednesday, the Vice Chairman of NERC, Musliu Oseni said power distribution companies (DisCos) would be allowed to increase electricity tariff from the current 66 Naira to 225 Naira per kilowatt-hour.
“We currently have 800 feeders that are categorised as Band A, but it will now be reduced to under 500. This means that 17 per cent now qualify as Band-A feeders. These feeders only service 15 per cent of total electricity customers connected to the feeder.
“The Commission has issued an order which is titled ‘April supplementary order’ and the commission allows a 235 kilowatt per hour,” he said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com