Energy and educational experts from Russia and Ghana recently gathered for a virtual seminar focused on expanding collaboration in nuclear science and technology.
The event, titled “Energy Education & Innovation Seminar: Strengthening Ghana–Russia Collaboration in Nuclear Science and Energy”, brought together representatives from universities, public institutions, and industrial partners to explore long-term cooperation in education, research, and innovation.
The seminar marked another step in the development of the Ghana–Russia nuclear partnership, which began in 2012 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and was reinforced by an Intergovernmental Agreement in 2015.
Since then, the relationship has grown to include knowledge exchange, technical assessments, and joint educational initiatives.
“International cooperation in education and research creates lasting bridges between countries. Today’s scientific partnerships are not just about sharing technologies — they are about sharing dreams, ideas, and ambitions. The growing collaboration between Russia and Ghana in nuclear science shows how knowledge can unite different nations and help build a sustainable future that benefits all,” noted Ryan Collyer, CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa.
Speakers included Dr. Robert B.M. Sogbadji, Deputy Director for Energy at the Ministry of Energy of Ghana, alongside representatives from Rosatom and leading Russian universities — including Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba (RUDN University), Tomsk Polytechnic University, and the National University of Science and Technology (NUST MISIS).
They presented concepts for industrial-educational cooperation, discussed non-power applications of nuclear technologies, and outlined models for collaboration in areas such as the circular economy and low-carbon development.
The seminar also highlighted the importance of strengthening scientific and educational partnerships to support national expertise in peaceful nuclear technologies — both for energy generation and for wider non-energy applications.
The seminar took place as part of a broader initiative to foster collaboration between Rosatom and African countries through long-term partnerships in science, education, and industry.
Ghana, which continues to explore peaceful nuclear energy options, views these joint efforts as an investment in both national capacity and regional sustainability.
The 2025 seminar comes at a symbolic moment: this year marks 80 years of Russian nuclear industry and the 500th anniversary of the Northern Sea Route.
Both milestones highlight how international collaboration in science and engineering can shape global progress for generations to come.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has appointed Richmond Rockson Esq. as its new Spokesperson and Head of Communications, effective immediately.
A statement issued on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, highlighted Mr. Rockson’s extensive background as a lawyer, energy analyst, business development consultant, and media contributor on energy policy.
As spokesperson, he will be the primary point of contact for all media inquiries and public engagements related to the Ministry’s work. The Ministry emphasized that this appointment aligns with its commitment to transparency and effective communication as Ghana advances its energy and green transition agenda.
The Ministry expressed confidence that Mr. Rockson’s expertise will enhance public engagement and shape discussions on sustainable energy.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s largest indigenous oil marketing company, GOIL, has suspended fuel attendants at Kpong Service Station allegedly involved in the misuse of the company’s Go-Card during a fuel purchase involving a VRA vehicle.
The action taken by the management of GOIL follows a Facebook post by one ‘Se Lorm’ alleging a wrongdoing by the driver of VRA’s dark grey Hilux and fuel attendants at the Kpong Service Station when he was at the station to refuel his vehicle.
Describing what he witnessed involving the attendants and the driver, Se Lorm wrote, “I witnessed something that broke my heart. I pulled up at Kpong F/S GOIL to fill up and I opted to pay with a Go-Card. There was this VRA dark grey hilux with green plate and a registration number ending 14 also filling up and his Go-Card was being processed, while I was waiting for my payment to be processed. I noticed some funny move by one of the attendants; you know that move when someone is sort of hiding to count money, yes!”
He continued, “The attendant handed the money to his colleague who was processing the payment. At this point, they realised I had seen the move; not long, the attendant handed the receipt and cash to the driver.”
He added, “When they came to process my payment, I asked them if what they did was right and they wanted to justify it by saying they came with their boss to make that arrangement. I asked them if it was right; this driver is probably buying less amount but will ask them to increase the amount on the receipt and he will pocket the difference.”
Se Lorm stressed that this is not the first time this driver is doing that.
“I agree “obiaaa didi na dwoma ho” (to wit everyone eats from his or her place of work) but should it be at the expense of the ordinary Ghanaian?” he asked.
The post called on whoever was heading the transport department of VRA to ask all their hilux drivers to bring their log books, receipt and also check their Go-Card statements for the day (from 6:52am to 7am) and they would get all the info and know the exact car that filled up at Akuse GOIL that morning.
The post caught the attention of the Group Chief Executive Officer of GOIL PLC, Mr Edward Abambire Bawah, who responded and promised swift action.
In an official statement issued by the Corporate Affairs Department of GOIL, it noted that preliminary investigation indicates that the incident did occur and the fuel attendants involved had been suspended pending a full inquiry, in collaboration with VRA.
According to GOIL, it treats this matter with the highest seriousness and will continue to maintain a zero tolerance on actions that tarnish its brand image.
“We also remain committed to upholding the integrity, trust in our brand and transparency in our business operations and assure stakeholders of the delivery of secure, reliable and trustworthy services,” the statement added.
The company encouraged its customers and the public to report any irregularities they encounter at their service stations for prompt investigation.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa’s power utility company, Eskom is implementing Stage 2 loadshedding from 16:00 today until 22:00 on Thursday, May 15, 2025, to manage limited generation capacity and ensure supply during working days.
This decision follows delayed in return of generation units amounting to 3120MW, as well as an additional loss of 1385MW in the past 24 hours due to unplanned breakdowns.
In a statement Eskom said these delays coupled with an unplanned capacity loss has now exceeded 13,000MW.
Despite these challenges, Eskom remains committed to reliable electricity supply.
Eskom’s Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, emphasized the importance of the Operational Excellence Programme in restoring performance.
“Our new Operational Excellence Programme is key to restoring performance. We are reinforcing oversight, strengthening accountability, and aligning service providers with stricter performance standards. This forms part of our broader drive for consistent improvement through Systems, People, and Processes,” said Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane.
“We are determined to build on the progress already achieved. The delays in returning units are being addressed with urgency by senior leadership,” concluded Marokane.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Sierra Leonean Ministry of Energy has announced the commencement of annual maintenance activities on the Bumbuna Hydro-Electric Power Dam from Monday, 19th May to Thursday, 29th May 2025.
This follows a strategic meeting held on 12th May 2025, chaired by the Deputy Minister II of Energy, Dr. Jalloh, at the Ministry’s conference room, where key updates and mitigation plans were discussed with Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) and Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC) officials, according to the Sierra Leone News Agency.
Dr. Jalloh disclosed that, as part of the scheduled maintenance, the Bumbuna Hydro Plant will be temporarily shut down for ten days, affecting electricity supply to Makeni, Magburaka, and parts of the Western Area, including Freetown.
He emphasized the need for proactive public awareness, particularly for residents in Makeni and Magburaka, who are expected to experience the most significant impact.
To mitigate power disruptions, the Ministry confirmed that Karpowership will increase its generation capacity to help fill the supply gap. Freetown will continue to receive electricity through the combined support of Karpowership and the Nigata generator at Kingtom.
“The Ministry regrets any inconvenience this may cause and calls on all customers—especially those in the north and western regions—to exercise patience as we carry out these necessary maintenance activities,” said Dr. Jalloh.
“This annual shutdown is critical to ensuring the long-term reliability, stability, and safety of the national electricity grid.”
The Ministry assures the public that power supply will resume to normal levels following the successful completion of the maintenance works and reactivation of the Bumbuna Hydro Plant.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Namibia expects France’s TotalEnergies and Norway’s BW Energy to take final investment decisions on oil projects offshore the African country in late 2026, a senior Namibian official says.
TotalEnergies is expected to submit this summer a field development plan for the Venus project, while BW Energy and Namibia are finalizing a plan to develop a smaller discovery, Maggy Shino, Petroleum Commissioner at the Namibian Ministry of Mines and Energy, said on Tuesday.
Both TotalEnergies and BW Energy are set to make a final decision whether to proceed with the offshore field developments – which would be Namibia’s first ever – in the fourth quarter of 2026, Reuters quoted Shino as telling a conference in Paris.
In recent years, international majors have scaled back investments in Africa’s legacy producers such as Nigeria and Angola, and have instead opted for exploration offshore Namibia, hoping it would be the next Guyana and the next major oil producer and exporter.
TotalEnergies, Portugal-based energy firm Galp, and Shell have already made large discoveries offshore Namibia, kicking off the Namibian oil rush in 2022.
However, in a recent setback, Shell wrote down $400 million over an oil discovery offshore in offshore block PEL39 in Namibia that “cannot currently be confirmed for commercial development.”
Despite the downgrade of the discovery, Namibia remains a frontier province which majors are considering exploring and developing.
Chevron, for example, plans to begin drilling an exploration well offshore Namibia in 2026 or 2027.
At TotalEnergies’ Q1 earnings call, CEO Patrick Pouyanné said that the company’s project in Namibia is feasible but faces challenges because of low permeability.
TotalEnergies and Namibian authorities have started discussions about a possible development at Venus, Pouyanné said, adding that the supermajor could move with the project if it meets the rate of returns the company has set.
Source: Oilprice.com
The U.S. State Department rolled out another round of sanctions Tuesday targeting an Iranian oil smuggling network allegedly responsible for funneling billions in crude oil sales to China on behalf of Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff.
The scheme, operated through front company Sepehr Energy Jahan Nama Pars, is accused of bankrolling Iran’s ballistic missile development, nuclear ambitions, and its web of proxy militias—from Red Sea Houthi attacks to assaults on the U.S. Navy and Israel.
“As long as Iran devotes its illicit revenues to funding attacks on the United States and our allies, supporting terrorism around the world, and pursuing other destabilizing actions, we will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to hold the regime accountable, said the Department’s press statement.
The action, taken under Executive Order 13224 and its amendments, is the latest enforcement move under National Security Presidential Memorandum 2—a Trump-era policy still guiding a maximum-pressure approach to Iran.
It comes just weeks after the Treasury designated Chinese teapot refiner Shandong Shengxing for purchasing over $1 billion in crude from an IRGC-QF-linked front.
The shadow fleet facilitating these trades—tankers switching flags, faking manifests, and vanishing from tracking systems—has drawn increasing scrutiny. But enforcement has struggled to keep pace with the sheer volume of illicit flows. Chinese imports of Iranian crude hit a record 1.8 million bpd in March, contributing to a 20-month high in overall oil inflows.
While sanctions are meant to cut off Iran’s oil revenues entirely, real-world results have been more muddled. Tehran continues exporting, albeit at steep discounts, and China appears more emboldened than deterred. Still, U.S. officials argue that starving Iran’s military-industrial complex remains non-negotiable.
Market watchers will be eyeing whether the crackdown finally crimps volumes—or just adds another layer to the world’s most lucrative game of maritime hide-and-seek.
Source: Oilprice.com
Dixstone, a Netherlands-based offshore engineering services company, has been awarded the construction, procurement, and integration contract for its new LNG project in Cap Lopez, Gabon.
This project involves a nearshore-type LNG facility that will produce 0.7 million metric tons per annum of LNG and 25,000 tons of LPG per year (Phase 1), with a storage capacity of 137,000 m³ in an ex-gas tanker converted to a Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel.
Dixstone will construct the liquefaction barge in Dubai, where it has established a new office based on its extensive experience in international FSO/FPSO conversions over the last 20 years.
The company has successfully completed over 15 MOPU/MODU/MOCU/MOLQU/MOPoDU conversions and upgrades in various countries, including those in Africa, the UK, Brazil, and the Caribbean.
Dixstone is providing unique local content capacity to the project through its “Les Chantiers du Gabon” yard in Port-Gentil.
The yard will support Perenco Oil & Gas Gabon with onshore works necessary to gather gas from operated fields in the country and support works at the Cap Lopez Terminal.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, Esq., has given a firm assurance that businesses in the petroleum downstream sector that comply with the regulations governing the sector will be protected under his leadership.
He, however, warned that non-compliant businesses will face the full sanctions corresponding to their offense, to ensure industry growth.
He said this at the opening of the second edition of the 3-day Downstream Compliance Workshop being held at the head office of NPA in Accra.
He expressed confidence that insights and feedback gathered from the workshop would contribute meaningfully to ongoing reforms and operational efficiency.
“We are optimistic that the outcomes of this workshop will strengthen our regulatory framework and improve activities in the downstream petroleum sector,” Mr. Tameklo stated.
The three-day event will bring together key stakeholders across the petroleum downstream sector in a concerted effort to strengthen regulatory compliance and industry standards.
On Monday, the workshop featured participants from Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketing Companies (LPGMCs).
Day Two, which is today, Tuesday, May 13, will involve Bulk Import, Distribution, and Export Companies (BIDECs), refineries, storage and depot operators, and other allied facility providers.
The workshop will conclude tomorrow, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, with engagements targeting transport companies.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has constituted an Implementation
Committee to fast-track processes to begin the construction of the country’s second gas processing plant to increase gas supply to boost electricity generation.
Ghana commissioned its first gas processing plant in 2015 to utilise natural gas from the Jubilee and Sankofa Oilfields for power generation after extensive work started in July 2011.
Due to the high cost of alternative fuels for power generation, Ghana planned to construct a second gas processing plant (GPP2) to reduce the burden of procuring expensive fuels to power the thermal plants in the west and eastern power enclaves.
In February 2023, Ghana National Gas Company signed a $700 million deal with a Consortium, comprising the Integrated Logistics Bureau Limited, Jonmoore International, Phoenix Park Limited and African Finance Corporation for the second gas processing plant under the previous administration.
Related News: Ghana: NPA Will Protect Compliant Businesses, Crack Down On Defaulters- Says Tameklo
However, with the Mahama administration embarking on reset agenda, it is likely government will do away with the deal.
The committee is chaired by Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition Richard Gyan Mensah, with the Project Development Co-ordinator being Guure Brown Guure.
The other members are Dr Yussif Sulemana (Advisor), Sam Arthur, Robert Lartey, James Demetrius, Wisdom Dogbey, Horace Hato, Theo Acheampong and Efua Payida.
The rest are Dr Simon Akorli, Mr Leonard Akufo -Kwapong, Hamis Ussif, James Yamoah and Laila Duweijua, Esq.
The implementation committee will be supervised by a steering committee co-chaired by the Ministers of Energy and Green Transition and Finance, John Abdulai Jinapor and Dr Ato Baah Forson, respectively.
Atuabo Gas Processing Plant in the Western Region of Ghana.
Speaking at the inauguration of the committee at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition on Monday, May 12, 2025, both Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, and Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, Finance Minister, expressed concerns about the cost of imported liquid fuels for power generation, stating that they were putting pressure on public finances and threatening energy security.
Minister Jinapor explained that it has become necessary for the construction of a second gas processing plant because the country has a gas supply deficit of 100 mmscf so annually over $1 billion has to be used to buy liquid fuels to keep the power plants running.
“We are compelled to buy very expensive fuel to fill the gab. The second gas processing plant will save us close to $500 million annually,” he said.
Besides the project saving the nation from expensive fuels, the minister said it would also create direct and indirect jobs to about 1,500 people.
Once completed, the GPP II is expected to improve the supply of natural gas for power generation and industrial use, reducing the country’s reliance on liquid fuels and easing foreign exchange pressures.
On his part, Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson said when the previous Mahama administration was leaving office, the country had enough gas to power all the power plants but said nothing was done only for them to return to experience a major shortfall in terms of gas supply to the power plants.
He expressed surprise that the country has to annually spend about $1 billion to buy fuels to power the thermal power plants.
Dr. Forson charged the committee, chaired by the Deputy Minister for Energy, to deliver a comprehensive implementation plan within four weeks, stressing that the country could no longer afford delays in critical infrastructure delivery.
“This is too important for our country’s welfare and economic stability. Enough of the bureaucracy; let’s get it done,” he said.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Two labor unions and the Norwegian oil industry sealed a new wage deal that would ensure no strikes take place, affecting oil and gas output this year.
The talks are a regular occurrence in Norway and sometimes end with strikes if the companies refuse to give the unions what they want, which is usually higher wages for oil workers. Five years ago, the failure of the talks resulted in a strike that led to a 300,000-bpd drop in Norway’s oil production before the two sides finally reached a deal.
Three years ago a strike began again after the unions failed to convince employers to raise wages. Eventually, the Norwegian government had to intervene in order to make sure oil and gas production did not suffer at a time when Europe needed the energy security.
This year, there were no such problems and the oil and gas companies quickly agreed to raise wages by the equivalent of some $3,300 annually. The talks cover around 7,400 oil workers for companies including Equinor, Aker BP, and ConocoPhillips.
Norway is currently Europe’s largest single supplier of natural gas and also the largest producer of oil in the West. The country, which also sports some of the highest low-carbon generation capacity thanks to its abundant water resources, plans to maintain this status by investing more in both oil and gas despite net-zero plans.
This year, investment in oil and gas is seen at $22.9 billion, which would be a record high. The previous record fell in 2014, with $20.4 billion invested in hydrocarbons production—and that was when oil prices were much higher than they are now.
Earlier this year, the government awarded stakes in as many as 53 oil and gas licenses in its latest annual licensing round despite increasingly loud opposition from various environmentalist groups.
“If we are to uphold a stable production in the years to come, we must explore more and invest more,” Energy Minister Terje Aslund said in January when the new licenses were awarded. Norway has been fighting natural depletion and fewer new discoveries—alongside climate groups.
Source: Oilprice.com
The entire London Underground is down after a massive power failure on the network, a TfL source told Metro.
Tube lines have been suspended due to the power cut, and there are severe delays on other parts of the system.
The Bakerloo line, Waterloo and City line Suffragette line, which goes from Gospel Oak to Barking across north east London, have all been suspended.
The power outage has caused the Elizabeth Line, Jubilee Line and Northern Line to be part suspended, and they are all suffering severe delays.
A TFL spokesperson told Metro four lines (Bakerloo, Northern, Jubilee and the Elizabeth Line) had all been impacted by a brief power outage earlier today.
The cause of the outage is still unknown. They said power has now been restored.
TFL also said National Grid was made aware of the incident and were investigating the cause.
A TfL source earlier told Metro the entire network had been affected by the outage.
Staff at Covent Garden station are telling customers the entire London Underground is down due to a power outage, LBC has reported.
Passengers have reportedly been evacuated from Tottenham Court Road station.
It comes following a number of power outages in Spain in the last month and in the Canary Islands last month.
3.23 million people use the Tube every day, reaching 4 million on certain days.
Source: Metro.co.uk
American oil and gas firm Kosmos Energy has recorded a net loss of $111 million in the first quarter of 2025.
This is equivalent to $0.23 per diluted share.
Kosmos recorded a net loss of $105 million, or $0.22 per share, after adjusting for one-time items.
The company generated $290 million in revenue for the quarter.
This translates to an average of $65.27 per barrel of oil equivalent (BOE), excluding derivative settlements.
Kosmos Energy operates in Ghana’s Jubilee Field, the Gulf of Mexico, and Equatorial Guinea. It is also a partner in the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) project offshore Mauritania and Senegal.
Kosmos produced 60,500 boepd and sold 49,600 boepd. This resulted in an underlift of 1.2 million boe.
According to a statement issued by Kosmos, planned maintenance in Ghana and the Gulf of Mexico temporarily reduced production, but the company said the shutdowns have been completed.
Kosmos and its partners exported the first LNG cargo from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project in April, offshore Mauritania and Senegal.
Kosmos expects output to rise in Q2, with management reaffirming its full-year production guidance of 70,000–80,000 boepd.
Kosmos spent $86 million on capital projects in Q1, falling below guidance.
The savings came from lower costs for Ghana’s 4D seismic campaign and delayed drilling at Winterfell-4 in the Gulf of Mexico.
The company aims to cut full-year capex below the original $400 million estimate.
Kosmos also made headway on its $25 million overhead reduction target. The company reported $167 million in production expenses, or $24.99/boe, excluding GTA-related costs.
Negative free cash flow of $91 million reflected scheduled maintenance and delayed liftings. By the end of Q1, Kosmos held $2.85 billion in net debt and $400 million in available liquidity.
Supported by a strong reserve base, the company secured its $1.35 billion reserve-based lending (RBL) facility during the spring redetermination.
Kosmos expanded its oil hedging strategy during the quarter.
The company now hedges about 40% of its remaining 2025 production, with a $65/boe floor and $80/boe ceiling.
Commenting on the Company’s first quarter 2025 performance, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Andrew G. Inglis said: “While the macro backdrop continues to be volatile, Kosmos’ priorities announced with our full year 2024 results in February remain unchanged – the delivery of free cash flow from increasing production and a rigorous focus on costs. We are seeing evidence of this with a significant reduction in year-over-year capital expenditure in the first quarter and production starting to rise in the second quarter after heavy scheduled Q1 maintenance.
“Operationally, the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) partnership achieved a major milestone in April, exporting the first cargo from the project, with a second currently loading. Production is ramping up to the contracted sales volume, with potential to push higher towards, or beyond, the nameplate capacity of the floating LNG (FLNG) vessel of 2.7 million tonnes per annum. In Ghana, the partnership completed the 4D seismic survey. This new seismic data, combined with the latest processing techniques, will support the high-grading of the future infill drilling program.
“Financially, the actions taken in 2024 to improve the resilience of the company enable Kosmos to better withstand the current market volatility. We concluded the spring Reserve-Based Lending (RBL) redetermination with a strong reserve base supporting the $1.35 billion facility capacity, with ample liquidity. In addition, we continue to focus on reducing the company’s capital expenditure and overhead costs and are delivering the targeted reductions.
“The long-term outlook for our portfolio of high-quality assets remains positive. A 2P reserves-to-production ratio of over 20 years supports the long-term potential of Kosmos as we focus in the near term on cash generation, cost control, and debt paydown.”
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s Jubilee oilfield Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, also known as the Kwame Nkrumah FPSO, experienced a technical fault on Saturday, resulting in the disruption of gas export to the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant.
A joint statement issued by Ghana’s national oil company, GNPC, and Ghana National Gas Company confirmed that the incident happened on May 10, 2025, at approximately 4:30 PM.
The statement assured that the operator is making every effort to identify the root cause of the problem, implement the necessary corrective measures, and restore gas supply to the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant as quickly and safely as possible.
“Our technical teams are working with the operator to resolve the issue,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation and Ghana Gas assured the public that oil production on the FPSO remains unaffected and continues to operate steadily.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com