Angola: Oil Production Reaches 32.6 Million Barrels In January 2025

Angola’s oil production reached 32.6 million barrels in January, with a daily average of 1.5 million barrels, according to the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANGP). Although this falls short of the forecasted 1.9 million barrels per day, the country’s oil industry remains robust. Block 17, operated by Total, ExxonMobil, BP, and Equinor, was the most productive, yielding 315,425 barrels. Blocks 15 and 0 also contributed significantly, with 200,678 barrels and 131,127 barrels, respectively. In contrast, Cabinda Sul recorded the lowest production, with just 149 barrels. Associated gas production totaled 85,476 million cubic feet, averaging 2,757 million cubic feet per day. Of this, 897 million cubic feet were reinjected to maintain reservoir pressure, while 860 million cubic feet were directed to the LNG plant, and 285 million cubic feet were used to generate energy for oil installations. In December, Angola’s oil production stood at 31.7 million barrels, with a daily average of 1.2 million barrels, slightly above the forecasted 1.030 million barrels per day.         Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Botswana: Fuel Syndicates Seek To Oust Botswana Oil CEO

Botswana’s government has granted Botswana Oil exclusive rights to import 90% of petroleum products into the country. However, this decision has sparked controversy, with fuel supply syndicates planning to oust CEO Meshack Tshekedi. A report by Tuesday Grill suggested that the syndicate are seeking to monopolize the fuel supply in the country, believing Tshekedi is the obstacle to their goal. Tshekedi, with over 20 years of experience in the mining sector, oil industry, and consultancy, has been leading Botswana Oil since 2020. The company has transformed its business operations, growing revenue to P2.6 billion and profits to P99 million in the 2022-2023 financial year. The government’s decision to grant Botswana Oil exclusive import rights aims to ensure security of fuel supply and promote citizen economic empowerment. The company is expected to grow its revenues to approximately P15 billion with profits ranging between P400 million and P500 million in the near future. However, the move has been met with resistance from fuel syndicates, who circulated doctored documents suggesting Tshekedi had unfairly awarded contracts. An investigation revealed that these allegations were false and orchestrated by individuals seeking to control the country’s fuel supply. The situation has put Tshekedi in a difficult position, with some calling for his removal. The newly appointed Minister of Energy, Bogolo Kenewendo, has been urged to take action against Tshekedi, but it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.         Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: Vivo Energy Ghana Employees Spend Valentine’s Day At Chosen Rehabilitation Centre

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In the spirit of love, kindness, and compassion, employees of Vivo Energy Ghana, the exclusive marketer and distributor of Shell-branded fuels and lubricants, celebrated this year’s Valentine’s Day with women at the Chosen Rehabilitation Centre under its Energizing Hope Campaign. The Energizing Hope initiative is a cherished tradition where employees come together to share love and support underprivileged communities. For this year, Vivo Energy Ghana focused on making an impact on the lives of women at the Chosen Rehabilitation Centre through donation, skill empowerment, and heartfelt interactions. Speaking at the event, the Corporate Communications Manager of Vivo Energy Ghana, Shirley Tony Kum, said, “We chose the Chosen Rehabilitation Centre (Women’s Unit) because we deeply admire the incredible work being done at the centre to support women on their journey to recovery. We recognize the challenges that come with overcoming addiction, and we want you to know that Vivo Energy Ghana is with you on this path. Leading this year’s initiative was the Local Payment and Loyalty Manager of Vivo Energy Ghana, Mercy Etrue, who served as the Inspiro for the event, inspiring the women at the centre with her leadership, encouragement, and commitment. Mercy Etrue emphasized the company’s commitment to elevating vulnerable groups in society. She opined, “At Vivo Energy Ghana, we believe that Valentine’s Day is not just about celebration but also about making a meaningful impact. Through Energizing Hope, we aim to uplift and support those in need, fostering a culture of compassion and sustainability.” She further gave words of encouragement to inmates and attendees at the event. The visit featured the donation of essential food items and sanitary supplies, ensuring that the women at the center have the necessities to support their recovery. In addition to these donations, a bead craft training session was facilitated to equip the women with practical skills that will aid their self-sufficiency and empowerment. Vivo Energy Ghana also shared branded chocolates, symbolizing love, care, and support for the women as they work towards a brighter future. The management and staff of the Chosen Rehabilitation Centre also expressed their gratitude for the support, noting the positive impact such initiatives have on the lives of the women at the centre. Through the Energizing Hope initiative, Vivo Energy Ghana continues to demonstrate its commitment to corporate social responsibility, ensuring that love, hope, and empowerment reach those who need it most.         Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Nigeria: Oil Production Target Of 2.06 Million Barrels Per Day Is Attainable – Lokpobiri

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, has expressed confidence that the country can achieve its 2025 crude oil production target of 2.06 million barrels per day (BPD). Lokpobiri made this statement at the Nigeria Petroleum Industry Leadership Discourse in Abuja, where he emphasized that the target is achievable given the industry’s current momentum. Currently, Nigeria’s crude oil production stands at approximately 1.75 million BPD, with the industry having made an additional 250,000 barrels incrementally. Lokpobiri attributed this growth to improved security in the Niger Delta region and the government’s efforts to address bureaucracy and inefficiency in the sector. “Nigerian military, the paramilitary, and civilian contractors. The combined effort of these stakeholders have led to less infractions in our pipelines, less thefts, less pipeline vandalisation,’’ he said. The government has implemented reforms, including the deployment of technology to reduce corruption and improve real-time monitoring of terminals and payments. President Bula Tinubu has also provided strategic leadership for the oil and gas industry. Nigeria’s oil production has seen a significant increase, with January 2025 production rising by 4% to 1.737 million BPD compared to December 2024. This growth is attributed to the completion of major divestments, with over 50% of Nigeria’s oil production now operated by indigenous companies. The Chairman of Heirs Energies Limited, Mr Tony Elumelu, said the oil industry has been able to turn around the season of decline to that of growth. Elumelu said the country ‘s increase in crude oil production to 1.7 million barrels per day in January attests to this growth. He said that with the completion of the major divestments that have just come through, over 50 per cent of Nigeria’s oil production was now operated by indigenous companies. “For a lot of people, there is trepidation that we can deliver. There is also optimism that we can deliver. “Heirs Energies has been one of those companies that has stood strongly for growth, as demonstrated by the growth we have achieved in our company by doubling production since inception,’’ he said. Elumelu said that the leadership discourse was informed by the need to chart a way forward for the company, as well as the country. “As we embark on our second leadership forum, we bring our entire leadership to discuss the way forward for our company. “We thought that being a child of the Nigerian petroleum industry, we needed to bring all the parties together to discuss the growth of the industry,. “In that light, we felt it was important to bring together the industries to start talking about the growth. “Now that it is us, the indigenous companies that are in control of a larger proportion of the production, we have to power it, we have to own the challenge, and we have to deliver to the Nigerian people,’’ Elumelu said. Other industry stakeholders, including Ademola Adeyemi-Boro, Chairman of the OPEC Board of Governors, and Gbenga Komolafe, CEO of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), also participated in the discourse.               Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

South Africa: Eskom Faces Surge In Violent Attacks, Records R2.6 Million In Losses

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South Africa’s power utility company, Eskom, has reported a surge in attacks targeting its employees, resulting in R2.6 million in losses. The attacks, which declined in 2023 but resumed in October 2024, posed significant risks to personnel and service delivery operations, particularly in the Eastern Cape. According to Eskom, the Eastern Cape Region has recorded 19 violent incidents since the start of the 2024/25 financial year, including 14 armed robberies and five car hijackings. One alarming incident occurred on January 4, 2025, when an Eskom employee was shot and robbed during a car hijacking. In a statement, Eskom said its electrification sites and commuting employees are vulnerable, with most attacks concentrated in Mbodlana Village, Mthatha, Port St Johns, and Tsolo. The company described the situation as “disturbing,” with criminals employing extreme violence, hijacking vehicles and coercing employees into transferring cash. Eskom cautioned that should the situation persist, it may be forced to withdraw its technicians from high-risk areas, stating that this would inevitably lead to prolonged power outages and service disruptions, negatively affecting communities and businesses. “We urge local communities to collaborate with Eskom and law enforcement to tackle escalating crimes,” Eskom appealed. Eskom said it would continue to work diligently with National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) Energy Safety Priority Committee to curb the crisis. However, Eskom said it would be forced to cease operations in areas where employee safety is compromised.         Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: NPA Boss Affirms Gov’t’s Commitment To Ensure Seamless Implementation Of LPG CRM

The newly appointed Acting Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, Esq., has affirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges with the implementation of the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM). He assured businesses operating in the LPG distribution chain of the petroleum downstream industry of the NPA’s continued collaboration to deal with lingering issues and promote growth. Mr. Tameklo gave the assurance when he toured LPG Bottling Plants belonging to Goil, New Gas, and Blue Ocean in the Tema enclave to acquaint himself with the new LPG distribution chain. He was accompanied by his two deputies, Dr. Sheila Addo and Dr. Dramani Bukari. He stated that the NPA is very pro-business in the exercise of its regulatory mandate, protecting Ghanaian businesses that comply with standards and play by the rules. Commenting on the challenges enumerated by the bottling plant owners, the NPA Boss said the Authority would address the issue of unlicensed companies offering LPG door-to-door services, which undermines safety protocols for handling LPG.         Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

The Gambia’s Energy Minister Nani Juwara Honored With South Carolina Congressional Commendation

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The Gambia’s Energy Minister Nani Juwara has been recognised for his outstanding leadership with a prestigious congressional commendation from the State of South Carolina, USA. This honor acknowledges his transformative impact on The Gambia’s energy, petroleum and mining sectors. The commendation was presented at the African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year Awards in Morocco, with Permanent Secretary, Mr Lamin Camara, receiving the honor on behalf of Minister Juwara. Under Minister Juwara’s leadership, The Gambia has made significant strides in energy security, petroleum exploration and responsible mineral resource management.
Mr Lamin Camara(left), Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines receives a prestigious citation on behalf of the minister.
Notably, the country has successfully inaugurated the 225KV transmission line from Brikama to Jabang, enhancing electricity distribution, regional power connectivity and energy stability. Minister Juwara has also strengthened the petroleum sector by attracting investment and advancing exploration efforts. Furthermore, he has led the implementation of the Quarrying Regulations 2024, ensuring responsible mining practices, environmental sustainability and compliance with global standards. With a vision for sustainability, economic prosperity and energy independence, Minister Juwara has positioned The Gambia as a key player in West Africa’s energy and natural resource sectors.           Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana Seeks Flexible Payment Plan To Settle $75m Gas Debt To Nigeria

Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has assured the Nigerian Government of Ghana’s commitment to settling the $75 million owed them for the supply of natural gas for power generation in the country. According to Minister Jinapor, Ghana’s current economic situation would make it difficult to settle the debt at once and has, thus, appealed to Nigeria to give Ghana a flexible payment plan. Minister Jinapor said he had planned to visit Nigeria to negotiate a payment plan, adding that there has been a meeting between the President of Ghana, the Finance Minister and himself to strategically fashion out a plan to pay the debt to guarantee continuous gas supply after the ongoing maintenance and inspection exercise commonly known as pigging by the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) is completed in the next few days. Jinapor who was addressing a section of Ghanaian journalists during a visit to WAPCo’s Tema Metering and Regulating Station on Friday, February 21, 2025, said the country could face a serious power situation if gas supply from Nigeria was curtailed because of the debt. “I want to appeal to our Nigerian counterparts that if we can make a down payment while they give us some payment schedule. Mr President has already met the Finance Minister, and it does appear that the Finance Minister would be able to mobilise some resources, but the truth is that given the situation that we find ourselves in, it will be very difficult to make the entire amount at once, but I’m sure that our Nigerian counterparts are also very, very cooperative. Once I go there, I’m sure we will be able to have some solution because if by the time the pigging is complete and gas is not flowing, we are going to run into a major crisis,” he said. Minister Jinapor said due to the ongoing maintenance and inspection exercise which is expected to end by March 2, 2025, the Government had to procure alternative fuels to keep the power generation plants in operation. “So what we have done is to procure some liquid fuels, that is light crude oil and others, and the effect is that we are producing just to meet demand in the power supply chain,” he underscored. The government has so far spent about $100 million to procure liquid fuels to keep the lights on. The Energy Minister took the opportunity to express appreciation to the management of WAPCo for their steadfastness in their operations. The Energy and Green Transition Minister also thanked all the power producers in Ghana for their patience in these trying times for the West African nation. On her part, the Managing Director of WAPCO, Michelle Burkett, assured the Minister of their collaborative efforts with their Nigerian office to undertake the pigging process on schedule efficiently to secure gas supply to the Ghanaian power generators.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Former Energy Secretary Granholm Joins Boards Of U.S. Utility Giant

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Former U.S. Secretary of Energy, Jennifer Granholm, will join the boards of U.S. utilities Edison International and Southern California Edison, effective April 1, the two companies have said.

Edison International is one of the biggest electric utility holding groups in the United States. Edison International is the parent company of Southern California Edison Company, a utility delivering electricity to 15 million people across Southern, Central, and Coastal California.

Edison International is also the parent company of Trio (formerly Edison Energy), a portfolio of non-regulated competitive businesses providing integrated sustainability and energy advisory services to large commercial, industrial, and institutional organizations in North America and Europe. Granholm, who was President Joe Biden’s Secretary of Energy, “brings extensive experience advancing reliable, resilient, clean energy solutions and deploying zero-carbon technologies from her recent service as U.S. secretary of energy and prior experience as governor of Michigan,” Edison International said in a statement. “Jennifer’s experience as a leader familiar with cybersecurity, physical security and clean energy resources ? and known for working in partnership with utilities and other industries ? will allow her to make important contributions to Edison International, including SCE and Trio,” said Peter J. Taylor, Edison International board chair. As U.S. Energy Secretary, Granholm and the department she led were overseeing billions of dollars of grants and support to U.S. companies, including utilities, to upgrade power system infrastructure. These came from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which the Biden Administration passed to boost clean energy rollout in America. Southern California Edison was part of a consortium, which was awarded last August a $600 million federal grant to upgrade 100 miles of electric transmission lines with grid enhancing technologies to improve reliability and deliver clean, affordable electricity faster. The Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnership (GRIP) grant was awarded to a consortium that includes the California Energy Commission, the California Public Utilities Commission, the California Independent System Operator, Pacific Gas & Electric Company, and Southern California Edison.           Source: Oilprice.com

UK Power Grid Requires $60 Billion Investment By 2050

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The UK could need up to $63 billion of investment in the power distribution network nationally to support additional demand and generation through 2050, double the current pace of additional investment, said the National Infrastructure Commission, the government’s independent infrastructure advisor.

The UK will likely need investments of between $47 billion (£37 billion) and $63 billion (£50 billion) by 2050 as a “step change” is required in investment in Great Britain’s local electricity networks. This investment would be essential to achieve the government’s growth mission and lower long-term energy costs for consumers, the commission said in a report on Friday.

The required investment levels would be at least a doubling of current annual allowances for load related expenditure, on top of business as usual investment, such as end of life asset replacement, the commission added. The National Infrastructure Commission’s report says that with demand for electricity set to double by 2050, the current pace of additional investment in electricity distribution networks must also double to ensure the system can cope with rising demand and connect both new sources of renewable power and new electricity demands to the grid faster. Investments, however, are constrained by legislation. Current regulation by the energy regulator Ofgem “is too complex and doesn’t encourage distribution network operators (DNOs) to make the proactive investments needed to boost network capacity and provide resilience to future climate impacts,” the commission’s analysis found. In the report, the government’s infrastructure advisor calls for “a more proactive approach to both energy regulation and system planning.” Ofgem is currently seeking feedback on proposed changes to the grid connection policy from a first-come first-served approach to prioritizing projects where generation capacity is needed the most and projects are at a more advanced stage of development. The regulator looks to reform the current connections regulation which has become inadequate as some early-queued projects have fallen behind schedule while more advanced projects are waiting for years to connect to the grid.       Source: Oilprice.com

Ghana: Gov’t Is Seeking Private Sector Participation In ECG Not Sale Of ECG

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, has categorically denied reports that the government plans to privatize the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). Speaking during a visit to the West African Gas Pipeline Company Station in Tema on February 21, 2025, Hon. Jinapor emphasized that the government is instead seeking private sector participation to enhance ECG’s efficiency and financial sustainability. Hon. Jinapor noted that the energy sector’s inefficiencies have resulted in significant financial strain, with resources meant for developmental projects being redirected to settle debts owed to energy suppliers like WAPCo and Nigeria (N-Gas). He reassured that the government is committed to improving ECG’s performance through private sector involvement, aiming to reduce losses, increase revenue, and ensure efficiency. The Minister’s statement comes amid concerns over the country’s energy sector liabilities, which have surpassed $3 billion, with ECG owing $370 million to Karpowership.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

IAEA Team Concludes Site And External Events Design Review For Ghana’s First Nuclear Power Plant

An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts has concluded an eight-day safety review of Ghana’s site selection process for its first nuclear power plant (NPP). Ghana is pursuing the introduction of nuclear power to increase its low carbon power production to meet energy demand, tackle climate change and increase energy security and diversity. The Site and External Events Design Review Service (SEED) mission, which took place between 14 to 21 February, reviewed Ghana’s adherence to IAEA guidance on site selection. The SEED mission was the first of its kind to Ghana. Ghana has successfully completed the site selection process and identified the candidate site and an alternative site for its first NPP. The next stage following site selection is the characterization stage of the site evaluation process. The SEED mission was carried out at the request of the Government of Ghana and hosted by Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG), under the purview of the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition. The team comprised four experts from Pakistan, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as one IAEA staff. They reviewed the site selection report, together with the siting process, siting criteria, data collection process and application of the management system for siting activities. The team also visited and observed the candidate site in the Western Region and the alternative site in the Central Region. In addition to the SEED review mission, the IAEA provided a SEED Capacity Building Workshop to support site evaluation. During the workshop, external experts and participants engaged in discussions that will contribute to future progress in the site evaluation process. “We confirmed that both the implementing organization and the management system are well-designed with the support of the government and that the Site Approval Report has been systematically and thoroughly prepared. Ghana followed the IAEA safety standards while performing the site selection process,” said mission team leader Kazuyuki Nagasawa, Senior Nuclear Safety Officer at the IAEA. The team provided recommendations to improve the quality and optimize the site selection process, aiming to select the most favourable site. This optimization seeks to minimize the potential of the selected site being found to be unsuitable during the site characterization stage. The factors for consideration include the susceptibility to earthquakes, flooding and extreme weather events, as well as the feasibility of the emergency plan. As a good practice, the team noted that within NPG, leadership and management for safety have been functioning well since the beginning of the siting process. “We acknowledge with deep appreciation the IAEA SEED mission’s technical assistance in assessing our site selection. This mission is of great importance to our nuclear power programme, as it ensures that our decisions are guided by international best practices for safe and secure development of nuclear power infrastructure. The relevance of the mission extends beyond technical assessment, reinforcing our commitment to transparency, regulatory preparedness and sustainable nuclear energy development” said Stephen Yamoah, Executive Director of NPG. NPG will continue to receive ongoing technical assistance from the IAEA, while advancing the site approval process in accordance with the IAEA Specific Safety Guide on Site Survey and Site Selection for Nuclear Installations. The final SEED mission report will be delivered to the Government of Ghana within three months. SEED missions are expert review missions that assist countries going through different stages in the development of a nuclear power programme. The service offers a choice of modules in which to focus the review, such as site selection, site assessment and design of structures, systems and components, taking into consideration site specific external and internal hazards. In the case of site selection review, SEED missions assess the appropriate consideration of the safety issues in the site selection process.           Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Gambia: Historic As President Barrow Inaugurates First National High-Voltage Transmission Line

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President Adama Barrow of the Republic of The Gambia has inaugurated the country’s first national high-voltage transmission line linked to a national control centre and a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) after 60 years of the country’s independence. The 225kV high-voltage transmission line was executed by the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines and National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) under the Transmission and Distribution Modernisation Component of The Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernisation. The project was funded by the World Bank Group, European Union, and the European Investment Bank. Speaking at the inauguration of the project, President Adama Barrow said his administration recognising the crucial role energy plays in a country’s development and modernisation had, since 2017, strategically prioritised and hugely invested in the energy sector. He said for the past eight years the commitment and investment in the sector had yielded high dividends, adding that “we now enjoy more stable power supply compared to the past.” He stated that the investment in the energy sector would continue relentlessly until the whole country has access to uninterrupted, affordable, and sustainable power supply in line with the Strategic Electricity Roadmap (2021-2040) of The Gambia. “Since attaining independence in 1965, our transmission network was limited to thirty-three (33) Kilo Volts. As I speak, this has been modernised and upgraded to two hundred and twenty-five (225) Kilo Volts. “This makes the occasion very historic indeed,” he said cheerfully. President Adama Barrow said the project would transform the country’s power supply system from an analogue system to a digital system. He added that it would also make the power supply system much more robust and resilient, thus enhancing efficient communications and operation of the network. As the project lays the foundation for a national electricity grid, it would also facilitate efficient transmission of huge volumes of power from one end of the country to another. In view of the completion of this project, the President said “the country now has to work on the Eastern backbone to complete the national grid. Already, the feasibility study of this phase is now complete.” “Another very important benefit of this project is that it will inter-connect the country’s power supply system with the OMVG power transmission network and, eventually, with the larger West African Power Pool network,” he added. He said the project would enable The Gambia to export or import power from any country within the West African Power Pool. Touching on other benefits of the project, President Adama Barrow said it would further improve the country’s energy security system and create the opportunity to access the least costly power generation hubs within the ECOWAS subregion.         Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: NPA Boss Lauds GOIL PLC ‘s Robust Safety Measures At LPG Plant In Tema

The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Gordon Kudzo Tamekloe, has praised GOIL PLC for the robust safety measures at its LPG bottling plant in Tema, Greater Accra Region. During his working visit to the facility, Mr. Tamekloe was impressed by the plant’s operations, which align with the National Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) program. He commended the facility’s state-of-the-art firefighting system, featuring a one-million-liter capacity water tank that can sustain fire suppression efforts for two hours before needing external assistance. Mr. Tamekloe assured GOIL PLC of the NPA’s unwavering support for smooth and efficient operations. The visit was conducted by the terminal Manager, Ing. Kwadwo Takyi, and attended by various GOIL officials, including Ing Denis Amui, Head of Operations, and Dr. Marcus Dake, Head of Corporate Affairs. Other notable attendees included Ing. Joshua Kwabena Duodu, Head of TSP, and Ing. Marian Fordjour, Head of HSSE. GOIL PLC’s commitment to safety and operational efficiency aligns with the NPA’s goals and the National Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) program, which aims to promote safe and efficient LPG distribution.           Source: https://energynewsafrica.com