Sierra Leone and leading Korean companies have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote solar energy projects and strengthen bilateral cooperation in renewable energy, according to a report by the Sierra Leone News Agency.
The MoU primarily focuses on providing technical and financial support for the construction of a solar power plant in Sierra Leone.
The signing ceremony, held in Korea, brought together representatives from the Sierra Leone Embassy in Korea, the Sierra Leone Minister of Youth Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Sannoh, the Sierra Leone Economic Commission, Hyunmyung Group Chairman Baek Hyun-joo, World Cultural Economy Forum Vice Chairman Lee Seong-woo, and Wangsan Electric Solar CEO Park Byeong-hee.
The agreement signals Sierra Leone’s commitment to clean energy and marks a significant step toward expanding cooperation between the two countries.
Sierra Leone, a West African nation, faces persistent challenges with unstable power supplies despite its abundant natural resources. Many regions in the country are urgently seeking solutions to ensure a stable electricity supply. Solar energy is increasingly being recognized as a key alternative to address these energy challenges.
Commenting on the partnership, Hyunmyung Group Chairman Baek Hyun-joo stated, “We expect this collaboration to introduce a reliable solar energy system to Sierra Leone. We will play a key role in solving Sierra Leone’s energy challenges by providing comprehensive technical support and sustained collaboration from the outset.”
Lee Seong-woo, Vice President of the World Cultural Economy Forum, noted, “Sierra Leone and Korea have maintained close diplomatic relations over the years, and this solar power project represents an important opportunity to further strengthen our ties.”
He added, “This project will go beyond delivering economic benefits—it will also contribute to Sierra Leone’s economic growth and social development through sustainable energy generation.”
Also commenting, Wangsan Electric CEO Park Byeong-hee said, “Wangsan Electric plans to transfer solar power technology to Sierra Leone and implement a program to train local experts. By offering technical support and establishing a localized energy system, we aim to contribute to Sierra Leone’s energy independence.”
This MoU is seen not just as a business agreement, but as a symbolic milestone that solidifies both countries’ commitment to building a sustainable future together.
The Government of Sierra Leone anticipates that this collaboration will help resolve its energy challenges and serve as a new engine for economic growth.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
British multinational Shell has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Angola’s National Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANPG), in partnership with Chevron and Sonangol, signaling its return to the country after a two-decade absence.
The agreement aims to facilitate joint studies for exploration in Block 33/24, located in the Lower Congo Basin.
The announcement was made during the Angola Oil & Gas Conference 2025 (AOG25), where Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas Diamantino Azevedo emphasised the improved investment climate, stating, “Where there is tranquility and a good business climate, investment comes.”
He highlighted institutional reforms, greater legal predictability, and measures to enhance competitiveness as key drivers behind Angola’s attractiveness to investors.
According to Shell Executive Vice President Eugene Okpere, Angola remains a strategic destination for oil investment due to the improved business environment and tax incentives introduced by the Angolan government.
This agreement forms part of ANPG’s Permanent Offer strategy, allowing direct negotiations for previously unawarded blocks.
Shell’s return signals renewed confidence in Angola’s geological potential and institutional capacity, potentially encouraging other international oil majors to explore deep and ultra-deepwater opportunities, supporting Angola’s domestic oil industry revitalization.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and developers of renewable energy projects in South Africa operate in a burgeoning but challenging sector. The combination of Eskom’s well-known power supply challenges and the global shift towards renewable energy has attracted substantial investment from both local and international players.
However, as much as investment in the sector is attractive, the reality on the ground is like circumventing an iceberg: the visible challenges are just the tip, while beneath the surface lie complex, interlinked issues that can derail project timelines.
Consistently the most pressing challenges developers face are regulatory uncertainty, land access, grid constraints, securing funding, and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) market capacity.
Land Access Challenges
Securing land – whether state-owned or under communal or tribal authority – remains a significant hurdle. Developers often engage directly with tribal authorities to obtain permission to occupy, only to face a long and bureaucratic state lease approval process because the government is ultimately the landowner. For example, a lease approval may take three years or more to obtain ministerial recommendation. Conflicting land claims and local political dynamics further complicate negotiations, making it crucial to resolve land rights issues early, as they typically take a long time due to the various stakeholders involved – and this directly impacts both grid access and financial close processes. While government initiatives such as Operation Vulindlela and the Energy One Stop Shop (EOSS) exist, they currently lack the authority to enforce action against government departments or SOEs, underscoring the need for more active facilitation by national or provincial bodies.
Regulatory and Legal Complexity
The regulatory environment is evolving rapidly. Eskom’s recent structural adjustments to tariffs, such as the Retail Tariff Plan (RTP) and Time of Use (TOU) changes, have altered the financial feasibility of many solar projects. Developers must also navigate environmental impact assessment (EIA) authorisations, land rights, and other approvals before securing a Budget Quote (BQ) from Eskom. These overlapping processes often create a “chicken-and-egg” scenario, where grid access requires land tenure – in some instances Eskom requires a registered Notarial Deed – but at the same time how do you secure land tenure before knowing that you have grid allocation by Eskom.
Grid Constraints and EPC Capacity
Eskom’s historical underinvestment in transmission and distribution infrastructure has led to severe grid constraints, particularly in the Northern, Eastern, and Western Cape. While the new procurement process undertaken by the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) for independent transmission projects presents an opportunity to unlock the grid, the historical backlog and bureaucratic processes continue to slow grid access. Similarly, the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) market is constrained. Only a handful of large-scale EPC contractors can meet turnkey project requirements of strong balance sheets and performance guarantees. Banks also prefer proven, experienced EPCs; often foreign players have an advantage, limiting opportunities for emerging South African developers. While banks’ aversion to risk is understandable, this oligopolistic situation can inflate project costs and slow project execution.
Funding and Bankability
Access to project preparation funding remains limited. While the Development Bank of SA (DBSA) provides some support, their processes are slow and cumbersome. The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), on the other hand, does not offer project preparation funding for energy projects. Local banks are naturally risk-averse, particularly at the early project development stage, and require comprehensive mitigation of risks before a project can be considered for funding and reach financial close. Early alignment with lenders on key bankable Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) terms, EPC contractor selection, and proven technology is essential to achieve bankability and therefore funding. Without robust financial structures and the appointment of credible contractors, even well-conceived projects may stall indefinitely.
The Community Factor
Underlying all these challenges is the human element. Building trust with communities, tribal authorities, and government departments is crucial. Projects can be delayed by community consultations, local politics, and unrealistic expectations – but addressing these proactively, with sensitivity and transparency, is key to long-term success. While frustrations are common, a balanced approach – acknowledging government assistance while advocating for more facilitation – helps maintain relationships and progress.
Navigating renewable energy development in South Africa requires patience, strategic planning, and active engagement with multiple stakeholders. Regulatory complexity, land access issues, grid limitations, EPC capacity, and financing challenges are intertwined, and delays in one area can cascade across a project. Developers who succeed are those who approach these challenges holistically, fostering trust, leveraging government facilitation, securing early lender alignment, and carefully selecting experienced contractors. By doing so, developers can steer their projects around the hidden obstacles, unlocking the country’s vast renewable potential.
Source: Tsatsi Mahlatsi – CEO, Mzansi Energy Consortium
Energy consumption and management are critical issues in Ghana, where growing demand frequently outpaces supply, leading to power outages and inefficiencies. Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or simply an environmentally conscious citizen, knowing how energy rates are determined and understanding how consumer energy rates are structured and the best practices to curb energy wastage that can play a pivotal role in enhancing sustainability and economic development.
In this article, I’ll break down the basics of energy service rates, explore key sustainability initiatives, and offer actionable tips to help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
What Are Consumer Energy Service Rates?
Consumer energy service rates in Ghana represent the structured pricing framework that determines how much residential, commercial, and industrial customers pay for electricity and natural gas services. These rates are carefully regulated by government agencies and designed to balance affordability, cost recovery, and social equity in Ghana’s evolving energy landscape.
What Goes Into Electricity Tariffs Settings In Ghana
Electricity tariff settings in Ghana are determined by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) and involve several key components and processes that reflect the costs of generation, transmission, distribution, and regulatory requirements. The key components of the electricity tariff calculation include:
Bulk Generation Charge (BGC) is the weighted average cost at which distribution companies purchase electricity from generation sources like the Volta River Authority (VRA) and Independent Power Producers (IPPs). This charge reflects the fuel costs, generation mix (hydro, thermal), and operational costs of power plants.
Transmission Service Charges (TSC) is divided into TSC 1 (cost of transmission network operations) and TSC 2 (recovery of transmission losses). The Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) recovers its costs through these charges, comprising about 6% of the total end-user tariff.
Distribution Service Charges (DSC) is the costs associated with distributing electricity from bulk suppliers to end consumers, including operational expenses and infrastructure maintenance for distribution companies. Beyond energy consumption charges, customers pay distribution service charges:
DSC 1: 19.11 GHp per kWh
DSC 2: 39.72 GHp per kWh
These charges cover infrastructure maintenance, grid expansion, and distribution system operations
4. Distribution Wheeling Charge (DWC) is the charged for wheeling electricity through the distribution network, covering use-of-system costs. (DWC): 58.83 GHp per kWh
5. End-User Tariffs (EUT) is the applied to consumers, differentiated by categories such as residential, non-residential, and special load tariffs (SLT).
Current Electricity Tariff Structure (Effective May 1, 2025)
Residential Customer Rates:
Ghana employs a tiered pricing structure designed to promote equity and energy conservation:
Lifeline Tariff (0-30 kWh): this is a Subsidized rate ensuring basic electricity access for low- income households.
Rate: 77.63 Ghana Pesewas (GHp) per kWh
Service charge: 213.00 GHp per month
Standard Residential Rates:
0-300 kWh: 175.87 GHp per kWh
Above 301 kWh: 232.39 GHp per kWh
Service charge: 1,073.09 GHp per month for higher consumption levels
Industrial Customer Rates
Industrial customers operate under Special Load Tariffs (SLT) based on voltage levels:
Special Load Tariff – Low Voltage (SLT-LV)
Energy charge: 236.98 GHp per kWh
Service charge: 50,000.00 GHp per month
Special Load Tariff – Medium Voltage (SLT-MV)
Energy charge: 189.16 GHp per kWh
Service charge: 50,000.00 GHp per month
Special Load Tariff – High Voltage (SLT-HV)
Energy charge: 123.42 GHp per kWh
Service charge: 50,000.00 GHp per month
Mining Operations (SLT-HV MINES)
Energy charge: 495.93 GHp per kWh
Service charge: 50,000.00 GHp per month
Service Charges
Monthly fixed charges vary by customer category and consumption levels, covering:
Meter reading and maintenance
Customer service operations
Billing and administrative costs
Grid connection maintenance
All rates include regulatory levies as mandated by PURC
Automatic Adjustment Formula (AAF) is a quarterly tariff adjustment mechanism considering
Ghana Cedi to US Dollar exchange rate
Inflation and consumer price index
Fuel costs for thermal generation (natural gas, heavy fuel oil, diesel)
Hydro-thermal generation mix
Demand forecasts
2. Other Considerations including Outstanding sector debts and reserves for system reliability are factored into tariff settings, Subsidies and cross-subsidizations balance affordability and cost
Managing Energy Wastage
Managing energy wastage is the effort to reduce wasteful energy consumption by using energy more effectively or by changing behaviors to use less energy service.
Energy wastage remains a serious challenge in Ghana due to factors such as inefficient appliances, poor consumer awareness, and frequent power outages that lead to overuse or improper use of electricity.
Studies review’s that energy conservation awareness is low, with many households unaware of efficient practices or constrained by financial capacity to purchase efficient appliances especially in the rural setups.
Strategic Approaches to Managing Electricity Wastage
Consumer-Level Interventions
Energy Audit and Monitoring: Consumers can significantly reduce wastage through systematic energy auditing, identifying high-consumption appliances and optimizing usage patterns. Simple monitoring tools and smart meters enable real-time consumption tracking.
Appliance Replacement and Upgrading: Replacing older, inefficient appliances with star- rated alternatives delivers immediate consumption reductions. Ghana’s labeling system provides clear guidance for consumers seeking efficient options.
Old refrigerators
Behavioral Modifications: Simple behavioral changes such as adjusting air conditioning temperatures, optimizing lighting usage, and properly maintaining appliances can reduce household electricity consumption by 10-20%.
Machines left running or in standby mode when not in use consume energy unnecessarily.
2. Building-Level Efficiency Measures
Ghana is expanding its focus to building energy efficiency, recognizing that architectural design significantly impacts energy consumption. Key initiatives include:
Passive Cooling Design: Promoting building designs that minimize air conditioning requirements through natural ventilation, appropriate orientation, and thermal mass optimization.
Public Building Efficiency: Targeting hotels, shopping malls, and government buildings for comprehensive efficiency retrofits, creating demonstration effects for private sector adoption.
Green Building Standards: Developing mandatory or incentivized green building codes that require minimum efficiency performance for new construction.
3. Industrial and Commercial Efficiency
Demand-Side Management: Implementing time-of-use pricing and demand response programs that shift consumption away from peak periods, reducing system stress and improving overall efficiency.
Industrial Motor Efficiency: Focusing on electric motor efficiency in industrial applications, where motors typically account for 60-70% of industrial electricity consumption.
Energy Management Systems: Encouraging adoption of comprehensive energy management systems in commercial and industrial facilities.
The 2024/2025 batch of National Service Personnel (NSPs) from the Ghana Grid Company Ltd. (GRIDCo) on Wednesday donated medical equipment worth GHS 280,000 under GRIDCo’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to support quality healthcare delivery at the Tema General Hospital, in the Greater Accra Region.
They included 13 pieces of Crank Manual Beds, 13 pieces of Hospital Mattresses, 1 piece of Dental Chair, 5 pieces of Drip Stands, 1 piece of Steel Patient Trolley, 1 piece of Compressor Patient Trolley, and 2 pieces of Blood Pressure (BP) Machines.
The equipment was funded via a self-imposed monthly contribution by all NSPs and GRIDCo’s corporate support.
Tema General Hospital was selected for the donation following a needs assessment by the 2024/2025 GRIDCo NSPs, with support from GRIDCo Management and the Management of the hospital.
Every year, GRIDCo tasks National Service Personnel posted to the company to implement a CSR initiative which leaves a lasting social impact.
In 2023, for instance, the National Service Personnel renovated the fashion centre, washroom facilities, and office space at the Accra Rehabilitation Centre at Adabraka in Accra, bringing smiles to the faces of inmates and management.
This tradition not only supports communities GRIDCo operates in, but also instills in the Personnel a strong sense of responsibility, leadership, and service beyond their one-year National Service period.
The donation is aimed at enhancing patient care, improving the working environment for healthcare providers, and strengthening the hospital’s overall capacity to serve the community.
Receiving the items, Dr. Ralph Armah, Director of the Tema General Hospital, commended the 2024/2025 GRIDCo National Service Personnel and Management of GRIDCo for the donation of the medical equipment, emphasising the critical role the equipment would play in improving healthcare delivery at the hospital.
He was optimistic that the equipment would ease the pressure on doctors and nurses at the hospital.
The Administrator of the Tema General Hospital, Dr. Samuel Obeng-Mensah, who also praised the gesture by the National Service Personnel, called on government and the private sector to invest in healthcare to save the nation from the situation where people fly outside to seek medical care.
Miss Keziah Ewurama Nuamah Nyarko, President of GRIDCo’s NSPs, stated: “This project reflects GRIDCo’s support in communities where it operates. We the NSPs are proud to contribute to saving lives and improving the conditions of the Tema General Hospital with our widow’s mite.”
Speaking on behalf of the Management and staff of GRIDCo, Mr. Isaac Issahaku Mumuni, Director, Human Resources, noted that: “I commend our NSPs for showing that service is not just about fulfilling a duty, but about leaving a lasting impact. Their passion and effort are demonstrated in the execution of a health initiative which positively impacts lives. I appreciate the Management of the Tema General Hospital for giving the NSPs a chance to support the hospital.”
He reiterated GRIDCo’s commitment to delivering Ghana’s power transmission needs while actively supporting the communities it serves.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s petroleum downstream regulator, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), was adjudged the Most Connected Agency of the Year in the Energy Sector at the 2025 Information Technology Excellence Awards, held recently at the Alisa Hotel in Accra.
This recognition celebrates the NPA’s achievement in establishing secure and reliable digital connectivity across all its regional offices—enhancing communication, boosting efficiency, and advancing digital transformation within the energy sector.
The event, organised by the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) in partnership with Smart Infraco LTD, formed part of the ICT Week Celebration under the theme: “Ghana as Africa’s Digital Trade Hub: Innovation, Policy, and Partnerships for the Future.”
The National Information Technology Agency (NITA) is the regulatory body and implementing agency for Ghana’s ICT policies.
Established to drive the country’s digital transformation agenda, NITA develops and enforces ICT standards, manages government ICT infrastructure, and promotes the adoption of technology across the public sector.
Chief Technology Officer of Smart Infraco LTD, Mr. Michael Kwabla, commended all the winners, emphasising that their achievements are vital to enhancing Ghana’s reputation on the global stage. He urged stakeholders to embrace innovation, resilience, and collaboration in advancing the country’s digital transformation.
The award was received on behalf of the Chief Executive of NPA, Mr. Godwin Tamaklo (Esq.), by the Director for Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation, Dr. Joseph Wilson.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
French multinational oil firm TotalEnergies and its partner, South Atlantic Petroleum (20%), have signed a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) for the PPL 2000 and PPL 2001 exploration licenses offshore Nigeria.
TotalEnergies, the operator, holds an 80% stake, while South Atlantic Petroleum holds the remaining 20%.
The agreement follows their selection during the 2024 Exploration Round organized by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
PPL 2000 and PPL 2001, covering a combined area of approximately 2,000 square kilometers, are located in the prolific West Delta Basin.
The initial work program includes drilling one firm exploration well.
Commenting on the agreement, Kevin McLachlan, Senior Vice President of Exploration at TotalEnergies, said:
“TotalEnergies is honored to be the first international company to be awarded exploration licenses in a bid round in Nigeria in more than a decade, marking a new milestone in our long-term partnership with the country.”
“These promising block acquisitions are fully aligned with our strategy of strengthening our exploration portfolio with drill-ready, high-impact prospects that have the potential for low-cost and low-emissions development from new discoveries in our core areas of expertise,” he added.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana has signed a partnership framework with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to accelerate solar energy initiatives in the West African nation.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday during the ongoing Seventh ISA Regional Meeting for the Africa Region in Accra, the capital of Ghana.
Ghana’s Minister for Energy, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, signed the agreement on behalf of the country, while Ashish Khanna, Director-General of ISA, signed on behalf of the Alliance.
The partnership will prioritize several key areas: developing a comprehensive solar energy roadmap; promoting rooftop solar systems and community mini-grids; expanding agriculture-based solar applications; providing expertise in scalable and resilient business models; advancing innovative solar technologies for productive use; and enhancing institutional and stakeholder capacity through training and knowledge exchange.
The implementation will be supported by National Focal Point Support Units, jointly coordinated by ISA and Ghana, to ensure alignment with national priorities.
“Through this partnership, Ghana is moving closer to its vision of reliable, secure, and sustainable energy by aligning solar policies with national goals on access and transition,” ISA stated.
Currently, Ghana’s total installed solar capacity is about 200 MWp, with several solar farms yet to be completed and connected to the national grid.
Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, who hailed the new development, called on governments and private investors to collaborate in scaling up renewable energy solutions across Africa.
“I urge governments, development partners, investors, private sector actors, and our communities to unite in scaling such solutions across Africa.
With bold vision and collective resolve, we can transition from energy poverty to energy prosperity, forging a brighter, greener, and more resilient future for all,” he said.
.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has announced a reduction in fuel prices, with diesel prices dropping by as much as 57 cents per litre, effective from September 3.
The price of petrol has decreased by 4 cents per litre, while illuminating paraffin has dropped by 49 cents per litre.
Diesel prices have gone down by 56 and 57 cents per litre, depending on the grade. Both grades of petrol will see a 4 cent per litre reduction.
Additionally, the retail price of LPG has decreased by R1.32 per kilogram nationwide, and by R1.51 in the Western Cape.
Robert Maake, spokesperson for the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, attributed the price cuts to both domestic and international factors, including lower global oil prices and a slight appreciation of the rand against the US dollar during the same period.
The fuel price reductions have been welcomed by many South Africans.
In an interview with SABC News, independent economist Elize Kruger described the decrease as good news for consumers, saying it will help keep inflation in check.
“The decline in both petrol and diesel prices is good news for the South African consumer and good news for the inflation rate. While inflation is on an upward trend in the second half of the year, lower fuel prices in September will offset some of the other pricing pressures evident in the basket this month,” Kruger explained.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Russia’s gas giant Gazprom has signed an agreement with China’s state energy firm CNPC to build a second major natural gas pipeline from Russia to China, Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller announced on Tuesday.
Gazprom and CNPC signed a “legally binding memorandum” on the construction of the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, which will run from Russia to China via Mongolia, according to Oilprice.com, citing Russian media reports.
The Power of Siberia 2 has been under discussion between Russia and China for years, but until now, no significant progress had been made.
Currently, Russia supplies pipeline gas to China via the original Power of Siberia pipeline—one of Gazprom’s largest recently completed projects and the first direct conduit for Russian gas to China.
The proposed Power of Siberia 2 pipeline is intended to transport gas from Russia’s Western Siberian Altai region to northeastern China through Mongolia.
However, an agreement on the project has remained elusive due to key sticking points, including the price at which Gazprom will supply the gas.
The memorandum signed on Tuesday does not include crucial details such as pricing or capacity commitments, meaning the core issues remain unresolved.
“It should be understood that the construction of the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline and the Soyuz Vostok gas pipeline—the transit pipeline through Mongolia—and related gas transport facilities in China will now constitute the largest, most expansive, and most capital-intensive project in the global gas industry,” Russian news agencies quoted Miller as saying on Tuesday.
Russia has promoted the project as the largest of its kind in the global gas sector. However, China has yet to confirm the deal, which remains light on specifics.
Miller also acknowledged that Russia and China have yet to address critical issues, including financing and pricing.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Ltd. has appointed seasoned executives, Mr. Andy Odeh and Mrs. Morenike Adewunmi, as Chief Corporate Communications Officer and Chief Relations Officer, respectively.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday, Mr. Odeh brings over three decades of extensive experience in communications and business administration across the oil and gas, advertising, and broadcasting sectors.
Prior to joining NNPC, he had a distinguished 26-year career at Nigeria LNG (NLNG), where he held various leadership roles in Community Relations and Development; Business Logistics and Services; Information Management and Technology; Corporate Communications and Public Affairs; Government Relations and Regulatory Compliance; and most recently, served as General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development.
He is recognised for his work on major public relations and advertising campaigns for top brands. At NLNG, he successfully managed the company’s rebranding and implemented one of Nigeria’s best-run micro-credit schemes for host communities. Mr. Odeh was also instrumental in instituting the NLNG Prize for Energy Reporting.
He is an alumnus of the University of Jos, the University of Lagos, INSEAD Business School, and the Nigerian Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), among others.
On her part, Mrs. Adewunmi is a legal professional with over 25 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. Her expertise lies in stakeholder management and advocacy, particularly from her extensive tenure at the Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN).
She is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex external landscapes, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect the company’s “license to operate.”
At Shell, she held key roles, including Regulatory Affairs Manager, where she managed all mandatory regulatory engagements and permits. As Government Relations Manager, she built and maintained constructive relationships with the Presidency, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
Mrs. Adewunmi is known for her strong leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to build robust stakeholder networks. She is a subject matter expert on non-technical risks and holds a law degree from Olabisi Onabanjo University and a qualification from the Nigerian Law School.
NNPC Ltd. stated that the appointments of Mr. Odeh and Mrs. Adewunmi reflect its commitment to enhancing communication and engagement with stakeholders.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Brazil has made a formal request to become a full member of the International Energy Agency (IEA), citing years of close partnership and the strong value the IEA provides to its member countries in navigating a complex global energy landscape, a statement by the IEA revealed on Tuesday.
According to the IEA, Brazilian Ambassador Sarquis J.B. Sarquis visited its headquarters in Paris and presented a formal letter from Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira, and Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, to IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. In the letter, the ministers officially requested for Brazil to begin the process of accession to the IEA.
“Let us convey to you the appreciation of the Brazilian government for the partnership with the International Energy Agency, which has significantly contributed to advancing energy policies in Brazil over the years,” the ministers stated.
“Recognising the challenges that lie ahead in the energy landscape and the strategic support that the IEA provides to its member countries … [we are] pleased to inform you that our government would like to initiate accession procedures to the IEA as a full member,” they added.
The letter notes that Brazil’s cooperation with the IEA to date has enabled close collaboration on issues such as energy security, data and statistics, and policy analysis. The relationship between the IEA and Brazil has steadily deepened, with the IEA conducting an in-depth review of the country’s energy policies this year.
It also highlights that Brazil’s status as a “net oil exporter” with a “diversified energy mix” and its growing leadership in clean and renewable energy will further contribute to the IEA’s work and international cooperation in the energy sector.
“I am very happy to have received the formal request from Ministers Vieira and Silveira for Brazil to become a full IEA member— a major development for international governance that builds on many years of deepening cooperation across a wide range of energy issues,” said Dr. Birol.
“Brazil is a cornerstone of the global energy system today, and its importance is only set to increase in the years ahead. We look forward to discussing next steps with Brazil and our member governments.”
Brazil is Latin America’s largest country, both in terms of economy and its population of more than 210 million people.
As a major oil producer and exporter, Brazil plays a key role in supporting international energy security.
It has also positioned itself as a leader in energy transitions, leveraging its low-emissions power system, abundant renewable energy resources, and strong biofuels sector to drive economic development and social inclusion.
Brazil currently holds the presidency of COP30, the international climate conference, and held the G20 presidency in 2024.
Brazil joined the IEA family as an Association country in 2017.
The IEA currently has 32 member countries, with four others in the process of accession. There are also 13 Association countries within the IEA family.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Zambia’s Energy Minister, Hon. Makozo Chikote, has dissolved the Board of Directors of the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) with immediate effect.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Minister Chikote expressed his appreciation to the outgoing board members for their service during their tenure.
The minister’s decision is in accordance with the provisions of the Rural Electrification Act No. 5 of 2023.
The Rural Electrification Authority was originally established under Act No. 20 of 2003, which has since been repealed and replaced by Act No. 5 of 2023. The Authority serves as a special purpose vehicle to increase access to electricity in rural areas.
To reach its target beneficiaries, the Authority employs five main electrification options: grid extension, biomass, wind, solar energy, and mini-hydro.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Syria has just exported its first cargo of crude oil in 14 years after the U.S. Administration revoked in June the sanctions on the country that has been in a prolonged war over the past decade and a half.
Syria shipped on Monday 600,000 barrels of heavy crude oil from the port of Tartus under an agreement to sell the cargo to B Serve Energy, a company affiliated with global trading firm BB Energy, Riyad al-Joubasi, assistant director for oil and gas at Syria’s Energy Ministry, told Reuters.The 14 years of civil war and proxy wars in Syria have halted official oil exports and devastated vital infrastructure. Before the war, Syria was exporting 380,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd). Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad was toppled in December 2024 and the Islamist-led government that succeeded him has promised to restore the country and revive its economy.
One way to boost the economy is the return of oil production and exports.
During the 14 years of civil war, the oilfields in Sysria, which are predominantly located in the northeast, have changed hands several times. The northeast territory is held by Kurdish-led authorities. The Kurds began to provide crude oil to the central government of Syria in February. Then in June, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order “terminating the Syria sanctions program to support the country’s path to stability and peace.” The order removed sanctions on Syria but maintained sanctions on Bashar al-Assad (who is believed to be granted asylum in Russia), his associates, human rights abusers, drug traffickers, persons linked to chemical weapons activities, ISIS or its affiliates, and Iranian proxies. U.S. firms are gearing up for work in Syria. Baker Hughes, Hunt Energy, and Argent LNG will develop a masterplan for Syria’s oil, gas, and electricity sector, Argent LNG chief executive Jonathan Bass told Reuters in July. Source: Oilprice.com
The donation is aimed at enhancing patient care, improving the working environment for healthcare providers, and strengthening the hospital’s overall capacity to serve the community.
Receiving the items, Dr. Ralph Armah, Director of the Tema General Hospital, commended the 2024/2025 GRIDCo National Service Personnel and Management of GRIDCo for the donation of the medical equipment, emphasising the critical role the equipment would play in improving healthcare delivery at the hospital.
He was optimistic that the equipment would ease the pressure on doctors and nurses at the hospital.
The Administrator of the Tema General Hospital, Dr. Samuel Obeng-Mensah, who also praised the gesture by the National Service Personnel, called on government and the private sector to invest in healthcare to save the nation from the situation where people fly outside to seek medical care.
Miss Keziah Ewurama Nuamah Nyarko, President of GRIDCo’s NSPs, stated: “This project reflects GRIDCo’s support in communities where it operates. We the NSPs are proud to contribute to saving lives and improving the conditions of the Tema General Hospital with our widow’s mite.”
Speaking on behalf of the Management and staff of GRIDCo, Mr. Isaac Issahaku Mumuni, Director, Human Resources, noted that: “I commend our NSPs for showing that service is not just about fulfilling a duty, but about leaving a lasting impact. Their passion and effort are demonstrated in the execution of a health initiative which positively impacts lives. I appreciate the Management of the Tema General Hospital for giving the NSPs a chance to support the hospital.”
He reiterated GRIDCo’s commitment to delivering Ghana’s power transmission needs while actively supporting the communities it serves.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com 
