ADNOC Closes $2.84 Billion Share Sale In Gas Unit
Abu Dhabi’s ADNOC has completed a share sale in its gas business unit to the tune of $2.84 billion, making the placement the biggest share sale in the Middle East and North Africa after the secondary share offering of Aramco, Reuters reported.
The share placement was launched yesterday, with the size of the offering equal to 4% of ADNOC Gas’ capital. Two years ago, ADNOC raised $2.5 billion from the listing of its gas business unit in what was one of the biggest IPOs in the region in 2023.
The IPO offering was 50 times oversubscribed, with investors placing orders for $124 billion in total.
Commenting on the additional sale of 4%, Khaled Al Zaabi, Group Chief Financial Officer at ADNOC, said, “As a committed, long-term majority shareholder, this Offering aligns with ADNOC’s strategic objectives to enhance the liquidity and free float of ADNOC Gas, while providing a pathway to a more diversified shareholder base and indexation through this secondary placement.”
In addition to the listing of ADNOC Gas, the biggest oil producer in the UAE also recently set up a new investment company focusing on low-carbon business, chemicals, and natural gas.
Dubbed XRG, the company was set up late last year with an enterprise value of some $80 billion. The company was planned to formally commence activities in the first quarter of 2025, focusing on transformational global investments that create value across natural gas, chemicals, and lower-carbon energy solutions, per the parent.
Soon after XRG was set up, ADNOC moved to its some of its natural gas assets in the United States along with alternative energy operations in the country.
The Emirati company is partner of Exxon in what should become the world’s biggest ammonia and hydrogen production hub, in Texas, and an investor in NextDecade’s Rio Grande LNG project with an 11.7% stake and a 20-year deal for the supply of 1.9 million tons of liquefied gas annually.
Source: Oilprice.com
Nigeria: NNPC Limited Reports Of Inferno At Hawthorne Channel 1 Barge In Rivers State
A fire outbreak which occurred at the dry crude storage barge BESTAF5 at Cawthorne Channel 1, Rivers State, and spread to other barges had been contained by the NNPC Limited’s emergency teams and industry partners.
According to Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., “The incident did not impact flow station operations.” He confirmed that there were no casualties, and added that all personnel were safe.
“NNPC Ltd. prioritises safety and remains fully committed to environmental protection and operational integrity,” Soneye emphasised.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: WAPCo Set To Complete Maintenance And Inspection Exercise By March 2
The West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) has advanced steadily in the ongoing maintenance and inspection of its 569km offshore pipeline infrastructure that traverses four West African nations.
The second phase of the exercise, which commenced on 5th February 2025, was scheduled to be completed by 2nd March 2025.
Officials of WAPCo told a section of Ghanaian journalists on Thursday, 20th February 2025, during a tour of the Tema Metering and Regulating Station, that the exercise is about 70% complete.
Aside from the pipeline cleaning and inspection exercise and the subsea valve replacement project, WAPCo is undertaking several ancillary works at its facilities in Benin, Ghana, Nigeria and Togo.
The comprehensive cleaning and inspection exercise is a key regulatory requirement that aligns with industry best practices to ensure a safe and efficient operation of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP).
During a presentation at the Tema Metering and Regulating Station today, Dr Isaac Adjei Doku, General Manager for Corporate Affairs at WAPCo, said three Pipeline Inspection Gauses (PIGs), the device for the cleaning of the pipeline which were launched in Nigeria, had already been received at the Takoradi Station with the fourth Pipeline Inspection Gauge (PIG), a calliper pig and currently in transit expected to collect some good data on the state of the internal conditions of the offshore pipeline kilometres, hoping to arrive at Takoradi Station by Saturday, 22nd February 2025.
He said the last pig, known as Intelligent pig, would be launched once the fourth one is received at the Takoradi Metering and Regulating Station.
“We are safety-driven, not schedule-driven, even as we focus on completing these maintenance activities on schedule. The safety of every person on these projects is our priority, and that is what matters to us as leaders,” said Hilary Ojimba, WAPCo’s Operations and Maintenance Superintendent for Eastern Operations, which covers the company’s Nigeria and Benin operational areas.
“We know how critical our infrastructure is to the countries in which we operate, and we do not take this responsibility lightly. We are focused on safely completing these maintenance activities on schedule to resume safe, reliable gas transportation services to our customers in Benin, Ghana, and Togo,” said Ing. Benoni Owusu Ayeh, WAPCo’s Operations and Maintenance Superintendent for Western Operations, who oversees the company’s operations in Togo and Ghana.
“Our focus remains safeguarding the integrity of our assets to sustain safe, reliable and efficient gas transportation in Benin, Togo and Ghana for power generation to support economic growth as envisaged by the sponsors of the WAGP project,” said Afolabi Oladimeji Ogunmefun, WAPCo’s Deputy Manager Asset Integrity.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
“We are safety-driven, not schedule-driven, even as we focus on completing these maintenance activities on schedule. The safety of every person on these projects is our priority, and that is what matters to us as leaders,” said Hilary Ojimba, WAPCo’s Operations and Maintenance Superintendent for Eastern Operations, which covers the company’s Nigeria and Benin operational areas.
“We know how critical our infrastructure is to the countries in which we operate, and we do not take this responsibility lightly. We are focused on safely completing these maintenance activities on schedule to resume safe, reliable gas transportation services to our customers in Benin, Ghana, and Togo,” said Ing. Benoni Owusu Ayeh, WAPCo’s Operations and Maintenance Superintendent for Western Operations, who oversees the company’s operations in Togo and Ghana.
“Our focus remains safeguarding the integrity of our assets to sustain safe, reliable and efficient gas transportation in Benin, Togo and Ghana for power generation to support economic growth as envisaged by the sponsors of the WAGP project,” said Afolabi Oladimeji Ogunmefun, WAPCo’s Deputy Manager Asset Integrity.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Local Content Development In Africa’s Energy Sector: African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 To Outline Challenges, Opportunities And Best Practices(Article)
As Africa’s energy sector expands, the need for productive local content policies has become critical for local job creation and value retention.
Such policies catalyze growth of nationally owned companies while creating revenue-generating opportunities for local service firms by strengthening their contribution to the industry.
African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies – taking place September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town – will show how well-crafted local content policies have the potential to stimulate local participation, job creation and value retention while standing to improve international partnerships that facilitate the transfer of knowledge, skills and technology.
The event unites foreign operators and financiers with local companies, fostering a culture of collaboration across the oil, gas and broader energy industries.
Local Content Set To Maximize Resource Value
As Senegal and Mauritania prepare to solidify their position as a major hydrocarbons hub in West Africa – on the back of first LNG at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project this month – the MSGBC region is well-positioned to leverage its extractive industries and enhance local content development.
Senegal’s Local Content Development Fund and National Local Content Monitoring Committee are set to bolster local capacity for training and support for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with the objective of achieving a 50% local content ratio by 2030.
To enhance local content amid the start of production at the GTA project, Mauritanian authorities are currently crafting a new local content law. As a partner on the GTA project, upstream oil company Kosmos Energy launched the Mauritania Innovation Challenge, which is designed to support entrepreneurs under the age of 40.
Notable beneficiaries from the program include iMauritanie, which works to enhance public administration communication; Sekam, experts in non-GMO vegetable production; Ayadi Amila, which crafts accessories from recycled materials; and FASEI, which leads local salt processing.
On the back of robust local content policies, mature petroleum producers like Nigeria have seen an increase in local participation within the oil and gas industry.
The Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act mandates the prioritization of Nigerian products, services and employment.
Central to this effort is the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, which oversees the Act and fosters partnerships with industry and educational institutions, aiming to achieve a 70% local content target by 2027.
Towards Reducing Foreign Dependence
In a significant step for the industry, Namibia recently approved the National Upstream Local Content Policy. The policy is set to play a significant role in reducing the country’s dependence on foreign expertise by focusing on the development of local capacity.
Aimed at strengthening economic sovereignty and empowering Namibians within the country’s hydrocarbons sector, the policy marks a turning point for the country as it sets its sights on achieving first oil production by 2029.
The National Upstream Local Content Policy showcases Namibia’s dedication to empowering local communities while maintaining a welcoming environment for foreign investment.
The policy is designed to balance the interests of local stakeholders with the needs of international oil companies, a model that other African nations can look to replicate as they expand their own oil and gas exploration and production strategies.
Meanwhile, last October, Angolan service company Associação de Empresas Autóctones para a Indústria de Angola (ASSEA) launched an initiative to increase local capacity in the country’s oil and gas sector to 20%.
The “Action for 20%” initiative serves as a strategy to direct foreign investment to focus on local content by integrating Angolan companies and developing human capital in the country.
With an estimated 98% deficit in terms of local companies operating in the country’s oil and gas sector, improved capacity building is expected to result in oil and gas production stability while diminishing an over-reliance on the international community to retain production standards.
Ghana’s energy sector is also benefitting from robust local content initiatives driven by the country’s Petroleum Commission.
Local Content and Local Participation Regulations mandate a minimum 10% equity for Ghanian companies in all projects and establish employment targets for nationals.
Meanwhile, the Local Content Fund provides crucial financial support to enhance the competitiveness of local firms, while the Enterprise Development Center offers essential training, advisory services and market linkages to Ghanaian SMEs in the sector.
Challenges And Opportunities
Local content policies address unique challenges in the African energy sector, including a capital-intensive financing model, a lack of modern technologies and a reliance on high-risk investments over long periods.
Traditionally, the hydrocarbons sector in Africa tends to have a low level of local employment and a heavy reliance on imported goods and services.
To counteract this, resolute local content policies ensure that African businesses and workers are fully integrated across all levels of the value chain, from exploration and production to service delivery and technology provision.
These policies also provide the opportunity to showcase a stable and transparent regulatory environment in the countries where they are implemented.
By ensuring local content requirements are clear and enforceable, such policies are set to attract responsible investment while fostering an atmosphere of trust and cooperation.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Week (AEW).
Source:African Energy Week (AEW)
Nigeria: NMDPRA Announces Ban On Large Petrol Tankers Effective March 1
Nigeria’s Federal Government has banned petrol tankers with a capacity exceeding 60,000 litres from operating on the country’s roads, effective March 1, 2025.
This move aims to mitigate truck-in-transit incidents and reduce road accidents involving heavy-duty petroleum tankers.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) announced the ban, citing concerns over the growing number of road accidents and fatalities.
The Authority’s Chief Executive, Ahmed Farouk, emphasized that the decision was made in response to the incessant road accidents and fatalities.
“Nigerians are discerning enough to know that energies need to be directed positively. People who make unscientific claims, bogus data expertise are really not helping the situation.
“We’re working very hard in compliance with the presidential mandates to support the local refineries, to build capacity for sufficiency; and not just quality, but pricing is also done in a transparent, competitive and fair way,” he said.
He assured Nigerians that NMDPRA would continue to comply with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021 as well as the specifications set by SON.
He said SON’s specification included parameters such as research obtain number, sulphur content, density, colour, oxygenate level, and many others.
“Before any product is distributed, the regulator ensures that from the load port of the product, whether from a domestic refinery or imported, and as well as at the discharge port, accredited laboratories must test every product.
“The accredited laboratories must duly issue certificates of quality to say that the product that is in the vessel meets those specifications.
“It’s only on that basis that products are then discharged and distributed across the country,” he said.
He further explained that that hydrocarbons were not pure compounds by nature, and as such, the authority regularly specifies a range of acceptable values; and tests results must fall within specified limits to be deemed complaint.
He said the sulphur content must be moderated in products, as higher levels could have corrosive effects and contribute to environmental pollution.
Farouk also said daily Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) supply, which averaged 66 million litres before subsidy withdrawal, now hovered around 50 million litres, with local refineries contributing less than 50 per cent of total supply.
“All of us have experienced a yuletide free from any scarcity. Let me reconfirm that from year to year, we saw an increase in the demand of PMS by 2021, 2022 up to 2023.
“And just before the current administration came in, the daily PMS supply sufficiency was always in excess of 60 million, averaging about 66 million a day for PMS.
“Following the withdrawal of subsidy, we immediately saw a steep decline on consumption and between then and as we speak, we’ve continued to do plus or minus 50 million that’s considerable reduction in volumes,” he said.
He added that of the 50 million litres average for each day, less than 50 per cent was contributed by domestic refineries, and so the shortfall, in accordance with the PIA, is sourced by way of imports.
He further said none of the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), that owned refineries in country, had imported any PMS this year.
“The other OMCs are the ones that are importing the shortfall, and if we did nothing to bridge that shortfall, we will have scarcity on our hands. “And that’s something that the regulator is mindful to do, ensuring that there is sufficient supply of petroleum products across the country,” he said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: COMAC Advocates Abolition Of Zonalisation Policy
Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in Ghana have expressed their displeasure at a zonalisation policy in the country’s petroleum downstream sector, calling on the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to abolish it.
They argue that scrapping the policy is essential for efficient distribution and transportation of petroleum products across the country.
In Ghana, zonalisation refers to a policy implemented by the NPA to regulate the transportation of petroleum products, particularly fuel, across the country.
The country has been divided into specific zones, with each zone allocated to a particular OMC.
Each OMC has exclusive rights to distribute fuel within its allocated zone with restriction to specific routes and zones, limiting the movement of fuel across different zones.
This policy was introduced by the immediate-past government and it has been in force for over six years.
According to the OMCs, the policy is one of the factors that cause fuel shortages in some fuel retail outlets in some parts of the country.
Speaking at the just-ended Petroleum Downstream Dialogue 2025, the Industry Co-ordinator and Chief Executive Officer of Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), Dr Riverson Oppong, underscored the need to revisit the policy in order to address emerging concerns.
According to him, it does not make economic sense for a bulk road vehicle (BRV) to lift a product from Tema bypass to a place like Konongo to Kumasi only for another BRV to move product from Kumasi to Konongo when the BRV from Tema can easily discharge the product at Konongo.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Liberia: LERC Weighs JEP’s Request For Tariff Hike Amid Rising Electricity Costs
The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) is reviewing Jungle Energy Power’s (JEP) request to reconsider the recently announced electricity tariff.
This comes after public hearings in Nimba and Bong counties, where stakeholders and citizens voiced their opinions.
JEP’s General Manager, Aleyou Keita, cited the increased price of electricity from Compagnie Ivoirienne d’Electricité (CIE), from $0.15 to $0.16 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), as the reason for the proposed tariff adjustment from $0.22 to $0.24 per kWh.
Keita also suggested eliminating the Liberia Electricity Corporation’s (LEC) 0.1 cent administrative charge to enhance power distribution efficiency.
Additionally, Keita proposed that the government or LEC subsidize the purchase price from CIE to $0.12 per kWh, maintaining the tariff at $0.23 with a fixed charge of $2.00.
LERC’s Chairman, Hon. Claude J. Katta, explained that the public hearings aimed to ensure transparency and allow for public participation in the decision-making process.
The Deputy Minister for Energy, Charles Umehai, commended LERC for facilitating the hearings, emphasizing the Ministry’s commitment to collaboration between the Commission and licensed operators.
LERC is expected to make a decision on JEP’s request in March 2025, with new rates set to take effect from March 2025 to February 2029.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Rosatom Launches The VIII “Atoms Empowering Africa” Video Competition
Russian state atomic energy corporation,Rosatom, has officially launched the 8th edition of its annual “Atoms Empowering Africa” online video competition.
The initiative is designed to inspire African youth to explore the vast potential of nuclear technologies. Participation in the competition is available to professors, young professionals, and students aged 18–35.
Participants are encouraged to create videos showcasing how nuclear energy could shape Africa’s sustainable development by bridging the past, present and future of the industry.
The competition focuses on three key themes – “The honour of the past”, “the inspiration of the present”, and “the dream of the future”.
It is dedicated to 80 years of Russia’s nuclear industry and invites participants to explore the contribution of nuclear technologies to global progress.
Creators have the opportunity to present their unique perspectives on the transformative power of nuclear technologies by highlighting past achievements, showcasing current innovations and envisioning future possibilities.
The competition is open for submissions until 31 March, with the rules available on the official Rosatom Africa Facebook page.
“As we celebrate 80 years of Russia’s nuclear industry, we recognise the immense potential that nuclear technology holds for the future. The ‘Atoms Empowering Africa’ competition has become the powerful platform for young African innovators to showcase their creativity and enthusiasm for science and technology. This competition provides a unique opportunity for participants to share their perspectives on how nuclear energy could drive innovation, sustainability and prosperity for the continent,” stated CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa Ryan Collyer.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Participants are encouraged to create videos showcasing how nuclear energy could shape Africa’s sustainable development by bridging the past, present and future of the industry.
The competition focuses on three key themes – “The honour of the past”, “the inspiration of the present”, and “the dream of the future”.
It is dedicated to 80 years of Russia’s nuclear industry and invites participants to explore the contribution of nuclear technologies to global progress.
Creators have the opportunity to present their unique perspectives on the transformative power of nuclear technologies by highlighting past achievements, showcasing current innovations and envisioning future possibilities.
The competition is open for submissions until 31 March, with the rules available on the official Rosatom Africa Facebook page.
“As we celebrate 80 years of Russia’s nuclear industry, we recognise the immense potential that nuclear technology holds for the future. The ‘Atoms Empowering Africa’ competition has become the powerful platform for young African innovators to showcase their creativity and enthusiasm for science and technology. This competition provides a unique opportunity for participants to share their perspectives on how nuclear energy could drive innovation, sustainability and prosperity for the continent,” stated CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa Ryan Collyer.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Nigeria: NNPC Boss Debunks Fuel Quality Concerns, Calls Reports ‘Drama’
Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Ltd’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, has dismissed concerns about sub-standard fuel in Nigeria, describing the issue as “unfortunate drama” and “bad marketing practice.”
Kyari, speaking at the 60th Nigeria Mining & Geosciences Society Conference in Abuja, emphasized that Nigeria’s fuel quality meets international standards.
He noted that different countries have varying fuel standards, citing Europe’s requirement for oxygenates in petrol to prevent tank solidification.
Kyari assured that Nigeria’s regulatory agencies, such as the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Nigerian Midstream & Downstream Regulatory Agency (NMDPRA), ensure that all imported products meet required specifications and standards.
He also debunked reports of NNPC Ltd importing 200 million liters of low-quality fuel in February, calling them “lies” and stating that no imports were made during that period.
“These are just lies, because we didn’t even import products within that window that the report was published. All the mischief about aligning this fictitious importation with the so-called low-quality fuel are just baseless,” he stated.
Kyari explained that importation is a standard industry practice worldwide, even in countries with refineries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
In a separate address, Kyari urged members of the Nigerian Mining & Geosciences Society to adopt new technologies and foster a culture of continuous improvement to maximize Nigeria’s natural resources and generate revenue.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Trump Promises Tax Cuts For Oil And Gas Producers
President Donald Trump will enlist the help of Republicans in Congress to reduce the debt burden on households and companies, notable oil and gas producers, whom he will allow to expense 100% of capital spending, according to Reuters.
“If you buy something that is going to be good for our country, we’re going to let you expense it,” Trump stated.
“We’re going to dramatically cut taxes for families and for workers and for companies, including no tax on tips and hopefully no tax on Social Security and no tax on overtime,” the U.S. president said.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Congress for “doing a SPECTACULAR job of working together as one unified, and unbeatable, TEAM,” and added that “We need both Chambers to pass the House Budget to “kickstart” the Reconciliation process, and move all of our priorities to the concept of, “ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL.””
The current budget bill envisages tax cuts of a total $4.5 trillion over the next ten years, including the renewal of tax cuts Trump introduced during his first term and new ones from his second campaign, such as the removal of tax on tips, NPR reported.
Trump has repeatedly stated that the energy industry is crucial for the country’s growth and wellbeing, and wasted no time in launching support measures, such as the removal of the Biden administration’s pause on new LNG export terminal approvals and easing red tape around oil and gas exploration and production.
Oil drillers, however, have signaled they had no immediate plans to boost production any further, unless global prices improved enough to motivate such a move. By the look of it, however, prices are first more likely to go down as Trump pushes for an end of the war in the Ukraine—a development that, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will result in the lifting of sanctions on Russia. Source: Oilprice.comKenya Signs KSh 10Billion Solar Power Deal To Electrify 1.2M Homes
Kenya Power and Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) have signed 20 power contracts, funded by the World Bank, to provide electricity access to approximately 1.2 million people.
The KSh10 billion project involves installing 113 solar-powered mini-grids across 12 counties and setting up standalone solar systems in 343 public schools, health facilities, and administrative offices across 13 counties.¹
The agreement was witnessed by President William Ruto, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, and Petroleum Principal Secretary Alex Wachira.
This initiative aligns with Kenya’s goal of achieving universal access to electricity by 2030, with a focus on expanding rural access.
Speaking during the signing of the contract dubbed Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project (KOSAP) at Statehouse Nairobi, on Wednesday, February 19, Ruto said the over KSh 10 billion deal will extend electricity to communities that have remained on the fringes of development for far too long.
“Today we witness the signing of 14 contracts which will establish 113 mini-grids, bringing electricity to the counties of Turkana, Marsabit, Samburu, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale, and Narok.
This marks a significant expansion of Kenya’s growing energy revolution,” said Ruto.
Ruto said six out of the 14 contracts will ensure that 343 public health facilities, schools, and administrative offices are connected to electricity through stand-alone solar systems at a cost of KSh 438 million.
The head of state revealed that a further 316 solar water pumps for boreholes, worth KSh1.6 billion, are in the final stages of procurement, ensuring that electricity not only lights homes but also powers essential services.
“This is more than just a contract signing; it is a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to inclusive development. It sends a clear message that no Kenyan, regardless of location or background, will be left behind in our nation’s progress,” he said.
According to the head of state, Kenya’s access to electricity increased from 29% in 2013 to 75% in 2025, becoming one of the leading nations in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The country connected 1.2 million customers to Kenya Power through the Last Mile Connectivity Programme, with another 460,000 set to benefit by 2026.
“Through REREC, we have connected 63,000 out of 93,000 identified public facilities, including 22,900 public primary schools.
1,071 public facility projects completed in the 2023/24 financial year and another 1,450 currently underway in the 2024/25 financial year.,” the president added.
Meanwhile, Kenya Power report indicated that electricity demand hit a record high of 2,316 megawatts (MW) in February 2025, up from 2,304 MW registered in January 2025.
The utility firm said electricity consumption has been gradually increasing over the past three years, with the growth rate gaining momentum in 2024.
KPLC revealed the major drivers of the demand growth were investments in stabilising the national grid and building important projects such as the Kimuka 220/66kV substation.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Zambia: Zesco Limited Signs Solar PPAs To Generate 332MW
Zambia’s power utility company, Zesco Limited, has signed Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with 29 Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to generate 332 megawatts of solar power.
This move is expected to boost the country’s energy self-sufficiency and electricity security.
According to Energy Minister Makozo Chikote, these contracts mark a significant step toward achieving energy self-sufficiency, electricity security, and economic growth. The goal is to expand electricity access from 53.6% to 100% by 2030, adding 3.2 million new connections across the country.
The solar initiative will also diversify Zambia’s electricity generation mix, increasing the share of non-hydro renewable energy from 3% to 33% by 2030. This will enhance grid stability and reduce climate vulnerability.
Zesco Limited’s Managing Director, Justine Loongo, expects construction to commence within two months, with project commissioning anticipated by the end of this year.
The Micro Generation Power Plants Developers include the University of Zambia, Techmasters Zambia, and Big Vision Investments, among others.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Ashanti Region Set To Become Electricity Generation Hub As ECG Visits Generation Plants In The Region
The Electricity Company of Ghana, led by Mr Ebenezer Baiden, Director of New Business and Risk Management, has visited the generation site at Anwomaso in the Ashanti Region.
Anwomaso, aside from housing the second Bulk Supply Point (BSP) in Kumasi, is now the hub of electricity generation in the middle belt of Ghana with over three different plants under construction and a gas supply company.
Mr Baiden and the ECG delegation visited Genser, Aksa Energy, CENIT Energy and the KITPP, formerly known as AMERI.
The visit formed part of efforts by the nation’s largest power distribution company to familiarise themselves with the operations of upstream players to understand and monitor their activities.
Aksa Energy is expected to complete phase one of its project in May and Phase Two by the end of 2025.
The project would see Aksa generate 205MW to the national grid.
CENIT Energy, on its part, is expected to generate 330MW with 110MW available by 3rd Quarter as phase one.
VRA is currently running six units of the K1TPP with a capacity between 138-145MW.
The second phase of relocating the Ameri plant from the Western Region to Kumasi is expected to be completed by July 2025. The remaining four units are already on site.
Genser, as the gas supply company, is expected to provide gas for all these plants once completed.
Addressing the generation companies, Mr Ebenezer Baiden admonished the companies to strictly adhere to the local content law and ensure gender balance in employment.
“ECG, as a company, promotes gender equality through the Gender and Social inclusion policy so kindly ensure you try as much as possible to recruit from the Region and also consider women during employment to enable indigenes benefit directly from this project.”
Briefing the media, Mr Benjamin Obeng Antwi, the ECG Public Relations Office for Ashanti West Region, indicated that this project is a step in the right direction to improve power supply in the Region and the country.
“Currently most of our generation plants are in Tema and Western Region so having a generation site in the middle belt to boost power supply from the middle belt to the northern sector is a step in the right direction.”
Mr Antwi further indicated that the completion of these projects to make Ashanti Region a generation hub in the middle belt would help reduce transmission losses and also improve voltage profile in Ashanti Region.
“Once power will be generated at Anwomaso in Ashanti Region and our cherished customers will be closer to the source, the Voltage profile will improve and transmission losses will also reduce since power will not be transmitted from Tema or Western Region to Kumasi,” he said.
In attendance were Ing Mark Wiafe (GM/Ashanti East), Ing Asare Mensah (GM/Ashanti South), Ing George Amoah (GM/Ashanti West) and Ing. Peter Kofi Fletcher (GM/Ashanti Sub-T)
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
“Once power will be generated at Anwomaso in Ashanti Region and our cherished customers will be closer to the source, the Voltage profile will improve and transmission losses will also reduce since power will not be transmitted from Tema or Western Region to Kumasi,” he said.
In attendance were Ing Mark Wiafe (GM/Ashanti East), Ing Asare Mensah (GM/Ashanti South), Ing George Amoah (GM/Ashanti West) and Ing. Peter Kofi Fletcher (GM/Ashanti Sub-T)
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: NPA To Spearhead Deployment Of Automated Dispensers To Aid 24-Hour Economy Policy
Ghana’s petroleum downstream regulator, National Petroleum Authority (NPA), says it is exploring various aspects of the downstream petroleum value chain, alongside a comprehensive implementation plan, to facilitate the rollout of the governing party’s campaign promise of running a 24-hour economy.
In Ghana, most businesses operate in the day, with only few manufacturing companies operating at night.
Due to minimal activities at night, most fuel retail outlets also close between 7 pm and 8 pm to avoid robbery and other crime related activities.
In a bid to expand the West African nation’s economy and also boost job creation for the teaming youth, the ruling government wants to introduce a 24-hour economy policy to incentivise some businesses to operate both day and night shifts.
This would require that some fuel retail outlets operate at night in order to ensure availability of fuel to keep the transportation sector also functioning.
Speaking at the maiden Petroleum Downstream Dialogue 2025 in Accra, the capital of Ghana, the Chief Executive Officer of NPA, Mr Godwin Kudzo Tameklo Esq., mentioned that the initial phase of the implementation of the 24-hour economy in the petroleum downstream sector might include the deployment of automated dispensers at selected petroleum retail outlets, as well as the implementation of measures to ensure the continuous operation of bulk storage facilities and depots, among other initiatives.
The two-day petroleum downstream dialogue was held on the theme; ‘Ghana’s Downstream Oil and Gas Sector: Challenges and Opportunities’.
The platform was for the stakeholders in the petroleum downstream sector to discuss pertinent issues, share insights and develop actionable strategies for the growth and sustainability of the industry.
The theme for discussion on day one included: ‘Downtown Petroleum Sector, Local Content and Participation’, ‘Navigating the Energy Transition in the Downstream Petroleum Sector: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Roadmap to Sustainability’ and ‘Policy Development and Regulatory Reforms’.
Mr Tameklo Esq. said the NPA envisioned a downstream sector that is innovative, efficient and sustainable.
“Since assuming office, I have emphasised the importance of affordability, quality and reliability in the supply of petroleum products to Ghanaians.
“Our commitment is to ensure fair pricing and strict adherence to industry standards, in alignment with the vision of His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama, to reset and transform the sector while also rolling out 24-hour economy solutions,” he said.
The NPA Boss called for robust collaboration with industry players, sister government agencies and international partners to achieve the goals set in the industry.
“We must strive to reaffirm our commitment to excellence, transparency and innovation. Together, we can overcome challenges and seize opportunities to ensure that Ghana’s petroleum downstream industry remains an efficient and significant contributor to our nation’s prosperity,” he said.
Mr Tameklo Esq. said since the inception of the NPA about twenty years ago, the industry had evolved significantly.
He said a solid foundation had been laid through the establishment of regulatory frameworks for pricing, supply, quality and the development of infrastructure among others.
“Ghana’s petroleum downstream plays a pivotal role in providing assurance for our nation’s energy security while driving economic growth,” he said.
The NPA Chief Executive said while achieving a lot, the impact of some policies had brought about some negative externalities such as illegal imports, credit opacity, distribution inefficiencies and some infrastructure glut amongst many others.
Besides, he said the industry was also evolving to accommodate the global call for climate change mitigation plans as well as the impending risk of stranding of fossil fuel assets.
Mr Tameklo Esq., therefore, called for a balance between providing energy security (product availability, accessibility and affordability) to Ghanaian consumers as well as ensuring that the industry adapts efficiently to energy transition happenings around the world.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com