Kenya: Airports Authority Head Sacked Over Power Outage At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
The Managing Director of Kenya Airports Authority, Alex Gitari, has been sacked after air travellers got stranded in darkness at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for several hours without electricity last Friday night.
The East African nation was hit by a nationwide power outage at about 21:45 hrs on Friday, with the power distribution company, Kenya Power, blaming the situation on ‘System Disturbance’.
Sadly, the Kenyatta International Airport did not have functioning backup generators, thereby, leaving passengers who were in transit stranded.
The sad development infuriated Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Kipchumba Murkomen.
Speaking to journalists after visiting the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Murkomen announced that the contract of the MD was terminated by mutual consent.
According to him, the decision was reached after consultations with the KAA board.
“By mutual consent, the contract of Mr Alex Gitari, who has been the Managing Director of Kenya Airports Authority, has been terminated. In his place, Henry Ogoye, who has been Head of Corporate Affairs, has been appointed as the Acting MD,” he stated.
He said Mr. Henry Ogoye would immediately replace Gitari but in an acting capacity.
The CS again fired Fred Odawo, General Manager, of Project and Engineering Services, and appointed Samwel Mwochache in his place.
Abel Gogo, who served as the Airport Manager of JKIA, was transferred to Mombasa Airport while Selina Gor, Kisumu Airport Manager, was transferred to JKIA to succeed Gogo with immediate effect.
Peter Wafula, who held the portfolio of Airport Manager at Mombasa, was also transferred to Kisumu.
“Further; to ensure that a similar incident is not replicated, it has been decided that the two generators that were procured more than two years ago be immediately commissioned.
“I have further directed the Board to work on the staff attitude, mentorship and motivation to improve productivity,” Murkomen announced.
Additionally, the CS indicated that the board would effect more changes in the coming days as they move to prevent similar challenges of power blackouts from recurring.
Parliament also summoned Davis Chirchir, Energy Cabinet Secretary, and Joseph Siror, Kenya Power’s Chief Executive Officer, over the nationwide power outage.
The duo would appear before the National Assembly Committee on Energy with a detailed explanation of the causes of the outage.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: VRA CEO Counsels Aburi Girls’ Students To Be Responsible For Their Career Objectives
The Chief Executive of Volta River Authority, Mr. Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa, the Male Energy Personality of the Year at the 2022 Ghana Energy Awards (GEA), who is also a three-time winner of the prestigious award, has enjoined students of Aburi Girls’ Senior High School to set ambitious goals for themselves while making room for inevitable failures.
According to him, hard work, determination, perseverance, humility and the fear of God are some cardinal principles that guide a successful career path and mental growth.
Mr. Antwi-Darkwa advised on an interactive and thought-provoking engagement with the students at the 2023 Energy Personalities Outreach Programme (EPOP 2023) at the Aburi Girls’ School.
Speaking to the media, he mentioned that there is a need to bridge the existing gap in female participation, especially in the energy sector.
He said avenues such as the Energy Personalities Outreach Programme, create the needed platform to stimulate an interest in the sector to enable them to aspire to its prospects.
A co-winner of the female Category of the GEA, who is also the Executive Partner of Arthur Energy Advisors, Ing Harriette Amissah-Arthur advised the students to own their lives and manage their resources well.
In her opinion, commitment, consistency, sustaining positive actions through the efficient and effective use of time and developing individual capacities would lead them to a successful career.
Organised by the Energy Media Group (EMG), the fifth edition of the EPOP was held under the theme: ‘Impacting the Next Generation Leaders Today’.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Media Group, Ing Henry Teinor, addressing the gathering, noted that the outreach programme was designed to contribute to Ghana’s STEM education efforts, using the approach of mentorship to motivate the youth into developing interests and actively participating in the country’s energy sector.
During the Character Development and Interactive Session, led by Lawyer Kwame Jantuah, Chairman of the GEA Awards Panel, students asked questions, raised concerns and sought clarification on relevant issues.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
He said avenues such as the Energy Personalities Outreach Programme, create the needed platform to stimulate an interest in the sector to enable them to aspire to its prospects.
A co-winner of the female Category of the GEA, who is also the Executive Partner of Arthur Energy Advisors, Ing Harriette Amissah-Arthur advised the students to own their lives and manage their resources well.
In her opinion, commitment, consistency, sustaining positive actions through the efficient and effective use of time and developing individual capacities would lead them to a successful career.
Organised by the Energy Media Group (EMG), the fifth edition of the EPOP was held under the theme: ‘Impacting the Next Generation Leaders Today’.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Media Group, Ing Henry Teinor, addressing the gathering, noted that the outreach programme was designed to contribute to Ghana’s STEM education efforts, using the approach of mentorship to motivate the youth into developing interests and actively participating in the country’s energy sector.
During the Character Development and Interactive Session, led by Lawyer Kwame Jantuah, Chairman of the GEA Awards Panel, students asked questions, raised concerns and sought clarification on relevant issues.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Kenya: Power Returns To Most Part of Kenya After A 14-Hour Outage
Electricity supply has been restored in most parts of Kenya including the Kenyatta International Airport after 14 hours outage which halted economic activities in the East African nation, Kenya Power said in a statement on Saturday morning.
It was not clear what caused the power outage that hit the country on Friday but a statement from Kenya Power at about 10p.m blamed the situation on ‘system disturbance’ leading to loss of bulk power.
Shortly after midnight, it reported that power had been restored to the Mt. Kenya region, a longtime political stronghold, and added that initial reports indicated a fault in a generation plant.
Around 3 a.m., Kenya Power said electricity was back up at the international airport in the capital, Nairobi, and other “critical areas” in the capital region.
In a statement on Saturday Kenya Power wrote “we have restored power supply to most parts of the country including Kiambu, Nyere, Meru,Murang’a , Embu, Isiolo, Nanyuki, Nakuru, Kericho, Bomet, Nyandarua, Samburu, Kisumi, Vihigo, Kakamega, Siaya, Busia, Migori, Uasin, Kisii, Gishu, Nandi, Kitale, Elgeyo, Marakwet, West Pokot, Makachos, Makueni and parts of Nairobi.
The company assured that it is working to restore power supply to remaining areas affected by the outage.
Commenting on the issue, Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said “I am really sorry for what has happened,” Transport Minister said in a statement close to midnight.
“There is no excuse worth reporting and there is no reason why our airport is in darkness.”
The Kenya Airports Authority said last night that a generator serving the main terminal had failed to start after the national power outage.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
UK Households To Pay Lower Energy Bills In Q4 2023
UK energy markets regulator Ofgem has lowered the country’s energy price cap for the fourth quarter of 2023, which means that millions of households will see their energy bills fall at the start of the upcoming heating season.
The UK has a so-called Energy Price Cap in place, which protects households from high bills by capping the price that providers can pass on to them.
The cap was raised a few times last year after wholesale energy prices, especially the price of natural gas, surged in the spring and summer of 2022 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the energy crisis in Europe that followed. The high energy prices plunged millions of households into energy poverty last year.
This year, the cap has been lowered already once for the current quarter.
Now Ofgem announces a further reduction in the energy price cap for the period October to December 2023.
Between October 1 and December 31, 2023, the cap will be set at $2,426 (£1,923) a year for a typical household who use gas and electricity and pay by Direct Debit.
The change will bring the average dual-fuel energy bill below $2,523 (£2,000) a year for the first time since April 2022, saving households an average of $190 (£151) compared to the third quarter.
The drop brings the energy price cap to its lowest level since October 2021 and reflects further falls in wholesale energy prices, as the market stabilizes and suppliers return to a healthier financial position after years of losses, Ofgem said.
The UK’s energy supply sector is set to return to profits after five years of losses and two years of bankruptcies and hardship in the energy crisis, Ofgem said last month, but warned companies against splashing profits on dividends.
The UK’s energy providers were decimated by the surge in wholesale natural gas prices at the end of 2021 and in 2022 when around 30 suppliers went bankrupt and exited the energy market.
The Energy Price Cap protects households from high bills by capping the price that providers can pass on to them, but additionally burdens energy providers.
Source: Oilprice.com
South Africa: DMRE Welcomes Discovery Of Maiden Gas Reserves And Increase In Contingent Resource
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has welcomed the discovery of 3.1 billion cubic feet (6.4 BCF Gross) of maiden gas reserves and a 20% increase in 2C (best estimates) contingent resources to 3.0 trillion cubic feet (6.0 TCF Gross) in Amersfoort, Mpumalanga province.
Last Monday, Kinetiko Energy, an Australian gas explorer that focuses on commercialising advanced shallow conventional gas and coal bed methane projects with a 49% stake in Afro Energy (Pty) Ltd announced the gas discovery.
The company indicated that the discoveries were confirmed through an independent gas reserves and resources report from Sproule B.V.
Afro Energy (Pty) Ltd holds the exploration permits for parts of Mpumalanga province and has signed a joint development agreement with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to co-invest in the production and exploration of gas at approximately 20 wells in Amersfoort.
The maiden gas reserves were discovered through a planned 20-well pilot production cluster that forms part of this joint venture.
Natural gas forms part of energy mix envisaged in the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP 2019), South Africa’s blueprint policy for electricity generation.
It is considered a transition fuel globally and provides the flexibility necessary to run our current electricity generation system in a cost-effective manner.
In this regard, the DMRE promotes exploration and production of gas, and supports the development of gas infrastructure that would augment the country’s electricity generation capacity. Gas is one of resources needed for baseload energy required to strengthen South Africa’s energy security and propel the quest for industrialisation that will bring about growth and development.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Mantashe To Officially Open The Inaugural African Critical Minerals Summit
South Africa’s Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr. Gwede Mantashe (MP) will officially open the inaugural two-day African Critical Minerals Summit scheduled from August 29- 30, 2023 at Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.
The summit brings together key stakeholders, industry experts, policymakers, and investors to explore opportunities, foster collaboration, and promote sustainable mining practices.
It aims to position Africa as the leading critical minerals producer in the world and serves as a catalyst for a just energy transition by leveraging Africa’s critical minerals investments and projects as key drivers for sustainable development.
A statement from the ministry urged members of the media to attend and cover the event.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Comparative Analysis Of Take-Or-Pay And Take-And-Pay Pricing Options In Power Purchase Agreements In The Context Of Energy Security In Deregulated Electricity Market
Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are essential instruments in the deregulated electricity market, influencing energy supply decisions based on established demand for power, power generation technology desired, pricing dynamics and the Buyer’s economic ability to purchase power, the location of the power plant, shaping the dynamics of energy transactions and influencing overall energy security.
Traditionally, Take-or-Pay (ToP) and Take-and-Pay (TnP) transaction pricing options are the two dominant pricing structures used in PPAs, each with unique characteristics that can impact energy security considerations. These two pricing structures are not new. We apply and use it daily in our endeavors.
Given the nature of the power market and power projects, there are often credit and liquidity concerns on both sides of the PPA, resulting in various requirements for credit support for the buyers’ (off-taker) obligations and credit support for the Sellers’ (project company) obligations.
This paper provides analysis of the ToP and TnP pricing or structures in PPAs about energy security within the context of a deregulated electricity market. The analogy provided below to demonstrate the simplicity of the two terminologies should help the clear any one’s doubt.
‘Take-or-Pay (ToP) Power Purchase Agreement’.
Take or Pay is when you demand a ‘kenkey’ woman to supply 100 balls of ‘kenkey’ for 100 people for your ‘kenkey’ party costing GHS500.00. Based on your demand, the ‘kenkey’ woman organized all the needed ingredients to deliver your order on the agreed delivery date and point. If, on the day of the party, only 40 people turned up for the party due to a heavy downpour, you are still duty-bound to pay the GHS500.00 to the ‘kenkey’ woman for the 100 balls of ‘kenkey’ she made available to enable her to recover her costs and not only the 40 ‘kenkey’ consumed.
Under the Take-or-Pay PPA, the Seller builds, operates, and maintains the power plant by the requirement of the PPA and applicable law, and deliver the agreed amount of power by the PPA. Failure to deliver the agreed amount of power to the Buyer gives the Buyer the right to demand compensation for your failure to deliver the contracted energy. Likewise, the Buyer is obligated to pay for the electricity, whether it is consumed or not. It requires the Buyer to either take the contracted volume of energy or pay for it, irrespective of whether the energy is consumed.
In this case, the risk of demand volatility is borne by the Buyer, as they must pay even if they do not need or consume (Idle or Unutilized Capacity Charge – compensation for failure to receive the contracted energy).
Characteristics of ‘ToP Power Purchase Agreement’.
Revenue Certainty:
ToP PPA offers high level revenue certainty to power producers for the contracted capacity, ensuring that they receive payment even if the buyer does not utilize or consume the entire agreed-upon volume of energy. Revenue certainty offers several benefits to the power producers, such as, cash flow predictability, market stability, long-term viability, investment confidence for new capacity, and promoting a reliable energy supply that enhances energy security.
Risk Mitigation:
ToP PPA reduces the risk of revenue shortfalls due to foreseen changes in energy consumption patterns or market volatility. This stability enhances the financial resilience of the power producer. Buyers are obligated to either take the contracted energy or pay for it, reducing the risk of excess capacity in the market. This can lead to a better resource planning and system stability;
Price Stability:
Fixed pricing in ToP PPA provides the Buyer with predictable costs, aiding budgeting and financial planning. This can contribute to energy security by avoiding sudden cost spikes. It shields and assures a fixed or predetermined price for the energy consumed by the buyer, regardless of electricity market price volatility. To the buyer, it benefits in budget predictability, price risk mitigation, and financial planning etc. To the Seller, it shields and provides revenue assurance to the power producer to honor obligations when due.
Lack of Flexibility:
ToP PPA may not provide the Buyer with the flexibility to adjust energy consumption based on demand fluctuations. Similarly, the Seller is limited not to sell to anyone in case the Buyer did not consume or utilize all the contracted energy, hence one of the justifications to demand payment for the unused power. This could potentially lead to inefficiencies in energy utilization; and
Stranded Costs:
These are the costs incurred by the seller if the buyer fails to receive the contracted energy as per the contract. These costs typically include investments made by the seller to build and maintain the power plant or infrastructure required to meet the contracted energy. If energy consumption is lower than contracted, seller will be left with an idle capacity or unused assets that cannot be readily absorbed, leading to financial loses or stranded costs.
‘Take-and-Pay (TnP) Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)’.
Take and Pay (TnP) is when you walk to the ‘kenkey’ woman and offer to buy 100 balls of ‘kenkey’ out of the 1000 balls made available for sale to the public at a determined price, served and you walk away. You have no obligation to contribute to or compensate the ‘kenkey’ woman, if other potential buyers do not turn up on that day to make a purchase. She takes personal responsibility of what to do with it.
The above implies the Take-and-Pay PPA allows the Buyer to choose the volume of energy they wish to take or consume based on their demand. The obligation to pay is linked to the consumption of electricity, in the case of unsolicited generation capacity. Likewise, the Seller has the right to explore the Wholesale (WEM) or Regional Electricity Market (REM) for on-the-spot or day-ahead transactions in which pricing and assurance of settlement on time may be a preferred and better option to the detriment of the traditional off-taker or Buyer in supply guarantee. However, it holds that if it is a contracted or solicited generation capacity, the buyer is obligated to pay for the entire contracted or solicited capacity, regardless of how much energy they actually consumed. That is, a fixed MW charge (Capacity/Capital Recovery Charge) plus the actual energy consumed charge.
Characteristics of ‘Take-and-Pay (TnP) Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)’
Flexibility:
TnP PPA offers buyers the flexibility to choose the volume of energy they wish to take, allowing them to align consumption with actual demand. This aspect of TnP can provide several benefits, such as, cost efficiency, grid stability, demand fluctuations, load management and resource optimization etc;
Market Responsiveness:
The Buyer can take advantage of spot market prices under TnP PPAs, potentially benefiting from lower prices during periods of lower demand. In contrast, buyers can choose to reduce consumption to manage costs. This occurs due to various factors, including changes in supply and demand, fuel prices, weather conditions, regulatory changes, and geopolitical events;
Supply Uncertainty:
Given the creation of the Wholesale (WEM) and Regional Electricity Markets (REM), the Seller will consider the option of spot market transactions that provide more trading opportunities and are thus more liquid and efficient. TnP PPA might expose the Buyer to supply shortages during peak demand periods, potentially impacting energy security. Insufficient available capacity could lead to service interruptions; and
Price Volatility:
TnP Pricing Structure does not lock in a fixed price for the energy, buyers are subject to the prevailing market prices at the time of consumption. It means, if electricity prices in the spot market are high, the buyer will pay a higher rate for the energy consumed. Conversely, if prices are low, the buyer also benefits from paying a lower tariff. This introduces the risk of pricing volatility due to exposures and offerings in the spot prices in the Wholesale (WEM) or Regional Electricity Markets (REM). Fluctuating prices can make budgeting and financial planning challenging for Buyers.
Balancing Trade-offs:
The choice between Take-or-Pay (ToP) and Take-and-Pay (TnP) Power Purchase Agreements involves a delicate balancing act between Electricity Market Price Dynamics, Generation Asset Characteristics, Demand Uncertainty, Policy and Regulatory Environment, Operational Flexibility, Financial Strength and Risk Appetite and Energy Security considerations. Ultimately, selecting the right PPA structure requires a comprehensive evaluation of the trade-offs and alignment with overall energy security objectives.
ToP PPA provides stability and revenue predictability for power producers, fostering investment in a reliable capacity. However, TnP PPA offers the Buyer flexibility and potential cost savings by aligning consumption with demand.
Source: Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, Power Systems Economist & CEO of Independent Power Generators, Ghana.
South Africa, China Signs Power Deals During BRICS Summit
South Africa and China have signed deals covering emissions technology, electricity transmission and distribution and nuclear power on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.
The agreements are part of the South African government’s efforts to end record power cuts that are a major constraint on economic growth.
Electricity Minister, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said one of the deals would see Chinese companies sharing technology to help South Africa’s struggling state utility, Eskom, cut emissions from its coal-fired power plants.
Other agreements would see Chinese firms helping Eskom upgrade its power transmission and distribution infrastructure and share expertise on nuclear power.
The summit of the BRICS group of emerging economies, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa opened on Tuesday and ends tomorrow, Thursday, in Johannesburg, South Africa’s biggest city and commercial capital.
BRICS members are seeking to use the summit to forge the grouping into a counterweight to Western dominance of global institutions.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Ex-Oil Minister Charged With Bribery Offences In UK
A former Nigerian Oil Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has been charged with bribery offences by the United Kingdom police.
She is suspected to have received bribes in return for awarding multi-million-pound oil and gas contracts during her tenure.
The 63-year-old woman served as Petroleum Minister from 2010 to 2015, under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
She also acted as president of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) from 2014-2015.
“We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts,” said Andy Kelly, Head of the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) International Corruption Unit, as carried by Reuters.
“These charges are a milestone in what has been a thorough and complex international investigation.”
Alison-Madueke was arrested in London in October 2015, a few months after leaving office, and has also been the subject of investigations in Nigeria and the United States.
She has previously denied allegations of corruption.
Reuters reported that an attempt to speak to a London lawyer who was acting for her in 2015 to comment on the issue failed.
The NCA said she was currently living in St John’s Wood, an upmarket area of west London, and would appear at the Westminster Magistrates’ Court on October 2.
It said Alison-Madueke was accused of benefiting from at least 100,000 pounds ($127,000) in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, flights on private jets, luxury holidays for her family and the use of multiple London properties.
Charges against her also detail financial rewards including furniture, renovation work and staff for the properties, payment of private school fees and gifts from high-end designer shops such as Cartier jewellery and Louis Vuitton goods, the NCA said.
It added that assets worth millions of pounds relating to the alleged offences had been frozen and that it had provided evidence to the U.S. Department of Justice that enabled them to recover assets worth $53 million linked to Alison-Madueke.
Nigerian courts have also ordered the seizure of tens of millions of dollars worth of assets including properties, cars, large quantities of jewellery and a gold iPhone in a series of rulings in recent years.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Tanzania: System Error At Gas-Fired Plant Causes Power Outages In Parts Of Tanzania
Parts of Tanzania are currently experiencing a power outage as a result of a system error which occurred at a gas-fired plant operated by Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco).
A journalist in Mwansa, one of the towns in Tanzania, told this portal that “since yesterday, we have not had power.”
On Tuesday, Tanesco warned of possible power outages in parts of the East African nation due to a system error which occurred.
The company said the error resulted in a shortfall of 268 megawatts of power in the transmission system, a statement signed by Tanesco’s Directorate of Communications and Public Relations on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, indicated.
As of 2021, Tanzania’s power generation capacity was around 1,500 megawatts from various sources, therefore, the shortfall would lead to a lack of electricity service at different times across the country.
“Efforts to fix the problem are ongoing and we will notify our customers every four hours as the power availability improves,” part of the statement said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Ghana Gas, Quantum Terminals Cut Sod To Upgrade Anyinase Health Centre With US$2 Million
Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC) and Quantum Terminals Limited (QTL) have jointly cut sod to upgrade the Anyinase Health Centre to a 20-bed-capacity health facility with US$2 million.
This upgrade is a direct response to the deteriorating state of the Anyinase Health Centre’s infrastructure and its limited service offerings, which currently cater for over a quarter of the population in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region.
Despite the vital role that the Anyinase Health Centre has played in the lives of residents and the convenience it provides to GNGC employees due to its proximity to the operational headquarters, the facility’s conditions have deteriorated, leaving it capable of providing only outpatient department (OPD) services.
Stephen Donkoh, Head of Community Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility (CR & CSR) at GNGC, highlighted during the sod-cutting ceremony that the US$2 million upgrade is a testament to the company’s commitment to supporting community health.
With an estimated completion period of 12 months, this undertaking underscores GNGC’s dedication to enhancing healthcare services.
In the realm of community development, Ghana Gas focuses on five thematic areas: provision of educational infrastructure, health, sports, water and sanitation and skill building.
On this occasion, the company is fulfilling its health delivery policy for the Ellembelle District for the first time, in recognition of the community’s unwavering support.
Following the upgrade’s completion, the revitalised Ayinase Health Centre is projected to provide a significant 80 per cent of the services offered by the Ekwe District Hospital.
Samuel Bonuedie, Head of Brands and Communication Manager, QT, emphasised that this initiative is a turning point in their ongoing commitment to enhancing the lives of communities in the catchment areas where the company operates.
“Ghana Gas and Quantum Terminals PLC share a common objective in addressing this need and raising healthcare standards. Successful completion of this project is anticipated to significantly elevate healthcare provisions for Anyinase and its neighbouring communities,” he said.
The Ellembelle District Health Director Dr. Augustine Kwesi Amoako commended GNGC and QTL for their transformative project.
He stated that the upgraded health centre is projected to offer comprehensive emergency obstetric care (C-EOC) and in-patient services for over 48 hours, greatly expanding its capabilities.
During the event, the Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, and the District Chief Executive, Kwasi Bonzoh, expressed appreciation to GNGC and QT for their outstanding corporate citizenship in Ellembelle
On this occasion, the company is fulfilling its health delivery policy for the Ellembelle District for the first time, in recognition of the community’s unwavering support.
Following the upgrade’s completion, the revitalised Ayinase Health Centre is projected to provide a significant 80 per cent of the services offered by the Ekwe District Hospital.
Samuel Bonuedie, Head of Brands and Communication Manager, QT, emphasised that this initiative is a turning point in their ongoing commitment to enhancing the lives of communities in the catchment areas where the company operates.
“Ghana Gas and Quantum Terminals PLC share a common objective in addressing this need and raising healthcare standards. Successful completion of this project is anticipated to significantly elevate healthcare provisions for Anyinase and its neighbouring communities,” he said.
The Ellembelle District Health Director Dr. Augustine Kwesi Amoako commended GNGC and QTL for their transformative project.
He stated that the upgraded health centre is projected to offer comprehensive emergency obstetric care (C-EOC) and in-patient services for over 48 hours, greatly expanding its capabilities.
During the event, the Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, and the District Chief Executive, Kwasi Bonzoh, expressed appreciation to GNGC and QT for their outstanding corporate citizenship in Ellembelle Texas Electricity Prices Soared 6,000% As A Fresh Heat Wave Is Expected To Shatter Records.
Texas power prices soared 6,000% on Thursday as a fresh heat wave is expected to shatter temperature records in the coming days.
Spot electricity prices jumped to $4,750 per megawatt-hour Thursday afternoon from the average of $75 on Wednesday afternoon, according to data from grid operator Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) cited by Bloomberg.
At that level, prices neared the $5,000 cap and represented the highest in more than five weeks, the report said.
The price spike came as an excessive heat warning was issued for north Texas, which includes the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
The warning for the region will remain in effect through Sunday night, and during that span high temperatures are expected to range between 105 and 113 degrees.
This summer has seen brutal heat waves for Texas and large swaths of the US, as well as Europe and other parts of the Northern Hemisphere. In June, Texas power prices doubled in a single day ahead of an earlier record-breaking streak.
The Texas power market is deregulated and on its own electricity grid. But while it has experienced massive spikes in demand this summer, with Thursday nearing the record high of 85.5 gigawatts, supplies have held up.
That’s due in part to gains in renewable energy. Texas generated about 40% of its power from natural gas last year, with wind accounting for about 25% and solar energy also contributing, according to ERCOT.
South Africa: BRICS Ministers Of Energy Resolve To Increase Efforts For Energy Access
The Energy Ministers of BRICS, a group of the world economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa have resolved to significantly increase efforts to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy.
The group resolved this during the 8th Annual Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, last Friday.
The resolution is given to the 733 million people who lack access to electricity globally, a statement from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, South Africa, said.
According to the statement, BRICS Energy Ministers believe that an inclusive, diverse and holistic approach to energy mix is important to achieve sustainable energy supply while averting potential future disruptions in the sector.
“Deliberations at the Ministers’ meeting focused on programmes and initiatives that seek to promote cooperation, growth and sustainable development of the member states’ energy sector. These include enhancing energy security, advancing universal access to energy, minerals for energy transitions and research and technological cooperation,’’ the statement said.
On energy security, the BRICS countries intend to pursue balanced and economically sound energy policies based on their respective national circumstances, plans and priorities, building up capacities to safeguard the energy supply.
On minerals for energy transitions, BRICS Energy Ministers undertook to exchange best practices and standards in the development and beneficiation of minerals in the country of origin that have been identified as critical for clean energy sources and technologies.
Furthermore, the delegates committed to exploring various technologies and new materials that are central to global energy transitions and carbon reduction.
In this regard, BRICS would leverage the existing, as well as new and emerging energy technologies.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana:VRA Books Gh¢110.8M Profit In 2022
Ghana’s state’s largest power generation company, Volta River Authority (VRA), recorded a profit of Gh¢110.893 million in 2022, according to the Auditor General’s Report which has also been confirmed by the company.
The 2022 profit is about a 1.7 per cent decline over the previous year.
In 2021, the Authority registered a profit of Gh¢112.758 million.
According to the 2022 Auditor General’s Report, total income increased by 34 per cent to Gh¢5.628 billion in 2022, from Gh¢4.199 million in 2021. The increase in total income was due to a 38.7 per cent increase in revenue from power sales.
On the other hand, total expenditure increased by 35.0 per cent, from Gh¢4.086 billion in 2021 to Gh¢5.517 billion in 2022.
This was mainly due to increases in the cost of sales and depreciation.
In terms of the balance sheet, Non-Current Assets increased from Gh¢18.380 billion in 2021 to Gh¢26.008 billion in 2022, representing an increase of 41.5 per cent.
The increment was due to revaluation gains and the acquisition of property plants and equipment during the year.
The company’s current Assets also increased by 36.1 per cent from GH¢8.631 billion in 2021 to Gh¢11.751 billion in 2022 due to an increase in trade and other receivables.
Similarly, Current Liabilities recorded an increase of 26.2 per cent from Gh¢6.861 billion in 2021 to Gh¢8.659 billion in 2022. This was due to an increase in trade payables from GH¢6.404 billion in 2021 to GH¢8.363 billion in 2022.
For liquidity, the current ratio increased to 1.4:1 in 2021 (2020: 1.3:1).
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com