Kenya Power Rolls Out 45 EV Charging Stations Across Six Counties
Kenya Power has announced a robust plan to install a total of 45 electric vehicle (EV) charging points across six counties in the next year.
The charging points will be located in Nairobi, Nyeri, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, and Mombasa counties.
According to Kenya Power Managing Director Eng. Joseph Siror, his outfit is committed to enabling Kenya’s transition to electric mobility to catalyze the reduction of carbon emissions.
“Part of our plan is to create an enabling environment for players within the e-mobility ecosystem through the provision of adequate power supply and requisite infrastructure, such as charging stations, that will enable motorists to travel with ease,” said Kenya Power’s Managing Director & CEO, Dr. (Eng.) Joseph Siror.
Addressing the 3rd Annual E-mobility Conference and Expo, organized by the company in collaboration with GIZ and the Electric Mobility Association of Kenya (EMAK), Eng. Siror mentioned that out of the 45 EV chargers, six will be located at strategic locations within Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. So far, Kenya Power has installed three EV chargers within Nairobi.
Official statistics indicate that the transport sector accounts for about 23% of global carbon emissions. The Government of Kenya has committed to a 32% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
“To support this initiative, we are working with private sector players to identify energy and infrastructure needs within the e-mobility space, informing the deployment of right strategies that will accelerate EV adoption in Kenya,” said Dr. (Eng.) Siror.
Currently, there are approximately 9,047 EVs registered in the country, compared to 2,694 and 5,294 registered in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
The growth of e-mobility has been spurred by initiatives creating an enabling environment, including the introduction of the e-mobility tariff in the current electricity tariff control period.
The Board Chairman of Kenya Power, Joy Brenda Masinde, praised the Government of Kenya for supporting the company in driving the uptake of e-mobility.
“Our focus is to work closely with the Government of Kenya to advocate for policies that will continue to incentivize EV adoption, such as tax exemptions and subsidies for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure,” said Kenya Power’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Joy Brenda Masinde.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Electricity Minister Ramokgopa Admits Upfront Capital For New Nuclear Projects Is A Challenge
South Africa’s Electricity and Energy Minister, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has acknowledged that the affordability and upfront capital required for additional nuclear power generation is a challenge.
According to a report by SABC, the Electricity Minister acknowledged the challenge at the 2nd G20 Energy Transition Working Group meeting in Cape Town last week.
Ramokgopa outlined his department’s goals for the expansion of nuclear technology in the country.
South Africa’s nuclear energy programme has been in operation since 1984. Energy expert Ruse Moleshe, speaking at the event, said nuclear projects need to be planned over a long period.
She maintains that costs need to be balanced against the cost of not having energy, as is the case during load shedding.
“Yes, it has upfront capital costs similar to how renewable energy technologies are. There is a lot of capital needed in the beginning, which is why it’s one of the cheapest now, so it’s an investment required at an early stage. But countries are looking at options because they value security of supply,” says Moleshe.
When it comes to concerns about nuclear power safety, Moleshe explains that there are different types of nuclear power.
“If you look at nuclear for power generation, that’s the peaceful use of nuclear; it’s used to generate power. And yes, we’ve had incidents like Fukushima.
In fact, for me, Fukushima is a good example – now Japan is going back full speed into nuclear technology.”
She adds that nuclear power is a highly regulated industry and that South Africa adheres to International Atomic Energy Agency regulations.
Electricity and Energy Minister Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has said nuclear power will be part of South Africa’s policy to mitigate climate change.
“Nuclear technology has a huge role to play in the expansion of nuclear technology.”
The lower environmental impact of nuclear power, combined with its costs, gives it a key advantage as the world moves towards a just energy transition.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: GOIL Reduces Petrol, Diesel Prices
Ghana’s largest indigenous petroleum downstream oil marketing company, GOIL, has reduced its petrol and diesel prices effective May 5, 2025. According to the price update, petrol (RON 91) is selling at Gh¢13.69 per liter, while petrol (RON 95) is sold at Gh¢15.11 per liter, with diesel being sold at Gh¢14.41 per liter.
During the last window pricing in April, GOIL sold petrol (RON 91) at Gh¢14.50 per liter, while petrol (RON 95) was sold at Gh¢15.95 per liter, with diesel being sold at Gh¢15.30 per liter. GOIL’s current fuel prices are lower than some of its competitors.
In Ghana, fuel prices are reviewed daily by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) based on fluctuations in key factors such as exchange rates, cost of refined petroleum products, and inflation. In contrast, fuel prices are reviewed monthly in other parts of Africa.
On the international market, gasoline is sold at US$675 per metric ton, while gasoil is sold at US$621 per metric ton, and LPG is sold at US$471 per metric ton.
Since April, crude oil prices have also tumbled, with Brent selling at $60.42 per barrel and WTI sold at $57.37 per barrel as of May 5, 2025.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
OPEC+ Stuns Market With Larger Than Expected Output Hike
Crude oil markets took a fresh hit this weekend after OPEC+ stunned traders by announcing a larger-than-expected output increase for June. In a virtual meeting on Saturday, key producers led by Saudi Arabia and Russia agreed to raise collective output by 411,000 barrels per day (bpd), nearly triple the volume originally scheduled.
The move follows a similar surge announced for May and signals a sharp reversal from OPEC+ efforts to defend oil prices. Instead, Riyadh appears to be embracing a low-price strategy, aiming to discipline overproducing members like Kazakhstan and Iraq. Both nations have repeatedly exceeded their quotas, with Kazakhstan surpassing its March target by 422,000 bpd. “OPEC+ has just thrown a bombshell to the oil market,” Jorge Leon of Rystad Energy told Bloomberg. “With this move, Saudi Arabia is seeking to punish lack of compliance and also ingratiate itself with President Trump.” President Donald Trump has loudly demanded lower oil prices, and with fresh tariffs rattling global markets, OPEC+ appears to be aligning with Washington’s inflation-fighting agenda. Trump is set to visit the Middle East this month, and closer energy cooperation may be on the table. Oil prices had already been under pressure, with Brent trading near $61 a barrel on Friday, a four-year low. The OPEC+ decision sent prices tumbling another 6%, compounding bearish sentiment triggered by trade war fears and weakening economic data. Goldman Sachs responded by slashing its December 2025 oil forecast by $5 to $66 for Brent and $62 for WTI, citing both rising OPEC+ supply and Trump’s tariff barrage. “We no longer forecast a price range,” Goldman said, “because price volatility is likely to stay elevated on higher recession risk.” Standard Chartered joined the chorus of bearish revisions, slashing its 2025 Brent forecast by $16 to $61 a barrel, and trimming its 2026 outlook to $78. The bank warned that the Trump administration’s tariff-heavy approach is fueling recession fears and eroding market confidence—especially after a downbeat U.S. economic report this week. JPMorgan also raised its global recession odds to 60% for the year, while S&P Global warned that oil demand growth could drop by as much as 500,000 bpd. OPEC+ justified the output hike by citing “continuing healthy market fundamentals,” though many see the move as an effort to assert market share and enforce compliance. Analysts like Helima Croft argue that by opening the taps, Saudi Arabia is reasserting control over rogue members while signaling readiness to let prices fall to discipline the market. The eight members behind the increase—Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman—will reassess in June. But for now, the message is clear: OPEC+ is no longer defending high prices, and oil markets should prepare for more volatility ahead. Source: Oilprice.comZimbabwe: Power Cuts To Worsen After Technical Fault At Hwange Power Station
Zimbabwe’s Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) has reported a technical glitch at one of its major power generation plants, resulting in heightened power cuts countrywide.
According to a notice issued on Sunday, May 4, 2025, a technical fault at Hwange Power Station has necessitated increased load-shedding.
“ZESA Holdings would like to advise its valued stakeholders of a technical fault that occurred at Hwange Power Station, resulting in the reduction of available power supplies. This unforeseen incident has necessitated increased load-shedding across all customer groups,” said the authority.
“Our technical team is working to rectify the problem and restore normal operations within the shortest possible time,” the statement concluded.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: WAPCo MD Calls For Regional Support To Address Gas Supply Deficit
The Managing Director of West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo), Michelle Burkett, has called for stronger collaboration among the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) states, comprising Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria, to resolve persistent payment challenges contributing to a regional gas supply deficit.
Speaking at the West African Gas Pipeline Committee of Ministers (CoMs) meeting in Accra on April 29, 2025, WAPCo’s MD stressed the urgency of coordinated action to stabilize gas flow and drive energy security in the sub-region.
She emphasized that tackling these financial bottlenecks is critical to ensuring a reliable minimum base load to support power generation and industrial activity across West Africa.
“Our ability to fully unlock the WAGP’s potential is increasingly shaped by the collective effort from all stakeholders represented here today.”
Ms. Burkett used the opportunity to highlight three key areas where WAPCo needs the Committee’s support.
She emphasized securing sustainable gas supply of a minimum base load supply of 150,000 MMBtu per day through the ELPS into the WAGP pending the completion of ongoing enhancement projects.
She also highlighted strengthening financial stability through collaborative solutions to help establish a shared pathway to resolving all outstanding commercial matters.
Furthermore, she emphasized the need for facilitating the timely passage of the WAGP Fiscal Amendment Acts in Ghana, Togo, and Nigeria to ensure a harmonized approach across all WAGP states.
“WAPCo remains committed to this shared vision and stands ready to drive forward a compelling new chapter of economic opportunity for all stakeholders involved,” she stated.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Fire Guts Achimota Bulk Supply Point, Causes Power Outage In Parts Of Accra
The Electricity Company of Ghana’s Achimota Bulk Supply Point in Accra, the capital of Ghana, was gutted by fire at about 11:00 am on Sunday, May 4, 2025.
This has resulted in a power outage in several parts of Accra.
The affected areas include Legon, parts of Kwabenya, Nima, Circle, parts of Adenta, Madina, Ashomang, Dome Pillar 2, South Industrial Area, parts of New Achimota, Kokomlemle, Kanda, parts of Osu, Burma Camp, Power House, Cantonment, Flagstaff House which is the Dear of Government, Pantang, and Focus.
According to a statement by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the Abelemkpe Fire Station received an emergency call at exactly 11:11 am and responded promptly. Within two minutes (11:13 am), firefighters, led by ADO II Arhim Daniel, arrived at the scene to combat the fire.
The blaze was brought under control at 11:22 am and fully extinguished at 11:28 am, according to the GNFS.
The fire, which affected an earthing transformer, also extended to an outdoor air conditioner unit.
“No injuries were recorded,” the GNFS said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
In a statement, ECG assured affected customers that its engineers are working to restore power supply as soon as possible.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
The Gambia Bids Goodbye To Karpower
The Gambia’s National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) has formally announced the expiration of the eight years’ contract with Turkish power firm Karpowership, effective 2nd May, 2025.
Since 2018, Karpowership has played a pivotal role in The Gambia’s electricity sector, supplying a significant portion of the country’s energy needs through its floating power plant.
In a statement by NAWEC on Friday, May 2, the West African nation appreciated the dedication, professionalism and collaboration that Karpowership demonstrated throughout the years.
NAWEC is transitioning towards greater energy independence, including the reactivation of its own generators and the continued expansion of sustainable domestic energy sources in line with The Gambia Energy Road Map 2022-2040.
“While this marks the end of our formal engagement with Karpowership, we recognise and value the partnership that has contributed to The Gambia’s energy sector over the years,” NAWEC said.
NAWEC assured The Gambians that measures are in place to minimise disruptions and maintain stable electricity supply during this transition.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
NAWEC is transitioning towards greater energy independence, including the reactivation of its own generators and the continued expansion of sustainable domestic energy sources in line with The Gambia Energy Road Map 2022-2040.
“While this marks the end of our formal engagement with Karpowership, we recognise and value the partnership that has contributed to The Gambia’s energy sector over the years,” NAWEC said.
NAWEC assured The Gambians that measures are in place to minimise disruptions and maintain stable electricity supply during this transition.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Regulatory Bodies Back Petroleum Hub Project, Assure Speedy Permitting Process For Investors
Ghana’s $60 billion petroleum hub project, to be sited in Jomoro in the Western Region of the country, has received the backing of environmental and petroleum regulatory bodies, pledging speedy issuance of permits to investors who want to invest in the project.
The National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (formerly Town and Country Planning) have all affirmed their commitment to the project.
The petroleum hub, which is spearheaded by the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), is expected to establish three refineries,each with a capacity of 300,000 barrels per stream day minimum.
Additionally, the hub will have five (5) petrochemical plants, each with a minimum processing capacity of 90,000 barrels per stream day as well as two jetties with multiple berths.
In a bid to attract both local and foreign investors, the government has declared the petroleum hub area, which covers 20,000 acres of land, as a free zone enclave. This means that prospective investors will enjoy tax holidays and other incentives.
The PHDC was established by an Act of Parliament (Act 1053) in 2022 to promote investment and drive enhanced job creation, reducing Ghana’s alarming unemployment situation.
Speaking at the Inter-Agency Dialogue in Accra, the capital of Ghana, on April 30, 2025, which brought together several stakeholders, the Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), Dr. Toni Aubynn, described the petroleum hub project as a game-changer that must be supported by stakeholders to ensure its success.
He urged stakeholders to work cohesively to eliminate bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies that deter potential investors.
“For us to move forward effectively, inter-agency coordination must not be an afterthought; it must be a culture. We must streamline processes, align on timelines, reduce duplication, and ensure that our communications are consistent and timely. Investors are watching. Citizens are watching. And they’re looking to us for leadership not just in vision but in execution,” he said.
Dr. Aubynn reaffirmed the PHDC’s commitment to creating an investor-friendly environment that not only attracts but also retains investment in the Petroleum Hub.
“We envision a hub that is more than just a collection of refineries, tank farms, pipelines, and ports. We envision a hub that becomes the beating heart of energy transformation in West Africa—a hub that creates jobs, drives innovation, builds local capacity, and strengthens Ghana’s economic sovereignty,” he said.
The Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah, representing his minister, reminded the agencies in the sector, saying, “Let me emphatically state that the success of the Hub is not the sole responsibility of the Corporation but is a collective one for all stakeholders in the sector.”
In this respect, he tasked them to share a sense of purpose by simplifying the procedures needed to operate in the sector to engender investment and capture the petroleum and petrochemical market in Africa and beyond.
“Let us promote a collective sense of national responsibility that will help us achieve success. Let us work together by simplifying our processes,” which will help us become champions in the sector, not only in Ghana but also to compete globally.
The Acting National Coordinator of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Mr. Benjamin Asiam, representing his office, expressed optimism that Ghana is blessed to have the PHDC.
He stressed that with the right structures, Ghana can take full advantage of the petroleum and petrochemicals market in Africa, which will boost the nation’s economy by developing the hub to attract the right investment and make it competitive in the petroleum and petrochemicals industry, particularly in Africa and the world.
He said that through the AfCFTA platform, Ghana stands a chance to develop, build, and market products and its human resources to better its socioeconomic development drive.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com South Africa: Fuel Prices Set To Drop Again In May
Fuel prices are expected to decrease in May, according to the latest data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF).
Petrol prices may drop by up to 19 cents per liter, while diesel prices could fall by 37 cents per liter.
This anticipated reduction follows a price relief in April, where petrol prices were cut by 58-72 cents per liter and diesel prices decreased by 84-86 cents per liter.
Grant Nader, Portfolio Manager at Benguela Global Fund Managers, attributes the predicted decline to drops in global oil prices and a stronger rand.
Nader notes that the Rand oil price has dropped 13% for the month, which could lead to further cuts in petrol prices.
He estimates potential reductions of around 20 cents for petrol and 37-38 cents for diesel, building on the significant cuts seen in April.
If these price levels are maintained throughout May, further decreases may be expected.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Edmond Kombat Takes Over As Acting MD Of TOR After Dr Sulemana Moved To Energy Ministry As Technical Advisor
The Deputy Managing Director of Tema Oil Refinery, Edmond Kombat Esq., has been elevated to the Acting Managing Director position, this portal can confirm.
This follows the reassignment of Dr. Yussif Sulemana, the Managing Director, to the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition as a Technical Advisor.
This portal broke the news of Dr. Yussif Sulemana’s reassignment to the Ministry on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
An internal notice communicating the appointment of Edmond Kombat stated, “This is to inform you that the company’s Acting Managing Director has been reassigned to a new position.”
The notice, bearing the signature of Nelson M. Obuo, Acting Human Resources and Administration Manager, indicated that the Deputy Managing Director has been appointed by the President of the Republic of Ghana as the new Acting Managing Director pending the constitution of the company’s Board.
“Thank you for your attention and cooperation,” the notice concluded.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Gambia: Falling Tree Causes Total Blackout In Central, Upper River Regions
The Gambia’s National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) has announced a total blackout across the Central River and Upper River Regions of the West African nation since 3:00 am on Friday, May 2.
According to a statement issued by the utilities provider, electricity supply from the Senegalese national electricity company, Senelec, to Basse was interrupted at about 3:00 am due to a large tree falling on the main incoming transmission line around Kaba Kanman.
Although Koina was isolated, power could not be restored using the available generator due to a technical issue, the statement said.
NAWEC assured that its engineers were working assiduously to restore power supply to the affected regions.
“Our teams have been mobilized and are working diligently to resolve the problem and restore supply as quickly as possible,” the statement said.
The company apologised for the inconvenience and appreciated the patience and understanding of consumers during this time.
Source:https://energynewsfrica.com
Ghana: Gov’t Will Not Privatise ECG– President Mahama Assures Organised Labour
The President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, has assured Ghanaians that his administration will not privatize the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), despite ongoing concerns about the state of the country’s power sector.
According to him, what the government is seeking is private sector participation in the operations of ECG, and not an outright sale of ECG as speculated.
Addressing Ghanaian workers at the May Day celebration at Black Star Square on Thursday, May 1, the President addressed growing fears about the possible privatization of ECG.
“Let me assure you that it is not my intention to privatize ECG as an institution. Our attention is more on a public-private collaboration to inject efficiency into our downstream electricity distribution system,” the President said.
He explained that ECG is currently burdened with debt and inefficiencies, which threaten the stability of the entire power sector.
“The ECG has been brought to its knees by a culture of poor governance over the last eight years, with a debt of GH¢68 billion and rising. If we do not do something drastic, our whole power sector will collapse. We can only bring down power tariffs if we improve efficiency in the distribution of power,” he stated.
President Mahama said public-private partnerships offer a workable solution and pointed to a successful model from his previous term in office.
“When I was President, in the free zones, a private company, Enclave Power, was given the right of metering and billing in the free zone. ECG provided them with a bulk supply of power. They pay ECG, and until today, they still pay ECG monthly on time. Their billing and collection in the free zones enclave is 99% of revenue collected,” he said.
He said this example shows that partnerships with private entities can help improve efficiency without handing over ownership.
“I am sure that we can make our electricity distribution more effective through public-private partnerships, but I can assure you that electricity as an institution will not be privatized,” President Mahama emphasised.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Zambia: Energy Regulatory Board Extends Emergency Tariffs For ZESCO Limited
Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board has extended the ZESCO Emergency Tariffs for another three months, effective from May 1 to July 31, 2025.
However, the tariff will not be increased.
In a statement issued by the Board Chairperson of ERB, James Banda, the Board observed that the factors that led to the declaration of the emergency tariffs still exist.
He explained that the extension is also due to low water levels in reservoirs and that ZESCO has still not been able to ramp up generation arising from the prolonged drought situation over Southern Africa.
According to Banda, the emergency period and emergency tariffs have been subject to review by ERB at intervals of three months.
Banda further indicated that the ERB, in October 2024, approved ZESCO’s application for an emergency period tariff for retail customers, which was approved after public consultation meetings.
ZESCO Limited applied for emergency tariffs about eight months ago to enable them to procure 300 MW of power to shore up generation due to the severe drought that resulted in low inflows into Kariba Dam.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com