Kenya: Ghana’s Power Sector To Be Put In The Spotlight Thursday At Africa Energy Forum
Ghana’s energy sector will be put in the spotlight on Thursday, June 22, 2023, by heads of state-owned power utilities at this year’s Africa Energy Forum being hosted in Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa.
Ghana, located in West Africa, is the most stable country in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Since attaining independence in 1957, the country has transferred political power to a successful government without war or political disturbances.
Not only is Ghana politically stable but it is also one of the countries with the highest electricity access in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Out of the 31 million population, 88.9 per cent have access to electricity.
The country is determined to increase its electricity access to 95 per cent next year, according to the Minister for Energy Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh.
Ghana’s power sector comprises two state-owned generation companies—Volta River Authority and Bui Power Authority -as well as six independent power producers and two distribution companies -ECG and NEDCo.
The country also has two strong regulatory institutions namely the Energy Commission and Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).
On Thursday, June 22, 2023, Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa, CEO of Volta River Authority, Ing Ebenezer Kofi Essienyi, CEO of Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), Ing Oscar Amonoo-Neizer, Executive Secretary of Energy Commission and Ing William Amuna would speak on ‘Building Better Partnerships’.
They would provide highlights on what Ghana has been able to achieve in the power sector and what it plans to do going forward into the future.
Ghana has set a target to achieve a 10 per cent penetration of renewable energy into the country’s energy mix by 2030.
So far, the country’s energy mix has about 75 MWp from Solar PV.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya: President Ruto Opens Africa Energy Forum Attended By 4,000 Delegates
Kenyan President William Ruto has opened the 25th Africa Energy Forum (aef) hosted in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
The forum which is being hosted in Africa for the first time has gathered senior policymakers, industry executives, investors, researchers and innovators to discuss energy security in Africa.
More than 4,000 delegates including ministers, heads of power utilities, regulators, multilateral lenders and investors are attending the 25th Africa energy forum in Nairobi from June 20-23.
The four-day forum, held under the theme: ‘Africa for Africa’, focuses on strategic themes including scaling-up renewables uptake, breaking down barriers to green energy transition and positioning Africa as a hydrogen powerhouse.
More than 20 African ministers and investors from 82 countries across the globe are participating in the forum that is expected to adopt a new roadmap for revitalising energy security in the continent.
Delivering a keynote address, President Ruto said securing a greener, prosperous and resilient future for Africa calls for the optimal harnessing of the continent’s vast renewable energy sources like hydropower, geothermal, solar and wind.
He said that by investing in cross-border energy projects, African countries would bridge the access gap that has stifled industrialisation, poverty alleviation and social cohesion.
Ruto reiterated Kenya’s commitment to lead continental efforts in upscaling the adoption of green energy as a means to boost climate response, create jobs for youth and women and inject vibrancy into local manufacturing.
Davis Chirchir, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, said that Africa’s premier energy gathering would discuss targeted financing alongside policy and regulatory incentives required to boost clean lighting and cooking in line with the continent’s quest for meeting net-zero targets.
“Charting a new course for energy security in the continent is paramount to help achieve sustainable development. We must, therefore, unlock our huge green energy potential and boost global climate response,” Chirchir said.
Simon Gosling, the Managing Director of EnergyNet Limited, an international firm that organises investment forums for Africa’s power sector, said the continent should leverage a skilled workforce, technologies and innovations as it embarks on a green energy transition.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: PURC Publishes Guidelines On Competitive Procurement For Electricity Generation Capacity And Energy
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission approved the rate setting guidelines for competitive procurement and supply of electricity generation capacity and energy for the regulated electricity market.
According to the Executive Secretary of PURC, Dr. Ishmael Ackah, the purpose of these guidelines is to promote transparency and efficiency in the procurement of additional generation capacity and to help optimise the cost of power and its impact on electricity tariffs.
The guidelines set out the principles, methodology and processes to be applied by the Commission for approval of tariffs for existing power plants and to aid in the determination of a reference capacity charge for the competitive procurements of energy supply and services contracts.
The guidelines as published by the Commission specify the methodology for determining the cost of procuring extra generation capacity, the methodology for determining and recovering fuel supply costs and the methodology for determining the composite bulk generation charge.
It also takes into consideration, decision variables, which are necessary to trigger over and under recoveries of cost, as well as the indexation of monthly billing of capacity and energy, which is procured from the regulated electricity market.
The guidelines, according to Dr. Ackah, will be applied to utilities in the regulated market.
He noted that the Commission has outlined a number of capacity development programmes on competitive procurement for entities in the sector, which will be rolled out over time.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: President Tinubu Seeks Better Cooperation With United States Of America Over Energy Transition
Nigeria’s new President Bola Tinubu has called for a stronger and better cooperation with the United States, as Nigeria and the rest of the world move in the quest for renewable and other sources of clean energy.
He spoke during a meeting with United States Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Energy Resources, Ambassador Geoffrey Praytt, at the State House, Abuja on Monday.
President Tinubu presented his own perspectives to the US delegation on the role of Nigeria as an oil producing country and the importance of revenue from fossil oil to national economic well-being.
Nigeria, according to the President, will honour all its obligations to climate change and quest for clean energy.
President Tinubu appealed to the United States and other developed nations to recognize that Nigeria and Africa have a challenge of poverty that must be addressed, saying in the race for energy transition, the world must have a right balance between the fossil fuel and green energy.
“Nigeria is an oil producing nation and a developing economy that needs revenue from fossil fuel for growth and development. The new energy we are talking about represents just 5% of global energy requirements. We must find the right balance between new energy and fossil fuel because we have problem of poverty in Africa,’’ the President said in a statement copied to energynewsafrica.com by Dele AlakeSpecial Adviser, Special Duties, Communications & Strategy.
On the nexus between the problem of poverty in Africa and fragility of democracy on the continent, President Tinubu admonished the United States to work with Nigeria to protect the government of the people.
He also urged the Assistant Secretary of State to impress on his home government the urgency of responding to the needs of Nigeria.
“Our democracy needs protection like all other democracies in the world. We cherish our partnership with the US. My concern is whether United States is giving us enough as much as we need. The US should not make us hungry to the point we will have to eat the dinner of our enemy.
“We need the funding support to help us drive and accelerate our energy diversification. There are bottlenecks that must be unbottled in terms of how the US bureaucracy responds to our needs. Help must be given when it is needed. We are ready to learn and develop to join 21st century economy. Please take it home that we need help and very quickly too. I am honoured with your recognition of the baby steps we have taken so far. I want to assure you that Nigeria will honour her obligations on climate change and renewables,” the President said.
Ambassador Praytt in his remarks extolled the bold economic initiatives already taken by President Tinubu with respect to fuel subsidy removal and unification of multiple foreign exchange rates.
He said he was in the country partly to inform the President that President Joe Biden is in support of the steps taken so far by Nigeria to reduce the impact of fossil fuel.
“We are opening a new page in US relations with Nigeria. Nigeria is taking important steps in growing the renewable energy to meet the need of her citizens.
“We are very happy with our work with NNPCL and your team. Your new Special Adviser on Energy is already doing very well,” the US Envoy said.
Earlier in his introductory remarks, Group Managing Director of NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari, told the President that the Energy Industry in Nigeria had been engaging the US Department of Energy on the energy transition.
Kyari acknowledged the support the Nigerian government received from the US Department of Energy to develop the Petroleum Industry Act.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Russia’s Crude Oil Processing Hits New Highs
Russian refineries processed 5.49 million b/d of crude in the week spanning June 8-14, a 2-month high, Bloomberg has reported.
That’s close to 200,000 barrels a day more than the previous week’s clip as serious questions continue being asked about the country’s commitment to production cuts agreed on by OPEC+.
Back In February, oil prices received a boost after Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced that the country would cut oil production by 500,000 barrels per day, or around 5% of output.
Novak has on numerous occasions insisted that Russia is implementing the cuts in full as pledged, but surging exports of seaborne crude continue raising eyebrows.
“Russia is restoring its daily refinery throughput as the spring maintenance season is largely over. We will see the last key facilities, including Surgutneftegas PJSC’s Kirishi, coming back online in the first days of July. Then the refinery runs will fully return to pre-maintenance volumes,” Viktor Katona, head of oil analytics at research firm Kpler, has told Bloomberg.
Recently, the World Bank reported that Russia’s economy will contract a mere 0.2% in the current year, way softer than last year’s 2.1% dip thanks to increased buying of its crude by India and China as well as European countries that banned Russian oil imports importing huge amounts of oil commodities from the two countries and also from United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Turkey.
India in particular has dramatically ramped up purchases of Russian oil, with crude imports growing staggering 1,500% in May to over 2.15 million barrels per day in May.
A recent report by the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) noted that western countries bought $42 billion worth of laundered Russian crude in the form of various oil products from nations that are friendly towards Russia, with India leading the five other countries.
Source:Oilprice.com
Ghana: Bui Power Authority Improves Operational Coverage Using Huawei eLTE Solution
The International Renewable Energy Agency estimates that Africa’s renewable energy capacity could reach 310 GW by 2030, catapulting the continent into the top tier of green energy production.
The Bui Power Authority (BPA) hydro-solar hybrid power plant in Ghana is leading the way in Sub-Saharan Africa, with essential communication and operational management services provided across Huawei’s eLTE Broadband Network.
Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh says ICT systems providing intelligent energy management are critical for ensuring efficient power generation, power plant operations and power distribution.
They enable renewable energy to be integrated into the grid for the reliable, stable access and supply needed in order to achieve the country’s goal of universal electricity access by 2025.
Dr. Prempeh made the statement when the Bui Power Authority put into operation a broadband private network built by Huawei.
“As Ghana is striding towards achieving universal electricity access by 2025, it is important for us to unleash the transformational power of ICT in optimising the operations at power plants, increasing the efficiency of renewable energy use, and ensuring a stable and cost-effective electricity supply to many more households nationwide,” the minister said.
Bui Authority and Huawei have built an eLTE broadband private network that penetrates the substantial concrete barriers and infrastructure at Bui Power Plant, in Ghana.
This is the first time that Huawei has deployed eLTE-based solution in the hydroelectric industry.
The network, which carries voice, video, and data services, enables instant communication between the control room and maintenance staff moving around the plant.
It covers, without extensive cabling and installation, both indoor and outdoor working areas, including roadways inside the dam, generator rooms, and employee living areas within the Bui vicinity.
More digital applications to come
With features like “push-to-talk” and group calls for both voice and video, the private network makes routine maintenance and handling of emergencies easier and more efficient at the power plant.
“Now staff can communicate via video call to fix maintenance challenges in record time”, said a Huawei engineer.
“Building modern networks also provide capacity for growth, enabling the intelligent digital transformation of the site in the future.”
Hydro-solar hybrid system
Clean energy is becoming increasingly important in Ghana’s national energy mix, as Ghana’s National Energy Plan aims to achieve a 10% penetration of renewable energy by 2030.
The role of the Bui Generating Station as an important provider of hydroelectric power in the country has been further strengthened and complemented with a new installation of solar power generation capability.
In October 2019, construction commenced on the first phase of the 250MW project with the development of a Solar PV Facility.
Additionally, the Bui Power Authority (BPA) has commissioned a 5MW Floating Solar Plant which is the first in the Sub-Saharan region and supplies power through the Bui Switchyard to the National Interconnected Transmission System (NITS).
Powering development in Northern Ghana
The Bui Generating Station produces 404MW of hydropower.
An additional 50MW of power is generated from the solar installations on site, with the total renewable power output contributing around 6-7% of the total power generated in-country. This is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 47,000 tons per year.
The country is keen to take advantage of the reservoir created by the Bui Generating Station to promote fishing in the reservoir and the irrigation of over 30,000 hectares of land for crops, including maize, cashew, and sugar cane.
The BPA is collaborating with strategic private investors for the running of a local cashew processing plant and sugar mill within the Bui vicinity.
This intervention is aimed at developing agriculture in Ghana, boosting employment, and thus improving the lives of local people.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Dr. Prempeh made the statement when the Bui Power Authority put into operation a broadband private network built by Huawei.
“As Ghana is striding towards achieving universal electricity access by 2025, it is important for us to unleash the transformational power of ICT in optimising the operations at power plants, increasing the efficiency of renewable energy use, and ensuring a stable and cost-effective electricity supply to many more households nationwide,” the minister said.
Bui Authority and Huawei have built an eLTE broadband private network that penetrates the substantial concrete barriers and infrastructure at Bui Power Plant, in Ghana.
This is the first time that Huawei has deployed eLTE-based solution in the hydroelectric industry.
The network, which carries voice, video, and data services, enables instant communication between the control room and maintenance staff moving around the plant.
It covers, without extensive cabling and installation, both indoor and outdoor working areas, including roadways inside the dam, generator rooms, and employee living areas within the Bui vicinity.
More digital applications to come
With features like “push-to-talk” and group calls for both voice and video, the private network makes routine maintenance and handling of emergencies easier and more efficient at the power plant.
“Now staff can communicate via video call to fix maintenance challenges in record time”, said a Huawei engineer.
“Building modern networks also provide capacity for growth, enabling the intelligent digital transformation of the site in the future.”
Hydro-solar hybrid system
Clean energy is becoming increasingly important in Ghana’s national energy mix, as Ghana’s National Energy Plan aims to achieve a 10% penetration of renewable energy by 2030.
The role of the Bui Generating Station as an important provider of hydroelectric power in the country has been further strengthened and complemented with a new installation of solar power generation capability.
In October 2019, construction commenced on the first phase of the 250MW project with the development of a Solar PV Facility.
Additionally, the Bui Power Authority (BPA) has commissioned a 5MW Floating Solar Plant which is the first in the Sub-Saharan region and supplies power through the Bui Switchyard to the National Interconnected Transmission System (NITS).
Powering development in Northern Ghana
The Bui Generating Station produces 404MW of hydropower.
An additional 50MW of power is generated from the solar installations on site, with the total renewable power output contributing around 6-7% of the total power generated in-country. This is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 47,000 tons per year.
The country is keen to take advantage of the reservoir created by the Bui Generating Station to promote fishing in the reservoir and the irrigation of over 30,000 hectares of land for crops, including maize, cashew, and sugar cane.
The BPA is collaborating with strategic private investors for the running of a local cashew processing plant and sugar mill within the Bui vicinity.
This intervention is aimed at developing agriculture in Ghana, boosting employment, and thus improving the lives of local people.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Former VRA CEO To Chair Ministerial Roundtable On Just Energy Transition At Africa Energy Forum In Kenya
A former Chief Executive Officer of the Volta River Authority, Mr Kweku Awotwi, will on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, chair a Ministerial Roundtable discussion on Energy Transition at the 25th Africa Energy Forum to be hosted in Kenya, East Africa.
The Ministerial Roundtable discussion will focus on the theme: ‘The Just Energy Transition -How Far Can Africa Go’.
It will feature Daniel Schroth, Director, Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency, AfDB, and Honourable Davis Chirchir, Cabinet Secretary for Energy & Petroleum, Republic of Kenya, H.E. Honourable Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Mineral Resources & Energy – Republic of South Africa, H.E Honourable Dr Eng. Habtamu Itefa Geleta, Minister of Water & Energy – Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and H.E. Honourable Bruno Kapandji, Président’s Chargé de Mission – Agency for the Development & Promotion of the Grand Inga Project (ADPI-RDC), Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Others are H.E. Honourable Oswald Séverin Mayounou, Minister of Energy & Hydraulic Resources – Gabonese Republic , H.E. Honourable Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Minister of Energy & Mineral Development – Republic of Uganda, H.E. Honourable Ibrahim Matola, Minister of Energy – Republic of Malawi, H.E. Honourable Gervacio Engonga Mba Nfumu, Minister of Power & Renewable Energy – Republic of Equatorial Guinea and H.E. Honourable Antonio Oburu Ondo, Minister of Mines & Hydrocarbons – Republic of Equatorial Guinea.
The rest are H.E. Honourable Abdoulie Jobe, Minister of Petroleum & Energy – Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Honourable Adelino Cardoso, Minister of Infrastructure, Natural Resources & Environment – Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe and H.E. Honourable Aly Iboura Moussa, Minister of Energy, Water & Hydrocarbons – Union of Comoros
Mr Awotwi has over 20 years of experience working in the power, oil and gas and mining sectors in Ghana and beyond.
He is the co-founder and Director of Cenpower Generation Company, an independent power producer in Ghana.
He is currently the Board Chairman of United Bank for Africa.
Profile of Mr. Kweku Awotwi
Kweku A. Awotwi is currently the Board Chairman of United Bank for Africa (Ghana) Ltd, the Multimedia Group Ltd in Ghana, and the non-profit sports for development organization, Playsoccer Ghana which he co-founded in 1999.
He has been the past Board Chairman of Stanbic Bank (Ghana) Ltd (2012 – 2018), Ghana’s Volta River Authority (2017-2021), and a Board member of several energy and mining organizations across Africa.
An electrical engineer by training, Kweku started out his career designing integrated circuits for ITT and GE/RCA respectively between 1984-1988. He worked for Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation between 1990-1998, where he left as Business Manager of the Primary Aluminum Business Unit; served as Managing Director, Strategic Planning & New Business Development for Ashanti Goldfields Company from 1998-2004; Chief Executive of Ghana’s Volta River Authority (2009-2013); and most recently, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Tullow Oil plc (UK) and Tullow Ghana Ltd, respectively from 2018- 2020.
In between these corporate assignments, he has been involved in a number of entrepreneurial ventures in energy and mining across Africa. These include a US$1 Billion 375 MW independent power project, Cenpower Generation, which he co-founded and developed, and which reached commercial operation in 2019; a start-up oil and gas exploration company, Midway Resources, where he was CEO and laid the foundation of several licence and asset acquisitions in East and West Africa; an electricity meter factory in Kaduna, Nigeria which became operational in 2021; and a South African gold mining company reverse listed into a Hong-Kong listed public company.
Mr. Awotwi has an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, Stanford, California, and a B.S in Electrical Engineering, Economics and Political Science from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: VRA Employees Mentor Tema Manhean Senior High Tech. Students On Career
Employees of the Volta River Authority (VRA) have held a two-day career talk programme for the students of the Tema Manhean Senior High Technical School in the school.
The educative programme, which is aimed at helping the beneficiaries to know who they are and to further prepare them for their future careers, is part of the Employee Volunteer Programme (EVP) of VRA, Ghana’s largest power generation company.
The mentors took the students through tailored sessions which included Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Mental Health, Career Guidance and ICT Boot all in a bid to help to contribute to the beneficiaries’ future development.
Prince Tawiah, the Principal Systems Administrator of VRA, and Ms. Felicity Dzordzorme, a graduate teacher at the Akosombo International School, took the students through the plenary session and phase two of the EVP respectively.
The EVP, Samuel Binifo, the Headmaster of Tema Manhean Senior High Technical School, in his opening remarks, said would enable the students to believe in themselves and be disciplined as they develop.
He expressed the belief that students’ development is better moulded when they are privileged to have people holding responsible positions in their fields of expertise talk to students most of whom do not know themselves.
“I would encourage you to learn from our guests who have become who they are today through discipline, hard work, dedication and focus. If you will study hard and take their advice to you, you are likely to become like them,” Mr. Binifo told his students.
He thanked his guests for choosing his school out of the 46 second-cycle institutions in the Greater Accra Region for the 2023 EVP.
Samuel Fletcher, the Community Relations Manager, VRA, after a brief highlight of the operations of VRA which he said included, generating electricity for onward transmission and distribution to consumers and with a vision of becoming a model of excellence for power generation in Africa, explained the importance of the students to VRA “because you are one of our key stakeholders in our operational areas.”
Consequently, the EVP, he said was initiated to take care of VRA’s communities “and once we have students living in our communities, we need to engage them through career guidance.”
Mr. Fletcher said Tema Manhean Senior High Technical School was the second school the EVP had been taken to in the Tema area after the Kpone Community Day School last year.
The next stop for the EVP is the Ahantaman SHS, Western Region, and as part of the school’s upcoming anniversary, Mr. Fletcher said his outfit had supported the Ahantaman SHS with prizes for the best student.
“This year, we will be visiting three schools. We are doing Tema today. We will go to our next school, which is Ahantaman SHS. Our third school will come later and we believe that our CSR programmes will benefit our students who are the future leaders of our country,” he told the media in an interview.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Sultan Al Jaber Is The Right Leader For United Nations Climate Conference (COP28)(Opinion)
By: NJ Ayuk, Executive Director, African Energy Chamber
The backlash in recent days about the selection of Sultan Al Jaber, chief executive of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), to serve as president of the next United Nations Climate Conference (COP28) has been quite… dramatic.
The decision to have him lead the conference has been described as “a fox watching the henhouse,” asking “arms dealers to lead peace talks,” and “putting the head of a tobacco company in charge of negotiating an anti-smoking treaty.”
Tasneem Essop, the executive director of Climate Action Network International, went further, saying,” He cannot preside over a process that is tasked to address the climate crisis with such a conflict of interest, heading an industry that is responsible for the crisis itself. If he does not step down as CEO, it will be tantamount to a full-scale capture of the UN climate talks by a petrostate national oil company and its associated fossil fuel lobbyists.”
And Tzeporah Berman, chair of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, told ABC News that the selection of Al Jaber to oversee COP28 is a “devastating blow to the climate negotiations at a critical moment in history.”
I could go on, but instead, I’d like to describe why I think those views are wrong-headed and why the African Energy Chamber supports Al Jaber’s selection.
Frankly, I’ve seen rhetoric like this before, only it was about the “grave dangers posed by fossil fuels”, the “evils of the oil and gas industry”, and how “Africa’s vulnerable populations must be protected from ongoing oil and gas production” and their role in triggering climate-related disasters.
I realize that the protests we’re seeing in Al Jaber’s case are based on the belief that, like oil and water, the petroleum industry and meaningful climate change prevention simply don’t mix.
But that assumption is false. If we’re going to have a just transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, we’ll need both. We’ll need fossil fuels to ensure energy security and drive industrialization in developing nations, even as the world works to pull together the necessary investments, infrastructure, and governance to make a world fueled by renewable energy work.
Al Jaber understands that. He’s witnessed the painful results of divesting from fossil fuels prematurely — just look at the energy crisis in Europe — and he’s calling for a more pragmatic approach to protecting the world from climate change. He’s calling for an approach that doesn’t worsen energy poverty and hinder economic growth. As he brilliantly wrote in August, “Our ultimate goal should be to hold back emissions, not progress.”
Yes, Al Jaber is an oil and gas industry leader, and ADNOC has no intention of stopping production in the short term. But, then again, drilling is not the world-threatening activity that environmental organizations make it out to be. And Al Jaber is more than an oil company leader, he’s also the chairman of the rapidly growing global renewable energy company, Masdar. And he has spoken openly about the importance of significantly curbing greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to all of that, Al Jaber is a good man and a friend to Africa. I am certain that he is an excellent choice to lead COP28.
Bringing Renewables to the World
The renewable energy company that Al Jaber leads, Masdar is a model of the important role the petroleum industry can take in moving the world closer to widespread renewable energy usage.
The company was formed with the goal of diversifying the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) economy and energy industry, and its shareholders include ADNOC, Mubadala Investment Company, and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA).
Today, Masdar is active in over 40 countries and invested in projects valued at more than USD20 billion.
A few examples of the company’s impact, just in the last few weeks, include:
- The company has signed an agreement with Kyrgyzstan’s energy ministry to develop clean energy projects with the capacity to generate 1 gigawatt (GW). The first of these projects will be a 200-megawatt solar energy plant set to begin operations in 2026.
- Masdar signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with four Dutch companies to explore strategies for establishing a green hydrogen supply chain from Abu Dhabi to the Netherlands. This ties in with Masdar’s plans to begin focusing on green hydrogen to achieve 100 GW renewable energy capacity and green hydrogen production of 1 million tons per annum annually by 2030.
- Masdar signed an MOU and a joint development agreement with Zambian utility, Zesco, to develop 2GW of solar PV in Zambia. Phase One of the projects is 500MW of large-scale solar PV. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema says the projects with Masdar will provide USD2 billion of capital to the country.
- Also on Jan. 18, Masdar signed an agreement with Ethiopia to jointly develop a 500MW solar project.
Nigeria: Daily Fuel Consumption Drops From 66M To 40M
The daily fuel consumption in the Federal Republic of Nigeria has dropped from 65 million to 40 million barely two weeks after the West African nation’s new President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidies.
The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, according to Vanguard, disclosed this after the inauguration of the National Economic Council (NEC) on Thursday, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The government deliberated and looked at all the issues on subsidy removal, the challenges and problems holistically and set up a small committee of the council to review and come up with a term of reference that will help to alleviate the problem of workers and other vulnerable groups,’’ Bala Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi State told journalists after the meeting.
According to him, the committee is composed of Governors of Kebbi state, as Chairman, Anambra representing the South East geopolitical zone. Benue North Central, Kaduna Northwest, Bauchi, representing the northeast, Cross River, South-South and Oyo state South west.
“As part of the inaugural national economic council meeting today, the major focus was on the removal of petroleum subsidy and implied the removal of subsidy on foreign exchange, which has led to some convergence of some sort.
“The impact of these two actions definitely is increased prices. And as a way to solve the problem and reduce the shock, a presentation was made by the National Automotive Design and Development Council on the great things that are happening in the automotive industry.
“It was that about six states in the country, including Lagos, Ogun, Anambra, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Kaduna and Kano that have benefited from domestic production of vehicles or assembling of vehicles by Nigerian companies operating in Nigeria. And these companies include INNOSON, Maikano, Dangote Peugeot, Peugeot Automobile of Nigeria, Stallion Hyundai, Honda, Elizade/Toyota, Coscharis and Ford, Kojo Motors, Jet Systems motors.”
While he said Tinubu’s administration should be commended for its efforts to remove subsidy and still help create palliatives, Otti disclosed that the consumption of fuel has reduced in the country.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: GOIL Maintains Petrol, Diesel Prices For Second Window
Ghana’s leading indigenous Oil Marketing Company, GOIL, has maintained the price of both petrol and diesel for the second pricing window effective today, June 16,2023.
This means that from today up to June 30, 2023, fuel consumers will still be buying a litre of petrol and diesel at Gh¢12.45.
Fuel prices are reviewed every two weeks in the West African nation.
During the first pricing window that is June 1, GOIL, Shell and TotalEnergies sold both petrol and diesel at Gh¢12.45 per litre.
NPA’s estimates for finished products for petrol had been between US$828 and US$ 826 per metric tonne while diesel prices had been between US$691 and US$697 per metric tonne for the past two weeks.
Crude oil prices had also been between US$69 and $75 per barrel for the past two weeks.
The exchange rate is one of the key determinants of setting fuel prices.
The local currency Cedi has depreciated against the major trading currency-dollar in the past two weeks.
Given this, Fuel prices should have been adjusted upward.
It is therefore not clear why GOIL Plc. maintained fuel prices for the second pricing.
But this portal can say however that GOIL may have absorbed the anticipated increases because the company takes some of its stock from government’s gold for oil programme.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Bui Power Authority To Start Construction Of 50MW Solar PV Farm In Yendi
The Bui Power Authority is planning to construct a 50MW Solar PV Farm in Yendi in the Northern Region of Ghana, energynewsafrica.com. can report.
The contractor for the project has already been selected and groundbreaking is expected to be done soon.
The project will be sited near GRIDCo’s substation in Yendi to ensure easy transmission of power upon completion.
The Chief Executive Officer of Bui Power Authority (BPA), Mr. Samuel Kofi Dzamesi, who disclosed this in a speech he read at a round-table discussion organised in Accra by Huawei, a Chinese leading global provider of ICT infrastructure and smart devices, stated that the project would include 5km of transmission lines.
This, he said, is to enable vast improvement of electricity distribution in the Dagbon area.
Mr Dzamesi noted that every solar plant requires a base load and, hence, the Authority had concluded the selection of a consultant to do total feasibility studies on the three western rivers namely, Pra, Ankobra and Tano and Wli Waterfall for additional hydropower to complement the Bui hydro.
“We hope to have a close on the award by 18 months to me,” he said.
He said BPA’s goal is to diversify Ghana’s energy mix, reduce carbon emissions and contribute to the country’s sustainable development objectives.
“We are exploring wind, solar and other clean energy sources, aiming to meet the increasing demand for electricity in an environmentally conscious manner,” he concluded.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya To Host The 25th Africa Energy Forum Next Week
The prestigious Africa Energy Forum (aef) is set to take place from 20th to 23rd June this year at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and its State Agencies are collaborating with Energynet to host the event in the Country.
It marks the first time Kenya will host this esteemed energy forum that brings together key stakeholders and thought leaders in the energy sector from around the world. With a reputation of being the most meaningful gathering of decision-makers in African energy, the aef serves as a platform for partnerships, identifying opportunities and propelling the industry forward.
Under the theme “Africa for Africa – Building Energy for the Just Transition,” the 25th Africa Energy Forum aims to foster a deeper understanding of the continent’s energy requirements while emphasizing the vital role of international investors in meeting these needs.
This highly anticipated event brings together government officials, utilities, regulators, development finance institutions, commercial banks, power developers, technology providers, engineering, procurement, construction companies (EPCs), and professional services. By converging and sharing insights, participants will forge partnerships and drive positive change in Africa’s energy sector.
KenGen, one of Kenya’s leading energy utilities, is the country host for the 25th aef.
This further cement its position as a key player in the energy sector in Kenya and Africa.
Kenya has recently become a beacon of renewable energy deployment, showcasing its commitment to a sustainable and environmentally friendly future. Notably, Kenya has made significant progress in diversifying its energy mix, with geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar power accounting for 81% of the nation’s electrical generation.
Kenya’s impressive utilization of geothermal energy, which constitutes over half of its low-carbon electricity, has positioned the Country as a frontrunner in the field. In fact, Kenya releases excess geothermal energy during periods of low electricity demand, a testament to its abundant resources.
The Country’s installed geothermal capacity is projected to expand by at least eightfold, opening doors for expanding green manufacturing capacity and exporting surplus electricity to neighbouring nations. KenGen’s participation in the forum presents valuable opportunities for collaboration with investors, sector partners, and industry experts, driving the advancement of sustainable energy solutions.
Additionally, the event will witness the launch of the Youth Energy Summit (YES!), empowering and providing tools for the African youth to succeed in the energy industry.
KenGen and the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) have been instrumental in developing renewable energy in Kenya.
The two entities have played a pivotal role in strengthening the Country’s geothermal production capacity, contributing significantly to the progress of the energy industry.
Other utilities involved in Kenya’s energy sector include the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO), the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NUPEA) and the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
KPLC ensures reliable electricity distribution and supply, KETRACO facilitates efficient transmission of electricity, REREC extends electricity access to rural areas and promotes renewable energy adoption, NUPEA is involved in nuclear power project development and implementation, while EPRA is an independent regulatory authority responsible for technical and economic regulation of electricity, petroleum and renewable energy sub-sectors in Kenya.
The 25th Africa Energy Forum will feature distinguished keynote speakers, including Simon Gosling, Managing Director of EnergyNet, who will deliver the opening remarks on behalf of aef & YES! The event will include welcome statements from Honourable Davis Chirchir, Cabinet Secretary for Energy & Petroleum, and Honourable Ababu Namwamba, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Sports, and the Arts, representing the Republic of Kenya.
Other speakers include Joseph Nganga, Vice President for Africa at the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), a founding partner of YES, who will provide scene-setting remarks.
The Africa Energy Forum 2023 promises to be a landmark event, driving innovation and collaboration in the energy sector in Africa.
It will serve as a catalyst for advancing sustainable energy solutions, fostering partnerships, and shaping the future of Africa’s energy landscape.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Huawei Partners Bui Power Authority To Leverage On Technology
The Chinese leading global provider of ICT infrastructure and smart devices, Huawei, is partnering with Bui Power Authority (BPA), Ghana’s second-largest power generation company, to enable them to leverage technology in its operations.
Bui Power Authority operates 404 Megawatts Hydro Electric Power Dam located on the Bui River in the Savannah Region, 5MW of Floating Solar PV plant on the Bui Dam reservoir and also developing a 250MW solar power plant of which 50MW is currently supplying power to the national grid.
The company also operates the Tsatsadu 45kW mini hydro power plant at Alavanyo Abehenease in the Hohoe Municipality in the Volta Region.
It is in the light of ensuring efficiency in the operations of these power infrastructures through technology that Huawei has partnered with the BPA.
On Wednesday, June 14, 2023, BPA and Huawei held a round table discussion where a section of Ghanaian journalists was allowed to interact with officials of the two institutions.
Speaking at the event, Edison Xie, Vice President of Corporate Communication at Huawei, said, “Our partnership with BPA is the reflection of the amalgamation of the determination to develop hydro energy and other renewable energy sources and to harness the benefits of ICTs that are propelling Ghana on its growth trajectory.”
He stated that Huawei is privileged to be part of the digital transformation journey in Ghana and is excited about the boundless possibilities that the future holds in Ghana with pumping power and energising growth.
According to him, Huawei’s eLTE solution installed at Bui Dam exemplifies how ICTs can optimise operations and enhance efficiency.
This broadband private network provides wireless coverage across the entire site, enabling real-time communication between the control office and the on-site workforce, and improving response times to maintenance requests and emergencies.
“This eLTE solution serves as the cornerstone of Bui Power Authority’s digital operation and supervision. It tackles the challenge of information silos by integrating and consolidating data from various sources, thus, enhancing coordination and decision-making within the organisation,” Mr. Xie said.
He added that Huawei’s solution can support the smooth evolution of the hydropower station to be a truly intelligent power production system, making sites safer and more efficient, to lay the groundwork for future intelligent solutions like water level detection and flow monitoring.
“Our work at the Bui hydro-solar hybrid dam reflects our efforts in leveraging the power of 5G, AI, and the Cloud to transform industries across the globe. Digital transformation is key to ensuring that industries can become more productive and can’t,” he emphasised.
In his remarks, the CEO of Bui Power Authority, Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi said, “To augment Ghana’s hydro generation, BPA has embarked on landmark initiatives which include the 250MWp Solar Project, out of which 50MWp have already been developed and connected to the National Interconnected Transmission System.
“I am glad to say that the Bui Solar Park uses the Huawei inverters and battery system, the first of its kind to be deployed in Africa,” he added.
In a speech read on behalf of the Minister for Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, by the Technical Advisor to the Minister, Mr Kwabena Tandoh praised the collaboration between BPA & Huawei.
He further stated the deployment of Solar Plants within the Bui enclave demonstrates the success of the government’s strategy in developing renewable sources and utilising next-generation systems to provide stable access and supply of electricity for all Ghanaians.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com