Ghana: ECG To Invest $1.1 Billion In Distribution Network Over Next Five Years; Seeks Approval For 225% Increase In Distribution Service Charge
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced plans to invest $1.1 billion in its distribution network over the next five years to improve power supply, this portal can confirm.
According to ECG, the planned investment will cover projects aimed at enhancing electricity reliability, reducing technical losses, improving revenue collection, and addressing other operational areas.
Of the total $1.6 billion investment plan, the allocation is as follows:$426 million for reliability improvement projects, $89 million for technical loss and voltage improvement projects, $925 million for commercial and revenue improvement projects, and $182 million for other distribution network-related projects.
Out of the total amount, donors and the Government of Ghana are expected to contribute $222 million, with the remaining $1.4 billion to be funded through tariff provisions.
As a result, ECG has proposed to the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to increase its distribution service charge from Ghp19.03 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to Ghp64.80 per kWh, representing a 225% increase for the 2025–2029 Multi-Year Tariff Review period.
ECG has already invested $408 million since 2022 in substations, system automation, and the deployment of 1 million smart meters.
The company plans to roll out an additional 3.1 million smart meters if the new tariff is approved.
The company assures customers of improved billing accuracy, free replacement of faulty meters, faster complaint resolution, and enhanced voltage supply.
The PURC began tariff consultations on Monday, with civil society organizations (CSOs) and media representatives in attendance.
The commission will make its final decision after the stakeholder consultation process is completed.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Global Investment In Electricity To Hit USD 1.5 Trillion By End Of 2025 – IEA Report
Investment in the electricity sector is projected to reach USD 1.5 trillion by the end of 2025, which is 50% higher than the total amount being spent on bringing oil, natural gas, and coal to market, according to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) World Energy Investment 2025 report.
The report notes that spending on low-emissions power generation has nearly doubled over the past five years.
“Led by solar, investment in both utility-scale and rooftop solar is expected to reach USD 450 billion in 2025, making it the single largest item in our inventory of global energy investment,” the IEA stated.
Regarding nuclear power, the report highlights a notable resurgence, with investment rising by 50% over the past five years. Approvals of new gas-fired power plants are also increasing. Investment in new nuclear plants and refurbishment is set to exceed USD 70 billion, with expectations for further growth driven by rising interest in emerging technologies, such as small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs).
However, the report warns that investment in electricity grids is struggling to keep pace with power demand and the accelerated deployment of renewables.
“Each year, around USD 400 billion is now spent on grids worldwide, compared with around USD 1 billion on generation assets,” it noted.
On the oil sector, the report emphasizes that investment is largely driven by oil prices and demand expectations. It projects a 6% decline in upstream investment in 2025, continuing the year-on-year downward trend that began with the COVID-19 slump in 2020.
In contrast, investment in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities is on an upward trajectory.
The report also highlights that investment in low-emissions fuels is set to reach a new high in 2025.
However, at less than USD 30 billion, it remains relatively small in absolute terms and is highly dependent on supportive policy and regulatory frameworks.
When discussing the cost trends for clean technologies, the report noted a resumption of strong downward pressure on prices. While supply chain pressures persist, particularly for grid materials and in the oil and gas sectors, prices for clean energy equipment have fallen significantly.
The IEA’s Clean Energy Equipment Price Index reached a record low in early 2024, showing a 60% decline compared to a decade ago. Prices for Chinese solar panels and wind turbines have fallen by 60% and 50% respectively since 2022. In contrast, wind turbine costs in Europe have risen.
Despite elevated geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, this tenth edition of the IEA’s World Energy Investment report shows that total capital flows into the energy sector are set to rise to USD 3.3 trillion in 2025, a 2% real-term increase over 2024.
Of this, around USD 2.2 trillion is going collectively to renewables, nuclear, grids, storage, low-emissions fuels, energy efficiency, and electrification — twice as much as the USD 1.1 trillion going into oil, natural gas, and coal.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Congo Signs $23 Billion Hydrocarbon Deal With China’s Wing Wah
The Republic of the Congo has signed a $23 billion hydrocarbon deal with Chinese oil and gas company Wing Wah for the integrated development of the Banga Kayo, Holmoni and Cayo permits, aiming to raise national oil output to 200,000 bpd by 2030.
The agreement was officially signed by Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons of Congo, Jean-Jacques Bouya, Minister of State of Congo and Xiao Lianping, President General, Wing Wah in August.
Through the pact, Congo is looking to ramp up cumulative production across the three permits to more than 1.3 billion barrels by 2050. The deal is a central pillar in the country’s broader economic and financial strategy, committing over $23 billion in investment and promising substantial fiscal and para-fiscal revenues.
The project also includes an integrated gas monetization component, with multi-phase expansion of LNG, LPG, butane and propane production capacity–intended to satisfy both domestic demand and exports.
The integrated nature of the development includes scalable gas treatment infrastructure, on-site power generation and water-management systems–all designed for efficiency and community benefit.
Wing Wah has already established a significant presence in Congo via its development of the Banga Kayo field. This onshore permit currently comprises around 237–250 drilled wells and produces approximately 45,000 bpd, approaching a peak output of 50,000–80,000 bpd.
The Republic of Congo took a significant step towards maximizing its hydrocarbon resources with the signing of an amended Production Sharing Contract (PSC) between Minister of Hydrocarbons Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua and China’s Wing Wah Oil Company for the Banga Kayo block last year.
This move marked the beginning of development at the block and underscored the country’s commitment to tapping into its untapped resources.
The amended PSC outlined a three-phase development plan, demonstrating the importance of public-private partnerships in developing oil and gas projects in Africa, providing a clear path to resource monetization.
“The Republic of the Congo is aggressively developing its oil and gas resources, led by its Ministry of Hydrocarbons,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “The country’s rapid approach to resource development serves as a model for other African nations rich in natural resources. With ambitious plans to increase production capacity, Congo is set to unlock new opportunities for sustainable economic growth through strategic oil and gas investments.”
Source: Worldoil.com
Ghana: NEDCo To Resume Meter Monitoring During Non-Regular Working Hours From Sept. 10
The Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) has announced that, starting Wednesday, September 10, 2025, it will resume its rigorous meter monitoring exercises outside regular working hours across the northern zone.
According to a statement issued by Maxwell Kotoka, Head of Corporate Communications at NEDCo, the exercise is primarily aimed at detecting illegal electricity connections, which continue to cause significant financial losses to the company.
The statement explained that authorized NEDCo staff will conduct unannounced visits to customers’ premises during non-regular working hours to inspect electricity meters.
It clarified that there is no law prohibiting staff from performing legitimate duties outside standard working hours.
NEDCo emphasised that these inspections will be carried out professionally, with no form of harassment or intimidation, and urged customers to remain calm and cooperative.
The monitoring exercise was temporarily suspended a few weeks ago to allow for broader stakeholder engagement following public concerns.
NEDCo also advised consumers to conserve electricity and use it responsibly to avoid higher electricity bills, rather than resorting to illegal connections, which could ultimately cripple the company.
The company called on all customers to fully cooperate to ensure the success of the monitoring exercise.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Tanzania: PH, Igombe Hotels Caught Using Electricity Illegally
The Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) has apprehended PH Hotel and Igombe Hotel, located in Morogoro Province in eastern Tanzania, for engaging in electricity theft, popularly known as illegal connection.
The two hotels were caught during a nationwide special audit operation conducted by TANESCO.
During the inspection, TANESCO’s team discovered that a T2 meter had been tampered with and connected using loose wires, allowing the hotels to use electricity without proper billing.
This illegal activity has resulted in significant revenue loss for the company.
TANESCO is currently investigating the matter to determine the amount of electricity consumed illegally and to take appropriate legal action against those responsible.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
During the inspection, TANESCO’s team discovered that a T2 meter had been tampered with and connected using loose wires, allowing the hotels to use electricity without proper billing.
This illegal activity has resulted in significant revenue loss for the company.
TANESCO is currently investigating the matter to determine the amount of electricity consumed illegally and to take appropriate legal action against those responsible.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: PETROSOL Confirms Loss Of A Life After Accident Involving Company Vehicle
PETROSOL Platinum Energy Limited, one of Ghana’s leading OMCs, has confirmed the loss of a life following an accident involving one of its fleet vehicles in Accra, capital of Ghana, on Sunday morning, September 7, 2025.
The company did not provide details of the victim, citing respect for the privacy of the bereaved families.
Two other victims are currently on admission receiving medical care.
The company expressed deep concern about the tragic outcome of this morning’s incident and extended its deepest condolences to the grieving families.
“Out of profound respect for the families’ privacy, we will not be providing specific details on the conditions of the individuals involved. We are focused on providing our full support to the family and continuing our cooperation with the Ghana Police Service,” PETROSOL said in an update on its earlier statement on the incident.
According to the company, its internal investigation, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, has established its vehicle that was involved in the accident was taken without authorisation from its head office premises by a security guard on duty.
The company explained that the security man in question is not an employee of PETROSOL but rather an employee of a third-party security agency contracted to guard its facility.
“These actions were carried out without the knowledge or consent of PETROSOL and constitute a serious breach of the trust we place in our service providers,” the company said.
The company emphasised that it is engaging with the management of the contracted security agency to address this grave matter.
The company expressed its unwavering commitment to the families affected by the tragedy and assured them of continued support.
“We are cooperating fully with the Ghana Police Service to ensure the individual involved is held accountable and that their investigation proceeds swiftly,” the statement concluded.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: NUPENG Declares Strike Over Dangote Refinery’s Alleged Anti-Labour Practices
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has announced a nationwide strike starting Monday, September 8, 2025, in protest against alleged “modern slavery” practices at Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest petroleum refinery.
In a joint statement issued on September 7, 2025, by NUPENG President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olufemi, the union accused the Dangote Group of barring drivers of its 4,000 CNG-powered trucks from joining any union, a move the union strongly opposes.
NUPENG specifically condemned the creation of the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA), calling it a management-backed outfit aimed at weakening union influence.
The union insists that DTCDA is not a legitimate union but rather a vehicle formed to restrict drivers’ rights to free association.
NUPENG labeled the development as an attempt to impose exploitative labor conditions, warning that “any worker who cannot exercise the right of association is no better than a slave.”
Despite opposition to the strike by both DTCDA and the Petrol Tanker Drivers arm, NUPENG has vowed to remain united and defend workers’ rights.
NUPENG called on the public to stand against what it terms a dangerous return to “slavish” working conditions in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The management of Dangote Refinery is yet to respond to these allegations.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Petrosol Probes Sunday Morning Accident Involving Company Vehicle
PETROSOL Platinum Energy Limited, one of the leading OMCs in Ghana, has announced that it has commenced an urgent internal investigation following an accident involving one of its fleets in Accra, the capital of Ghana, on Sunday morning, September 7, 2025.
In a statement issued by the management, the company expressed deep concern about the incident which reportedly resulted in injuries.
To the victims, the company said, “Our thoughts are with the individuals and families affected.”
According to the company, the safety of the community where it operates remains its highest priority.
The company noted that it is fully cooperating with the Ghana Police Service as they conduct their official inquiries into the incident, assuring all that “this matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness.
“We are committed to transparency and will provide verified updates as soon as more information becomes available,” the statement concluded.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Equatorial Guinea To Launch 2026 Upstream Licensing Round In Cape Town
Equatorial Guinea will launch its highly anticipated EG Ronda 2026 licensing round at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) in Cape Town, South Africa.
The licensing round forms part of the country’s broader strategy to revitalize its upstream sector, attract new investment and unlock exploration and production opportunities offshore.
In preparation for EG Ronda 2026, the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mining Development has partnered with U.K.-based Searcher Seismic on a $60 million program to acquire and reprocess 2D and 3D seismic data across uncharted acreage.
The initiative aims to provide prospective investors with high-quality datasets, de-risking exploration and highlight frontier potential across Equatorial Guinea’s offshore basins.
The licensing round comes at a pivotal moment for Equatorial Guinea, with a series of recent developments underscoring renewed international interest in the country’s oil and gas sector.
In June 2025, energy major ConocoPhillips transported its inaugural LNG cargo from the Punta Europa facility, advancing the country’s flagship Gas Mega Hub initiative.
Following its 2024 acquisition of Marathon Oil, ConocoPhillips now holds interests in the Alba Unit and Block D, securing long-term participation in both gas and liquid development.
This company is also undergoing an infill drilling campaign in Alba Block, Independent operator Trident Energy continues to deliver strong results from Block G – home to the Ceiba and Okume fields – where it holds a 40.375% operated stake.
In late 2024, the company brought online its first infill well and is enhancing subsea integrity through a digital twin solution developed with Canadian technology firm Enaimco.
Upstream oil company Kosmos Energy, a partner in Block G with a 40% participating interest, recently completed an exploration drilling campaign and is reprocessing seismic data with advanced technology to high-grade future opportunities.
Both companies are focused on sustaining production while de-risking future development, reinforcing Equatorial Guinea’s status as a hub for upstream investment.
Panoro Energy has also expanded its footprint with the signing of a production sharing contract (PSC) for Block EG-23, in partnership with Equatorial Guinea’s national oil company (NOC) GEPetrol.
The shallow-water block covers 600km2 and holds an estimated 104 million barrels of oil and condensate and 215 billion cubic feet of gas in contingent resources.
Panoro Energy is initially undertaking subsurface studies before moving into exploration drilling, highlighting the untapped potential of Equatorial Guinea’s offshore acreage.
Meanwhile, hydrocarbon exploration company Vaalco Energy is advancing development of Block P, which holds the Venus discovery and over 20 million bbls of recoverable oil. With a final investment decision expected soon, the project is targeting first oil in 2026 and peak output in 2028.
Chevron recently signed two new PSCs for Blocks EG-06 and EG-11, representing a $2 billion investment with NOC GEPetrol.
Located near the Zafiro field, the blocks include deepwater acreage and a prior discovery at Avestruz-1. The agreements underscore the renewed confidence of international majors in Equatorial Guinea’s resource base and fiscal environment, as the country positions itself for a new era of exploration-led growth.
On the regulatory side, Equatorial Guinea is focused on being highly competitive on a global scale. Essential regimes have just gone or are going under a revision for optimization.
The oil and gas companies were very instrumental to the recent reform of the Tax Regime, as well as the reform of the Labor Regime. The reform of the Petroleum Regime is said to be active by the end of the year 2025.
“EG Ronda 2026 represents a major step in unlocking Equatorial Guinea’s offshore and onshore potential. It will attract leading investors, drive exploration and stimulate sustainable growth. We are committed to offering world-class fiscal and regulatory terms to support this development” commented Minister Ondo.
Source: Worldoil.com
The Gambia Signs MoU With ISA To Accelerate Solar Deployment
The Gambia has signed a partnership framework with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to accelerate the deployment of solar energy initiatives aimed at increasing electricity access in the West African nation.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on Wednesday during the Seventh ISA Regional Meeting for the Africa Region in Accra, Ghana, will strengthen The Gambia’s efforts to align solar policy and regulation with national priorities.
The MoU was signed by the Minister for Petroleum, Energy, and Mines, Hon. Nani Juwara, on behalf of The Gambia, and Mr. Ashish Khanna, Director-General of ISA, on behalf of the Alliance.
The partnership will prioritize several key areas: developing a national solar energy roadmap; promoting rooftop solar systems, community mini-grids and agri-based solutions; technical assistance on sustainable business models for solar-powered irrigation; providing expertise in scalable and resilient business models; advancing innovative solar technologies for productive use; and enhancing institutional and stakeholder capacity through training and knowledge exchange.
In 2024, The Gambia commissioned a 23-megawatt peak solar plant located in Jambur, Kombo South District, West Coast Region. Plans are also advanced for the commencement of several other solar projects as part of efforts to attain universal electricity access by 2026.
Speaking to this portal, Minister Nani Juwara stated: “We are developing a regional solar park of 150MW and already, the tender for the first phase of 50MW has been launched, and evaluation of bids is ongoing. The second phase of 100MW will be tendered in early 2026.
“Through the support of the European Union and European Investment Bank, we are implementing the solarization of 1,100 schools and health facilities in The Gambia. We’ve also secured funding through UNDP to construct a mini-grid in the island community of Jinak in the North Bank Region of the country,” he added.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ukraine Drones Hit One Of Russia’s Biggest Refineries
Ukraine attacked with drones Rosneft’s Ryazan refinery in Russia, again, the commander of Ukraine’s drone forces, Robert Brovdi, said on Friday, as eyewitnesses reported explosions, a fire, and thick smoke near the refinery in the region southeast of Moscow.
The Ryazan refinery operated by oil giant Rosneft is one of the biggest crude processing plants in Russia with a capacity to process more than 260,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude—or 5% of Russia’s refining capacity.
Ukraine also attacked early on Friday an oil depot in the Luhansk region, which is occupied by Russia, the Ukrainian army said.
The hit on the Ryazan refinery is one of several Rosneft has sustained at its facility this year, including a drone hit in August, when Ukraine intensified attacks against key energy infrastructure in Russia.
Several refineries in Russia sustained damages during Ukrainian drone strikes last month.
Ukraine also targeted in August Rosneft’s Saratov Refinery in the Volga region with the capacity to process 140,000 bpd of crude. The facility had to temporarily suspend intake of crude and processing operations.
A Lukoil refinery in the Russian city of Volgograd caught fire after being hit by Ukrainian drones in the middle of August. The Volgograd refinery is Lukoil’s second-biggest crude processing facility in Russia and a key fuel supplier to the southern federal district in the country.
Over the past four weeks, Ukrainian drones have caused various degrees of damage at at least half a dozen refineries in Russia and at the fuel loading and gas processing complex at the Ust-Luga port on the Russian Baltic Sea. Repairs at the most seriously damaged unit at Ust-Luga could take up to six months, according to reports.
Due to crippled domestic operating refining capacity, Russia is expected to sharply increase crude oil exports in the coming weeks.
Source: oilprice.com
India Vows To Keep Buying Russian Crude Oil
India will continue buying crude from Russia as it looks to cater to its interests, Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Friday, amid U.S. pressure over India’s Russian crude purchases.
“Where we buy our oil from, especially a big-ticket foreign exchange item where we pay so much, highest in terms of import, we will have to take a call on what suits us best,” Sitharaman told the News18 television channel on Friday. “We will undoubtedly be buying.” India looks at the economics of its oil imports and will keep buying Russian oil as long as it’s economically justified, various Indian officials have said in recent weeks, defying U.S. pressure. Earlier this week, Indian Oil Minister Indian Hardeep Singh Puri said that India is not profiteering from importing Russian crude, it actually helps keep global oil prices in check. “India’s adherence to all international norms prevented a catastrophic $200 per barrel shock,” Puri wrote in a column in The Hindu newspaper on Monday. “Some critics allege that India has become a ‘laundromat’ for Russian oil. Nothing could be further from the truth,” the minister said. Peter Navarro, the White House senior counselor for trade and manufacturing, told Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures that India is “nothing but a laundromat for the Kremlin”, referring to New Delhi importing cheap Russian oil and selling the refined fuels at higher prices in Europe and Asia. India hasn’t broken any rules on Russian oil, the Indian minister said, adding that it has “stabilized markets and kept global prices from spiraling.” The heated remarks over India’s role in Russian oil trade came as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was meeting early this week with China’s President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a security summit in China. Meanwhile, India’s refiners are expected to import more Russian crude in September compared to August levels as discounts are deepening amid Russia’s constrained refining capacity due to Ukrainian drone strikes, traders told Reuters last week. Source: Oilprice.comTullow Oil Plc Appoints Ian Perks As New CEO
UK-listed, Africa-focused independent oil and gas company Tullow Oil Plc has appointed Ian Perks as its new Chief Executive Officer.
He is expected to assume the new role effective September 15, 2025, according to a statement issued on Friday.
According to the statement, Richard Miller, who is currently Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Interim CEO, will return to his role as CFO.
Ian Perks brings over 30 years of experience in the upstream oil and gas industry and has worked extensively across Africa and other international regions.
He has held senior positions at BG Group, Anadarko, and Total, covering all aspects of the sector. As Senior Vice President for Mozambique Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) at Anadarko—and later at Total—he successfully engaged with the Government of Mozambique to lead the $20 billion Mozambique LNG project to a Final Investment Decision.
Prior to Anadarko, Ian held several leadership positions at BG Group, establishing a strong track record of delivering multi-billion-dollar projects, reducing costs, and driving profitability.
He oversaw the delivery and operations of the $10 billion Queensland Gas Company (QGC LNG) Project, completing it safely, on schedule, and within budget.
As President of BG Tunisia, he led the business to industry-leading safety performance, maximized production, and reduced costs, while successfully delivering the $1 billion Hasdrubal gas project.
Ian also played a key role in the significant growth of BG’s operations in Trinidad and Tobago, where profits doubled between 2002 and 2005.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Loughborough University.
Commenting on the appointment, Phuthuma Nhleko, Chairman of Tullow Oil Plc, said, “I am delighted to welcome Ian to Tullow as CEO. He brings a wealth of industry and African knowledge and experience and has a track record of successfully managing large, multi-stakeholder businesses and projects. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Richard Miller for stepping into the role of Interim CEO and congratulate him on the considerable progress made during that time. I look forward to working with Ian and Richard.”
Ian Perks, Chief Executive Officer-Designate of Tullow Oil Plc, also commented, “I am pleased to join Tullow at this pivotal time for the company. My near-term priority will be to work with Richard, the Tullow team, and our stakeholders to put the company on a long-term sustainable financial footing. We will then have an opportunity to grow the company across Africa, leveraging our current assets and reputation on the continent to add value for our stakeholders.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Solar Imports Hit ₦125bn In Q1 2025 As NERC Moves To Regulate Net Metering
Nigeria’s solar energy sector has witnessed a significant growth, with solar panel imports reaching ₦125.29 billion in the first quarter of 2025, data released by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has revealed.
This surge in imports has pushed the country’s total installed solar capacity to 385.7 megawatts (MW).
In response to this rapid expansion and rising private sector investment, NERC has developed draft regulations for a net billing system and is now seeking public feedback on a proposed net metering arrangement.
The aim is to create a commercial framework that allows consumers and businesses to export excess solar-generated electricity back into the national grid in exchange for financial compensation.
A public document published earlier this week highlighted the growing role of solar energy, especially in rural and off-grid areas.
The Commission attributed this momentum to a combination of government-led initiatives and private sector efforts driving decentralised energy adoption.
NERC revealed that in 2023 alone, Nigeria imported over $200 million worth of solar panels—more than four million units—with most used for captive power generation.
That upward trend has continued into 2025.
“In 2024, Nigeria added 63.5 MW of new solar capacity, pushing the total to 385.7 MW,” the Commission stated.
“This expansion reflects the increasing adoption of renewable energy solutions across the country,” it added.
In line with NERC Business Rules and pursuant to Sections 46 and 48 of the Electricity Act (EA) 2023, which govern the Commission’s proceedings, consultations and public hearings, the Commission is inviting comments and submissions on the draft net billing regulations from the general public, with a deadline set for 26th September 2025.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com