The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) Juapong District has organised a seminar to equip staff with essential security and safety tips.
The seminar, held at the District Office on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, was attended by many ECG staff members.
The seminar aimed to enhance staff awareness and preparedness in handling potential threats and risks during their fieldwork.
The Keynote Speaker, Chief Inspector Eugene Osafo Obiri, in-charge of Juapong, Frankadua, Nudu, Apegusu, Mpakadan, and surrounding areas at the Ghana Police Service, emphasized the importance of good customer relations.
He advised staff to exercise patience and restraint when dealing with difficult customers.
He also warned staff about individuals who impersonate ECG officials to extort money from customers and stressed the need for staff to wear proper attire and display their identity cards when interacting with customers.
Ing. William Ahenkorah, District Manager for ECG Juapong District, reminded staff that ECG has transitioned to cashless payments and instructed them to educate customers on how to make payments without cash.
He cautioned staff against accepting cash payments from customers, emphasizing that such actions could lead to disciplinary measures, including job loss.
The seminar was well-received by staff, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn and enhance their safety and security protocols.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
The National Agency of Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG) and TotalEnergies Angola have commenced the conversion of a new Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit, named Kaminho, in Natong, China.
This milestone marks the first development in the Kwanza basin, a new oil and gas source for Angola.
The Kaminho FPSO will utilize advanced technology with high standards of quality, health, safety, and environment.
According to Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, this project will be the company’s seventh FPSO in Angola and the first-ever development in the Kwanza basin.
The FPSO is designed to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and eliminate routine flaring, with associated gas being fully reinjected into the reservoirs.
The Kaminho project is a result of collaboration between TotalEnergies, Petronas, and Sonangol, with the ANPG serving as the concessionaire.
The project will involve over 10 million man-hours in Angola, mainly with offshore operations and construction at local yards.
TotalEnergies and Sonangol have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to share expertise on Research & Technology, focusing on decarbonization and methane emissions reduction.
Commenting Paulino Jerónimo, Chairman of the Board of ANPG said: “The first development in the maritime zone of the Kwanza basin is important to showcase the opening of new oil frontiers in Angola, and it’s part of our strategy to keep Angola on the top of African oil producers, bringing important income to our economy.”
Diamantino de Azevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil & Gas (MIREMPET) Highlighted the importance of the partnership between TotalEnergies, Sonangol, and Petronas in making the Kaminho project possible.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana has officially commissioned a mini-grid project in three island communities with a total capacity of 253.26 kWp in the Ada East Municipality of the Greater Accra Region.
The project, funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) at a cost of $2.3 million, will provide electricity access to over 3,700 residents in the three island communities. The three island communities benefiting from the mini-grids are Alorkpem, Azizakpe, and Aflivie.
Although sod-cutting for the project was done on October 6, 2020, some issues delayed the project’s completion schedule.
The project was executed by Messrs Techno Trama Ambienta of Spain.
Commissioning the mini-grid project, Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, stated that the project testifies to the government’s unwavering commitment to bridging the energy access gap for all Ghanaians, regardless of their location.
This project is part of Ghana’s efforts to increase electricity access in isolated communities, particularly island communities along the Volta Lake.
https://energynewsafrica.com/is-ghanas-electricity-spending-paying-off/
With the lights now turned on, over 3,700 residents will have access to clean, reliable, and sustainable electricity for the first time.
“This is not merely an infrastructure project. It’s a promise fulfilled, opening new opportunities for education, healthcare, business, and improved livelihoods,” Minister Jinapor said.
He instructed the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to incorporate the tariff proposal submitted by the Volta River Authority (VRA) into the upcoming bulk generation tariff review.
This measure aims to ensure the recovery of operations and maintenance costs, enhancing the long-term sustainability and quality of electricity services.
Minister Jinapor commended the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) for their generous funding and collaboration, which made this achievement possible.
Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Simone Giger, described the project as historic but expressed concern about maintaining the project after commissioning.
Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Simone Giger,
“It would be unfortunate if the project isn’t properly maintained,” she emphasized.
Ambassador Giger encouraged the beneficiary communities to leverage the project to fulfill their dreams.
The Ada East Municipality Chief Executive representative expressed gratitude to the Swiss Government and Government of Ghana on behalf of the beneficiary communities. The project is expected to boost economic activities, support healthcare, and improve academic performance among school children, who can now study at night.
Ing. Seth Mahu briefing Minister for Energy and Green Transition Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor.
According to Ing. Edward Obeng-Kenzo, Chief Executive Officer of Volta Riverr Authority the project demonstrates of shared commitment to equitable development and inclusive access to energy.
Expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition for its assurance of providing the necessary support towards fully optimizing the mini grid systems, Ing. Obeng-Kenzo said VRA remains committed to the project’s long-term sustainability and efficient management.
“It is our expectation that this project will have a profound impact on the local economy of these communities and truly add value to their lives for socio-economic development,’’ he added.
Ing. Edward Obeng -Kenzo, Chief Executive Officer of Volta River AuthoritySource:https://energynewsafrica.com
Carbon emissions from Europe’s power generators jumped in the first quarter of 2025 to the highest in two years as lower wind and solar output led to an increase in natural gas and coal plant utilization.
Europe’s power producers saw their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions jump to 390 million metric tons in the first quarter, up by 23.5 million tons from a year earlier. The January-March CO2 emission levels were the highest from the European power sector for any quarter since the beginning of 2023, according to data by energy think tank Ember cited by Reuters columnist Gavin Maguire.
Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and Poland were the biggest contributors to the emissions increase as their gas and coal generation jumped to the highest levels in years amid low wind speeds and little sunshine in the first really cold winter in Europe for three years.
The surge in emissions bucks the trend of the past two years and is due to the slump in renewable energy output this winter.
Europe has suffered the most from the lower wind speeds in the past few months, while power demand was higher in the coldest winter months.
For example, Germany saw lower-than-normal winds for several months in a row, which reduced wind power generation, boosting electricity prices and the reliance on fossil fuels. The lower wind power generation, Germany’s largest source of electricity, extended from the end of 2024 to the early months of 2025.
The German predicament, where wind speeds were below average for extended periods of time this past winter, hiked regional prices as Germany’s utilities were not only boosting gas and coal generation, but also raising electricity imports from neighboring countries.
Over the next few months, solar and wind power generation is set to recover from the lows in the first quarter. Solar radiation will be at its peak in the late spring and summer, accounting for a larger share of power generation in Europe.
Source: oilprice.com
Namibia’s President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will officially open the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) 2025, a premier energy event scheduled for April 23-25, 2025, at the Windhoek Country Club Resort.
This historic milestone underscores the government’s commitment to harnessing the country’s energy potential for shared prosperity and positions Namibia as an emerging leader in the global energy landscape.
Themed “Leading the Way: Becoming an Energy Hub with In-Country Value,” NIEC 2025 aims to solidify Namibia’s status as a regional energy hub, leveraging its vast oil, gas, and renewable resources to attract global investments.
The conference will bring together over 1,000 delegates, including industry experts, investors, and government leaders, to discuss key issues and opportunities shaping the future of the energy industry.
“We are deeply honoured that Her Excellency, the President of the Republic of Namibia, will officially open this year’s conference.
“Her participation marks a historic milestone for NIEC and reaffirms the government’s commitment to harnessing Namibia’s energy potential for shared prosperity. It also reflects the kind of forward-looking leadership that is essential to positioning Namibia as an emerging leader in the global energy landscape.” said Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni, Founder & CEO of RichAfrica Consultancy and Convenor of NIEC.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd, South Africa’s power utility company, is seeking firms with a proven track record in establishing renewable energy businesses to assist in accelerating the deployment of renewable energy solutions.
Eskom has issued an Invitation to Tender (ITT) for interested companies to participate.
The company will evaluate applicants based on criteria that include: Proven track record in establishing a renewable energy company; Number of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) created that have delivered projects; IPP Business Model & Financial Structuring Expertise ; and Technical capability and sector knowledge
The opportunity to respond to the tender closes on May 7, 2025, at 10:00 SAST and can be found on the Eskom website. The support will be required for a period of 12 months.
The objective of the new subsidiary is to operate independently of the main Eskom entity, allowing for greater governance agility, competitive market positioning, and enhanced Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). According to Dan Marokane, Eskom’s Group Chief Executive:
“Agility and efficiency are at the heart of preparing for a competitive marketplace and ensuring we serve our current and future customers with the electricity supply solutions they require. We are now a year into our turnaround strategy, and we are not just focused on ending load shedding; at the same time, we are pivoting Eskom into a sustainable and competitive company while ensuring security of supply.”
Eskom remains focused on a balanced and diversified energy mix, including existing coal and nuclear, introducing gas for baseload power, as well as renewables, energy storage systems, including Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and pumped hydro, to achieve overall security of supply and meet South Africa’s growing electricity demand in a sustainable manner.
Eskom has an executable initial pipeline of at least 2GW of clean energy projects by 2026 and has developed a pipeline of more than 20GW of clean energy projects to diversify its energy mix.
Eskom will update the marketplace on the progress of the development of its Renewable Energy business throughout 2025.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
The African Institute of Energy and Sustainability (AIES) has announced Dr. Samiu Kwadwo Nuamah as its new Executive Director.
Dr. Nuamah brings extensive experience in energy management, policy formulation, and environmental sustainability to AIES, which, over the years, has maintained the spot as a leading research and consultancy institution dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions.
His appointment comes at a critical juncture in Africa’s energy landscape, where nations are grappling with energy poverty, climate change, and the need for sustainable energy solutions.
Dr. Nuamah is a seasoned energy expert, academic, and policy advisor with an impressive track record in energy production, climate change mitigation, and sustainable energy transitions.
His professional journey spans multiple high-impact roles, including his tenure at RWE npower (UK) and Genser Energy (UK) where he was involved in energy strategy and management. He has also been deeply engaged in academia, serving as a lecturer at the University of Ghana and Nottingham Trent University (UK), where he has mentored the next generation of energy professionals.
Dr. Nuamah has held several key leadership positions, including serving as a Member of Ghana’s Parliament and a member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Mines and Energy, where he played a pivotal role in shaping energy and natural resource policies.
Dr. Nuamah holds an illustrious academic background with degrees from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Cranfield University, and the University of Nottingham. His BSc (Hons), MSc, and EngD in Energy and Environmental Studies provide a solid foundation for his leadership at AIES, ensuring that the institute remains at the forefront of cutting-edge energy research and policy advisory services.
As the Executive Director of AIES, Dr. Nuamah will be instrumental in driving the institute’s vision to establish a low-carbon economy by promoting efficient energy use, industry best practices, and policy-driven research.
AIES is renowned for its work in energy consultancy, research, technical training, environmental impact assessments (EIA), and sustainability strategies. Under Dr. Nuamah’s leadership, AIES will further its commitment to bridging the gap between energy innovation and policy implementation across Africa.
Speaking on his new role, Dr. Nuamah emphasised the urgency of Africa’s energy transition, stating:“Africa stands at a crossroads in its energy future. As we work towards energy security and sustainability, we must ensure that policies and industry practices are guided by research, innovation, and environmental stewardship. At AIES, we are dedicated to equipping policymakers, industry players, and communities with the knowledge and strategies needed to transition to a cleaner and more resilient energy system. I am honoured to lead this institution in shaping the next era of Africa’s energy sector.”
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) hosted a conference for the Review of Regulatory Frameworks for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation and Small Water Supplies in Accra, the capital of Ghana.
The event, which took place at the Best Western Plus Accra Beach Hotel, brought together participants from selected African countries to gather from April 8-10, 2025, to review the existing framework.
Addressing participants, the Executive Secretary of the PURC, Dr. Shafic Suleman, said it was both an honor and a deep sense of responsibility to host the gathering of experts, regulators, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Africa and beyond, all united by a shared commitment to improving rural water services.
Dr. Suleman, on behalf of the PURC and the people of Ghana, extended his warmest welcome to his esteemed colleagues from the Eastern and Southern African Water and Sanitation Regulators Association (ESAWAS), African Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR), Water Utility Regulation Department (WURD) of Uganda, Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) of Kenya, National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO) of Zambia, AguaConsult, and all other institutions represented.
According to Dr. Shafic, “access to safe and sustainable water services remains a fundamental human right and a crucial driver of socio-economic development. Key strategies to provide water access include increasing sector-wide investment and capacity-building, promoting innovation and evidence-based action, enhancing cross-sectoral coordination and cooperation among all stakeholders, and adopting a more integrated and holistic approach to water management. Water is essential not only to health but also to poverty reduction, food security, peace, human rights, ecosystems, and education.”
Dr. Suleman reminded participants that Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) aims to ensure universal access to safe and sustainable water services. As of 2022, 2.2 billion people still lacked access to safely managed drinking water, with 703 million people living without basic water services.
He indicated that 3.5 billion people lacked safely managed sanitation, including 1.5 billion people who live without basic sanitation services; 2 billion people lacked basic handwashing facilities, and 653 million people lived without any handwashing facilities at all.
The Executive Secretary noted that African countries have improved access to safely managed drinking water services; however, a significant disparity still remains between rural and urban areas, where three in five Africans, or 411 million people, still lack safely managed drinking water.
Dr. Suleman reiterated that in Ghana and many African countries, rural and small-community water supply systems serve a significant proportion of the population. However, these systems often face challenges related to financing, service reliability, infrastructure sustainability, and regulatory oversight.
“Over the past decades, Ghana has made remarkable strides in expanding water access, with national water coverage improving significantly,” he stressed.
Nevertheless, gaps remain, particularly in rural and peri-urban sectors, where service quality, accountability, and financial viability require urgent attention.
Dr. Suleman indicated that the workshop is evidence of the power of collaboration.
“The diverse expertise in this room, from Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Rwanda, and beyond, presents an invaluable opportunity to share insights and build a framework that is both contextually relevant and globally informed. The regulatory landscape for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation is evolving, and it is imperative that we adopt innovative approaches that strengthen oversight, promote private sector participation, and enhance community engagement,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Suleman indicated that this review process provides an opportunity to evaluate existing regulatory tools, identify best practices, and develop a harmonized solution that can drive service improvements while ensuring affordability, sustainability, and equity. Together, we can ensure that rural communities and small towns across Africa have access to reliable, safe, and affordable water services supported by strong regulatory mechanisms.
Participants came from Ghana, Zambia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Germany, Ethiopia, the United Kingdom, Burundi, Malawi, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Mozambique, and Zanzibar.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has endorsed the recent increases in electricity and water utilities tariffs in Ghana, which is expected to take effect from May 3, 2025.
According to Stephane Roudet, IMF Mission Chief to Ghana, the tariff hike is a necessary step to strengthen the financial state of key State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), especially the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Ghana signed onto the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability while laying the foundation for stronger growth.
The IMF’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement, worth $3 billion over 36 months, was approved on May 17, 2023.
It would be recalled that on Friday, April 11, 2025, reported that Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced a 14.75% increase in electricity tariffs and a 4.02% rise in water tariffs across all consumer categories effective, May 3.
Since this announcement section of Ghanaian have raised concerns about the impact of the increment on their businesses and living conditions.
However, addressing a joint press conference in Accra, capital of Ghana, with the Bank of Ghana and Ghana’s Finance Minister, Mr. Roudet emphasised the need for sustainable financing to maintain a reliable power supply across the country.
“The importance of this hike is to support SOEs and also ensure their finances are sustainable,” Roudet said.
“We are aware of the implications, especially for the vulnerable, but it is necessary to ensure ECG can meet its financial obligations to power producers and guarantee uninterrupted electricity for Ghanaian s”, he mentioned.
He also reiterated the IMF’s commitment to working with the Ghanaian government to develop social interventions aimed at cushioning the impact of these adjustments on the most vulnerable populations.
“We are very mindful of the needs of the vulnerable in society and want to ensure the government implements policies to protect the poor while improving the conditions of workers across all sectors,” he added.
The PURC earlier also defended the recent increases in utility tariffs, insisting that consumers are receiving value for money despite persistent complaints over erratic power supply and inconsistent water flow in parts of the country.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Sustainable Energy Specialist Mr. Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo asserts that access to affordable and reliable electricity is crucial for the successful implementation of the government’s flagship policies, including the 24-hour economy and Accelerated Export Development Policy.
“No country can develop economically without access to modern, reliable, and affordable energy,” he argued during a presentation at the 5th Anniversary Public Lecture and Forum by Energy News Africa Limited in Accra.
Mr. Ahiataku-Togobo emphasized that the backbone of any industrialized country running a 24-hour economy is the availability of affordable electrical power.
He stressed the need for the government to rapidly double or triple reliable electricity supply to stimulate industrial growth, especially during peak demand.
He suggested incorporating natural gas and clean coal into Ghana’s energy mix, citing their potential to support the policy initiative.
As a Managing Partner at WAC Energy Professionals with over 30 years of experience in the energy sector, Mr. Ahiataku-Togobo recommended that Ghana systematically prioritize investment in grid and natural gas infrastructures and fast-track its Nuclear Power Programme.
He drew comparisons with industrialized countries like China which relies heavily on coal and natural gas for electricity generation.
South Korea’s significant increase in electricity generation from 21.17GW in 1990 to 143GW in 2023, largely driven by nuclear, gas, and coal imports, was another example he cited.
Mr. Ahiataku-Togobo also referenced Malaysia’s remarkable growth in electricity generation capacity from 0.46GW in 1970 to 45.5GW in 2022.
He highlighted that Ghana’s generation in 1970 was 0.76GW which was much higher than that of Malaysia but only saw a marginal growth to 5.5GW by 2022.
He contended that Ghana needs to rapidly revolutionize its power generation capacity to catch up with the rest of the world.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has sanctioned eight distribution companies (DisCos) with a fine of N628,031,583.94(equivalent of $391,304.25) for non-compliance with regulatory orders.
The DisCos were sanctioned in line with Section 34(1)(d) of the Electricity Act 2023 (“EA 2023”).
The affected DisCos are Abuja, Eko, Enugu, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, and Yola.
According to a release by NERC, they failed to fully comply with the monthly energy caps issued by the Commission between July and September 2024 (2024/Q3).
The Commission recalled that in 2020, it issued the Order on Capping of Estimated Bills (Order No: NERC/197/2020) and subsequently issued monthly energy caps, which aimed to align the estimated bills for unmetered customers with the measured consumption of metered customers on the same supply feeder.
It added that a review of DisCos’ billing of unmetered customers for July-September 2024 (2024/Q3) revealed non-compliance with the monthly energy caps issued by the Commission.
Besides the sanction, the Commission has also mandated the DisCos to issue commensurate credit adjustments to all customers affected by the overbilling by May 15, 2025—the end of the April 2025 billing cycle.
“The Commission reaffirms its commitment to regulatory compliance and consumer protection within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry,” the release said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Zimbabwe’s Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to exploring nuclear energy to boost electricity generation in the country as part of a balanced energy portfolio.
According to Chiwenga, the government is exploring a diverse range of energy solutions to diversify the country’s energy mix.
This includes gas-to-power projects, particularly those derived from the Muzarabani gas reserves, which will play a transitional role in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Vice President Chiwenga made these remarks during his keynote address at the official opening of the 6th International Renewable Energy Conference in Victoria Falls last Wednesday, April 9,2025.
The conference is held under the theme “Sustainable Energy Investments for a Better Future” and highlights Zimbabwe’s growing commitment to integrating renewable energy into its economic transformation and climate resilience strategy.
“We are also investigating nuclear energy, particularly small modular reactors, as part of a balanced energy portfolio,” Chiwenga said.
He added that Zimbabwe holds the largest lithium reserves in Africa and ranks fifth globally.
“We are prioritizing the value addition of energy transition minerals such as manganese, nickel, copper, cobalt, and lithium, which will drive the production of locally manufactured energy technologies.”
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, Dr. Gloria Magombo, said the use of modular nuclear systems is a possibility.
“We are also looking at the use of renewable energy and modular nuclear systems, which are clean because nuclear is an enclosed system. So, it’s clean, and it doesn’t emit. However, we need to manage nuclear waste, and there are established systems for that. As a country, we are considering adopting this technology in the next 10 to 15 years.”
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
China has accused the UK of “politicising trade cooperation” after the government passed an emergency law to take over the running of British Steel’s Scunthorpe site.
The foreign ministry in Beijing said the move to seize control of the plant from Jingye, a Chinese company, could discourage Chinese investment in the UK.
Efforts are under way to secure the vital raw materials needed to fuel the plant’s central blast furnaces. The UK government has said its owners intended to shut them down against its wishes.
As of Monday morning, officials were still trying to obtain the coking coal and iron ore needed to power the plant – materials which ministers have previously accused Jingye of selling off.
An emergency law rushed through Parliament on Saturday gave the government control of the Lincolnshire site to prevent Jingye from closing the furnaces.
Sourcing and transporting the raw materials to the Scunthorpe plant quickly is critical because blast furnaces can sustain permanent damage if their temperature drops too low, while restarting a furnace is also costly and complex.
Dozens of businesses including steel producers Tata and Rainham Steel have offered help and to supply their raw materials, the government has said.
Civil servants and British Steel officials are trying to secure one such shipment of materials which is being stored 30 miles east of Scunthorpe at Immingham Docks.
On Monday, the government appointed two long-standing British Steel employees to run the plant on an interim basis. Temporary chief executive Allan Ball said “securing the raw materials we need to continue blast furnace operations” was among their top priorities.
Treasury minister James Murray said the government was confident it was doing everything possible to secure the necessary raw materials but refused to be drawn further on the plant’s future while commercially sensitive talks aimed at obtaining those supplies were continuing.
“We know the coal is in the UK, we know the raw materials are in the country. We need to make sure we get it into the blast furnaces,” he told BBC Breakfast.
Pressed on Chinese involvement in key UK industries, Murray told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that Jingye had “clearly behaved irresponsibly”.
The minister said there needed to be a “high level of scrutiny” for any foreign investment in critical infrastructure, but that the actions of one firm did not “speak to all companies who are based in China”.
Unions have expressed confidence that the government would be able to source the materials needed to keep the furnaces operational.
Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of the Community Union, which represents the majority of steelworkers, said the blast furnaces are “in a far better position” than before the government stepped in.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Mr Rickhuss said he was certain the plant would remain running and that the furnaces were “secure”.
Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, from the GMB Union, told BBC Breakfast that she had spoken to British Steel on Sunday night and had been reassured the raw materials would be secured by the government.
The Scunthorpe plant employs 2,700 people and is the last site in the UK that can produce virgin steel, a high-grade product which is needed for large construction projects.
Without the plant, the UK would be the only member of the G7 group of leading economies without the ability to make virgin steel – which the government believes is a risk to the country’s economic security.
The site produces the majority of rail tracks used by Network Rail. The company said it does not expect “any impact on the continued delivery of reliable rail services” as it built up a stockpile of steel in anticipation of the plant’s possible closure.
The virgin steel made there is also critical for large-scale infrastructure developments, such as building nuclear power plants like the ongoing Hinkley Point C project in Somerset.
On Saturday, the government fast-tracked legislation which gave it control of the plant after talks with Jingye to save it appeared to break down.
The company said in March it was losing £700,000 a day at the site, which it called “no longer financially sustainable”, and began a consultation on its closure.
On Sunday, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds refused to confirm whether the government could obtain the materials in time.
“I’m not going to get into that,” he told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, but said the takeover gave the “opportunity” to obtain the materials needed.
Reynolds added it “became clear” during negotiations that Jingye was intent on closing down the blast furnaces no matter the financial support offered.
The government said Jingye refused an offer of £500m in financial support to help keep the furnaces running, and demanded more than twice as much money, with few guarantees it would keep the plant open.
“It might not be sabotage, it might be neglect,” Reynolds said of the company’s actions.
Following the government passing the emergency legislation, China’s foreign ministry urged the UK government to hold further talks with Jingye. According to AFP news agency, spokesman Lin Jian said: “It is hoped that the British government will… avoid politicising trade cooperation or linking it to security issues, so as not to impact the confidence of Chinese enterprises in going to the UK for normal investment.”
The Conservatives have criticised the government for not stepping in sooner to save the plant. Tory shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith said the party had supported the emergency law because “it’s the least worst option on the table”.
Source: BBC
Zambia’s Ministry of Energy has reduced the approval period for solar project applications from over six months to just 48 hours, marking a decisive step towards fast-tracking private sector investment in renewable energy.
This reform is part of efforts to meet the Presidential Directive of adding 1000 megawatts(MW) of solar energy to the national grid by the end of 2025, a statement issued by Bob Sianjalika, Principal Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Energy said.
According to the Ministry, Hon Makozo Chikote reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the growth of the solar energy sector by providing an efficient, transparent and investor-friendly environment.
“By cutting the approval period to 48 hours, the government has removed the lengthy administrative delays that previously hindered project development,” the statement said.
Mr Chikote said the streamlined process would help investors move forward faster and contribute to the accelerated expansion of solar power in Zambia,
This initiative forms part of the Ministry’s broader agenda to create an enabling environment for renewable energy investment.
By simplifying procedures, investors can begin generating power sooner, resulting in quicker economic returns and improved energy access.
Mr Chikote appealed to local authorities and traditional leaders to play an active role by availing land for solar energy projects.
He noted that access to land is a critical component in the successful rollout of solar infrastructure and that grassroots collaboration is vital to ensure timely implementation and shared benefits for communities.
The Ministry is also enhancing the investment climate through clear policy frameworks, simplified procedures and bankable power purchase agreements that make solar energy projects more attractive and commercially viable.
He said the Ministry remains open to consultations and stands ready to offer technical support for any proposals aimed at increasing electricity generation.
“All stakeholders with innovative energy solutions should engage the Ministry and be part of the collective efforts to strengthen the country’s energy security.
“Private sector involvement is essential to achieving the 1000MW solar target, and the Ministry urges both local and international investors to seize this opportunity to help build a greener and more energy-resilient Zambia,” the statement said.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com 
According to Dr. Shafic, “access to safe and sustainable water services remains a fundamental human right and a crucial driver of socio-economic development. Key strategies to provide water access include increasing sector-wide investment and capacity-building, promoting innovation and evidence-based action, enhancing cross-sectoral coordination and cooperation among all stakeholders, and adopting a more integrated and holistic approach to water management. Water is essential not only to health but also to poverty reduction, food security, peace, human rights, ecosystems, and education.”
Dr. Suleman reminded participants that Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) aims to ensure universal access to safe and sustainable water services. As of 2022, 2.2 billion people still lacked access to safely managed drinking water, with 703 million people living without basic water services.
He indicated that 3.5 billion people lacked safely managed sanitation, including 1.5 billion people who live without basic sanitation services; 2 billion people lacked basic handwashing facilities, and 653 million people lived without any handwashing facilities at all.
The Executive Secretary noted that African countries have improved access to safely managed drinking water services; however, a significant disparity still remains between rural and urban areas, where three in five Africans, or 411 million people, still lack safely managed drinking water.
Dr. Suleman reiterated that in Ghana and many African countries, rural and small-community water supply systems serve a significant proportion of the population. However, these systems often face challenges related to financing, service reliability, infrastructure sustainability, and regulatory oversight.
“Over the past decades, Ghana has made remarkable strides in expanding water access, with national water coverage improving significantly,” he stressed.
Nevertheless, gaps remain, particularly in rural and peri-urban sectors, where service quality, accountability, and financial viability require urgent attention.
Dr. Suleman indicated that the workshop is evidence of the power of collaboration.
“The diverse expertise in this room, from Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Rwanda, and beyond, presents an invaluable opportunity to share insights and build a framework that is both contextually relevant and globally informed. The regulatory landscape for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation is evolving, and it is imperative that we adopt innovative approaches that strengthen oversight, promote private sector participation, and enhance community engagement,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Suleman indicated that this review process provides an opportunity to evaluate existing regulatory tools, identify best practices, and develop a harmonized solution that can drive service improvements while ensuring affordability, sustainability, and equity. Together, we can ensure that rural communities and small towns across Africa have access to reliable, safe, and affordable water services supported by strong regulatory mechanisms.
Participants came from Ghana, Zambia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Germany, Ethiopia, the United Kingdom, Burundi, Malawi, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Mozambique, and Zanzibar.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com 
