Nigeria: TotalEnergies, South Atlantic Petroleum Sign Production Sharing Contract For Offshore Oil Blocks
French multinational oil firm TotalEnergies and its partner, South Atlantic Petroleum (20%), have signed a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) for the PPL 2000 and PPL 2001 exploration licenses offshore Nigeria.
TotalEnergies, the operator, holds an 80% stake, while South Atlantic Petroleum holds the remaining 20%.
The agreement follows their selection during the 2024 Exploration Round organized by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
PPL 2000 and PPL 2001, covering a combined area of approximately 2,000 square kilometers, are located in the prolific West Delta Basin.
The initial work program includes drilling one firm exploration well.
Commenting on the agreement, Kevin McLachlan, Senior Vice President of Exploration at TotalEnergies, said:
“TotalEnergies is honored to be the first international company to be awarded exploration licenses in a bid round in Nigeria in more than a decade, marking a new milestone in our long-term partnership with the country.”
“These promising block acquisitions are fully aligned with our strategy of strengthening our exploration portfolio with drill-ready, high-impact prospects that have the potential for low-cost and low-emissions development from new discoveries in our core areas of expertise,” he added.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana Signs Strategic Deal With ISA To Accelerate Solar Energy Rollout
Ghana has signed a partnership framework with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to accelerate solar energy initiatives in the West African nation.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday during the ongoing Seventh ISA Regional Meeting for the Africa Region in Accra, the capital of Ghana.
Ghana’s Minister for Energy, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, signed the agreement on behalf of the country, while Ashish Khanna, Director-General of ISA, signed on behalf of the Alliance.
The partnership will prioritize several key areas: developing a comprehensive solar energy roadmap; promoting rooftop solar systems and community mini-grids; expanding agriculture-based solar applications; 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.
The implementation will be supported by National Focal Point Support Units, jointly coordinated by ISA and Ghana, to ensure alignment with national priorities.
“Through this partnership, Ghana is moving closer to its vision of reliable, secure, and sustainable energy by aligning solar policies with national goals on access and transition,” ISA stated.
Currently, Ghana’s total installed solar capacity is about 200 MWp, with several solar farms yet to be completed and connected to the national grid.
Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, who hailed the new development, called on governments and private investors to collaborate in scaling up renewable energy solutions across Africa.
“I urge governments, development partners, investors, private sector actors, and our communities to unite in scaling such solutions across Africa.
With bold vision and collective resolve, we can transition from energy poverty to energy prosperity, forging a brighter, greener, and more resilient future for all,” he said.
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Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Fuel Prices Slashed
South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has announced a reduction in fuel prices, with diesel prices dropping by as much as 57 cents per litre, effective from September 3.
The price of petrol has decreased by 4 cents per litre, while illuminating paraffin has dropped by 49 cents per litre.
Diesel prices have gone down by 56 and 57 cents per litre, depending on the grade. Both grades of petrol will see a 4 cent per litre reduction.
Additionally, the retail price of LPG has decreased by R1.32 per kilogram nationwide, and by R1.51 in the Western Cape.
Robert Maake, spokesperson for the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, attributed the price cuts to both domestic and international factors, including lower global oil prices and a slight appreciation of the rand against the US dollar during the same period.
The fuel price reductions have been welcomed by many South Africans.
In an interview with SABC News, independent economist Elize Kruger described the decrease as good news for consumers, saying it will help keep inflation in check.
“The decline in both petrol and diesel prices is good news for the South African consumer and good news for the inflation rate. While inflation is on an upward trend in the second half of the year, lower fuel prices in September will offset some of the other pricing pressures evident in the basket this month,” Kruger explained.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Russia, China Ink Deal For Massive New Gas Pipeline
Russia’s gas giant Gazprom has signed an agreement with China’s state energy firm CNPC to build a second major natural gas pipeline from Russia to China, Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller announced on Tuesday.
Gazprom and CNPC signed a “legally binding memorandum” on the construction of the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, which will run from Russia to China via Mongolia, according to Oilprice.com, citing Russian media reports.
The Power of Siberia 2 has been under discussion between Russia and China for years, but until now, no significant progress had been made.
Currently, Russia supplies pipeline gas to China via the original Power of Siberia pipeline—one of Gazprom’s largest recently completed projects and the first direct conduit for Russian gas to China.
The proposed Power of Siberia 2 pipeline is intended to transport gas from Russia’s Western Siberian Altai region to northeastern China through Mongolia.
However, an agreement on the project has remained elusive due to key sticking points, including the price at which Gazprom will supply the gas.
The memorandum signed on Tuesday does not include crucial details such as pricing or capacity commitments, meaning the core issues remain unresolved.
“It should be understood that the construction of the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline and the Soyuz Vostok gas pipeline—the transit pipeline through Mongolia—and related gas transport facilities in China will now constitute the largest, most expansive, and most capital-intensive project in the global gas industry,” Russian news agencies quoted Miller as saying on Tuesday.
Russia has promoted the project as the largest of its kind in the global gas sector. However, China has yet to confirm the deal, which remains light on specifics.
Miller also acknowledged that Russia and China have yet to address critical issues, including financing and pricing.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: NNPC Appoints Two Seasoned Professionals As Corporate Communications And Chief Relations Officers
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Ltd. has appointed seasoned executives, Mr. Andy Odeh and Mrs. Morenike Adewunmi, as Chief Corporate Communications Officer and Chief Relations Officer, respectively.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday, Mr. Odeh brings over three decades of extensive experience in communications and business administration across the oil and gas, advertising, and broadcasting sectors.
Prior to joining NNPC, he had a distinguished 26-year career at Nigeria LNG (NLNG), where he held various leadership roles in Community Relations and Development; Business Logistics and Services; Information Management and Technology; Corporate Communications and Public Affairs; Government Relations and Regulatory Compliance; and most recently, served as General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development.
He is recognised for his work on major public relations and advertising campaigns for top brands. At NLNG, he successfully managed the company’s rebranding and implemented one of Nigeria’s best-run micro-credit schemes for host communities. Mr. Odeh was also instrumental in instituting the NLNG Prize for Energy Reporting.
He is an alumnus of the University of Jos, the University of Lagos, INSEAD Business School, and the Nigerian Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), among others.
On her part, Mrs. Adewunmi is a legal professional with over 25 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. Her expertise lies in stakeholder management and advocacy, particularly from her extensive tenure at the Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN).
She is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex external landscapes, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect the company’s “license to operate.”
At Shell, she held key roles, including Regulatory Affairs Manager, where she managed all mandatory regulatory engagements and permits. As Government Relations Manager, she built and maintained constructive relationships with the Presidency, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
Mrs. Adewunmi is known for her strong leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to build robust stakeholder networks. She is a subject matter expert on non-technical risks and holds a law degree from Olabisi Onabanjo University and a qualification from the Nigerian Law School.
NNPC Ltd. stated that the appointments of Mr. Odeh and Mrs. Adewunmi reflect its commitment to enhancing communication and engagement with stakeholders.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Brazil Seeks Full Membership In IEA
Brazil has made a formal request to become a full member of the International Energy Agency (IEA), citing years of close partnership and the strong value the IEA provides to its member countries in navigating a complex global energy landscape, a statement by the IEA revealed on Tuesday.
According to the IEA, Brazilian Ambassador Sarquis J.B. Sarquis visited its headquarters in Paris and presented a formal letter from Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira, and Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, to IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. In the letter, the ministers officially requested for Brazil to begin the process of accession to the IEA.
“Let us convey to you the appreciation of the Brazilian government for the partnership with the International Energy Agency, which has significantly contributed to advancing energy policies in Brazil over the years,” the ministers stated.
“Recognising the challenges that lie ahead in the energy landscape and the strategic support that the IEA provides to its member countries … [we are] pleased to inform you that our government would like to initiate accession procedures to the IEA as a full member,” they added.
The letter notes that Brazil’s cooperation with the IEA to date has enabled close collaboration on issues such as energy security, data and statistics, and policy analysis. The relationship between the IEA and Brazil has steadily deepened, with the IEA conducting an in-depth review of the country’s energy policies this year.
It also highlights that Brazil’s status as a “net oil exporter” with a “diversified energy mix” and its growing leadership in clean and renewable energy will further contribute to the IEA’s work and international cooperation in the energy sector.
“I am very happy to have received the formal request from Ministers Vieira and Silveira for Brazil to become a full IEA member— a major development for international governance that builds on many years of deepening cooperation across a wide range of energy issues,” said Dr. Birol.
“Brazil is a cornerstone of the global energy system today, and its importance is only set to increase in the years ahead. We look forward to discussing next steps with Brazil and our member governments.”
Brazil is Latin America’s largest country, both in terms of economy and its population of more than 210 million people.
As a major oil producer and exporter, Brazil plays a key role in supporting international energy security.
It has also positioned itself as a leader in energy transitions, leveraging its low-emissions power system, abundant renewable energy resources, and strong biofuels sector to drive economic development and social inclusion.
Brazil currently holds the presidency of COP30, the international climate conference, and held the G20 presidency in 2024.
Brazil joined the IEA family as an Association country in 2017.
The IEA currently has 32 member countries, with four others in the process of accession. There are also 13 Association countries within the IEA family.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Zambia: Energy Minister Dissolves REA Board
Zambia’s Energy Minister, Hon. Makozo Chikote, has dissolved the Board of Directors of the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) with immediate effect.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Minister Chikote expressed his appreciation to the outgoing board members for their service during their tenure.
The minister’s decision is in accordance with the provisions of the Rural Electrification Act No. 5 of 2023.
The Rural Electrification Authority was originally established under Act No. 20 of 2003, which has since been repealed and replaced by Act No. 5 of 2023. The Authority serves as a special purpose vehicle to increase access to electricity in rural areas.
To reach its target beneficiaries, the Authority employs five main electrification options: grid extension, biomass, wind, solar energy, and mini-hydro.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Syria Exports First Crude Oil In 14 Years
Syria has just exported its first cargo of crude oil in 14 years after the U.S. Administration revoked in June the sanctions on the country that has been in a prolonged war over the past decade and a half.
Syria shipped on Monday 600,000 barrels of heavy crude oil from the port of Tartus under an agreement to sell the cargo to B Serve Energy, a company affiliated with global trading firm BB Energy, Riyad al-Joubasi, assistant director for oil and gas at Syria’s Energy Ministry, told Reuters.
The 14 years of civil war and proxy wars in Syria have halted official oil exports and devastated vital infrastructure. Before the war, Syria was exporting 380,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd).
Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad was toppled in December 2024 and the Islamist-led government that succeeded him has promised to restore the country and revive its economy.
One way to boost the economy is the return of oil production and exports.
During the 14 years of civil war, the oilfields in Sysria, which are predominantly located in the northeast, have changed hands several times. The northeast territory is held by Kurdish-led authorities. The Kurds began to provide crude oil to the central government of Syria in February.
Then in June, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order “terminating the Syria sanctions program to support the country’s path to stability and peace.”
The order removed sanctions on Syria but maintained sanctions on Bashar al-Assad (who is believed to be granted asylum in Russia), his associates, human rights abusers, drug traffickers, persons linked to chemical weapons activities, ISIS or its affiliates, and Iranian proxies.
U.S. firms are gearing up for work in Syria. Baker Hughes, Hunt Energy, and Argent LNG will develop a masterplan for Syria’s oil, gas, and electricity sector, Argent LNG chief executive Jonathan Bass told Reuters in July.
Source: Oilprice.com
UK: Net-Zero ‘Not A Platitude’ For Oil And Gas Sector – Regulator
The head of the oil and gas regulator says cutting the sector’s carbon emissions is not “a platitude or a soundbite” but presents significant commercial benefits.
Stuart Payne, who leads the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA), told BBC Scotland News the energy transition was “well underway” and has been “for decades”.
His remarks follow a pledge by UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch to rid the NSTA of the net-zero “burden” and task it with the sole job of maximising oil and gas production.
Mr Payne said about half of the £100bn expected to be invested in the North Sea over the next few years will be in alternative energies like carbon capture and storage (CCS) and floating wind.
The leader of the Conservatives is due to address the huge Offshore Europe conference in Aberdeen later, where around 35,000 delegates will gather for the next four days.
It’s a showcase for the sector where multi-million pound deals are agreed between the supply chain and operators.
Over recent years, the event has pivoted towards alternative energies.
Stuart Payne said the NSTA’s focus on green technologies has already delivered a 34% cut in emissions from producing oil and gas.
However he said there was “much more to do.”
He added: “The words we use matter. How we talk about this industry, whether that’s in the wind side, whether that’s in CCS, in oil and gas, in decommissioning, it matters.
“And it’s vital that we do everything we can to ensure that we’re attracting and retaining investment in all of those things.”
He said it was “not a good thing” for his organisation to be treated like a political football and that “how we talk about this industry” is important.
“The net zero opportunity for the UK is not something that is a platitude or a soundbite,” he added.
“There are real, very significant, commercial benefits for the UK from the projects around net-zero.”
‘Energy independence’
Originally called the Oil and Gas Authority, the regulatory body was renamed by the UK Conservative government in 2022 to reflect its growing role in the wider North Sea energy industry.
The NSTA’s job is to “regulate and influence the oil and gas, offshore hydrogen, and carbon storage industries” as well as holding the sector to account on reducing its operational emissions.
But Kemi Badenoch says she would rename it the “North Sea Authority” with a mandate to “maximise the extraction of our oil and gas.”
She will also promise later to scrap the ban on new oil and gas exploration licences and allow the UK government to finance promotional support for the fossil fuel sector overseas, which was scrapped by the previous Tory government.
In a speech to the conference, she will add: “The Conservatives are focused on securing jobs, investment, and energy independence.
“The foundation of economic growth is cheap, abundant energy – and that must be our priority.
“That’s why it is time to overturn the absurd anti-prosperity, anti-business, anti-oil and gas, anti-British ban on supporting UK companies who export their world-leading technologies overseas.”
Oil and gas production in the North Sea has been in decline for more than 25 years since it peaked in 1999.
Three years ago, an energy profits levy – or windfall tax – was introduced when prices spiked, taking the headline rate of tax on profits to 78%.
The industry has been lobbying for the tax to be cut and says up to a thousand jobs a month are being lost because of the pressures it is under.
It also wants a more “pragmatic” approach to exploration licensing than the UK Labour government’s blanket ban introduced last year.
A government consultation is currently examining the future shape of the North Sea.
Tessa Khan from the environmental campaign group Uplift said the UK has already burned most of its oil and gas.
She added: “The idea we can unleash a golden age of oil and gas is a tired gimmick that’s been tried by Badenoch’s predecessors and flopped.
“The North Sea is a mature basin with dwindling oil and gas reserves.
“It’s like a piñata at the end of a kids party – it doesn’t matter how many times you hit it, you’re not going to get much more out of it.
Source: BBC News
South Africa: Eskom Supplier Jailed For 12 Years With 5-Year Suspension; Ordered To Pay R2,595,000.00 To Eskom
A South African court in Middelburg has sentenced Eskom supplier, Ms Jessie Phindile Kubheka, to 12 years’ imprisonment for fraud. Five years of the sentence were suspended under strict conditions.
She was also handed a four-year sentence for money laundering, which was similarly suspended for five years. Additionally, the court ordered her to repay Eskom a total of R2,595,000.00.
The sentencing relates to a 2020 case in which Eskom investigations uncovered a syndicate that was paid to deliver three containers to Tutuka Power Station.
Eskom’s investigation confirmed that only one container was delivered—and it failed to meet the utility’s specifications.
Although each container was valued at R60,000, the invoiced amount was grossly inflated. Through the use of overpriced invoices, the scheme defrauded Eskom of R2,595,000.00.
“Our commitment to eliminating corruption remains unwavering, and these developments send a clear message: fraud and corruption will not be tolerated. The vast majority of Eskom employees act with integrity and dedication. We will pursue those who betray the organisation and the country, in partnership with law enforcement, and seek prosecutions wherever possible,” said Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane.
To strengthen governance and accelerate investigations, Eskom has consolidated its forensic, security, and investigative functions into the Group Investigations and Security (GIS) Division, which reports directly to the Group Chief Executive.
Working closely with the NATJOINTS Energy Safety and Security Committee, GIS ensures swift action against fraud and corruption—protecting Eskom’s assets and maintaining public trust.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Zambia: Transport Minister Dissolves ZACL Board
Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon. Museba Frank Tayali, MP, has announced the immediate dissolution of the Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) Board of Directors.
According to the Minister, the move is a strategic step toward ensuring that the governance of ZACL aligns fully with the government’s objectives for the transport and logistics sector—particularly the aviation subsector.
In a statement issued on Monday, Hon. Tayali said, “We are in a new era of transport infrastructure development, and it is imperative that all our institutions are guided by a board that can fully support and execute the government’s vision.”
The Minister expressed gratitude to the outgoing board for their service and wished them success in their future endeavors.
He also noted that the process to reconstitute the board is already underway, stating, “We expect to announce the new members in due course.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Congo: TotalEnergies, QatarEnergy, And SNPC Awarded Nzombo Offshore Oil Block
TotalEnergies, together with its partners QatarEnergy and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC), has been awarded an exploration license for the Nzombo offshore block in the Republic of the Congo.
Under the terms of the Production Sharing Agreement signed with the Congolese Government, TotalEnergies, as the operator, will hold a 50% stake, while QatarEnergy and SNPC will hold 30% and 15%, respectively.
The Nzombo permit, which spans 1,000 square kilometers, is located approximately 100 kilometers off the coast of Pointe-Noire, near the Moho production facilities operated by TotalEnergies EP Congo.
The work program includes the drilling of one exploration well, which is expected to be spudded before the end of 2025.
Commenting on the contract, Kevin McLachlan, Senior Vice President of Exploration at TotalEnergies, said: “This award of a promising exploration permit, with the material Nzombo prospect, reflects our continued strategy of expanding our exploration portfolio with high-impact prospects that can be developed by leveraging our existing facilities. It also confirms our longstanding partnership with the Republic of the Congo.”
His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the President and CEO of QatarEnergy, added: “We are pleased to be awarded this promising offshore block in the Republic of the Congo and to work alongside our valued partners and the Congolese Government.”
He continued: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Government of the Republic of the Congo for their valuable cooperation. We look forward to a successful exploration campaign in collaboration with our partners and stakeholders.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Sierra Leone Signs MoU With China For 1,000 Electric Vehicles
Sierra Leone has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China for the delivery of 1,000 electric buses to boost the local transportation industry and ease pressure on public servants.
The MoU was signed between the Ministry of Public Administration and Political Affairs (MoPAPA) of Sierra Leone and the Economic and Commercial Counseling Center of Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China (ECCE-G).
It was signed by Hon. Amara Kallon, Minister of MoPAPA, and Mr. Ho Jun Long, Vice Representative of ECCE-G.
In his remarks, Minister Amara Kallon expressed gratitude for the initiative, describing it as a transformational housing and electric vehicle project that will provide incentives and improve the welfare of civil servants.
He further disclosed plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, and other relevant ministries to finalize arrangements.
He also stated that a dedicated team will travel to China in due course to sign the main agreement for the project’s implementation.
The electric vehicle project is expected to cost USD 200 million, with the vehicles to be delivered over a six-year period.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: TOR Partners With National Ambulance Service To Enhance Safety During Maintenance
Ghana’s premier oil refinery, Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), has partnered with the National Ambulance Service (NAS) to enhance emergency medical support as part of the refinery’s ongoing turnaround maintenance operations.
Given the high-risk and non-routine nature of turnaround activities, the collaboration is aimed at ensuring the proactive protection of employee health, safety, and overall wellbeing.
Last Tuesday, a five-member Emergency Medical Team (EMT) from the National Ambulance Service officially commenced duty at the TOR site.
The team was tasked with providing first-line medical care, advanced first aid, patient stabilization, and overseeing referrals and emergency evacuations throughout the maintenance exercise.
In addition to immediate medical response, the EMT will also conduct training sessions for selected TOR staff in basic first aid and emergency response, fostering a long-term culture of safety and preparedness beyond the current maintenance period.
TOR emphasised that safety remains a core value of the organization, stating that management continues to invest in proactive arrangements and comprehensive risk management strategies to protect lives while maintaining operational resilience.
The refinery is currently undergoing a maintenance work to restart crude oil refining operations by October 2025, according to TOR leadership.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com