Dr. Jimeta further stated, “We have already begun energy offtake, evacuating the energy through our Abattoir Injection Substation and supplying our industrial customers within the cluster through NBC 11kV and Ceramic 11kV Feeders.”
The Managing Director/CEO of Future Energies Africa (FEA), Engr. Yusuf Usman Yahaya, said, “As KEDCO’s core investor, FEA is keenly committed to transforming the company and providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States. Through innovative solutions and partnerships, we aim to lead the way in renewable energy adoption and sustainable development.”
KEDCO commended the Federal Government, NSIA, MOFI, and the Kano State Government for the successful implementation of the state-of-the-art power plant, representing Nigeria’s largest grid-connected solar plant, as a significant step in the country’s renewable energy efforts.
According to KEDCO, it remains dedicated to investing in partnerships and technologies that drive progress and ensure an uninterrupted power supply for its customers.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Nigeria: KEDCO Commences Offtake Of 10MW Power From Haske Solar Company Ltd.
Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has announced the commencement of offtake of 10 Megawatt (MW) solar power from the Haske Solar Plant, located within the Challawa Industrial Cluster, Kano.
This follows the recent signing of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Haske Solar Company Ltd, built by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and managed by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).
The agreement, signed by KEDCO’s MD/CEO, Dr. Abubakar Shuaibu Jimeta, and MOFI’s Executive Director, Portfolio Management, Mr. Tajudeen Datti Ahmed, was witnessed by the Managing Director of Future Energies Africa (FEA), Engr. Yusuf Usman Yahaya.
Commenting on the development, Dr. Jimeta said, “This partnership is a major step forward in our commitment to delivering reliable and sustainable electricity to our customers. By integrating solar power into our supply mix, we are not only improving network efficiency but also contributing to Nigeria’s energy transition goals.”
“Purchasing 10MW from the Haske Solar Power Plant is part of the bigger picture towards ensuring energy security within the network, enabling key industries and socio-economic activities to thrive in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States while safeguarding jobs and competitiveness in our network,” he added.
Dr. Jimeta further stated, “We have already begun energy offtake, evacuating the energy through our Abattoir Injection Substation and supplying our industrial customers within the cluster through NBC 11kV and Ceramic 11kV Feeders.”
The Managing Director/CEO of Future Energies Africa (FEA), Engr. Yusuf Usman Yahaya, said, “As KEDCO’s core investor, FEA is keenly committed to transforming the company and providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States. Through innovative solutions and partnerships, we aim to lead the way in renewable energy adoption and sustainable development.”
KEDCO commended the Federal Government, NSIA, MOFI, and the Kano State Government for the successful implementation of the state-of-the-art power plant, representing Nigeria’s largest grid-connected solar plant, as a significant step in the country’s renewable energy efforts.
According to KEDCO, it remains dedicated to investing in partnerships and technologies that drive progress and ensure an uninterrupted power supply for its customers.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Dr. Jimeta further stated, “We have already begun energy offtake, evacuating the energy through our Abattoir Injection Substation and supplying our industrial customers within the cluster through NBC 11kV and Ceramic 11kV Feeders.”
The Managing Director/CEO of Future Energies Africa (FEA), Engr. Yusuf Usman Yahaya, said, “As KEDCO’s core investor, FEA is keenly committed to transforming the company and providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States. Through innovative solutions and partnerships, we aim to lead the way in renewable energy adoption and sustainable development.”
KEDCO commended the Federal Government, NSIA, MOFI, and the Kano State Government for the successful implementation of the state-of-the-art power plant, representing Nigeria’s largest grid-connected solar plant, as a significant step in the country’s renewable energy efforts.
According to KEDCO, it remains dedicated to investing in partnerships and technologies that drive progress and ensure an uninterrupted power supply for its customers.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Schweitzer Engineering Organises Tecnology Exchange Seminar
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL), a leading manufacturer for protection relays, substation automation systems, as well as the production of computers for industrial usage, has organised a day’s seminar and technology exchange programme at the ECG Training Centre in Tema in the Greater Accra Region.
The seminar, the second of its kind, showcased some new technologies of SEL including modern generator protection and synchronisation using their relays.
Sthit Sharma, one of the top officials of SEL and was a facilitor, said the company produces different kinds of equipment used in the energy sector including generation, transmission and distribution.
He made a presentation detailing the company’s operation.
On his part, Ing Godfred Mensah, who is the Director of the Tema ECG Training Center, appreciated the collaborative relationship between SEL and the ECG Training Center.
In his welcome address, Mr Mensah explained that the center has various courses aimed at refreshing the knowledge base of technical professionals in the power sector, both within the country and outside of it, hence, partnerships such as this with SEL helps the center in achieving one of its aims.
He added that tailored programmes are often designed specifically for various groups and organisations, in line with industry needs.
Mr Nolan Chetty of SEL was also present at the training.
He gave a corporate overview of the SEL organisation, showing some of their improved technologies.
Mr Herbert Martin, also from SEL, took participants through some of their technological developments for renewable energy plants and some innovative solutions.
The participants were drawn from organisations in Ghana’s energy sector across the generation, transmission and distribution sectors.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Zambia: ZESCO, Anzana Partner To Connect Electricity To 2 Million People Along Lobito Corridor
Zambia’s national electricity utility company, ZESCO, and Anzana Electric Group, a leading power company in Africa, have signed a partnership deal committing themselves to extending electricity to nearly 2 million Zambians along the Lobito Corridor by 2030.
The $300 million investment deal will enable the rehabilitation and expansion of the national electricity network to provide first-time grid connections for Zambians, aligning with the Government’s goal of universal access to electricity for all Zambians.
The partnership follows a Memorandum of Understanding between Anzana and Zambia’s Ministry of Energy signed in February 2025. The agreement will significantly enable investment in electrifying households, businesses, and industries, as well as new distributed generation to support supply reliability.
“This is about more than infrastructure; it’s about regional integration, jobs, and powering a better future for Zambians along the Lobito economic corridor,” said ZESCO Managing Director Eng. Justin Loongo. “We’re excited to partner with Anzana, who is employing an innovative and inclusive approach to attract capital and rapidly increase electrification rates in rural Zambia.”
“The strategic Lobito economic corridor approach is a model for future regional trade and development,” said Brian Kelly, CEO of Anzana. “We’re honored to partner with ZESCO and the Government of Zambia to be the Lobito electrification partner and connect millions of Zambians to opportunities enabled by reliable electricity.”
The collaboration between ZESCO and Anzana will support new electricity generation, including run-of-river hydropower, and electricity distribution primarily in rural areas. This effort is critical to unlocking the full potential of the Lobito Corridor for the Zambian economy.
The Angola-Zambia-DRC corridor is being developed as a major economic artery for Southern and Central Africa, enhancing trade flows between these mineral-rich regions and global export markets.
The agreement envisions Anzana leading the development of a pilot project in Zambia’s North-Western Province to accelerate the first connections in 2026. Anzana and other development partners will jointly invest $50 million to enable approximately 40,000 new household and business connections and add up to 8 megawatts of new generation over two years before expanding the scope to encompass the entire Lobito Corridor region.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: PURC Boss Pays Working Visit To Bono Region
The Executive Secretary of PURC, Dr. Shafic Suleman, and a team from the Head Office paid a working visit to the Bono Regional Office of the Commission on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. This visit was part of his nationwide working visit to familiarize himself with the activities of regulated utilities in the region.
His first visit included a Pro-Poor Water Project site at Kato, a community located in the Berekum East District, to monitor the project’s state and effectiveness. Dr. Shafic met with Ghana Water (GWL) and Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), where both utilities presented on their operations, achievements, and challenges in the region.
Madam Janet Atebiya, Regional Quality Assurance Manager, on behalf of Regional Chief Manager Mr. Theophilus Tawiah Collins, presented on the success of paperless bill delivery to consumers and measures to meet consumer demand, as well as the status of the Wenchi Water Project. “The key challenges faced by GWL are the need for a water expansion project, especially in the Sunyani Municipality, to meet customer demand, and private borehole operators taking over GWL operations in the region,” Madam Janet added.
Mr. Peter Ayamga, HR Manager, representing Area Manager Ing. Eugene Addo, explained innovative activities for customer satisfaction, including revamping the Sunyani Customer Care Centre, extending operational hours to 6 am – 10 pm, adding zonal offices at Chiraa, Nsoatre, and Berekum, constructing a new 34.5 kV feeder in Sunyani and Mim, and upgrading the existing feeder’s capacity in Sunyani and Berekum.
Mr. Peter highlighted challenges faced by NEDCo, including over 51% of customers being in the lifeline bracket, negatively affecting revenue mobilization, infiltration of illegal meters, and substandard materials used for SHEP projects, causing financial losses.
In conclusion, Dr. Suleman assured GWL of the Commission’s support for the Sunyani Water Project, currently at a 10% stage, and assured NEDCo of support in addressing the challenge of illegal meters.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Madam Janet Atebiya, Regional Quality Assurance Manager, on behalf of Regional Chief Manager Mr. Theophilus Tawiah Collins, presented on the success of paperless bill delivery to consumers and measures to meet consumer demand, as well as the status of the Wenchi Water Project. “The key challenges faced by GWL are the need for a water expansion project, especially in the Sunyani Municipality, to meet customer demand, and private borehole operators taking over GWL operations in the region,” Madam Janet added.
Mr. Peter Ayamga, HR Manager, representing Area Manager Ing. Eugene Addo, explained innovative activities for customer satisfaction, including revamping the Sunyani Customer Care Centre, extending operational hours to 6 am – 10 pm, adding zonal offices at Chiraa, Nsoatre, and Berekum, constructing a new 34.5 kV feeder in Sunyani and Mim, and upgrading the existing feeder’s capacity in Sunyani and Berekum.
Mr. Peter highlighted challenges faced by NEDCo, including over 51% of customers being in the lifeline bracket, negatively affecting revenue mobilization, infiltration of illegal meters, and substandard materials used for SHEP projects, causing financial losses.
In conclusion, Dr. Suleman assured GWL of the Commission’s support for the Sunyani Water Project, currently at a 10% stage, and assured NEDCo of support in addressing the challenge of illegal meters.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com ConocoPhillips Signs 20-Year LNG Purchase Agreement With Sempra
ConocoPhillips has signed a long-term sales and purchase agreement (SPA) to purchase 4 million tonnes per annum (MMtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 project under development by Sempra Infrastructure.
Under the agreement, ConocoPhillips will offtake LNG over a 20-year term on a free-on-board basis, supporting the company’s ability to reliably deliver natural gas to customers in key global markets.
“ConocoPhillips is pleased to extend our partnership with Sempra Infrastructure to Port Arthur LNG Phase 2, where we will be a major offtaker,” said Ryan Lance, chairman and CEO of ConocoPhillips. “This SPA advances our global LNG portfolio strategy as we build a flexible and reliable LNG supply network to meet growing energy demand.”
“The role of U.S. LNG in meeting the energy security needs of America’s allies continues to grow,” said Jeffrey W. Martin, chairman and CEO of Sempra. “That is why we are excited to extend our partnership with ConocoPhillips to expand the Port Arthur LNG facility. This next phase reflects both companies’ shared view of the opportunity to connect American producers of natural gas with growing markets overseas, while also driving economic growth and job creation here at home.”
In July 2022, ConocoPhillips signed a 20-year agreement for 5 MMtpa of LNG offtake and executed an agreement to purchase 30% equity stake in Phase 1 of Port Arthur LNG, which is expected to start up in 2027. Although final investment decision is pending for Phase 2, the company’s participation in that project will be offtake only.
Source: Worldoil.com
Aker BP Makes ‘Significant’ Oil Discovery In Norwegian North Sea
Aker BP has completed its Omega Alfa exploration campaign in the Norwegian North Sea, resulting in a significant oil discovery that adds substantial new resources to the Yggdrasil area. The recoverable volume is estimated at 96-134 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe).
“Omega Alfa is among the largest commercial discoveries in Norway in a decade. Building on the momentum from the oil discovery at East Frigg in 2023, it marks a major step toward our ambition of producing more than one billion barrels from the Yggdrasil area,” said Karl Johnny Hersvik, CEO of Aker BP. “This is the result of a strong collaborative effort between our own teams and our alliance partners, and a testament to how new exploration methods push the boundaries. We look forward to unlocking even more of the potential in this prolific area.”
The campaign had five exploration targets – Omega, Alfa, Alfa South, Sigma NE, and Pi – through a multilateral well located west of Yggdrasil. In July, Aker BP preliminarily reported a discovery of 20-40 MMboe from two of these targets. Following the completion of the campaign, the combined recoverable volumes have increased to 96-134 MMboe.
Drilling operations began in early May using the Deepsea Stavanger rig. Over a three-month period, the team drilled a total of 45,000 m, including 40,000 m in reservoir sections. This included the three longest well branches ever drilled on the Norwegian continental shelf, with the longest branch reaching 10,666 m.
The horizontal drilling method enabled the collection of an unprecedented amount of high-quality reservoir data. This has significantly reduced subsurface uncertainty and allows us to rapidly advance into concept studies to determine the optimal tie-back solution to Yggdrasil.
Yggdrasil is the largest field development project currently underway on the Norwegian continental shelf. The Plan for Development and Operation (PDO) was approved by Norwegian authorities in 2023, and the project is progressing according to plan, with first oil expected in 2027.
The proven resource base is approximately 700 MMboe, with an ambition to grow this to more than one billion barrels through further exploration. The Omega Alfa discovery represents a significant building block in achieving this ambition.
The Omega Alfa campaign was conducted across production licenses 873, 873 B, and 1249, all operated by Aker BP. In licenses 873 and 873 B, the partnership consists of Aker BP (47.7 percent), Equinor (40 percent) and Orlen Upstream Norway (12.3 percent). In license 1249, the partners are Aker BP (38.16 percent), Equinor (32 percent), Petoro (20 percent) and Orlen Upstream Norway (9.84 percent).
Source: Worldoil.com
South Africa: Eskom Launches First-Ever Renewable Energy Offtake Programme
South Africa’s power utility company, Eskom, has launched its first Renewable Energy Offtake Programme by issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP), inviting large power users to procure 291 MW of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) capacity through long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) from its renewable energy sites.
The programme follows an Expression of Interest (EOI) process and extensive engagement with commercial and industrial customers, which showed strong demand for direct contracting through long-term PPAs. These agreements enable businesses to align with global sustainability standards, reduce carbon footprints, and green their supply chains, enhancing competitiveness.
The RFP offers tailored solutions that meet operational requirements while contributing to South Africa’s decarbonisation goals. According to Eskom, successful bidders will enter PPAs ranging from 5 to 25 years, with renewable energy delivered in phases from multiple Eskom projects. The earliest project is expected to reach commercial operation by December 2027.
“This is the next step in the focused execution of our strategy to integrate additional renewable energy into the grid, in line with global electricity industry trends for environmentally sustainable solutions that support broader decarbonisation objectives. We have seen strong interest in Eskom’s capabilities in green energy supply, which this programme demonstrates. Just over a year into our turnaround strategy, we are not only focused on ending load shedding but are also pivoting Eskom into a sustainable and competitive company while ensuring security of supply through a customer-centric approach,” said Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane.
“This programme demonstrates Eskom’s commitment to innovation and building a cleaner, more resilient energy future. By offering customised renewable energy offtake solutions, we are enabling our customers to transition to low-carbon operations while ensuring a secure and competitive supply, through customer-centred solutions,” said Eskom Distribution Acting Group Executive, Agnes Mlambo.
“Engaging with the private sector in this structured manner gives impetus to Eskom’s efforts to create a sustainable pathway for clean power integration into the grid,” added Mlambo.
Eskom continues to develop a balanced energy mix, comprising coal, nuclear, gas, renewables, and energy storage solutions such as Battery Energy Storage Systems and pumped hydro.
Eskom is inviting service providers to review the RFP and submit proposals via the Eskom Tender Bulletin by 19 September 2025. Eskom is targeting deployment of 2 GW of renewable energy projects by 2026 and scaling up to 32 GW, including Green Hydrogen, by 2040.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Energy Minister Inspects Atuabo Gas Plant Maintenance Work
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, has paid a working visit to the Western Region to inspect the ongoing shutdown maintenance work on the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant, owned by the Ghana National Gas Company Limited.
The gas plant, a critical component of Ghana’s energy infrastructure, was shut down on Saturday, August 16, 2025, to undergo mandatory maintenance and is expected to be completed by August 30, 2025.
The Minister was received at the plant by the Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Judith Adjobah Blay, her deputies, and some management members and engineers on site.
The plant supplies between 100 and 120 mmscf of natural gas for power generation in the West African nation, and maintenance will ensure continued efficiency, reliability, and enhanced capacity.
Minister Jinapor highlighted the government’s Gas-to-Power vision, which aims to leverage natural gas resources to provide stable and affordable electricity. He reiterated the government’s commitment to constructing a second Gas Processing Plant to ensure long-term energy security for the country.
The Minister also reflected on the significant strides made in the power sector since assuming office. “We were shedding load of about 700 MW in December 2024, just before I took over as Energy Minister,” he stated.
“For months now, there has been zero load shedding, and we are even exporting power to other countries. We have made significant progress.”
The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana National Gas Company Limited, Judith Adjobah Blay, assured Ghanaians and the Energy Minister that her outfit will complete the planned maintenance work ahead of the 10-day deadline and resume gas supply for power generation.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: BoG Directs Commercial Banks To Halt Foreign Currency Cash Payment To Mining, Bulk Oil Distribution Companies
Ghana’s central bank, the Bank of Ghana, on Thursday directed all commercial banks in the country to immediately halt payment of foreign currency cash to large corporate bodies, including mining companies and Bulk Oil Distribution Companies (BDCs), if such payments are not backed by prior foreign currency deposits, a statement by the bank said.
The bank, in a notice issued by Aimee V. Quashie (Ms) on August 20, 2025, said it has observed with concern the growing practice of dollar cash withdrawals by large corporates that are not supported by foreign currency deposits.
According to the central bank, this practice is contributing to avoidable pressure on the already fragile foreign exchange market and undermining ongoing efforts to stabilize the cedi.
Mining companies and BDCs are among the biggest consumers of foreign exchange in Ghana, given their reliance on imports for equipment, fuel, and other critical inputs.
Ghana spends nearly $400 million monthly to import petroleum products, and bulk oil importers rely on commercial banks and forex bureaux.
“With immediate effect, all banks are directed to discontinue the payment of foreign currency cash to large corporates unless such transactions are fully supported by equivalent foreign currency cash deposits lodged by the same institution,” the bank said.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Zamfara State Gov’t Partners With ASI Engineering To Boost Power Supply And Drive Economic Growth
The Zamfara State Government has committed to a strategic partnership with ASI Engineering Limited, the core investor in Kaduna Electric, to strengthen electricity infrastructure and improve the reliability and quality of supply across the state.
The initiative is aligned with the State Government’s manifesto and its bold six-point SMART Agenda, focusing on Security, Agriculture and Food Security, Education, Economy, Healthcare, and Empowerment, with power as a critical enabler of these development priorities.
This commitment was reaffirmed at a meeting held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, between His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal, and his team, and the Board and Management of ASI Engineering Limited, led by its Chairman, Alhaji Aminu Abubakar Suleiman.
Under this partnership, ASI Engineering will integrate electricity infrastructure upgrades into Zamfara’s rescue and rebuild pillars, unlocking significant economic dividends ranging from improved industrial productivity to job creation and enhanced quality of life.
To deepen the impact, ASI Engineering, through Kaduna Electric, will collaborate with the Zamfara State Government to convene a high-level Economic and Investment Summit, tagged “Zamfara Economic Revival & Investment Summit (ZERIS)”.
The event will bring together credible investors, development partners, and private sector leaders to harness the state’s vast opportunities.
Through this collaboration, ASI Engineering projects a doubling of Zamfara’s power demand from the current 20 MW to over 40 MW within two years, delivering tangible benefits to the state’s economy and its people.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Under this partnership, ASI Engineering will integrate electricity infrastructure upgrades into Zamfara’s rescue and rebuild pillars, unlocking significant economic dividends ranging from improved industrial productivity to job creation and enhanced quality of life.
To deepen the impact, ASI Engineering, through Kaduna Electric, will collaborate with the Zamfara State Government to convene a high-level Economic and Investment Summit, tagged “Zamfara Economic Revival & Investment Summit (ZERIS)”.
The event will bring together credible investors, development partners, and private sector leaders to harness the state’s vast opportunities.
Through this collaboration, ASI Engineering projects a doubling of Zamfara’s power demand from the current 20 MW to over 40 MW within two years, delivering tangible benefits to the state’s economy and its people.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Energy Minister Inaugurates Petroleum Commission Board
President John Dramani Mahama has appointed a board of directors for the Petroleum Commission, Ghana’s petroleum upstream regulator.
The new board is chaired by Mr. Ernest Thompson, Esq., a former Director-General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).
The other members are Madam Victoria Emeafa Hardcastle, Esq. (Ag. Chief Executive), Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse (Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency), Mr. Crisler Akwei Ankrah, Hon. Joseph Kwasi Mensa, Dr. Hasiyatu Abubakari, and Mr. Hassan Thompson Osman.
Swearing in the new board, Minister for Energy and Green Transition John Abdulai Jinapor charged the board to reverse the decline in Ghana’s oil reserves, boost overall oil production, and attract major international oil companies. Hon. Jinapor emphasized the importance of the board’s role in ensuring the sustainable development of Ghana’s petroleum resources.
He highlighted the need for strategic initiatives, innovative approaches, and robust regulatory oversight to achieve ambitious targets.
“The challenges of the upstream industry in Ghana have evolved over the years, with recent ones being arbitrations, investment droughts, and dwindling oil and gas reserves and production. Local content and local participation, particularly in the core business of oil and gas exploration and production, remains an issue the country is grappling with.”
“I implore you to be pragmatic and strategic in your decision-making so that collectively we can find lasting solutions to the issues bedeviling the industry,” Hon. Jinapor stated.
In response, the newly appointed Board Chairman, Mr. Ernest Thompson, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, expressed their commitment to the task ahead.
“We pledge to work diligently and tirelessly to ensure that Ghana’s oil production is increased, contributing significantly to the nation’s prosperity,” he stated.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
He highlighted the need for strategic initiatives, innovative approaches, and robust regulatory oversight to achieve ambitious targets.
“The challenges of the upstream industry in Ghana have evolved over the years, with recent ones being arbitrations, investment droughts, and dwindling oil and gas reserves and production. Local content and local participation, particularly in the core business of oil and gas exploration and production, remains an issue the country is grappling with.”
“I implore you to be pragmatic and strategic in your decision-making so that collectively we can find lasting solutions to the issues bedeviling the industry,” Hon. Jinapor stated.
In response, the newly appointed Board Chairman, Mr. Ernest Thompson, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, expressed their commitment to the task ahead.
“We pledge to work diligently and tirelessly to ensure that Ghana’s oil production is increased, contributing significantly to the nation’s prosperity,” he stated.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Germany: Ukrainian Arrested Over Nord Stream Pipeline Explosions
German prosecutors have announced the arrest of a Ukrainian national as a suspect in the alleged attack on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, which transported Russian gas to Europe in September 2022.
According to the prosecutors, the suspect was detained near Rimini, Italy. In a statement, they thanked their Italian counterparts and other international law enforcement agencies for their assistance.
Authorities said the individual, identified only as Serhii K. in accordance with German privacy laws, was part of a group that planted explosives on the pipelines and is believed to have helped coordinate the attack. Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig praised the “impressive success” that led to the overnight arrest, calling for the case to proceed until all suspects had been detained.
Danish authorities detected a series of underwater explosions on September 26, 2022, near Nord Stream infrastructure. The suspected sabotage resulted in gas leaks, rendering three pipelines inoperable.
At the time of the attack in September 2022, the pipelines were filled with gas but not operational, as part of early sanctions against the Russian government.
Seen by both Russia and the West as an act of sabotage, no one has ever taken responsibility for the explosions. Nord Stream 1 and 2 were among 23 pipelines that delivered Russian gas to Europe before the invasion.
Because the explosions occurred in Swedish and Danish waters on German-owned equipment, all three countries launched investigations.
In August 2024, German authorities concluded their initial investigation and issued an arrest warrant for the suspected ringleader, a Ukrainian national identified as Volodymyr Z.
Officials said he had been living in Poland and had chartered a German yacht to carry out the attack. The Ukrainian government has vehemently denied any involvement in the incident.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Uganda: Gov’t Cut Down Cost Of Electricity Connection Fee To Boost Access
The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), has launched a nationwide initiative aimed at making the cost of connecting electricity from the national grid cheaper for citizens.
Under the new initiative, those who want to connect electricity from the national grid will pay just Shs 23,000, a significant drop from the previous fee of Shs 750,000.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative, Minister for Energy and Mineral Development Ruth Nankabirwa said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to extending electricity to all Ugandans.
According to her, the program aims to transform lives, boost economic activity, and lift communities out of poverty.
“This initiative is a cornerstone of our national development strategy,” Nankabirwa said.
“Access to affordable and reliable electricity is crucial for economic growth, job creation, and improved livelihoods. We will not tolerate those who seek to undermine this progress through illegal activities such as power theft.”
Currently, Uganda’s electricity access stands at about 60 percent, including households using solar power.
The government’s long-term goal is to achieve universal access by the next decade.
Commenting on the program, Managing Director of Ugandan Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), Mr. Paul Mwesiggwa, said the new pricing structure was designed to remove inefficiencies and corruption that resulted in inflated costs of connection in the past.
“This streamlined process eliminates many of the bureaucratic hurdles and opportunities for bribery. We now have a system that ensures transparency and accountability,” he said.
He added that the initiative would also curb electricity theft, a persistent challenge that undermines the sector’s financial stability.
Some Ugandans have hailed the initiative and praised the government for it.
“For years, we lived in darkness. Now my family and neighbors can access electricity, and it will help us in business and improve education for our children,” one resident said, as cited by Nile Post.
The reduced cost of connection is expected to stimulate growth in rural areas, empower small businesses, and improve living standards by making electricity more accessible than ever before.
“This initiative must not only light homes but also light the way for accountability,” one community leader in Bukomero said, urging vigilance to ensure fairness and sustainability.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Commenting on the program, Managing Director of Ugandan Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), Mr. Paul Mwesiggwa, said the new pricing structure was designed to remove inefficiencies and corruption that resulted in inflated costs of connection in the past.
“This streamlined process eliminates many of the bureaucratic hurdles and opportunities for bribery. We now have a system that ensures transparency and accountability,” he said.
He added that the initiative would also curb electricity theft, a persistent challenge that undermines the sector’s financial stability.
Some Ugandans have hailed the initiative and praised the government for it.
“For years, we lived in darkness. Now my family and neighbors can access electricity, and it will help us in business and improve education for our children,” one resident said, as cited by Nile Post.
The reduced cost of connection is expected to stimulate growth in rural areas, empower small businesses, and improve living standards by making electricity more accessible than ever before.
“This initiative must not only light homes but also light the way for accountability,” one community leader in Bukomero said, urging vigilance to ensure fairness and sustainability.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Nigeria: NERC Appointments And Matters Arising
By: Adetayo Adegbemle
The controversial installation of Engineer Abdullahi Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has sent shockwaves through the nation’s power sector, revealing deep fractures in governance and threatening to shatter fragile investor confidence.
Ramat’s dramatic arrival at NERC headquarters on August 8, 2025—reportedly flanked by political supporters and security personnel—wasn’t merely a leadership transition; it was a constitutional crisis unfolding in real-time. His forceful takeover, displacing acting leadership despite lacking Senate confirmation and occurring after a retracted presidential directive, blatantly violates the NERC Act (2005). This act mandates legislative approval for such appointments, making Ramat’s resumption an assault on institutional integrity.
The presidency’s subsequent clarification, stating his nomination remained “subject to Senate confirmation” with the acting chairman retaining authority until then, only highlighted the illegitimacy of the power grab. With the Senate recessed until late September, the vacuum invites legal chaos, potentially nullifying future critical decisions on tariffs or licenses.
The reaction from investors and industry stakeholders has been one of undisguised alarm. An anonymous executive starkly characterized the takeover as “not just illegal—it’s dangerous,” emphasizing the erosion of confidence for those with “billions at stake.”
This sentiment resonates deeply. International partners view independent, rule-based regulation as non-negotiable for capital deployment, especially in a sector grappling with a severe liquidity crisis and the ever-present threat of grid collapse.
Ramat’s entry, perceived as regulatory capture orchestrated by shadowy political figures, signals that NERC—the crucial referee—may now be compromised.
For the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), heavily reliant on foreign investment, this incident risks transforming the sector into a politically toxic asset class, freezing urgently needed investments in generation and distribution infrastructure.
While Ramat, aged 39, brings credentials suggesting potential for modernization—a PhD in Strategic Management, experience with blockchain-driven revenue systems, and energy-efficient initiatives from his tenure as Ungogo LGA chairman—his legitimacy is fatally undermined.
His lack of direct power-sector experience is compounded by the reliance on political patronage rather than due process for his installation. His popular pledge to compel DisCos and GenCos to “do the right thing” and end consumer exploitation through opaque billing resonates with a frustrated public.
However, without confirmed authority, any enforcement actions risk judicial nullification, further delaying essential tariff reforms and consumer protections. Internally, NERC staff reportedly resent the “forceful takeover,” fracturing cohesion and crippling ongoing projects.
The commission’s core function—impartial arbitration between consumers, generators, and distributors—is now severely compromised by the chairman’s contested legitimacy.
Restoring stability demands decisive action. First, President Tinubu must publicly and unequivocally reaffirm that Ramat remains only a nominee until Senate confirmation, distancing the administration from this constitutional overreach.
Second, the Senate must expedite Ramat’s confirmation hearing upon its return on September 23, subjecting his competence and commitment to NERC’s statutory independence to rigorous scrutiny. Finally, Ramat himself must immediately convene investors, consumer advocates, and utilities, pledging adherence to proper governance and outlining a transparent agenda to rebuild trust.
In essence, Nigeria’s power sector stands on a precipice. Ramat’s academic promise is overshadowed by the blatant politicization his accession represents – a recurring malaise crippling NESI. Without an immediate course correction, this crisis will paralyze regulatory progress and broadcast a damning verdict: that Nigeria’s institutions remain subservient to raw political will.
As one industry leader starkly observed, “NERC is a regulator, not a battleground.” The resolution of this impasse will either catalyze long-overdue reform or entrench a decay that investors simply cannot afford to ignore.
The lights of Nigeria’s economic future flicker uncertainly in the balance.
Adetayo Adegbemle is an Executive Director of PowerUp Nigeria is a leading power sector advocacy organization championing universal access to sustainable energy and resilient infrastructure. Through policy engagement, community empowerment, and partnerships, we strive to eradicate energy poverty and drive equitable development nationwide.