Cameroon: Ghanaian Firm Sunon Asogli, China Energy Selected For $312M Gas-Fired Power Plant

Cameroon has selected Ghana’s largest independent power generation company, Sunon Asogli Power (Ghana) Ltd., alongside China Energy Engineering Corporation Ltd. (China Energy), to build a 350-megawatt combined-cycle gas-fired power plant in Limbe, along with associated infrastructure in the country’s southwest. This follows a decade-long search for a partner, after earlier attempts with Eranove and other firms stalled. The award paves the way for contract signing, environmental studies, and financial close, according to the Ministry of Water and Energy. The project, structured as a public-private partnership, is expected to cost an estimated CFA 176 billion (approximately $312 million). The Cameroonian government will contribute CFA 26 billion (15%), while Sunon Asogli and China Energy will fund the remaining amount. Construction is expected to begin in 2025 and conclude by 2029. The new plant is anticipated to ease power supply deficits in the southwest, coastal, and western regions, and to support Cameroon’s goal of reaching 5,000 megawatts of installed capacity by 2030. Background Sunon Asogli Power (Ghana) Ltd. operates a 560 MW natural gas–fired thermal power station in Kpone, near Tema, in the Republic of Ghana. It is the first privately owned electricity generation company in the West African nation. China Energy Engineering Corporation Ltd. (China Energy) is one of the world’s largest integrated engineering and construction groups in the energy sector. Headquartered in Beijing, the state-owned enterprise provides comprehensive services including power engineering, construction, equipment manufacturing, and investment. China Energy has extensive international experience, having undertaken major infrastructure and energy projects across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, with a strong track record in thermal, hydro, and renewable energy developments.   Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: Fear Grips Ghanaian Communities Along White Volta Basin As Bagre Dam Spillage Begins

Burkina Faso’s national power company, SONABEL, is commencing a controlled spillage of the Bagre Dam today, Monday, August 25, 2025, earlier than planned due to rapidly rising water levels. The power-generating authority had initially planned to commence spillage on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, but later announced that the procedure needed to be moved forward due to unexpectedly rising water levels. As of Saturday, August 23, 2025, the Bagre Dam stood at an elevation of 234.27 meters, corresponding to a filling rate of 90.24%, just 0.73 meters below its maximum retention level. Meanwhile, the Kompienga Dam was at 177.90 meters, or 79.36% full, positioned 2.10 meters below its normal retention level. This situation has sparked fear among farmers and communities along the White Volta basin in Ghana, as annual spillage often leads to severe flooding in the Upper East and North East Regions, resulting in displacement, loss of life, snakebites, and destruction of farmlands. Residents are concerned about potential damage to property and crops, especially given the limited time to relocate. The Water Resources Commission (WRC) has issued precautionary advice for communities along the White Volta and adjoining areas to follow safety guidelines from local assemblies and relevant agencies. The Head of the White Volta Basin at WRC, Mr. Jesse Kazapoe, said his outfit has sent out information educating farmers to move to high grounds to prevent loss of lives, but they cannot guarantee that food crops will not be lost since some farmers are still harvesting. Mr. Isaac Pabia, Upper East Regional Focal Person and National Secretary of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG), cautioned, “Some of our farmers have already evacuated, but we need to enforce buffers along water bodies so that farmers won’t farm too close to the rivers to avoid having their crops flooded every year.” Mr. Christopher Beokena, Upper East Regional Deputy Director (Administration) of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), confirmed that district directors had been mobilized to sensitize farmers on the impending spillage and appropriate precautionary measures. He added, “As we speak, some farmers have started harvesting, even though some of their crops are not mature, and we will be monitoring the issue and providing assistance.”           Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Nigeria: Two Arrested Over Transmission Tower Vandalism in Katsina

Two young men have been arrested for vandalizing towers on the 132kV Katsina–Daura transmission line in Mashi Local Government Area, operated by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). The suspects, identified as Hambali Abubakar, 25, and Salisu Abubakar, 18, both from Yar Riga Village in Mashi LGA, were apprehended on August 12, 2025, by officers of the Mashi Division of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). According to TCN, the duo were caught with 24 pieces of vandalized high-tension tower components, believed to have been removed from Tower T-148 of the 132kV Katsina–Daura line along the Yar Riga/Sile Uku Village axis. Vandalism of power infrastructure remains a widespread challenge in Nigeria, frequently disrupting electricity supply and threatening the stability of the national grid.     Source:https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: CEO Of Ghana Gas Engages MMDCEs From Western Region

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Gas Company Limited, Judith Adjobah Blay, has held a stakeholders’ engagement meeting with Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) from project-affected areas in the Western Region in Takoradi, the regional capital. It brought together MMDCEs and Coordinating Directors from Ellembelle, Prestea Huni-Valley, Nzema East, Shama and the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assemblies to explore potential collaboration between Ghana Gas and local authorities in driving community development. Madam Blay underscored the importance of the engagement, stressing that strong partnerships with local governments are essential to ensuring that Ghana Gas’ operations translate into tangible socio-economic benefits for host communities. “As we refocus on our core mandate, it is crucial that we work hand-in-hand with local authorities. Our mutual understanding and support will ensure Ghana Gas delivers energy and contributes meaningfully to the region’s growth and development,” Blay said. The initiative forms part of Ghana Gas’ new leadership strategy to strengthen stakeholder relations and promote sustainable development in the Western Region and beyond.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: MISA Energy Unveils First Retail Service Station At Weija After Rebranding

MISA Energy Limited, formerly Engen Ghana Limited, has officially unveiled its Babona Service Station as the first rebranded retail service station at Weija along the Accra-Kasoa highway after the recent rebranding. Speaking at a brief launching ceremony on Friday, 22nd August, 2025, the CEO of Misa Energy, Mr Brent Nartey, stated that the company envisions to be the champion in the supply of automobile products at its services in Ghana beyond the next five years. He explained that customers would be treated as kings with quality, reliable, affordable and efficiency to woo many in the value-chain to the MISA Energy family. “We want to fuel the dream, every journey and put our customers first, always,” he said. According to Mr Nartey, “The Babona Service Station is a clear demonstration of our commitment to expanding access, offering premium products, and delivering unmatched services throughout Ghana and beyond.” The MISA Boss stressed that his outfit intends to invest in technology, infrastructure and human capital to meet the growing needs of their customers. According to him, the company stands as a symbol of renewed vision, a modern facility designed to deliver convenience, efficiency and superior customer experience. “At MISA, we believe that every station is not just a point of sale but a hub of community connection. Beyond fuel, we are committed to providing safe, clean and customer-friendly facilities. We also take pride in creating job opportunities within the community and supporting local needs of our customers,” he emphasised. In an interview, the Manager of Babona Service Station, Mr Felix Asare Mensah, said that what has kept the company in business over the past 28 years are quality service, affordable products and credibility. He observed that many motorists prefer his products because he has imbibed the virtue of truthfulness into his workers to avoid cheating customers so that they can also win the trust of the people they serve. In the next five years, Mr Asare Mensah wants to expand his retail business to many parts of Ghana and also command the chunk of the automobile customers in the country. “In the next five years, I want my business to grow, expand and all my branches to operate a 24-hour service to all customers,” he noted. The only initial challenge they faced was the change of colours from the deep blue to a dominant yellow but it has been sorted out. MISA Energy deals in the retail and supply of high-quality fuels and is the exclusive distributor of PETRONAS lubricants in Ghana, through its over forty service stations and commercial supply to various industries. They also provide marine fuel services at the ports of Tema and Takoradi, as well as offer support for corporate social responsibility initiatives focused on child health, education and community development. They also supply LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), bitumen, and specialty chemicals to businesses in sectors like construction, telecommunications, and agriculture.     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

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

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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

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

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