The company highlighted its partnership with Petronas, a leading global lubricant manufacturing company, to strengthen its position in the high-end lubricants market. This strategic move is part of a broader business plan.
With consumer expectations shifting towards price and value-added offerings, MISA Energy remains committed to delivering premium service while adapting to market trends.
The discussions concluded with a shared commitment to explore future collaborations that will create a greater positive impact in Ghanaian society.
“We are honoured to host the Embassy of Switzerland team and share our journey, vision, and commitment to innovation and community service,” said Mr. Brent Nartey, CEO of MISA Energy Ghana Ltd.
“As we move forward under our new identity, we look forward to building partnerships that fuel both progress and purpose.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Embassy Of Switzerland Meets With MISA Energy Ghana Ltd Following Strategic Rebrand
MISA Energy Ghana Ltd, formerly Engen Ghana Limited, recently held a meeting with representatives of the Embassy of Switzerland in Ghana during a courtesy visit following the company’s strategic rebranding.
The meeting was held between top officials of MISA Energy Ghana Ltd and Ms. Janine Walz, Deputy Head of Mission/Head of Cooperation, and Mrs. Charlotte Afudego, Private Sector & Trade Specialist in Ghana, at the Embassy of Switzerland.
The courtesy visit aimed to strengthen relations, share business insights, and explore areas for collaboration. The meeting provided an opportunity for MISA Energy to present its business operations, product portfolio, and strategic direction following the recent rebranding.
Discussions touched on the company’s commitment to delivering premium products, exceptional customer service, and community-focused initiatives.
MISA Energy reaffirmed its strong operations and full compliance with Ghana’s government regulations, ensuring sustainable service to customers across its retail network.
Recognizing the alarming frequency of road accidents and fatalities in Ghana, the CEO of MISA Energy, Mr. Brent Nartey, outlined plans for an impactful road safety campaign in partnership with relevant organizations.
This initiative will focus on promoting vehicle maintenance and encouraging safe driving practices.
Beyond road safety, MISA Energy’s CSR policy prioritizes Children, Health, and Education, reflecting the company’s dedication to uplifting communities and creating lasting change.
The Embassy of Switzerland representatives commended MISA Energy’s forward-thinking approach and its commitment to social impact. Both parties expressed strong interest in exploring future collaboration opportunities that align with their shared values of sustainable development and community well-being.
The company highlighted its partnership with Petronas, a leading global lubricant manufacturing company, to strengthen its position in the high-end lubricants market. This strategic move is part of a broader business plan.
With consumer expectations shifting towards price and value-added offerings, MISA Energy remains committed to delivering premium service while adapting to market trends.
The discussions concluded with a shared commitment to explore future collaborations that will create a greater positive impact in Ghanaian society.
“We are honoured to host the Embassy of Switzerland team and share our journey, vision, and commitment to innovation and community service,” said Mr. Brent Nartey, CEO of MISA Energy Ghana Ltd.
“As we move forward under our new identity, we look forward to building partnerships that fuel both progress and purpose.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The company highlighted its partnership with Petronas, a leading global lubricant manufacturing company, to strengthen its position in the high-end lubricants market. This strategic move is part of a broader business plan.
With consumer expectations shifting towards price and value-added offerings, MISA Energy remains committed to delivering premium service while adapting to market trends.
The discussions concluded with a shared commitment to explore future collaborations that will create a greater positive impact in Ghanaian society.
“We are honoured to host the Embassy of Switzerland team and share our journey, vision, and commitment to innovation and community service,” said Mr. Brent Nartey, CEO of MISA Energy Ghana Ltd.
“As we move forward under our new identity, we look forward to building partnerships that fuel both progress and purpose.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com South Africa: Over 40 Companies Nominated For Awards At Upcoming African Energy Week In Cape Town
Organisers of African Energy Week have announced the nominees for the African Energy Awards, scheduled for Tuesday, September 30, 2025, during the Africa Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa, taking place from September 29 to October 3, 2025.
The Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony, introduced a few years ago, celebrate excellence in oil, gas, and broader energy solutions.
Over 40 companies and oil and gas projects transforming Africa’s energy future will compete in eight categories covering the entire African energy sector and its value chain.
AEW: Invest in African Energies has emerged as the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers, and government officials, and is the official place to sign deals in African energy.
Below are the categories and the nominees.
ESG Leader of the Year
- SLB – for its commitment to redefining sustainability through bold action on climate and community impact.
- TotalEnergies – for its expanded low-carbon portfolio and efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.
- bp – for its transformation into an integrated energy company, embedding ESG principles across all operations in Africa.
- Eni – for its integrated approach to decarbonised solutions and community-driven development.
- ExxonMobil – for its commitment to sustainable development through the expansion of its STEM Africa Initiative.
- Egbin Power – for its role in driving industrial and economic growth across Nigeria.
- NOV – for its commitment to delivering advanced technologies and services that support oil, gas and renewable developments.
- Technip Energies – for its drive to transform African energy through cutting-edge project execution and engineering excellence.
- AGL – for its role as the backbone of energy logistics in Africa.
- Northern Ocean – for its services in high-spec offshore drilling, bringing ultra-deepwater expertise and world-class assets to African waters.
- Odfjell Drilling – for its push to expand offshore drilling and well services and role in several high-impact wells in West and Southern Africa.
- Levene Energy Holdings – for setting a new benchmark for African-led energy development through its deep commitment to local content and empowerment.
- Colibri Business Development – for its role as a vital link between global investors and African local content opportunities.
- Technip Energies – for embedding local value into every stage of its African projects.
- Perenco – for its commitment to local talent development remaining a cornerstone of its operating philosophy.
- EGLNG – for its contributions as one of the country’s strongest champions of local capacity.
- Woodside – for its collaborations and commitment to embedding skills development at every stage of the project lifecycle.
- Greater Tortue Ahmeyim – for setting the standard for regional collaboration and local content development.
- Petroleum Commission of Ghana – for its active pursuit of upstream investment through a series of targeted regulatory reforms and incentives.
- SANEDI – for driving South Africa’s clean energy transition through innovative programs that promote efficiency.
- Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigeria – for advancing one of the country’s most ambitious energy sector reform programs in decades.
- Ministry of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, Angola – for reshaping Angola’s oil and gas sector through bold reforms and forward-looking policy.
- Ministry of Oil and Gas, Libya – for its rollout of targeted policy improvements that continue to revitalize investment across the energy sector.
- Eni – for achieving significant exploration and production breakthroughs in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Namibia and the Republic of Congo in 2025.
- Azule Energy – for delivering several milestones, including an offshore gas discovery and the start of the Agogo FPSO, in 2025.
- bp – for its exploration efforts in Egypt’s West Nile Delta.
- Nigeria National Petroleum Company – for successful exploration endeavors that yielded major discoveries.
- Rhino Resources – for its offshore success in Namibia, including light oil discoveries in Block 2914A.
- African Export-Import Bank – for its $1.35 billion working capital facility for the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemical Complex.
- Gabon Oil Company – for the $307 million acquisition of Tullow Oil’s entire Gabonese portfolio.
- bp – for the launch of Arcius Energy, enhancing Egypt’s role as a strategic regional energy supplier.
- Vitol – for its acquisition of a 30% interest in the Baleine oil and gas project in Ivory Coast and 25% stake in the Congo LNG project.
- ConocoPhillips – for emerging as a driving force behind the Bioko Island Malaria Elimination Project in Equatorial Guinea.
- Chevron – for making a lasting impact in Africa through community-driven development programs.
- Oando Energy Resources – for its deepened community engagement through programs focused on youth empowerment, education and environmental protection.
- Seplat Energy – for delivering transformative CSR programs in education, health and environmental sustainability.
- DIXSTONE & Perenco Gabon – for the launch of Gabon’s first offshore gas monetisation project using an FLNG solution.
- EGLNG – for successfully advancing from phase one to new phases at the Gas Mega Hub.
- NLNG – for the Train 7 expansion at the Nigeria LNG plant, reaching 80% completion in 2025.
- Greater Tortue Ahmeyim – for the start of production at phase one, signalling a step towards creating a regional LNG hub.
- Otakikpo Joint Venture (Green Energy International & Lekoil) – for the inauguration of a 12 million cubic feet extraction facility and 20 MW gas-to-power plant in Nigeria.D
Niger Seeks Togo As Partner For Its Salkadamna Coal Project After Burkina Faso And Mali
Niger is expanding its Salkadamna coal project to include Togo, after securing partnerships with Burkina Faso and Mali. Niger’s Energy Minister, Amadou Haoua, on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, presented the project to Togolese authorities, including President of the Council, Faure Gnassingbé, in Lomé.
Mr. Haoua said the goal is to make Salkadamna a strategic pillar for energy sovereignty across West Africa. “We are on a sub-regional tour to invite friendly and brotherly countries to join us in a new dynamic involving a 5,200 MW modular electricity capacity project,” Haoua said, according to Togo First.
This partnership aims to accelerate progress toward energy independence in the sub-region. Togo welcomed the project as it pushes to achieve universal electricity access by 2030. Minister of Mines and Energy Resources, Robert Eklo, described Salkadamna as “both an integrated and integrating project.” He explained that it combines coal mining, power generation, and energy export networks involving the Alliance of Sahel States, Togo, and Chad. Eklo also called the project “inclusive,” uniting multiple countries with everything essential included in one plan.
Launched originally in the 1980s and revived in 2014, the Salkadamna coal complex targets the exploitation of approximately 69 million tonnes of regional coal reserves. It will build a thermal power plant with a capacity exceeding 5,200 MW, an open-pit mine, high-voltage transmission lines, and a coal briquette factory producing 100,000 tonnes annually.
Niger plans to generate massive electricity from locally mined coal, supplying domestic demand and exporting surplus power to neighbors. By joining the initiative, Togo could significantly reduce its dependence on imported oil, which currently powers much of its thermal electricity generation.
At present, Togo relies heavily on diesel and imported fuel oil for electricity. Integrating coal power from the region offers a chance to diversify the energy mix and shield the country from volatile international fuel prices.
The project also promises to bolster Togo’s energy security amid geopolitical tensions and global energy market fluctuations. Salkadamna could stabilize electricity supplies for the entire region.
Minister Haoua said the project is well advanced in Niger, with a 600 MW pilot phase underway. However, it requires participation from other countries to scale up. The initiative involves Niger’s WANDA GROUP, alongside Chinese firm HEC and Indian company Kalpa-Taru, structured as a public-private partnership.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Launched originally in the 1980s and revived in 2014, the Salkadamna coal complex targets the exploitation of approximately 69 million tonnes of regional coal reserves. It will build a thermal power plant with a capacity exceeding 5,200 MW, an open-pit mine, high-voltage transmission lines, and a coal briquette factory producing 100,000 tonnes annually.
Niger plans to generate massive electricity from locally mined coal, supplying domestic demand and exporting surplus power to neighbors. By joining the initiative, Togo could significantly reduce its dependence on imported oil, which currently powers much of its thermal electricity generation.
At present, Togo relies heavily on diesel and imported fuel oil for electricity. Integrating coal power from the region offers a chance to diversify the energy mix and shield the country from volatile international fuel prices.
The project also promises to bolster Togo’s energy security amid geopolitical tensions and global energy market fluctuations. Salkadamna could stabilize electricity supplies for the entire region.
Minister Haoua said the project is well advanced in Niger, with a 600 MW pilot phase underway. However, it requires participation from other countries to scale up. The initiative involves Niger’s WANDA GROUP, alongside Chinese firm HEC and Indian company Kalpa-Taru, structured as a public-private partnership.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Nigeria: NNPCL, PTDF Sign Deal To Drive Innovation In Oil, Renewable Energy
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited) and the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen research, innovation, and human capital development in Nigeria’s petroleum and renewable energy sectors.
The agreement, signed on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, in Abuja, formalizes a strategic partnership between PTDF and NNPCL’s Research, Technology, and Innovation subsidiary, aimed at promoting joint work on emerging technologies, sustainable energy solutions, and energy security.
The Executive Secretary of the Fund, Galadima Aminu, described the pact as a “bold step towards national progress,” stressing that it would strengthen the bridge between academia, industry, and government. He said the decisive step would strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leader in energy innovation, sustainable development, and local content.
Aminu added that the collaboration would prioritize human capital development through training programs, innovation skills enhancement, and knowledge-sharing platforms, aimed at producing “a generation of highly skilled professionals and researchers who will drive excellence across the energy value chain.”
Highlighting the focus on homegrown expertise, Aminu said, “Our joint commitment to local content development will ensure Nigerian talents, materials, and technologies take center stage in driving value creation and economic diversification in the energy sector.”
The PTDF boss disclosed that both institutions would leverage their research infrastructure and laboratories to test, validate, and deploy breakthrough technologies in areas such as refinery catalyst production, biofuel development, drilling operations, and geological mapping.
On funding, Aminu said the partners were committed to sustainable models that ensure research and innovation projects remain impactful and forward-looking. He added that the MoU builds on existing collaborations, such as the NNPCL Learning Academy at the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna, a joint venture between the two agencies.
NNPCL’s Executive Vice President, Business Services, Sophia Mbakwe, hailed the agreement as “strategic and timely,” noting that it would position Nigeria for greater competitiveness in the global energy market.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Saudi Arabia: Aramco Signs $11 Billion Deal With Consortium For Jafurah Gas Project
Aramco, one of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, has signed an $11 billion lease and leaseback deal involving its Jafurah gas processing facilities with a consortium of international investors led by funds managed by Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a part of BlackRock. Jafurah is the largest non-associated gas development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, estimated to contain 229 trillion standard cubic feet of raw gas and 75 billion stock tank barrels of condensate.
It is a key component in Aramco’s plans to increase gas production capacity by 60% between 2021 and 2030 to meet rising demand. As part of the transaction, a newly-formed subsidiary, Jafurah Midstream Gas Company (JMGC), will lease development and usage rights for the Jafurah Field Gas Plant and the Riyas NGL Fractionation Facility and lease them back to Aramco for a period of 20 years.
JMGC will receive a tariff payable by Aramco in exchange for granting Aramco the exclusive right to receive, process, and treat raw gas from Jafurah. Aramco will hold a 51% majority stake in JMGC, with the remaining 49% held by investors led by GIP.
The transaction, which will not impose any restrictions on Aramco’s production volumes, is expected to close as soon as practicable, subject to customary closing conditions.
Amin H. Nasser, Aramco President & CEO, said, “Jafurah is a cornerstone of our ambitious gas expansion program, and the GIP-led consortium’s participation as investors in a key component of our unconventional gas operations demonstrates the attractive value proposition of the project.”
Bayo Ogunlesi, Chairman and CEO of GIP, said, “We are pleased to deepen our partnership with Aramco with our investment in Saudi Arabia’s natural gas infrastructure, a key pillar of global natural gas markets.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya: EPRA Reduces Petrol, Kerosene Prices By Ksh. 1
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announced a decrease in the prices for petrol and kerosene by Ksh. 1.00 per liter.
However, the prices of diesel remain unchanged. In Kenya, fuel prices are reviewed in the middle of every month.
In a statement released on Thursday, EPRA Director-General Daniel Kiptoo said the prices will take effect from August 14, 2025, to September 14, 2025.
In Nairobi, Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene will now cost Ksh. 185.31, Ksh. 171.58, and Ksh. 155.58, respectively, effective midnight.
Last month, the cost of petrol, diesel, and kerosene retailed at Ksh. 186.31, Ksh. 171.58, and Ksh. 156.58 in Nairobi.
In Mombasa, Super Petrol will go for Ksh. 182.03, Diesel for Ksh. 168.30, and Kerosene for Ksh. 152.29.
In Kisumu, the costs for Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene will be Ksh. 185.16, Ksh. 171.78, and Ksh. 155.83, respectively.
According to EPRA, the average landed cost of imported fuel changed slightly between June and July 2025. Super Petrol dropped by 0.73% from US$628.30 to US$623.71 per cubic meter. Diesel rose by 3.08% from US$616.59 to US$635.58, while Kerosene went up by 3.20% from US$608.54 to US$628.02 per cubic meter.
“The prices are inclusive of the 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) in line with the provisions of the Finance Act 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2024, and the revised rates for excise duty adjusted for inflation as per Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020,” the statement read in part.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Fuel Tanker Accident Claims Four Lives, 14 Injured At Asukawkaw Market
A fuel tanker belonging to Star Oil Ghana was involved in an accident on Thursday at Asukawkaw market in the Oti Region, claiming the lives of four people, including three women and a one-year-old girl.
Reports indicate that 14 others sustained various degrees of injury.
According to eyewitness accounts, the driver lost control of the vehicle while approaching the busy market area, ramming into traders and shoppers.
The impact left a trail of destruction, scattering goods and sending people fleeing for safety.
The injured persons were rushed to nearby health facilities for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to the morgue.
The police in the area have launched investigations to determine the exact cause of the crash, though preliminary reports suggest brake failure could be a factor.
In a statement reacting to the incident, the management of Star Oil Limited extended its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
The company said, “Our thoughts are also with the injured persons, and we wish them a swift and full recovery.”
“We are working closely with emergency services and local authorities to ensure that all necessary support is provided to the affected families and individuals,” the company added.
The company stated that it had initiated its internal investigative processes and would collaborate fully with the police to determine the cause of the accident.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Tanzania: Energy Minister Launches Tanesco Initiative To Distribute Over 11,000 Electric Cookstoves
Tanzanian electricity supply company, Tanesco, in collaboration with the Modern Energy Cooking Services programme under the UK Government, has launched an initiative to distribute over 11,000 electric cookstoves to its employees at subsidised prices.
The move is part of the country’s broader objective to promote clean cooking under the National Strategy for the Use of Clean Cooking Energy (2024-2034).
Speaking at the launch of the initiative in Dodoma on Thursday, August 14,2025, Minister for Energy and Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Doto Mashaka Biteko (MP) noted that 2022 statistics showed that only 4.2% Tanzanians use electricity for cooking.
According to the Minister, this percentage is very low compared to the actual population of Tanzania.
“This problem is caused by many factors, including limited public awareness, traditions, and misconceptions,” Dr. Biteko pointed out.
He indicated that a research by Tanesco had shown that cooking with electricity—especially using efficient smart stoves—is more affordable than what many in our communities think.
Tanesco’s research indicated that smart electric stoves can use less than one unit of electricity, which is equivalent to under 352 Tanzanian shillings to prepare a single meal.
The study further shows that this amount of electricity is comparable to the typical use of household light bulbs.
Dr Biteko said this research clearly demonstrates that cooking with electricity for all Tanzanians is achievable.
The Minister revealed that Tanzania’s total generation capacity as at the end of July 2025 stood at 2,720MW, but the national grid demand for the same period is 1,921MW. This means there is a surplus of more than 799 megawatts.
He commended Tanesco for coming up with an initiative to utilise the surplus power and expressed the hope that beneficiaries would become ambassadors in their communities, including neighbours, friends, relatives, and family members.
“Let us be ambassadors of clean energy, demonstrate positive change, and contribute to protect our environment and the health of our people.
“Let us also intensify our efforts and strategies to ensure we deliver education on the use of clean cooking energy to all Tanzanian communities.
“He further urged other public and private institutions to follow this example to advance the clean cooking energy agenda,” he added.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Dr Biteko said this research clearly demonstrates that cooking with electricity for all Tanzanians is achievable.
The Minister revealed that Tanzania’s total generation capacity as at the end of July 2025 stood at 2,720MW, but the national grid demand for the same period is 1,921MW. This means there is a surplus of more than 799 megawatts.
He commended Tanesco for coming up with an initiative to utilise the surplus power and expressed the hope that beneficiaries would become ambassadors in their communities, including neighbours, friends, relatives, and family members.
“Let us be ambassadors of clean energy, demonstrate positive change, and contribute to protect our environment and the health of our people.
“Let us also intensify our efforts and strategies to ensure we deliver education on the use of clean cooking energy to all Tanzanian communities.
“He further urged other public and private institutions to follow this example to advance the clean cooking energy agenda,” he added.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ex-Pemex CEO Arrested In U.S., Faces Corruption Trial ln Mexico
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced Thursday that former Pemex chief executive Carlos Treviño has been detained in the United States and will be deported to face corruption charges in Mexico.
Treviño led the state-owned oil company from 2017 until 2018, leaving the role when former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador assumed office.
Sheinbaum told reporters at her daily press briefing that prosecutors intend to bring Treviño to trial over alleged corruption committed during his time at the helm of Pemex.
On Monday, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that two Mexican businessmen, Roma Energy CEO Ramón Alexandro Rovirosa Martínez and former gubernatorial candidate Mario Alberto Ávila Lizárraga, were indicted in the U.S. for allegedly bribing Pemex officials to obtain and retain contracts with the state-owned oil company.
On July 29, Pemex reported its first quarterly profit in more than a year, crediting a stronger peso for the improvement, posting $3.16 billion in net income for the second quarter, following heavy losses in 2024, including just over $9 billion in the fourth quarter.
Crude and condensate production in 2024 averaged 1.65 million barrels per day, underscoring ongoing output challenges despite the quarterly gain.
Earlier in July, Mexico’s Finance Ministry announced a plan to support Pemex through the issuance of pre-capitalized notes aimed at bolstering its balance sheet without a direct sovereign guarantee.
A day after its earnings report release, the government issued $12 billion in new dollar-denominated notes maturing in 2030, exceeding initial expectations of up to $10 billion. The debt sale formed part of the same strategy to stabilize Pemex’s finances.
Analysts noted that the second-quarter profit was largely driven by currency effects, while sales and revenues continued to be pressured by lower oil prices.
Source:Oilprice.com
Nigeria: NNPC Limited Secures Landmark Court Victory, Escapes Paying Over $3.2Million In Damages
Nigeria’s national oil company, NNPC Limited, has escaped paying ₦5 billion(equivalent of $3.26million) in damages after an Appeal Court in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, upheld the company’s appeal against a Federal High Court judgment involving Senator Ifeanyi Araraume.
In April 2023, the Federal High Court ruled against NNPC Limited for the removal of Senator Ifeanyi Araraume as non-executive Chairman of the NNPC Board and awarded Ifeanyi Araraume ₦5 billion in damages.
The judgment did not sit well with NNPC Limited, prompting an appeal.
The Appeal Court agreed with NNPC Ltd.’s position that the Federal High Court’s earlier decision was delivered in error, noting, among other things, that the claim was statute-barred.
The Court of Appeal’s judgment spares NNPC Ltd. a massive financial payout and removes a legal risk that could have invalidated all decisions of the Board since 2021.
According to NNPC Limited, this decision of the Court of Appeal secures governance stability for NNPC Ltd., sets a corporate governance precedent in Nigerian law, and upholds the validity of Board resolutions critical to the oil and gas industry’s investment and policy direction.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Russia: 66 Schoolchildren, Including A Ghanaian, Join Rosatom’s Icebreaker Of Knowledge Expedition
On August 13, Rosatom’s sixth international Arctic expedition, “Icebreaker of Knowledge,” set sail from Murmansk. This expedition has been organized by the Atomic Energy Information Centres network with the support of Rosatom. It is dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Russia’s nuclear industry and the 500th anniversary since the beginning of the development of the Northern Sea Route.
The expedition will be made along the route from Murmansk, passing through the North Pole to Franz Josef Land and back to Murmansk. The expedition is scheduled to reach the North Pole on August 17 and return to Murmansk on August 22, the State Flag Day of the Russian Federation.
Part of the expedition will be a scientific and educational program with international experts in the field of atomic and space technologies, scientists, and popularizers of science. During their journey, the participants will learn about the structure and operation of a nuclear icebreaker.
They will also have the opportunity to see the unique natural beauty of the Arctic region, make the fastest round-the-world journey ever when they walk around the point where all earth’s meridians meet, and test Russian rovers for the first time ever in the harsh conditions of the North Pole.
This year, 66 schoolchildren from 21 countries, including Brazil, Bolivia, Egypt, Indonesia, China, and other countries, have joined the expedition. Many of the foreign participants will be the first representatives of their countries to visit this northernmost point on Earth.
One of them, Majdoub Kenneth from Ghana, shared his thoughts: “Although our journey to Murmansk was long and tiring, our stay has been both comfortable and warmly welcoming. Meeting new people and exploring together the city and history of Murmansk for the first time has been a truly unique and fascinating experience. I feel both excited and a little anxious about what lies ahead, and I expect the trip to be eye-opening and inspiring.”
Russian and foreign scientists, engineers, specialists in the nuclear and space industries, well-known bloggers, and science popularizers will also take part in the expedition. The list of speakers includes Topan Setiadipura, Head of the Reactor Technologies Research Center at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) of Indonesia; Suang Trung Le, Director of the Nuclear Physics Center of the Nuclear Physics and Technology Institute at the Vietnam Institute of Atomic Energy; Alexander Tyunin, Director General of Rosatom Composite Technologies; Leonid Dedyukha, an unpaid advisor to the Minister of Education of the Russian Federation, winner of the All-Russian contest “Teacher of the Year” in 2024, Ambassador of the Atomic Lesson project; Andrey Babkin, test cosmonaut, Deputy Commander of the Roscosmos Cosmonaut Team, and many others.
In his address to the participants of the ceremony for the “Icebreaker of Knowledge” Arctic expedition set off, Grigory Gurov, head of the Youth Affairs Federal Agency and an expert on the “Icebreaker of Knowledge 2025” expedition, pointed out: “Visiting the North Pole is a dream for many people, comparable to going into space. Joining Rosatom’s international Arctic expedition on a nuclear icebreaker is a truly unique opportunity.
“Those who have been chosen for this trip had to work hard to earn it and to prove that they are the best of the best. This year’s competition set a record with more than 1,400 people applying for each place. In total, over 63,000 Russians and 4,000 citizens from other countries applied. For some, this was their first major success, showing that everything is achievable if you dream. Thanks to decisions made by the President of Russia, young people have the opportunity to realize their potential, brave ideas, and dreams through the national project ‘Youth and Children’.”
Yakov Antonov, Director General of Atomflot (Rosatom’s company), spoke about the importance of the international Arctic expedition of Rosatom: “2025 marks 500 years since Russia began to develop the Northern Sea Route, a unique route from Europe to the Far East. We never cease to be proud of the feat of our pioneers, who fearlessly, step by step, overcame the difficult path to incredible discoveries. Russia is the only country in the world that has a nuclear icebreaker fleet, and I am sure that on the Icebreaker of Knowledge voyage, schoolchildren will be inspired by the vastness of the Arctic, and in the future, they will become new discoverers, creators of breakthrough technologies, which we will also be proud of.”
The scientific and educational project “Icebreaker of Knowledge” has been organized by the Atomic Energy Information Centres network with the support of Rosatom. It aims to promote natural sciences and nuclear technology, discover and support talented and gifted young people, develop their skills, and offer them career guidance. The selection for the expedition was open to schoolchildren aged 14-16 from 21 different countries.
In the sixth season of the “Icebreaker of Knowledge” project, more than 67 thousand schoolchildren from around the world competed to join the expedition. The winners have been chosen based on multi-stage selection processes and the results of the “Main Recess” competition, Sirius education programs, the Russian intellectual game championship “Knowledge. Game,” and the selection among participants in the Rosatom Junior Movement.
About 4,000 schoolchildren from 20 different countries participated in the competitive selection process. These countries included Armenia, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, and others. A record number of applications were received from Kyrgyzstan (471 participants), India (492 participants), and Bangladesh (841 participants).
Over the six seasons of the project, more than 400 talented schoolchildren have become participants in Rosatom’s Arctic expeditions. In 2024, the Arctic expedition of Rosatom became international with participants from 15 countries. The “Icebreaker of Knowledge 2025” project is part of the plan of events to prepare for and celebrate the 500th anniversary of the beginning of Russia’s development of the Northern Sea Route, the celebration of which was established this year by the decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin (dated March 10, 2025).
The Northern Sea Route (NSR) is the shortest shipping route connecting the western part of Eurasia and the Asia-Pacific region. This is a national transport artery of Russia with a long history of development.
The first reference to the route along the seas of the Arctic Ocean dates back to 1525, when Russian diplomat Dmitry Gerasimov put forward the idea of using it for maritime communication between Russia and China. From that moment on, the Russian history of the development of the Northern Sea Route began. In 2025, Russia celebrates the 500th anniversary of the NSR development.
Russia is the only country in the world with a fleet of nuclear icebreakers operated by Rosatom’s Atomflot. Today, the fleet includes eight vessels.
In 2025, the Russian nuclear industry celebrates its 80th anniversary. The Soviet Union is the pioneer and world leader in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Russian scientists built the first world’s nuclear power plant in Obninsk in 1954. The first nuclear icebreaker Lenin was built in 1960 to help explorers of the Arctic.
Today, Rosatom continues to develop advanced technologies and apply them in various industries. The corporation is building nuclear power plants that provide clean energy to hundreds of millions of people in dozens of countries worldwide.
It also ensures the logistics for the Northern Sea Route, produces new materials, develops and manufactures nuclear medicine products. The main theme of this anniversary year can be expressed in three words: pride, inspiration, and dream. Atomists are proud of the feats of the industry founders and feel inspired by the achievements of the previous generations.
They plan to continue exploring new frontiers and expand the boundaries of what is possible. The 80th anniversary of the industry is set to be celebrated with a series of events, the main one of which, the international forum “World Atomic Week”, will take place in Moscow this autumn.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Russian and foreign scientists, engineers, specialists in the nuclear and space industries, well-known bloggers, and science popularizers will also take part in the expedition. The list of speakers includes Topan Setiadipura, Head of the Reactor Technologies Research Center at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) of Indonesia; Suang Trung Le, Director of the Nuclear Physics Center of the Nuclear Physics and Technology Institute at the Vietnam Institute of Atomic Energy; Alexander Tyunin, Director General of Rosatom Composite Technologies; Leonid Dedyukha, an unpaid advisor to the Minister of Education of the Russian Federation, winner of the All-Russian contest “Teacher of the Year” in 2024, Ambassador of the Atomic Lesson project; Andrey Babkin, test cosmonaut, Deputy Commander of the Roscosmos Cosmonaut Team, and many others.
In his address to the participants of the ceremony for the “Icebreaker of Knowledge” Arctic expedition set off, Grigory Gurov, head of the Youth Affairs Federal Agency and an expert on the “Icebreaker of Knowledge 2025” expedition, pointed out: “Visiting the North Pole is a dream for many people, comparable to going into space. Joining Rosatom’s international Arctic expedition on a nuclear icebreaker is a truly unique opportunity.
“Those who have been chosen for this trip had to work hard to earn it and to prove that they are the best of the best. This year’s competition set a record with more than 1,400 people applying for each place. In total, over 63,000 Russians and 4,000 citizens from other countries applied. For some, this was their first major success, showing that everything is achievable if you dream. Thanks to decisions made by the President of Russia, young people have the opportunity to realize their potential, brave ideas, and dreams through the national project ‘Youth and Children’.”
Yakov Antonov, Director General of Atomflot (Rosatom’s company), spoke about the importance of the international Arctic expedition of Rosatom: “2025 marks 500 years since Russia began to develop the Northern Sea Route, a unique route from Europe to the Far East. We never cease to be proud of the feat of our pioneers, who fearlessly, step by step, overcame the difficult path to incredible discoveries. Russia is the only country in the world that has a nuclear icebreaker fleet, and I am sure that on the Icebreaker of Knowledge voyage, schoolchildren will be inspired by the vastness of the Arctic, and in the future, they will become new discoverers, creators of breakthrough technologies, which we will also be proud of.”
The scientific and educational project “Icebreaker of Knowledge” has been organized by the Atomic Energy Information Centres network with the support of Rosatom. It aims to promote natural sciences and nuclear technology, discover and support talented and gifted young people, develop their skills, and offer them career guidance. The selection for the expedition was open to schoolchildren aged 14-16 from 21 different countries.
In the sixth season of the “Icebreaker of Knowledge” project, more than 67 thousand schoolchildren from around the world competed to join the expedition. The winners have been chosen based on multi-stage selection processes and the results of the “Main Recess” competition, Sirius education programs, the Russian intellectual game championship “Knowledge. Game,” and the selection among participants in the Rosatom Junior Movement.
About 4,000 schoolchildren from 20 different countries participated in the competitive selection process. These countries included Armenia, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, and others. A record number of applications were received from Kyrgyzstan (471 participants), India (492 participants), and Bangladesh (841 participants).
Over the six seasons of the project, more than 400 talented schoolchildren have become participants in Rosatom’s Arctic expeditions. In 2024, the Arctic expedition of Rosatom became international with participants from 15 countries. The “Icebreaker of Knowledge 2025” project is part of the plan of events to prepare for and celebrate the 500th anniversary of the beginning of Russia’s development of the Northern Sea Route, the celebration of which was established this year by the decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin (dated March 10, 2025).
The Northern Sea Route (NSR) is the shortest shipping route connecting the western part of Eurasia and the Asia-Pacific region. This is a national transport artery of Russia with a long history of development.
The first reference to the route along the seas of the Arctic Ocean dates back to 1525, when Russian diplomat Dmitry Gerasimov put forward the idea of using it for maritime communication between Russia and China. From that moment on, the Russian history of the development of the Northern Sea Route began. In 2025, Russia celebrates the 500th anniversary of the NSR development.
Russia is the only country in the world with a fleet of nuclear icebreakers operated by Rosatom’s Atomflot. Today, the fleet includes eight vessels.
In 2025, the Russian nuclear industry celebrates its 80th anniversary. The Soviet Union is the pioneer and world leader in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Russian scientists built the first world’s nuclear power plant in Obninsk in 1954. The first nuclear icebreaker Lenin was built in 1960 to help explorers of the Arctic.
Today, Rosatom continues to develop advanced technologies and apply them in various industries. The corporation is building nuclear power plants that provide clean energy to hundreds of millions of people in dozens of countries worldwide.
It also ensures the logistics for the Northern Sea Route, produces new materials, develops and manufactures nuclear medicine products. The main theme of this anniversary year can be expressed in three words: pride, inspiration, and dream. Atomists are proud of the feats of the industry founders and feel inspired by the achievements of the previous generations.
They plan to continue exploring new frontiers and expand the boundaries of what is possible. The 80th anniversary of the industry is set to be celebrated with a series of events, the main one of which, the international forum “World Atomic Week”, will take place in Moscow this autumn.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com South Africa: Western Cape High Court Blocks TotalEnergies Oil Project
A South African High Court in the Western Cape has halted an oil and gas exploration project led by TotalEnergies, citing that the environmental assessment for the project was “deeply flawed, failing to address key risks, legal requirements, and public participation,” according to a report by Bloomberg cited by Oilprice.com
The case was brought before the court by a group of environmental organizations opposing oil and gas development in South Africa and elsewhere.
The news comes hours after Bloomberg reported that the French supermajor was planning a major drilling campaign offshore South Africa, featuring up to seven wells, with drilling set to begin in 2026.
TotalEnergies holds exploration rights for blocks in four offshore areas in South Africa: Deep Water Orange Basin (DWOB), Orange Basin Deep (OBD), Outeniqua South, and Block 3B/4B, located east of DWOB.
Although the report did not specify the block where TotalEnergies planned to drill these wells, a draft environmental assessment for the drilling project was available for public comment until September 10th.
The Western Cape High Court allowed TotalEnergies to reapply for environmental approval for the drilling project that had been halted.
“We have some attractive licenses just across the border, and we have actually two or three prospects. We are working in South Africa, and the process to get all the authorizations is quite lengthy, but we hope to begin drilling South African targets in 2026,” TotalEnergies Chief Executive Patrick Pouyanné told analysts during the company’s second-quarter earnings call last month.
The company’s plans for South Africa follow a major oil discovery offshore neighboring Namibia, with estimated reserves of around 3 billion barrels.
Environmental groups have scored several victories against oil companies in court, halting projects and canceling drilling licenses on the grounds that these activities would have an adverse effect on the environment and the planet’s climate.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Saudi Wealth Fund Slashes $8 Billion In Megaproject Values Amid Oil Price Woes
The Saudi Private Investment Fund has written down $8 billion from the value of the Saudi state’s megaprojects over the past year as they struggle to move forward amid budget overruns combined with weaker oil prices.
According to a Financial Times report that cited an unnamed source, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund’s investments in projects, including the smart city Neom, at the end of 2024 were worth the equivalent of $56 billion. This was down by 12.4% from the previous year, the report said. “There were impairments to certain projects primarily relating to global economic market conditions, changes to operational plans and increases in budgeted costs,” the unnamed source told the Financial Times. Last month, the media reported that the Saudi government was reassessing the scope and timeline of the $500-billion Neom project aimed at diversifying the Saudi economy away from crude oil. Per those reports, the reassessment was launched in response to deepening financial strain across the kingdom’s Vision 2030 infrastructure program. The move comes amid mounting vendor arrears and a liquidity crunch that has prompted an urgent reallocation of energy-sector capital and personnel. It is these megaprojects that make Saudi Arabia’s breakeven oil price so high—quite a bit higher than current oil prices. Because of this price environment, economists earlier this year warned that the kingdom would have to reduce its spending plans by more than what Riyadh planned for this year, which was a 3.7% reduction in spending. “A sharper and sustained fall in the oil price would require a deeper retrenchment in government spending to contain the size of the shortfall and the building in government debt,” Monica Malik, the chief economist of Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, told the Financial Times at the time. “There would also likely be some further adjustment and recalibration to the off-budget investment plans,” she added. Source: Oilprice.comThe Gambia: Gov’t Targets Universal Electricity Access By 2026
The Gambia is targeting universal electricity access by 2026 and 90% coverage by the end of 2025, Minister for Petroleum, Energy, and Mines, Nani Juwara, has revealed.
Universal Energy Access (UEA) denotes the availability of reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy services for all, irrespective of socioeconomic status or geographical location.
According to Minister Juwara, the government believes electricity drives economic activities, hence providing over D500 million from local funds to support Universal Access for the remaining parts of the country that don’t have electricity. He mentioned Lower Fulladu, Niamina East, Niamina West, Lower Saloum, and Upper Saloum.
Speaking at a Ministerial Town Hall at the SDKJ Conference Center on Friday, Minister Juwara said the government is committed to delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy as a catalyst for job creation, improved livelihoods, and inclusive economic growth.
He added that the country is developing a Compact Programme for support from the World Bank, African Development Bank, and other philanthropic organizations under the M300 agenda to provide access to 300 million Africans.
“Let us continue working together to build a resilient and energy-secure Gambia,” he said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com