Ten people have reportedly been hospitalised after they sustained various degree of injuries following a fire outbreak at Abrofo Mpoano near Cape Coast Castle in the Central Region of the Republic of Ghana.
According to Citinewsroom.com, eyewitnesses account indicated that the fire razed a premix fuel station and destroyed scores of structures including shops in the vicinity.
The incident happened immediately after a fuel tanker discharged a premix fuel at the station.
“Upon assessment of the situation, we realised they needed assistance because the situation was more than they expected. So we had to deploy two additional fire tenders. So it took us about two hours before we were able to bring the fire under control,’’ DO3 Abdul Wasiu Hudu, a fire officer was quoted as saying.
Some outboard motors, a number of canoes and fishing nets wers said to have been destroyed by the fire.
Investigation into the actual cause of the fire has begun.
Saudi Arabia has thwarted a planned attack with explosives against an oil products terminal near the border with Yemen, the Kingdom said early on Friday, adding that the attempted attack was the deed of the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Saudi forces intercepted and destroyed on Wednesday evening two unmanned boats carrying explosives to a floating offloading platform that belongs to an oil products terminal at the port city of Jizan in southwestern Saudi Arabia just north of the border with Yemen, the official Saudi Press Agency reported early on Friday, quoting an official source at the Saudi Ministry of Energy.
The operation resulted in a limited fire on the platform’s floating hoses, which was soon extinguished and caused no injuries or fatalities, the Saudi agency said.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strongly condemns the cowardly attack, adding that such criminal acts directed against vital facilities do not target the Kingdom alone, but they also target the security of oil exports, the stability of energy supplies to the world, the freedom of international trade, and the entire global economy,” the energy ministry source told the Saudi Press Agency.
Houthi rebels have frequently attacked, or tried to attack, oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, especially facilities close to the border with Yemen, that are within rocket or unmanned drone reach.
Saudi Arabia, for its part, often claims it has foiled attacks from the Houthi rebels.
Since 2015, Saudi Arabia and Iran have been essentially fighting a proxy war in Yemen, where the Saudis lead a military Arab coalition to “restore legitimacy” in the country, while the Houthi movement, which holds the capital Sanaa, is backed by Iran.
The Houthis have claimed responsibility for the September 14 attacks on Saudi Aramco’s oil facilities that cut off 5 percent of daily global supply for weeks. But Saudi Arabia and the United States have said that it was Iran—and not the Houthis—who was responsible for the attack.
The Saudis and the U.S. blamed the attack on Iran, claiming evidence showed the missiles had been fired from the north rather than the south, where Yemen is.
Source: Oilprice.com
The African Development Bank and the Government of Uganda have signed a $500,000 grant agreement for financing of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to boost business linkages on the East African Crude Oil Pipeline Technical Assistance project.
The project’s overall objective is to help develop capacity of local Uganda MSMEs along the East African crude oil pipeline, by enabling them to access new market opportunities, and building linkages with larger, national, regional and international companies.
The project aims to support inclusive private sector growth and the creation of an estimated 500 jobs along the pipeline.
Through the Fund for African Private Sector Assistance (FAPA), the Bank will contribute $500,000 to the project. The Government of Uganda through the Petroleum Authority will provide counterpart funding. A similar project is being finalised on the Tanzanian side of the border.
The grant was provided in response to a request from Uganda and Tanzania for assistance in preparing local business communities to be able to retain a portion of the $3.5 billion investment in the construction of a crude oil pipeline from Hoima in western Uganda to Tanga, on the Coast of Tanzania, agreed in 2016. This has recently been followed by the signing of an agreement in September 2020 between the two governments, for the project to be undertaken by Total E&P as the lead private sector developer.
The grant agreement was signed on 17 September by Bank Acting Senior Vice President and Chief Finance Officer Swazi Tshabalala on behalf of the African Development Bank, and Matia Kasaija, Ugandan Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
The target is to have at least 100 local micro business in Uganda and Tanzania trained to do business on the pipeline project. It is also expected to link at least 70 business enterprises or other relevant business transactions undertaken on the pipeline. With the increased number of enterprises joining petroleum supplier databases in both Uganda and Tanzania, new job opportunities would also be created for about 500 people.
FAPA is a multi-donor thematic trust fund which provides grant funding for technical assistance and capacity building to support implementation of the Bank’s Private Sector Development Strategy. Japan and Austria, and the African Development Bank are active contributors to the Fund, which to date has provided over $69 million to 87 projects in over 38 countries across the African continent.
The FAPA portfolio includes regional and national projects aimed at improving the business environment, strengthening financial systems, building private sector Infrastructure, promotion of trade and development of Micro-, Small- and Medium- Enterprise.
Additional information on FAPA can be obtained from the following link https://bit.ly/36x47fl or contact to [email protected] for specific requests.
During this year’s opening session of the Digital African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa on 24 November, Eskom CEO André de Ruyter will open up about his time so far at South Africa’s state utility, his plans to achieve financial and operational stability for the organisation, the future of coal in the sector and how he wants to attract private sector investment in order to pivot to renewable energy.
“Having the CEO of Africa’s largest utility open African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa has become a proud and honoured tradition for us, and for Eskom, as we have been in a formal partnership for many years,” says a delighted Chanelle Hingston, Group Director, Power & Energy for event organisers Clarion Events Africa.
She adds with a smile: “So, if you will pardon the expression, we are stoked to have André de Ruyter in conversation with leading CNBC Africa journalist Fifi Peters as a definite highlight on our agenda for this year’s digital programme.”
“An ongoing theme for our thought leadership this year is ‘Africa’s transitioning energy sector’ with particular focus on the opportunities of private sector participation in the power sector.” She continues, “through our ongoing engagement and communication with the industry this has repeatedly been raised as an important focus.
“We also have inspiring sessions on small scale hydro opportunities in East Africa, career opportunities in the energy sector, re-imaging the digital utility and a water-focused digital dialogue on public-private partnerships as an alternative procurement method in the sector.”
Going Digital
The Digital African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa is the 20th edition of this flagship event, which was postponed earlier this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Says Hingston: “At the time we promised our regular attendees, partners and clients an inspired and inspiring online platform with world-class speakers, live discussions and virtual networking and product showcases and we were true to our word when we were first to market with the first Virtual African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa that took place from 11-15 May.
“It was hugely successful and we feel privileged to be able to offer a second event in one year and cannot wait to host the sector again later this month. Being part of the Digital Energy Festival and offering regular webinars also has helped us to stay in regular contact with the industry.”
The next live, in-person edition of this leading conference and exhibition at the Cape Town International Convention Centre will take place from 11-13 May 2021.
Digital Energy Festival
Digital African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa forms part of the Digital Energy Festival for Africa that is hosted jointly with three other leading energy brands under Clarion Events, namely Africa Energy Forum, the Oil & Gas Council’s Africa Assembly and the energy journal ESI Africa, which has been providing weeks of compelling content since the festival started on 20 October.
In the run-up to the Digital Event, attendees can already register now for the ongoing Digital Energy Festival and enjoy free quality sessions such as fireside chats, digital dialogues and GenderLens interviews on a daily basis, as well as the inaugural Municipal Leaders Forum that is taking place from 18-19 November.
REGISTRATION for African Utility Week and the Digital Energy
Festival: https://www.african-utility-week.com/digital/general-admission
African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa dates and location: Digital Energy Festival for Africa: 20 October-26 November 2020
Digital conference and matchmaking: 24-26 November 2020
Venue: Online
Next, live, in-person conference and exhibition: 11-13 May 2021
Venue: CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa
The Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST) has dismissed claims by Kwame Awuah Darko, a former Managing Director of the state owned entity under the erstwhile National Democratic Congress administration, that the company was profitable during his tenure.
According to the current Management, led by Edwin Provencal, the claims by the former MD are false and wondered why he chose to spew lies in the public space when evidence available contradicts his claims.
At a media interaction on Monday, November 9, Awuah Darko took on his predecessor, Edwin Provencal, for claiming that BOST accounts, covering 2014 and 2016, were not audited. He also disputed the fact that the company made profit under his tenure.
“I am sure they are making all these claims because of the current state of corruption at BOST and TOR. PricewaterCoopers, an audit firm contracted by the government to audit BOST, presented a report that stated that we made profit. Would the government say the firm did a bad job in its findings and report? If that is the case, then, they should call for their arrest. Why would the government deny a report that they paid huge amount to conduct?” Awuah Darko queried.
He added: “Looking at this report, one could clearly tell that all these claims are aimed at watering down the quality of progress TOR and BOST had made over the years, under my leadership. We made huge profit and that remains the fact. For a Managing Director, who is paid GH¢100,000.00 per month from BOST in salary and allowances, you should be able to at least recognise.”
However, a statement signed by Corporate Communications Manager of BOST, Marlick Adjei, in response to Awuah Darko’s claim, gave a detailed explanation of the mess Mr. Darko created before leaving BOST.
Although, the statement acknowledged the fact that BOST made some profit under the National Democratic Congress administration, it was rather in the year 2012 when Dr. Yaw Akoto was the MD.
According to the statement, BOST made losses in three consistent years under the leadership of Kwame Awuah Darko.
The statement noted that a report prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2015 and 2016 showed that BOST made GHS36,341,669 and GHS458,638,724 in 2015 and 2016 respectively.
Meanwhile, the 2014 audit report, which was prepared by Tema-based Opoku, Andoh and Co., also showed that BOST made a loss of GHS89, 365,054.
The statement revealed that Conveniio Energy, a company owned by Kwame Awuah Darko, lifted products worth GHS2.3 million from BOST during his tenure and till date, the money has not been paid.
‘‘Due to lack of proper structure and adherence to procedure in the sale of products on credit to dealers, a chunk of the receivables, including that of his company, have not been paid BOST yet. We have proceeded to engage private debt collection firms in this enterprise and we are hopeful of retrieving all those monies owed BOST including that of the company he leads as CEO, Convenio Energy,’’ the statement said.
On his leadership of BOST and TOR at the same time, the statement said the two companies had separate board of directors and Mr. Darko had no deputies in this enterprise and, therefore, run a one man show.
‘‘In the final analysis, BOST, under his watch, was made to pay US$5.50 per barrel in tolling fees to TOR while the same TOR is today charging a tolling fee of US$2 per barrel in refining products for private businesses. Despite the high charges, Mr Awuah Darko ensured that TOR over-paid US$5.2 million as captured in the BOST and TOR debt validation carried out by Deloitte in November 2018.
‘‘A total of US$10 million, which Sahara Oil should have paid to BOST in respect of products sold to the NNPC of Nigeria, was also retained by Sahara in settlement of TOR debts because the two companies were mistakenly bundled
together and handed to one man to be sent to the slaughter house.
‘‘We maintain that his stewardship left BOST with a total debt of US$624 million to suppliers and related parties and a total debt of GHS273 million, which was owed to banks in the country including GCB, Standard Chartered and Universal Merchant Bank,’’ the statement concluded.
Below are portions of the Audited Accounts of BOST
Source:www.energynewsafrica.com
The Independent Power Producers in the Republic of Ghana have served notice to shut down their plants infinitum.
A shutdown notice, which was delivered to CEO of GRIDCo, Ghana’s power transmission company, and copied to the Energy Minister John-Peter Amewu and sighted by energynewsafrica.com reads: “We would like to inform you about our firm resolve to withdraw our services in the coming days infinitum.”
According to CIPDiB, the umbrella body of the IPPs, the action follows ECG and Gov’t of Ghana’s failure to settle, at least, 80 percent of their overdue receivables worth US$1 billion.
“The respective Central Control Rooms (CCRs) of the IPPs are expected to communicate with the GRIDCo’s System Control Centre. Any inconvenience is deeply regretted,’’ he warning notice concluded.
Ghana has about 21 power plants with total installed capacity of about 5,050MW.
Out of the 21 power plants, the state owns 10 with a total capacity of 2,270MW while the IPPs own 11 with a total capacity of 2780MW.
Meanwhile, in a letter dated 4th November 2020, addressed to the Energy Minister John-Peter Amewu, and copied to President Nana Akufo-Addo on Wednesday, Chairman of CIPDiB Board, Togbe Afedi expressed worry about how their calls for government to pay them for the services they have rendered to the nation has been misconstrued.
“It seems that our cry for help in our petition to the Father of the Nation, His Excellency the President, as a last ditch effort and last resort to help address our imminent and increasing financial distress and its constraining adverse effect our ability to sustain our operations and continue our business of generating power for the nation has unfortunately been misconstrued in certain quarters within government as constituting blackmailing government. We wish through you, Honourable Minister, to unequivocally re-assure Government, that there is no iota of substance in such misconception. All IPPs are genuinely committed to working with Government to address’s the challenges of the energy sector. We have always made, and willing to continue making , all possible efforts to assist Government in addressing the sector challenges. We hope we can continue this important collective national collaborative effort devoid of any blame-game,’ part of the letter stated.
Should the IPPs go ahead with their threats, the country is likely to experience power outages if the government fails to act.
Below is the data of the various generating power plants as at today, November 12, 2020.
A consumer advocacy group in the Republic of Ghana, Chamber of Petroleum Consumer (COPEC) has charged Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) across the country to make improved investments into training their frontline staff as well as provide high-quality products on a consistent basis in order to remain competitive.
The remarks follow the completion of the second Consumer Satisfaction Survey for the month of October by COPEC, in some parts of the capital Accra.
The survey targeted eighteen (18) Oil Marketing Companies with retail outlets spread across the regions as well as a total of five hundred (500) respondents made up of commercial transport operators and private car owners.
According to the survey, over 50 percent of drivers within the catchment area of the survey, that is Amasaman and the Tema Metropolis, perceive GOIL to be the leader when it comes to the quality and quantity of fuel dispensed as well as the leader when it comes to the speed of service.
Based on the same parameters of speed of service, quality and quantity of fuel dispensed, Vivo Energy Ghana or Shell as well as Total came in second and third receiving approval from about 30 percent and about 19 percent of respondents surveyed respectively.
According to the Executive Secretary of COPEC, Duncan Amoah the OMC’s need to ensure sustained investments to improve the quality of their service and products to customers, to maintain or improve their markets share.
“If you relax, consumers will start making different choices which will impact your sales, profitability and overall sustainability of your brand. So this is to encourage the brands to improve their services. Those who are struggling per the survey, need to focus on training their pump attendants. They also need to look into improving the quality of their products to attract more customers and improve how they are perceived by drivers.”
Meanwhile, in the same survey conducted, OMCs like Goodness Oil, Allied Oil, and Benab Oil came as the most admired of the rest of the OMC’s outside of the top 3 when it came to pricing, speed of service, quality and quantity of fuel dispensed.
Uganda has for the third time in a row emerged as the top performer in this year’s Electricity Regulatory Index Report published by the African Development Bank.
The East African country, along with Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia and Kenya, the other top performers, have regulators with the authority to exert the necessary oversight on the sector.
However, the overall electricity regulatory frameworks of African countries is poorly developed, and most countries experience major regulatory weaknesses.
The ERI, a flagship report of the African Development Bank, is a composite index which measures the level of development of electricity sector regulatory frameworks in the African countries against international standards and best practices.
“The African Development Bank has been at the forefront of efforts to mainstream electricity sector regulation issues in Africa within the broader sector discourse, recognizing the importance of establishing robust legal and regulatory frameworks to support the financial sustainability of the sector and attract private sector investment,” said Dr. Kevin Kariuki, Vice President, Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth, at the African Development Bank.
The third edition of the ERI report was launched during the Digital Energy Festival of the Africa Energy Forum, on 5 November 2020. The event brought together more than 70 stakeholders in the energy sector, regulators, international organizations, and development finance institutions like Africa50 and the World Bank.
The Director for Energy Financial Solutions, Policy and Regulations, at the African Development Bank, Wale Shonibare, said COVID-19 related restrictions had increased residential electricity demand and decreased industrial/commercial demand. This had resulted in shortfalls in the projected revenues of utilities.
“To address these challenges, regulators will be required to play an even more critical and central role post-Covid, to ensure that the sector recovers with minimal and controlled impact on consumers and utilities,” Shonibare said.
Koffi Klousseh, Director of Project Development at Africa50, praised the ERI as a great tool for assessing the readiness of the electricity sector for private sector investments.
Main findings of the ERI 2020 report
• 69% of countries surveyed have regulatory mechanisms in place to facilitate electricity access.
• In 21 of the 36 countries surveyed, the utility is not involved in funding rural electrification. The government, NGOs and consumers do this.
• In 90% of the countries surveyed, the Executive holds the power to appoint board members and heads of regulatory institutions who report to them. This removes the core of decision-making independence from regulators, who are subjected to subtle and direct political pressure to skew key regulatory decisions towards the political inclination of the government in power.
• Most countries have legislation to deal with conflict of interest among commissioners and heads of regulatory institutions while in office. However, few have adequate mechanisms to regulate conflict of interest and other ethical issues, affecting the integrity of regulatory decisions.
• Political authorities have significant influence on the finances of regulatory authorities. In many instances, laws establishing regulatory institutions do not clearly indicate sources of funds for the institution.
Other participants also shared views on the sector:
The CEO of Uganda’s Electricity Regulatory Authority, Ziria Tibalwa Waako, said:“Regulation is a catch-up game. If there are gaps, be happy to review your process and methodology.”
Foibe Namene, CEO of Namibia’s Electricity Control Board: “Regulatory independence is a balancing act between multiple stakeholders while maintaining high level of integrity in the regulatory processes and actions.”
Peter Twesigye, Head of Electricity Regulation Programme, Power Futures Lab, at the University of Cape Town: “Regulators should support utilities through tariffs to finance investments in the backbone feeders with outage management systems that will enable them to monitor reliability and the quality of power on these feeders.”
At least fourteen people have reportedly been injured following an explosion at Mighty Gas Co. Ltd Filling Station in Ho, in the Volta Region, Republic of Ghana.
The victims are currently receiving treatment at the Ho Teaching Hospital.
The explosion occurred few minutes after 5am of Wednesday November 11, 2020.
It is not clear what might have caused the inferno.
Eyewitnesses say they heard the sound of an explosion at the station and drew the attention of residents who called the officials of the Ghana National Fire Service.
It took the swift intervention of the servicemen to douse the fire.
According to reporters, five drivers and passengers who were purchasing gas sustained various degree of burns.
Management of the filling station have temporarily halted operation with a ‘No Gas’ notice at the facility.
Ghana’s indigenous Oil Marketing giant, GOIL Company Limited, won big at the 7th Ghana Oil and Gas Awards ceremony held in Accra.
The company secured three major awards.
Apart from grabbing the covetous OIL MARKETING COMPANY OF THE YEAR award for the third consecutive year, GOIL Burma Camp Service Station was awarded the ‘PETROLEUM RETAILER/DEALER OF THE YEAR ‘for the second consecutive year.
GOIL’s Group CEO & MD, Kwame Osei-Prempeh was also adjudged ‘CEO OF THE YEAR’ for the DOWNSTREAM Petroleum sector.
Mr. Osei Prempeh was particularly honored for creating partnerships with allied sectors to expand and diversify the company’s operations as well as playing a key role in building on the best business practices in the industry.
The annual awards night is one of the largest initiatives dedicated to championing excellence in the Oil and Gas Sector. It also recognizes achievements from local and international Oil companies who are playing a defining role in advancing the sector.
Commenting on the awards, the MD & Group CEO, Mr. Osei-Prempeh, said GOIL will continue to serve the interest of all Ghanaians and provide quality products to the satisfaction of all customers.
He assured the public that GOIL will not relent in its efforts in providing the best of service.
Ghana’s Minister for Energy, John-Peter Amewu says the government is supporting investment towards the development of the country’s gas infrastructure to ensure significant shift from oil based power generation to gas based power generation.
According to him, there is the need to harness the abundant discoverable gas resources as the country gears towards industrialisation to ensure cheaper electricity.
Mr. Amewu said this in a speech read on his behalf by the Chief Director of the Ministry of Energy, Lawrence Apaalse, at the second day of the Ghana Economic Forum 2020 with focus on the energy sector.
The Ghana Economic Forum was under the theme: ‘Resetting The Economy Beyond Covid-19; Building Economic Resilience and Self Sufficiency’.
He said as part of a long term plan to ensure cheaper and cleaner energy source to support the country’s commitment towards the combat against climate change, steps have been taken to invest in nuclear power.
He said Ghana has included nuclear power in the energy generation mix and has initiated the process for the construction of the first nuclear power plant in the country.
“We have fulfilled the conditions of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The Owner Operator of the first nuclear power plant (Nuclear Power Ghana) has also been established and currently in the process of identifying a suitable site, as well as an investor country for the construction of the first nuclear power plant,” he said.
Touching on steps the current administration has taken upon assumption of office, Mr Amewu said since 2017, the Ministry has ensured significant investments in the transmission network.
“These include upgrading the transmission lines in the Bono regions, high grid upgrade systems which are currently being extended from Tamale to Burkina Faso. GRIDCo is undertaking this with just a short stretch left to be completed,” he said.
Mr. Lawrence Apaalse, Chief Director of the Ministry of Energy
He added that just about a month ago, the President approved US$130 million grant for ECG to replace the obsolete equipment, which changes are ongoing. They are introducing the VIT Systems to forestall complete shutdown of area lines in case of local power problems.
In the area of power contracts, Mr Amewu said the government has successfully renegotiated the price of some power agreements downwards and has reduced capacity charges by over 30 percent, stressing that negotiations are still underway for the remaining power agreements.
In addition to the long existing power export to Togo-Benin (120 MW) and the exchange arrangement between Ghana and La Cote d’Ivoire, the completion of the 225 kV Ghana-Burkina Faso Interconnection Project, is allowing the export of 140MW of power to Burkina Faso, making a total of 260MW export to our neighbours.
In the renewable sub-sector, Mr Amewu said the government realised that the previous administration signed Renewable Energy Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to the tune of 2,265MW, with an average price of Cents19/KWh.
However, Mr Amewu said this government has reduced the capacities from 2,265MW to 515MW, which can be accommodated within the country’s electricity network.
“We have also re-negotiated and reduced the price/KWh from an average of Cents19/KWh to Cents12/KWh. Our ultimate goal at the Ministry is to achieve tariffs below Cents10/KWh, for which reason we are further engaging with scheduled PPAs. Other actions we have taken include developing a Renewable Energy Master Plan which clearly provides the capacity and investment required on yearly basis,” he said.
Mr Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo, Director Renewable and Alternative Energies at the Ministry of Energy
Source: www.energynewsafrica.com
Tullow Oil Plc. has completed the sale of its assets in Uganda to Total, raking in some $500 million.
A statement issued and posted on the company’s website said Tullow is also due to receive a further $75 million when a Final Investment Decision is taken on the development project, plus contingent payments linked to the oil price payable after production commences.
The closing of this transaction follows the satisfaction of all deal conditions announced on 21st October, 2020, which included the execution of the binding Tax Agreement, the approval for the transfer of Tullow’s interests to Total and the transfer of operatorship for Block ‘2’.
Although Tullow will retain a financial link to the development project, through the potential contingent payments, the closing of this transaction marks Tullow’s exit from its licences in Uganda after 16 years of operations in the Lake Albert basin.
Tullow now has a net debt of $2.4 billion and available liquidity of $1 billion.
Rahul Dhir, CEO, and Les Wood, CFO, will lay out their plans for the Group in the coming years at a Capital Markets Day on 25th November, 2020.
Commenting on the deal, Rahul Dhir, Chief Executive Officer of Tullow Oil Plc, said: “The closing of our transaction with Total clearly evokes mixed emotions within Tullow. While we are sad to be exiting Uganda after many years, the $575 million of proceeds form an important part of our plan to strengthen Tullow’s balance sheet and improve our financial position. We will watch the progress of Uganda’s oil & gas industry with much interest and all of us at Tullow wish the people and Government of Uganda and our former Joint Venture Partners every good fortune as they take this important project forward.”
Source:www.energynewsafrica.com
South Africa’s utility company, Eskom, has reported that there was cable theft at Groenvoerlande substation outside Free State, which resulted in fire outbreak.
The incident happened at about 2am, Tuesday, and it led to curtailment in power supply to parts of Bethlehem.
A statement issued by Eskom said the fire had been contained after causing excessive and costly damage to infrastructure at the substation.
“Eskom condemns such unacceptable acts of theft and vandalism,” the company said in the statement.
Ghana’s Parliament has passed the Renewable Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2020.
According to energynewsafrica.com’s sources, the Bill was passed last Friday, November 6, 2020.
The West African nation passed the Renewable Energy Act 2011 (Act 832) to spearhead the promotion of Renewable Energy.
Section 25 (1) of the Amended RE Act 2011, Act 832 emphasises the need for competitive procurement scheme for the purpose of attracting a competitive market rates for electricity generated from renewable energy sources.
It states that the competitive procurement scheme shall consist of (a) a tendering process and (b) an auction scheme.
It adds that a public utility shall not negotiate for a Power Purchase Agreement with a generator of electricity or contract power for electricity generated from renewable energy sources, unless the contracted power has gone through an open competitive and transparent procurement process.
The Amended Act also makes it mandatory for fossil fuel based electricity suppliers and companies that contribute to greenhouse gas emission to invest in non-utility scale renewable energies to offset their greenhouse emissions.
“A fossil fuel based wholesale electricity suppliers, a fossil fuel producer, and any other companies that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions shall invest in non-utility scale renewable energies to offset their Green House Gas emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change.”
Section 53 of the Amended Act also empowers the Minister to designate any public entity to execute and manage RE projects initiated by the state or in which the state has an interest.
Accordingly the BPA amendment Bill has also been passed to enable BPA to undertake RE and other cleaner energy projects designated to them by the Minister.
The amended Act, also defines hydro as a water based energy system which produces electricity. By this definition, Akosombo kpong and Bui power dams are defined as renewables.
Speaking to the Director for Renewable and Alternative Energies at the Ministry of Energy, Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo, who confirmed the passage of the RE (Amended) Bill, said the Amended Act has scrapped feed-in-tariffs and replaced with a competitive bidding scheme.
A ‘feed-in-tariff scheme’ is a policy that obliges distribution utilities to buy electricity generated from renewable sources at a higher fixed price over a long period of about 20 years to guarantee return on investment.
He explained that at the time the RE Act was enacted, the cost of generating electricity from renewable especially solar was so high that distribution utilities were reluctant to buy the power and, hence, the need to introduce the feed-in-tariff policy to compel them to buy the power at a higher price of above 18 US Cents/kWh for distribution at a lower price. Today, price of electricity from utility scale renewable energy source is a good choice and should no more be an obligation.
He said, instead, there has been an introduction of a net-metering scheme for the purpose of encouraging self-generation of electricity from renewable energy sources on a power cost reduction or climate change mitigation basis and not for income generation.
Source: www.energynewsafrica.com
Says Hingston: “At the time we promised our regular attendees, partners and clients an inspired and inspiring online platform with world-class speakers, live discussions and virtual networking and product showcases and we were true to our word when we were first to market with the first Virtual African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa that took place from 11-15 May.
“It was hugely successful and we feel privileged to be able to offer a second event in one year and cannot wait to host the sector again later this month. Being part of the Digital Energy Festival and offering regular webinars also has helped us to stay in regular contact with the industry.”
The next live, in-person edition of this leading conference and exhibition at the Cape Town International Convention Centre will take place from 11-13 May 2021.
Digital Energy Festival
Digital African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa forms part of the Digital Energy Festival for Africa that is hosted jointly with three other leading energy brands under Clarion Events, namely Africa Energy Forum, the Oil & Gas Council’s Africa Assembly and the energy journal ESI Africa, which has been providing weeks of compelling content since the festival started on 20 October.
In the run-up to the Digital Event, attendees can already register now for the ongoing Digital Energy Festival and enjoy free quality sessions such as fireside chats, digital dialogues and GenderLens interviews on a daily basis, as well as the inaugural Municipal Leaders Forum that is taking place from 18-19 November.
REGISTRATION for African Utility Week and the Digital Energy
Festival: https://www.african-utility-week.com/digital/general-admission
African Utility Week and POWERGEN Africa dates and location: Digital Energy Festival for Africa: 20 October-26 November 2020
Digital conference and matchmaking: 24-26 November 2020
Venue: Online
Next, live, in-person conference and exhibition: 11-13 May 2021
Venue: CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa
Source:www.energynewsafrica.com
Below is the data of the various generating power plants as at today, November 12, 2020.
According to the Executive Secretary of COPEC, Duncan Amoah the OMC’s need to ensure sustained investments to improve the quality of their service and products to customers, to maintain or improve their markets share.
“If you relax, consumers will start making different choices which will impact your sales, profitability and overall sustainability of your brand. So this is to encourage the brands to improve their services. Those who are struggling per the survey, need to focus on training their pump attendants. They also need to look into improving the quality of their products to attract more customers and improve how they are perceived by drivers.”
Meanwhile, in the same survey conducted, OMCs like Goodness Oil, Allied Oil, and Benab Oil came as the most admired of the rest of the OMC’s outside of the top 3 when it came to pricing, speed of service, quality and quantity of fuel dispensed.
Commenting on the awards, the MD & Group CEO, Mr. Osei-Prempeh, said GOIL will continue to serve the interest of all Ghanaians and provide quality products to the satisfaction of all customers.
He assured the public that GOIL will not relent in its efforts in providing the best of service.
Source: www.energynewsafrica.com 
