Ghana: New Ghana Gas Board Embarks On Familiarization Tour To Boost Operational Efficiency

Ghana National Gas Company Limited’s newly constituted Board of Directors has embarked on a two-day familiarization tour of the company’s key operational sites and facilities in the Western Region. The tour, led by Board Chairman Mr. Kofi Totobi Quakyi, aimed to provide Board members with a deeper understanding of Ghana Gas’ operations, infrastructure, and stakeholder engagements. During the visit, the delegation paid a courtesy call on Awulae Agyenfi Kwame, Paramount Chief of Nsein and Board member, strengthening ties between the company and local stakeholders. The team then proceeded to the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant (GPP1), where they received detailed briefings on the plant’s critical role in Ghana’s gas infrastructure. The Board commended the technical staff for their commitment and expertise in managing the plant over the past decade. Additional site visits included the LPG Bottling Plant in Axim, the Gas Lodge, the Ghana Gas Trauma Centre, and the ongoing 20-bed mini-hospital project at Ayinasi. During a staff engagement session at the Atuabo Gas Complex, employees pledged their continued support to the new leadership. Mr. Totobi Quakyi reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency, reducing waste, and optimizing revenue generation to support national development initiatives. The Board Chairman also emphasized the strategic importance of advancing the second phase of the Gas Processing Plant (GPP2) to expand Ghana’s gas infrastructure. The tour concluded with inspections at the Prestea Regulatory and Metering Station (PRMS) and other installations within the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.     Source:https://energynewsafrica.com

Nigeria: Wärtsilä Selected To Develop 30 MW Power Plant Project In Lagos

Technology group Wärtsilä has been selected to supply power generation equipment for a new 30 MW power plant being set up on Victoria Island in Lagos by a Nigerian independent power producer (IPP), Victoria Island Power Ltd. (VIPL), a special-purpose company incorporated by Lagos-based Elektron Energy. Wärtsilä will also operate and maintain the power plant for a period of five years on behalf of the customer. The engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) responsibility, together with the operation and maintenance (O&M) agreement, has also been entrusted to Wärtsilä. This project is a first-of-its-kind for Nigeria and is expected to serve as a model to enable similar, optimally sized and locally financed power projects in the country. The facility will comprise three Wärtsilä 34SG gas engine-generator sets with related auxiliaries and is configured to accommodate an extension with one additional engine-generator set at a later stage. The Wärtsilä modular power plant design concept enables this in a cost-effective manner with minimal disruption to ongoing operations. The power plant running on natural gas will be embedded within the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) at their NEPA Close Site and has been developed through the collaborative efforts of Elektron Energy and their local partners. The plant will enhance the availability and reliability of power supply to the consumers served by EKEDC. VIPL has also secured power purchase agreements (PPAs) with individual customers on a service-based tariff philosophy. “Elektron has conceptualised, developed, and funded the IPP and has secured the implementation by engaging Wärtsilä to assume single point responsibility for the major construction and operational aspects related to the eventual power generation facility. This pioneering project relies on reciprocating internal combustion engine (RICE) technology that has the efficiency and flexibility to deliver clean and reliable electricity to our customers”, says Deen Solebo, Co-CEO & CFO at Elektron Energy. “I was very impressed by Wärtsilä’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities during my visit to the Sustainable Technology Hub in Vaasa, Finland in late Q3 2024 and am happy with the readiness of the engine-generator sets. In parallel, clearing and preparation activities at the NEPA Close Site are progressing well and are due for completion within Q2 2025, after which construction can start. Commissioning is expected 15 months thereafter and the Operations & Maintenance agreement is timed to commence prior to the new build project reaching commercial operations date (COD)”, Deen summarised. “Wärtsilä’s core competence in the engine power plant and services aspects represents a unique combination of a global company with a local presence that provides developers and financiers the comfort to invest and gives end-customers the confidence to sign up for PPA’s with medium to long-term tenures. The Wärtsilä solution is extensively adopted by industrial, utility & IPP customers worldwide and the excellent credentials and track record have been recognised as a great value proposition by lenders, insurance companies, and multi-lateral funding institutions,” says Marc Thiriet, Energy Business Director, Africa at Wärtsilä Energy. “Elektron is especially grateful to the invaluable contributions of its institutional investors and funding partners who have made this project possible including ARM Harith Infrastructure Fund LP, Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, InfraCredit, Bank of Industry, FBN Quest, and Stanbic Infrastructure Partners,” Deen added.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: Energy Minister Receives Report Of The Petroleum Downstream Sector Reforms Committee

Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, has received the report of the Petroleum Downstream Sector Reforms Committee (PDSRC), inaugurated on March 14, 2025, to assess Ghana’s petroleum downstream sector. The Committee was further tasked with proposing measures to enhance the sector’s efficiency, transparency, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability. Presenting the report to the Minister on behalf of the committee, the Chairperson, Madam Emma Bulley, Esq., revealed that the Petroleum Downstream Sector has been saddled with numerous challenges. “The Petroleum Downstream sector has been plagued by a myriad of challenges, including infrastructure bottlenecks, regulatory lapses, non-compliance by some Petroleum Service Providers (PSPs), operational inefficiencies, market constraints, illicit activities leading to unhealthy competition, compromised product quality, and revenue loss to the state.” Fortunately, the Committee has made several recommendations. Implementing these reforms will transform Ghana’s petroleum downstream sector into a resilient and competitive one. “We expect the full commitment of all stakeholders,” Minister Jinapor said. Hon. John Jinapor thanked the committee for their commitment and professionalism. “I want to thank the members of the committee and all stakeholders for their commitment and professionalism. I had absolute confidence that the members of the committee would deliver nothing short of excellence. We pledged to reset Ghana, including the energy sector. The downstream sector is a crucial part of the industry, and we aim to enhance regulation while addressing operational inefficiencies and infrastructural bottlenecks.” Members of the committee include Madam Emma Bulley, Esq. (Chairperson), Dr. Kwabena Donkor, Ing. James D. Yamoah, Abass Ibrahim Tasunti, Joshua Anaman Sackey, Samuel Mills Anderson, Dr. Patrick Kwaku Ofori, Dr. Riverson Oppong, Gershon Klutse, and Isaac Kofi Ampofo (Secretary).     Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

South Africa: Eskom Takes Bold Step Towards Green Hydrogen Future

South Africa’s power utility company, Eskom, is considering adding green hydrogen production to its energy portfolio and is inviting tenders from interested companies for the construction of a pilot renewable green hydrogen facility (RHF) at its Research, Testing, and Development (RT&D) unit in Johannesburg. Renewable green hydrogen production is a key priority to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 in South Africa. This pilot will directly contribute to informing Eskom’s decarbonization strategy and potentially enable renewable energy deployment as it presents an excellent medium to long-term energy storage solution. Eskom believes developing a pilot Renewable Hydrogen Facility (RHF) will provide an informed pathway to plan for the potential adoption of green hydrogen, as well as an opportunity to understand legislative requirements and regulations related to renewable hydrogen and provide internal skills development. “Eskom is following a differentiated approach and multiple pathways to move from a high-carbon to a low-carbon economy, and we are aggressively seeking creative, technology-led solutions to achieve this,” said Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane. “This is about harnessing clean energy for inclusive economic growth. The pilot facility will help our research teams understand hydrogen’s full value chain, from production to use, and ensure we’re ready to play a leading role in the transition responsibly and inclusively.” The pilot serves as an extension of RT&D’s decarbonization research at its existing 400kW solar photovoltaic (PV) research pilot facility, which includes battery test plants that have provided valuable research across the Eskom value chain. Last month, Eskom signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Exxaro Resources that focuses on collaboration on strategic initiatives, research, and projects in the areas of carbon emissions reduction, air quality, and just transition. Eskom is also accelerating the establishment of a separate Renewable Energy Business, having recently issued an Invitation to Tender (ITT) for firms with a proven track record in establishing renewable energy businesses to assist Eskom in accelerating the deployment of renewable energy solutions.     Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Angola: New Hope For Angola’s Oil Sector As Brazil’s Petrobras Signals Return

The Brazilian oil company Petrobras and Angolan national oil company Sonangol have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for oil and gas research and development, training, and research on relevant projects for the just energy transition. The MoU, signed on Friday, May 24, in Brasilia, was witnessed by Angolan President H.E. João Lourenço and Brazilian President Lula da Silva. In March this year, an MoU was signed between ANPG and Petrobras for the joint study and possible direct negotiation of block concession contracts offshore in Angola. According to Brazilian President Lula da Silva, “the signing of the two memorandums signifies the return of Petrobras to Angola.” Other major companies, such as Shell, Petronas, and Qatar Oil, are also returning to Angola. The policies set by the Angolan Executive have allowed the retention of major international oil companies operating in the country and attracted medium and small-scale companies. This dynamic in Angola’s hydrocarbon industry demonstrates the success of the reforms carried out in the sector.       Source:https://energynewsafrica.com

South Africa Launches Oil Giant To Revive Energy Sector

South Africa has officially launched the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC), a new state-owned oil enterprise designed to consolidate and energize the country’s long-stalled hydrocarbons sector. Formed from the merger of PetroSA, iGas, and the Strategic Fuel Fund, SANPC will operate under the Central Energy Fund and is already integrating staff and assets to streamline operations. The aim Reducing oil imports, bolstering energy security, and tapping into over R95 billion in potential investment. The move comes just months after South Africa quietly allowed several of its coal-fired plants to exceed emissions limits in a desperate bid to avoid more blackouts. With the country still generating 85% of its electricity from coal and facing a chronic energy shortfall, SANPC represents a dual play: secure domestic energy while positioning itself as a more formidable player on the global stage. Foreign oil majors are already sniffing around. Shell is offloading downstream assets in South Africa, and traders like Trafigura and NOCs like Aramco and ADNOC are circling. Meanwhile, TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy are pushing ahead with high-risk exploration offshore South Africa, betting that the Orange Basin’s oil riches don’t stop at Namibia’s border. Activist lawsuits and bureaucratic messes haven’t stopped them. South Africa is trying to thread an impossible needle—keeping the lights on, appeasing climate financiers, and luring foreign capital to a regulatory minefield. SANPC might just be the bureaucratic bazooka it needs to start hitting those targets. Or, like the Luiperd gas project before it, it could get tangled in its own red tape. But as Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe bluntly put it, “We have oil, we have gas, so we must exploit it.” The era of passive potential is over. Now comes the messy business of execution.         Source: oilprice.com

Angolan President João Lourenço Selected As ‘Energy Person Of The Year’

Angola’s President João Lourenço has been selected as the ‘Energy Person of the Year’ by the African Energy Chamber (AEC), in recognition of his drive for good governance, commitment to reform and work to address corruption in Africa. The award recognizes President Lourenço’s instrumental role in transforming Angola into one of Africa’s biggest oil and gas producers and how his forward-looking vision is expected to consolidate the country’s position as a regional petroleum hub in Africa. Since his election in 2017, President Lourenço has turned Angola’s economy – and broader oil and gas industry – around. With ageing oilfields and reduced upstream investment, the country was witnessing rapid production decline. However, President Lourenço’s long-term strategy to revitalize the industry saw a series of milestones achieved, and in 2025, the country continues to witness a positive growth trajectory across its oil and gas sector. By introducing flexible investment structures, President Lourenço spurred interest back into the industry, leading to greater investment across the entire energy value chain. These include risk service contracts, a permanent offer scheme, marginal fields opportunities and an incremental production initiative. The privatization of Sonangol, the establishment of the upstream and downstream regulators and revised tax codes have further catalyzed spending and transparency in Angola. President Lourenço has also set clear targets for the country. These include plans to sustain oil output above one million barrels per day (bpd) beyond 2027, scaling-up capacity in the natural gas sector while accelerating green energy development. In the oil sector, President Lourenço has spearheaded new development opportunities across the upstream and downstream sectors. With a six-year licensing round introduced in 2019, the country witnessed a surge in investments as major operators sought out new discoveries in both the on- and offshore markets. Now, the country anticipates a $60 billion five-year investment drive, as major players expand their portfolios. Upcoming projects include the Agogo Integrated West Hub Development by Azule Energy and the TotalEnergies-led Kaminho development. To further bolster production, Angola is also opening doors to new block opportunities. A licensing round launching in 2025 will further entice spending, offering 10 blocks for exploration in the Kwanza and Benguela Basins. The country also offers 11 blocks for investment via direct negotiation in conjunction with five marginal fields opportunities. Angola’s flexible investment structures – spearheaded by President Lourenço and aimed at supporting a variety of investments – continue to play a major part in facilitating spending across Angola’s upstream market. President Lourenço has also positioned the natural gas sector as a catalyst for development in Angola. Already an LNG producer, the country strives to enhance production capacity through associated and non-associated projects. The country’s first non-associated project – led by the New Gas Consortium – will come online in late-2025 or early-2026. However, President Lourenço’s drive in Angola goes beyond the upstream sector. To address domestic fuel demand, the country targets a refining capacity of upwards of 400,000 bpd. The first phase of the Cabinda oil refinery will begin operations in 2025, introducing 60,000 bpd to the market. Additional investment opportunities in the downstream sector include the planned 200,000 bpd Lobito refinery and the 100,000 Soyo refinery. Under President Lourenço’s leadership, the country has engaged investors on these projects, while promoting new downstream developments that promise greater fuel security in both Angola and the broader region. President Lourenço’s achievements go beyond oil and gas development. Recognizing the vital need to address climate change concerns, President Lourenço has also been a strong advocate for diversified investments in Africa. Angola is spearheading renewable energy projects as well as green hydrogen. With a commitment to improving peace in Africa, President Lourenço continues to work closely with regional counterparts to foster stability. As Angola celebrates 50 years of independence in 2025, President Lourenço’s drive to facilitate inclusive development in Africa will serve as a source of inspiration. “President Lourenço has not only been an instrumental leader in Angola but has played a major part in facilitating investment and development across the broader African oil and gas landscape. By committing to industry reform, working closely with international partners and implementing clear and actionable objectives, President Lourenço has shaped Angola’s oil and gas market into what it is today,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. The ’Energy Person of the Year’ celebrates the achievements of President Lourenço, highlighting how his ambitious and inclusive approach to development has unlocked a wealth of opportunities for Angola and the broader region. Previous award winners include Frank Fannon, Former United States Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources, Mohammed S. Barkindo, former OPEC Secretary General, former Namibian President Hage Geingob, Meg O’Neill, CEO and Managing Director, Woodside Energy and Dr. Benedict Oramah, President & Chairman of the Board of Directors, African Export-Import Bank.           Source: Energy Chamber

Ghana: PURC Convenes Emergency Meeting With GRIDCo, ECG And NEDCo Over Recent Power Supply Challenges

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) convened an emergency stakeholder meeting on May 23, 2025 with the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), and Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), to address the ongoing electricity supply challenges and unplanned outages affecting parts of the country. The meeting, initiated by the Commission after monitoring and receiving consumer complaints, aimed to understand the root causes of the recent power disruptions, assess the operational challenges facing utility service providers, and ensure the implementation of coordinated measures to restore and stabilize the electricity supply. The Executive Secretary of PURC, Dr. Shafic Suleman, reiterated the Commission’s mandate to protect consumer interests and uphold utility service standards. “The Commission is seriously concerned about the frequent power outages being experienced in some regions. This meeting is a crucial step in ensuring that the causes are identified and urgent corrective actions are taken by all parties involved,” he said. During the engagement, GRIDCo, ECG, and NEDCo provided detailed briefings on the technical and operational difficulties contributing to the supply instability, including long and widespread feeders, inadequate Bulk Supply Points (BSPs), tampering of the Electricity Network, Overload on System Components, overgrown vegetation, and effects of weather. Following the briefings, the Commission directed the utilities to submit comprehensive reports on the current challenges, immediate mitigation measures, and long-term plans to prevent recurrence. The Commission also emphasized the need for improved communication with the public during such disruptions to enhance transparency and public confidence. PURC will ensure strict compliance with performance standards to safeguard the reliability of electricity supply nationwide and urges consumers to report any challenges affecting utility service delivery in their localities. The Commission remains committed to protecting the interests of consumers and utility service providers and will continue to monitor the current power situation to ensure quality of service delivery.            

Nigeria: NNPC Ltd Shuts Down Port Harcourt Refinery For Maintenance

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has announced the shutdown of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) starting May 24 for maintenance. A statement issued by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, confirmed the shutdown, though no completion date was mentioned. The maintenance aims to ensure sustainability and efficiency. NNPC Ltd. is working closely with relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to ensure transparent and efficient execution. NNPC Ltd. remains committed to delivering sustainable energy security for Nigeria and will provide regular updates through official channels, including its website, media platforms, and public statements. Source:https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: Vivo Energy Pledges Commitment To Safety Across Its Operations

The Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana, Mr. Christian Li, has pledged the company’s commitment to upholding the highest standard of safety in its operations, having achieved 5,249 (about 14 years) Goal Zero days without any significant safety or environmental incident, a reflection of the organisation’s strong safety culture. Mr Christian Li made this remark at the launch of this year’s Vivo Energy Ghana’s Safety Day and Awards ceremony at its Tema depot. The event, which brought together employees, partners, and stakeholders of the company marked the beginning of a year-long drive to strengthen workplace safety across all levels of operations. Highlighting this year’s theme, ‘Growth Mindset – Competent and Committed’, Mr.  Li stated that building a strong safety culture requires more than just compliance. It requires commitment, interest, and continuous learning. He added that the company’s focus for 2025 is to empower every individual to take ownership of safety, reinforcing competence at all levels, and creating a work environment where proactive behaviour and generative culture becomes second nature. He stated: “At Vivo Energy, we have made significant investments in safety technologies including In-Vehicle Monitoring Systems (IVMS), in-cab cameras, anti-rollover systems, Vehicle Health Assessments (VHA), and engineering controls, all aimed at making road transport and workplace environments safer.” However, people make the real difference l. Safety requires people who are competent and committed to protect themselves and those around them. Representing Vivo Energy Group at the launch, Rob Foyle, Group Head of Communications, commended the Ghana team’s commitment to safety, and highlighted the importance of personal accountability and shared responsibility. “As we launch this year’s safety campaign and present awards to employees and contractors who have demonstrated an outstanding safety culture, let us remember that while systems and procedures can guide us, it is our mindset that makes us safe. Let us speak up, look out for one another, and build a safety culture where every action counts,” he said. He further stressed that safety at Vivo Energy is a foundational value, embedded across its operations on the continent. “At Vivo Energy, safety isn’t just a box to tick; it is our absolute priority, and a core value. Achieving and maintaining world-class health, safety, security, environment, and quality standards differentiates us in every market – from Tema to Takoradi, and from Tunisia to Tanzania,” he added. The emphasis on mindset and safe behaviour was brought to life through a powerful skit performed by staff during the launch, vividly demonstrating how individual choices can either prevent or lead to workplace incidents. The performance served as a visual and impactful reminder of the critical role behaviour plays in maintaining a safe work environment. The event also recognised individuals and teams who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to safety. Awards were presented to outstanding employees, contractors, and transporters, with the Best Haulier going out to J. K Hogle Transport & Co. Ltd, Best Bulk Vehicle Operator, Ernest Ofoe, Most Potential Incidents Reporter, Michael Oppong and the Best Quality Potential Incidents Reporter, Raphael Oduro. As the year-long campaign progresses, Vivo Energy Ghana remains focused on building a workforce that is both competent in its duties and committed to living out safety values in every task, every day.           Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Global Nuclear Industry Gathers In Poland To Mobilize £2tn Supply Chain Opportunity

World Nuclear Association held the inaugural World Nuclear Supply Chain Conference, at the Crowne Plaza Warsaw – The Hub, Poland, on May 20-21, 2025. Marzena Czarnecka, Minister of Industry of the Republic of Poland opened the conference, which aims to unite industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to strengthen and scale the global nuclear supply chain, capitalizing on the growing momentum for nuclear energy expansion worldwide. Recent events in Europe have highlighted the nuclear energy’s vital contribution to resilient energy grids and the need to invest in expanding nuclear capacity. The latest World Nuclear Supply Chain Report, based on collaborative analysis conducted by the industry expert working group, estimated a $2 trillion investment opportunity to grow the global supply chain over the next 15 years. Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of World Nuclear Association, said ahead of the event: “The unprecedented support for nuclear energy as an essential technology to achieve decarbonization, energy security and socio-economic growth in a timely, cost-effective and equitable manner has sent a clear signal to industry to scale up the deployment of nuclear projects. World Nuclear Association research shows a $2tn investment opportunity, our Supply Chain conference aims to mobilize the nuclear industry to build the successful delivery teams that will realize the opportunity and turn vision into reality.” Rafał Kasprów, CEO of Orlen Synthos Green Energy and Strategic Sponsor for the conference, said: “A programmatic approach to delivering nuclear power offers the best route to deployment – WNSC is a platform to connect with other business – we need all stakeholders to play their part and come together as an industry. Now, it is clear that neither tripling nuclear power in the world nor achieving net zero by 2050 is possible without nuclear, including SMRs. These projects can drive both global and local sustainable socio-economic development and wide range of applications to help Poland transition.” World Nuclear Supply Chain conference provides a platform to facilitate business-to-business (B2B) engagement by connecting project developers, vendors, construction companies and suppliers to provide opportunity for long-term business relationships and strategic partnerships. There are many international delegations and more than 300 B2B meetings scheduled as part of an actively participating audience. The event, also sponsored by EDF, GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy, and Baker McKenziewill highlight the key business drivers needed for nuclear project success, and enable the international supply chain to flourish and to seize the opportunities ahead. Exploring local and global perspectives through Poland’s nuclear plans, recognizing nuclear as critical large infrastructure deployment, and recommending the transition from a ‘projects to programmes’ approach, all stakeholders can realize the socio-economic benefits of nuclear.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Mozambique: African Development Fund Approves $43.6M For 120 MW Transmission Line Project

The African Development Bank Group has approved $43.6 million in financing for the construction of the Namaacha–Boane Transmission Line and related electricity infrastructure in Mozambique. The new infrastructure will transmit up to 332 gigawatt-hours of clean wind energy from the future 120 MW Namaacha Wind Farm to homes and businesses across Mozambique and the Southern Africa region. The financing comprises $33.2 million from the African Development Fund and $10.4 million from its Climate Action Window, a dedicated fund supporting 37 low-income African countries with climate-resilient infrastructure. The Government of Mozambique is also contributing to the project. “This project is a major step forward in Mozambique’s transition to a low-carbon energy future,” said Kevin Kariuki, the Bank Group’s Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth. “It will deliver affordable electricity, support local industry, and improve livelihoods.” Mozambique’s national power utility, Electricidade de Moçambique, will implement the project in partnership with Central Eléctrica da Namaacha (CEN), a private sector-led development involving Globeleq Africa Limited and Source Energia. The project includes constructing two new 43-kilometer, single-circuit, 66-kilovolt transmission lines, network upgrades, and equipment for stable power delivery. Upon completion, it will support thousands of new electricity connections in rural and underserved communities, cut carbon dioxide emissions by over 71,000 tons annually, and bolster regional energy trade within the Southern African Power Pool. “This investment strengthens Mozambique’s power system while accelerating access to clean energy for those who need it most,” said Wale Shonibare, Director of the Bank’s Energy Financial Solutions, Policy, and Regulations Department. The project aligns with the African Development Bank’s “Light Up and Power Africa” strategic priority and Mozambique’s goal to achieve universal electrification by 2030, in line with the Mission 300 initiative.               Source:https://energynewsafrica.com

Spain: TotalEnergies Launches Its Largest Solar Field In Europe

French multinational TotalEnergies has commissioned its largest solar power plant cluster near Seville, Spain. The cluster comprises five solar projects with a total installed capacity of 263 MW, generating 515 GWh of renewable electricity annually. This will power over 150,000 Spanish households and avoid 245,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year. The electricity will be sold through long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) and on the wholesale market. Declared a strategic interest by the Junta de Andalucía, the project involved 14 companies, mostly from Seville, creating 800 direct and indirect jobs. “We thank the Spanish authorities for supporting this solar project, contributing to Spain’s ambition of 80% renewables by 2030,” stated Olivier Jouny, Senior Vice President Renewables at TotalEnergies. “With 1,700 employees in Spain, we’re building a competitive Integrated Power portfolio, delivering clean firm power to our customers.”           Source:https://energynewsafrica.com

Portugal Explores Energy Partnership With Morocco Amid EU Grid Delays

Portugal is considering a new electricity interconnection with Morocco due to delays in planned energy projects with France, which have isolated the Iberian Peninsula from the European power grid. Minister of Environment and Energy Maria da Graça Carvalho stated that Portugal is growing frustrated with stalled infrastructure projects connecting Portugal and Spain to central Europe via France. “We’re asking for these projects to be sped up,” Carvalho said. “If this doesn’t happen, we’re keeping the Morocco option open, despite the higher costs due to undersea cables.” Portugal and Spain jointly warned the European Commission that the Iberian Peninsula is an “energy island,” requesting a meeting with French officials to establish a timeline for completing delayed electricity interconnections. The urgency follows a widespread blackout in April affecting millions in Portugal and Spain, exposing the region’s energy fragility. The lack of integration restricts renewable energy deployment and inflates electricity prices, undermining energy security and Europe’s resilience. Portugal’s consideration of a Moroccan connection highlights North Africa’s growing energy potential and the EU’s willingness to explore alternative partnerships for energy diversification and grid resilience.           Source:https://energynewsafrica.com