AEW: Sierra Leone Joins International Energy Forum As Full Member
Sierra Leone has signed an instrument of accession to officially join the International Energy Forum (IEF) as a full member.
The Director General of the Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone (PDSL), Mr. Foday Mansaray, signed the instrument of accession with IEF Secretary General Jassim Al-Shirawi in Cape Town, South Africa, during the 2025 African Energy Week at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
The IEF brings together energy ministers from producing, consuming, and transit countries worldwide, including both OPEC producers and IEA consumers, to foster dialogue on energy policy and security, data transparency, and inclusive, affordable energy transitions.
“Sierra Leone is proud to join the International Energy Forum at this important moment in our country’s development. We are determined to tackle energy poverty and expand access to modern energy services while ensuring our resources contribute to sustainable growth and stability for our people,” said Mr. Mansaray.
“Membership of the IEF will help us exchange knowledge, attract investment, and strengthen cooperation with global partners to achieve these goals,” he added.
IEF Secretary General Jassim Al-Shirawi welcomed Sierra Leone’s membership, stating: “We warmly welcome Sierra Leone to the International Energy Forum. African Energy Week has become an important platform to highlight Africa’s priorities, and today’s accession underlines Sierra Leone’s commitment to partnership and progress. The IEF looks forward to working closely with Sierra Leone to advance energy security, promote investment, and ensure inclusive growth across the continent and beyond.”
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Russian LNG Sales Earn Moscow Billions – Report
Russia is profiting significantly from liquefied natural gas sales to companies in the European Union, according to a study by the environmental organisation Greenpeace published on Tuesday.
Oil and coal imports from Russia were virtually banned under EU sanctions over Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and pipeline gas imports.
These fell sharply after the destruction of the Nord Stream pipelines in September 2022.
LNG imports were, however, so far, exempt from sanctions.
Greenpeace estimates that Yamal LNG, Russia’s main exporter of LNG, earned a total of $40 billion from global exports between 2022 and 2024.
It has an estimated $9.5bn which was paid into the Russian treasury in tax revenues.
EU companies ranked among the biggest clients of Russia’s Yamal LNG, with France’s TotalEnergies topping the list.
China’s state-owned CNPC took second place, followed by Germany’s SEFE in third and Spain’s Naturgy in fourth place.
TotalEnergies contributed an estimated 2.5 billion dollars to the Russian government’s tax income, SEFE 1.45 billion dollars and Naturgy $1.25 billion, Greenpeace said.
With the total of $9.5 billion in profit tax revenues from Yamal LNG’s exports, Moscow could afford an estimated 271,000 Shahed combat drones.
A 2,686 T-90M main battle tanks, or 9.5 million 152-millimetre artillery shells, Greenpeace said.
The stated amount of artillery shells corresponds to approximately three years of Russia’s current annual production of three million rounds.
The cited number of drones represented the quantity roughly 271 times greater than what Russia deployed against Ukraine in one week.
Greenpeace also noted that the EU’s main importers of Russian LNG – France, Spain and Belgium and the Netherlands have spent more on importing Russian gas than on support for Ukraine.
From 2022 to June 2025, the four countries have imported 34.3 billion euros (40.3 billion dollars) worth of Russian LNG while providing 21.2 billion euros in support of Ukraine.
This is according to the report released.
The study also points out that the French group TotalEnergies holds a 20 per cent stake in Yamal LNG and a 19.4per cent stake in its parent company Novatek.
Since 2022, TotalEnergies has received an estimated 5.06 billion dollars in dividends from Yamal LNG and an additional 1.74 billion dollars in dividends from Novatek, the authors wrote.
European energy companies defended their continued business with Yamal LNG by pointing to demand and long-term contracts.
German company SEFE is tied to Yamal LNG through contracts until 2038.
The company was formerly known as Gazprom Germania and was a subsidiary of the Russian state-owned company Gazprom.
It was nationalised as a result of the Russian war against Ukraine and the subsequent energy crisis in Germany.
Source: Punch News
AEW: Gov’t Working To Restore Investor Confidence In Ghana’s Petroleum Upstream Sector – Energy Minister
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to restoring investor confidence in the upstream sector through sound policies, stable regulations, and a transparent investment climate.
The minister made this known during a discussion with executives of Chevron International Exploration and Production Limited on the sidelines of the African Energy Week 2025, currently underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), South Africa.
The engagement, which focused on Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector, was led by Mr. Chris Jablonski, Director of Commercial at Chevron.
According to Minister Jinapor, the discussion highlighted strides made under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership to promote transparency, attract investment, and strengthen governance in the sector.
“We also explored the significant role of natural gas in Ghana’s energy future, particularly how the country can maximise the value of gas produced by its upstream partners. I emphasised government’s strong commitment to reducing Ghana’s overreliance on liquid fossil fuels by prioritising gas as a cleaner, more cost-effective, and efficient energy source,” the minister stated in a Facebook post sighted by this portal.
Mr. Jablonski was accompanied by a high-level delegation including Gavin Lewis, Head of Chevron Exploration; Mamadou Blondin, Vice President for Middle East & Africa Corporate Affairs; and Chris Fordham, Business Development Manager.
“Together, we look forward to building stronger partnerships that support Ghana’s energy transition and long-term economic growth,” Minister Jinapor concluded.
The global push for a transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, coupled with other factors, has negatively impacted investment in Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector. This has had an adverse effect on the country’s daily oil output, with production declining to about 107,000 barrels per day, down from over 200,000 barrels per day in 2019.
However, the decline in daily oil production is likely to be reversed following recent investment plans by Tullow Oil and Kosmos, which have committed $2 billion to drill 20 new wells under a new petroleum agreement with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).
In addition, Italian oil and gas giant Eni has announced a $1.5 billion investment to boost oil production within the Offshore Cape Three Points block.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.comExxon Wants Government Guarantees For Mozambique LNG Project
Exxon has asked for security guarantees for its Rovuma LNG project from Mozambique’s government, the Financial Times reported, citing unnamed sources, who said the discussions were directly with the president of Mozambique, Daniel Chapo.
Darren Woods, Exxon’s chief executive, reportedly focused on the danger of Islamist activity in the area where Rovuma LNG is to be constructed, after TotalEnergies had to institute a force majeure for its own LNG project in Mozambique due to extremist activity in the area.
The order to suspend construction was issued following a massacre of several hundred people as the islamists tried to take over a local town. The force majeure began four years ago and was only lifted earlier this year.
Rovuma LNG is yet to receive a final investment decision, not least because of the security situation in the Cabo Delgado region where it is planned to be built. Islamist insurgent activity continues there, countered by Rwandan army forces.
Previously, the Rwandan army was working in tandem with forces from the Southern African Development Community, but these withdrew from the security mission in Mozambique after money for payments for the security services provided started running out.
The project, set to be the biggest LNG export facility in Africa, will have an annual capacity of 18 million tons of liquefied gas. Its cost has been estimated at $30 billion. For context, TotalEnergies’ Mozambique LNG project.
The French company said this week it was ready to restart construction work at the facility, indicating the threat of violence in the region may have subsided sufficiently for activities around Mozambique’s nascent LNG industry to restart.
“We strongly believe that the ExxonMobil project, if implemented, will make a huge difference in the economy of Mozambique and, as a consequence, in the life of Mozambicans,” Mozambique’s president said in a statement sent to the Financial Times in response to questions about the security assurances discussion with Exxon’s Woods.
Source: oilprice.com
South Africa: Delegates Arrive For 2025 African Energy Week
Delegates for this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) — taking place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 29 September to 3 October 2025 — have begun arriving for the prestigious energy event.
Organised by the African Energy Chamber, African Energy Week has, since its inception in 2021, grown to become the largest energy event in Africa.
This year’s edition is expected to attract thousands of attendees from across Africa and around the world.
AEW brings together African energy leaders, global investors, and executives from both the public and private sectors for four days of high-level dialogue on the future of Africa’s energy industry.
When Energynewsafrica.com’s editor, Michael Creg Afful, arrived at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) — the venue for the event — on Monday morning, several delegates had already arrived and were undergoing registration.
Exhibition halls, syndicate rooms for panel discussions, and private meeting areas were fully set up, with delegates expressing strong enthusiasm for the four-day event.
The event will be officially opened tomorrow, Tuesday, with keynote addresses from H.E. Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; H.E. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria; H.E. Faustin-Archange Touadéra, President of the Central African Republic; H.E. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe; and H.E. Mahamane Lamine Zeine, Prime Minister of the Republic of Niger.
In addition, several Energy Ministers will deliver remarks, including Hon. Gwede Mantashe, Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources of South Africa; Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister of Energy & Green Transition of Ghana; Hon. Chief Adebayo A. Adelabu, Minister of Power of Nigeria; H.E. Antonio Oburu Ondo, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mining Development of Equatorial Guinea; H.E. Eng. Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum & Mineral Resources of Egypt; Hon. Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity and Energy of South Africa; H.E. Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons of the Republic of the Congo; and Hon. Nani Juwara, Minister of Energy and Petroleum of The Gambia.
This portal is proud to be one of the official media partners.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Nigeria’s Power, Oil Sectors Face Shutdown As Union Halts Supply To Dangote Refinery
Nigeria’s power and petroleum sectors are on the verge of a total shutdown as the dispute between members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Dangote Refinery has escalated dramatically.
In an unexpected turn of events, the union has done the unthinkable by directing its members across key oil and gas companies to halt the supply of crude oil and gas to Dangote Refinery.
In a memo issued to branch chairmen in TotalEnergies, Renaissances, Chevron, Shell Nigeria Gas, Oando, and Seplat Producing Nigeria Unlimited dated September 26, 2025, the union directed the immediate shutdown of valves and suspension of all crude loading operations to the facility.
“Natural Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC) chairman, ensure that gas supply to the refinery is cut off effective immediately,” the directive read in part.
The union’s directive comes just days after Dangote Refinery disengaged about 800 workers, describing the exercise as part of an ongoing reorganisation to protect the facility from repeated acts of sabotage that had raised safety concerns and hampered operations.
The union’s action will not only affect Dangote Refinery but also curtail power generation in the country, as many thermal plants rely on gas supply to operate.
Sources within the power generation companies (GenCos) revealed that they have been instructed by gas suppliers to shut down their thermal power plants following directives from PENGASSAN.
A source within the GenCos told this portal that some companies have already started shutting down their plants in compliance with the union’s directive.
Data obtained by this portal shows that power allocation to distribution companies has dropped sharply—evidence that thermal plants have shut down, leaving only hydro plants to keep the grid running.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The union’s action will not only affect Dangote Refinery but also curtail power generation in the country, as many thermal plants rely on gas supply to operate.
Sources within the power generation companies (GenCos) revealed that they have been instructed by gas suppliers to shut down their thermal power plants following directives from PENGASSAN.
A source within the GenCos told this portal that some companies have already started shutting down their plants in compliance with the union’s directive.
Data obtained by this portal shows that power allocation to distribution companies has dropped sharply—evidence that thermal plants have shut down, leaving only hydro plants to keep the grid running.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Equatorial Guinea Boosts LNG Production With Chevron Aseng Agreement
The Government of Equatorial Guinea has taken a decisive step to advance its natural gas agenda, signing an Incentives Agreement with energy major Chevron for the development of the Aseng Gas Project in Block I.
The landmark agreement – signed between the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mining Development the Ministry of Finance and Chevron – underscores the country’s long-term strategy to consolidate its position as a premier hub for natural gas in Africa.
The Aseng Gas Project represents an initial investment of approximately $690 million. The development will unlock new volumes of natural gas that will be directed toward domestic power generation and processing at the EGLNG facility.
In doing so, it secures feedstock for one of the country’s most important industrial assets, the Punta Europa Gas Complex, while creating new opportunities for value addition and energy security.
This agreement signals more than a single project milestone. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to advancing the Gas Mega Hub (GMH) initiative – a bold strategy that leverages Equatorial Guinea’s existing infrastructure to monetize regional gas resources.
The integration of gas produced from the Aseng field represents the third phase of the GMH. By ensuring reliable supply to midstream facilities, the Aseng development positions the country as a critical partner in the continent’s energy future.
“The Aseng Gas Project will provide a reliable supply of LNG to global markets while serving as a catalyst for advancing strategic developments such as the Punta Europa complex. In addition, it will enhance national and regional energy security, support clean cooking initiatives and drive economic growth through a sustainable energy supply,” stated Antonio Oburu Ondo, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mining Development of Equatorial Guinea.
Equatorial Guinea’s GMH has been a focal point of regional cooperation since its inception. The initiative seeks to aggregate stranded or associated gas resources from domestic fields and neighboring countries, processing them through existing infrastructure at Punta Europa.
By doing so, the country is transforming potential flared or underutilized resources into export revenue, domestic power and industrial growth. In recent years, the government has signed a series of agreements aimed at expanding the scope of the hub.
Partnerships with international operators have allowed Equatorial Guinea to process gas from the Alen Field and other regional assets. The Aseng Gas Project adds further momentum, with Chevron consolidating its position as a strategic partner committed to the long-term success of the initiative.
Chevron’s agreement follows key milestones in Equatorial Guinea’s gas market. Notably, ConocoPhillips exports its first cargo from the Punta Europe facility in June 2025, representing a critical step towards advancing the GMH initiative.
The Aseng Gas Project represents a cornerstone for the next phase of the country’s energy development.
By combining strategic partnerships, progressive reforms and visionary infrastructure planning, Equatorial Guinea is demonstrating how gas can serve as both an export revenue generator and a catalyst for broad-based economic transformation.
As the GMH advances, the country is solidifying its reputation as a model for African energy development – one where resource monetization, investor confidence, and sustainable growth converge.
Building on this momentum and to reinforce its attractiveness as an investment destination, the government is undertaking comprehensive regulatory reforms. The Hydrocarbons Law, Tax Law, Labor Law and the Special Economic Zones framework are all under review, reflecting a deliberate effort to create a modern, transparent, and competitive environment for investors.
These reforms will not only strengthen Equatorial Guinea’s credibility as a reliable partner but also lay the foundation for sustained project development across the oil and gas value chain. The reforms complement a drive by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mining Development to attract new investment across the market.
The country is preparing to launch its 2026 licensing round, featuring key assets that will support the country’s production goals. By working closely with foreign operators, introducing new investment prospects and revisiting its regulatory environment, Equatorial Guinea is positioning itself for long-term growth.
Source: energychamber.org
Nigeria: Dangote Refinery Sacks 800 Workers Over Alleged Sabotage
Africa’s largest oil refinery, Dangote Refinery, has dismissed more than 800 workers over alleged sabotage, sparking protests by the country’s powerful petroleum workers’ union.
Local media reports suggest that the terminated workers have been replaced with foreign nationals, allegedly brought in from India.
In recent times, petroleum workers have clashed with Dangote Refinery after the company reportedly barred its truck drivers from joining a labour union.
“We are deeply saddened to report the unjust termination of more than 800 Nigerian workers, whose dedication and service have been integral to the operations of this plant.
“Instead of valuing and retaining this workforce, management has chosen to replace these qualified Nigerians with foreign workers, in clear breach of the Labour Act and the Trade Union Act,” said Lumumba Okugbawa, General Secretary of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), as quoted by local media.
PENGASSAN had earlier alleged that workers who joined the union at the refinery were denied entry, forced to pay for transport after staff buses were withdrawn, and later received a mass termination notice.
The union condemned the action, describing it as anti-labour and a violation of Nigeria’s laws. It warned that failure to recall the workers would force it to pursue all legal remedies available under the Constitution and relevant labour legislation.
“PENGASSAN, therefore, urges the management of Dangote Refinery to recall all terminated Nigerian workers. Failure to comply will leave us with no option but to take every legal action available to us as an association,” the union stated.
The association added that an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting had been scheduled to decide the next line of action, while calling on Nigerians to rally behind the workers.
However, a senior official of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals dismissed claims of mass sackings, insisting the development was a reorganisation exercise aimed at curbing sabotage within the plant.
“Yes, the letter is correct. But the interpretation is wrong. The interpretation is that it affects some people because of certain things discovered in the refinery. It has nothing to do with unionism or anything like that,” the unnamed official told Punch Newspaper.
Source: https:// energynewsafrica.com
Madagascar: President Sacks Energy Minister After Power Cuts Spark Massive Protests
Madagascar’s president on Friday dismissed Minister for Energy and Hydrocarbons Olivier Jean-Baptiste following massive protests over crippling power and water shortages, which have made life unbearable for many citizens.
The demonstrations turned violent, leading to widespread destruction of property.
Protesters expressed anger over persistent outages that leave homes and businesses without electricity for more than 12 hours a day in one of the world’s poorest countries.
Frustrated by the mass action, President Andry Rajoelina sacked the minister in a bid to calm citizens, but the move appeared insufficient to ease tensions.
Organisers of Friday’s protest urged those dissatisfied with Rajoelina’s government to “come in numbers” for a “peaceful demonstration” on Saturday, distancing themselves from the looting that reportedly took place on Thursday.
Some citizens accuse the government of failing to improve living conditions.
The unfortunate situation compelled Authorities to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew after banks and shops were robbed and set on fire, while the homes of three pro-government parliamentarians were torched.
Five protesters were killed in the violence, a hospital source told AFP.
In addition to the capital, authorities on Friday placed four other major cities—Antsiranana, Majunga, Toliara and Antsirabe—under an extended nighttime curfew.
One young activist, who returned to clean up a looted bookstore, said he had left before the unrest escalated but admitted that other youths might have been behind the destruction.
“Maybe they were frustrated. Maybe they were sent to break things. They’re already poor and have nothing. So they take what little they see,” he told AFP, requesting anonymity for fear of reprisals.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Illegal Sand Mining Threatening Our Gas Pipeline Network, Says WAPCo
The West African Gas Pipeline Company Ltd. (WAPCo) has raised concerns over ongoing illegal mining activities along its gas pipeline network in Nigeria, warning of grave safety and environmental risks.
According to WAPCo’s Head of External Relations in Nigeria, Mr. Temitope Sodeinde, illegal sand mining along the pipeline’s right of way has created hazardous pits as deep as five meters, threatening the structural integrity of the underground pipeline.
He noted that multiple excavators and tipper trucks were operating simultaneously, encroaching on established boundaries.
“The company is deeply concerned about the safety of illegal miners operating dangerously close to the pipeline, which poses significant risks to both the community and their livelihoods.
“We are working closely with security agencies to monitor and protect the pipeline,” Sodeinde said, according to a report by Punch Newspaper.
Sodeinde further disclosed that the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies had pledged to arrest those involved in illegal mining along the pipeline network.
“This is a high-pressure gas pipeline buried underground. We regularly hold town hall and pipeline awareness meetings to educate communities about the dangers.
“Mining activities this close to the pipeline risk a catastrophic fire or explosion if disturbed,” he warned.
According to him, even a small mistake could trigger disaster, putting lives and property at serious risk.
“This is a threat we have been trying to prevent for years, and it requires urgent action,” he stressed.
Also speaking, the Area Commander of Agbara Police, ACP Folashade Tanaruno, urged illegal miners to cease their activities or face arrest.
She stressed that miners must maintain at least 100 meters distance from the pipeline to avoid potential explosions.
The Area Commander of the NSCDC, Mrs. Esther Odesanya, confirmed that security agencies had stepped up surveillance and would continue to arrest illegal miners.
She also urged all miners to obtain proper mining certificates before operating in the area.
“Illegal mining along the pipeline right of way endangers the entire community. No one caught violating this will be spared,” Odesanya said.
The Oloja-Ekun of Igbesa Kingdom, Oba Abdul-Aziz Akinde, condemned the illegal mining, describing it as economic sabotage and a grave threat to communities along the pipeline.
Represented by Oba Nasir Olayemi, the Olodan of Odan, Akinde warned residents against allowing illegal miners to operate near the pipeline.
He said, “The palace has petitioned the Federal Government and established a committee to verify miners’ licenses.
“There is no excuse for violating legal frameworks. We are collaborating with law enforcement to ensure proper action is taken.”
He added that while some miners claimed to hold government licenses, law enforcement agencies were working to clarify the situation and protect the environment.
Chairman of Yewa Zone Miners, Mr. Balogun Moshood, acknowledged the environmental damage caused by illegal mining but insisted that most miners under their umbrella are duly registered.
He alleged that some illegal miners operate with the collusion of security personnel.
“We are educating and monitoring our members to avoid mining near the gas pipeline.
“We will direct them to stop all activities close to the pipeline and maintain the required 100-meter safety distance,” Moshood assured.
On September 20, 2025, Punch Online reported that the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) had sealed a partnership with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Mining Marshals to intensify the fight against illegal mining.
The alliance was unveiled during a courtesy visit by the Marshals’ Commander, ACC Attah John Onoja, to the RMRDC headquarters in Abuja.
Onoja noted that the partnership is expected to “combine scientific data with boots-on-the-ground security to protect Nigeria’s mineral wealth.”
“To be effective in securing Nigeria’s mineral wealth, the Mining Marshals must work hand-in-hand with research institutions like the Raw Materials Council,” he added.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Tullow Quits Kenya, Sells Entire Oil Assets To Gulf Energy Ltd
Africa-focused independent oil and gas company Tullow Oil plc (Tullow) has completed the sale of its entire working interest in Kenya to Auron Energy E&P Limited, an affiliate of Gulf Energy Ltd.
This follows Gulf Energy’s satisfaction of all conditions precedent under the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) first announced on 21 July 2025.
Tullow has received the full proceeds of Tranche A (US$40 million) under the terms of the SPA.
The transaction represents the sale of 100% of the shares in Tullow’s subsidiary, Tullow Kenya BV, which holds Tullow’s entire working interests in Kenya, for a minimum cash consideration of US$120 million, subject to customary adjustments.
According to Tullow, the proceeds will be used to strengthen its balance sheet.
The sale of its Kenyan subsidiary marks Tullow’s exit from the country after 14 years.
Tullow retains royalty payments, subject to certain conditions, and a no-cost back-in right for a 30% participation in potential future development phases.
Commenting on the deal, Ian Perks, Chief Executive Officer of Tullow, said:
“The successful completion of this transaction marks a significant milestone for the company and the achievement of another one of our key 2025 strategic priorities.
“The use of proceeds helps to further strengthen our balance sheet and I would like to thank the team for their hard work and commitment, which have helped position the company strongly as we look to refinance our capital structure this year.
“On behalf of everyone at Tullow, I extend our best wishes to the people and Government of Kenya and wish Gulf Energy every success as they advance this project.”
Also commenting, Mr. Paul Limoh, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Energy Ltd, said:
“We are delighted to complete this transaction and to bring these assets under the stewardship of Gulf Energy Ltd. This project will play an important role in advancing Kenya’s domestic energy sector, creating opportunities for growth and development in the Turkana region, as well as supporting the country’s long-term energy security. We thank Tullow for its years of investment and commitment, and we look forward to building on that foundation as we work with partners and stakeholders to take the project forward.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
GEAPP Commits $16 Million Towards Mission 300 For Africa’s Energy Access
The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) has committed $16 million towards accelerating energy access and clean energy deployment in Africa, Ecofin Agency reported, citing GEAPP officials.
The organization said the funds will bolster Mission 300, a joint initiative led by the World Bank and the African Development Bank to provide electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.
GEAPP added that it plans to invest $7.5 billion over the next five years to expand clean energy solutions across the continent.
The contribution forms part of a broader collective effort.
Created in 2021 by the IKEA Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Bezos Earth Fund, GEAPP operates in more than 30 countries.
It combines philanthropic and public financing to leverage development banks and private investors.
The alliance said such contributions aim to provide coherence and visibility to global efforts, demonstrating that modest funding can deliver significant impact when aligned with large-scale strategies.
Despite growing mobilization, Africa’s energy needs remain vast.
The International Energy Agency estimated in 2024 that developing countries outside China must multiply clean energy investments sixfold to reach $1.6 trillion annually by the early 2030s in order to meet climate commitments.
In this context, contributions like GEAPP’s are critical, particularly when integrated into collective initiatives that pool resources and align objectives.
The trajectory of Africa’s electricity access will depend, in part, on the convergence of such efforts.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Energy Minister Launches Construction Of Solar Power Plant At Dawhenya Irrigation Site
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, performed a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday to mark the start of construction of a 1,000-kilowatt (1 MW) solar power plant at the Dawhenya Irrigation Site in the Greater Accra Region.
The project, funded by the Korean Government with $5 million under the Water-Energy-Food Nexus Project (WEFP), and implemented by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition (MoEn) in collaboration with the Korean Association of Machinery Industry (KOAMI), covers the cost of the solar plant, capacity building of staff, and site rehabilitation.
It is expected to provide a more reliable electricity supply to the facility, boosting irrigation and food production.
The actual construction is expected to begin early next year and be completed within an eight-month period. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Jinapor described the initiative as “a foundation for innovation, sustainability, and prosperity for generations to come,” stressing its role in addressing the twin challenges of energy transition and food security.
“Without clean, affordable, and reliable energy, irrigation systems cannot function; without water, we cannot grow food; and without food, our people cannot thrive,” he said.
The Minister said the plant would provide reliable power for irrigation, reduce dependence on costly diesel generators, and boost rice production and food security in Dawhenya and beyond.
It would also lower greenhouse gas emissions in line with Ghana’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and create green jobs for youth and women in agriculture and renewable energy. Mr. Jinapor observed that Ghana’s dependence on rain-fed agriculture remained a major setback.
While South Korea had irrigated over 800,000 hectares and partially irrigated 200,000 hectares of farmland as far back as 2009, Ghana irrigates only about three percent of its cultivated land, despite irrigation potential of between 360,000 and 1.9 million hectares.
He noted that food inflation had been a key driver of Ghana’s overall 23.8 percent consumer price inflation in 2024, citing rising costs of staples such as rice, yam, and tomato.
The Minister outlined the government’s target of bringing more than one million hectares under irrigation in the next five years, beginning with the deployment of 400 solar water pumps in 2026 and scaling up to 3,500 pumps by 2028 to irrigate about 400,000 hectares.
He assured that the Ministry was working with the Ministry of Finance to secure tax exemptions on imported materials and equipment for the plant and urged the Renewable Energy and Green Transition Directorate to ensure timely completion.
The Minister appealed to farmers and residents of Dawhenya to take ownership of the facility and safeguard it, adding that encroached irrigation lands must be reclaimed for their intended agricultural use.
A representative of the Korean Ambassador to Ghana, Madam Kim Hyunjoo, said the project was more than just a source of clean energy, stressing its direct link to both Ghana’s “Feed Ghana” Programme and Korea’s “K-Rice Belt” initiative.
She commended the collaboration between Ghanaian institutions and Korean agencies, noting that their joint efforts were deepening bilateral relations.
Mr. Kyu Young Hwang, President and CEO of Kunhwa Engineering and Consulting Co. Ltd, said his company was proud to be part of the milestone initiative, describing it as both historic and transformative.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: GRIDCo Sounds Alarm On ‘Galamsey’ Threat To Power Infrastructure
Ghana’s national electricity transmission company, GRIDCo, has raised alarm over the growing threat illegal mining—popularly known as galamsey—poses to the country’s power infrastructure.
The destructive activities of illegal miners have already devastated large portions of the nation’s forest belt and polluted vital water bodies, sparking public concern.
The situation has also increased operational costs for the Ghana Water Company Limited, with experts warning that the country risks importing water in the future if urgent and coordinated measures are not taken.
GRIDCo raised these concerns during a visit by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy as part of its three-day tour of energy sector agencies.
Ing. Frank Otchere, Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Engineering and Operations at GRIDCo, described the situation as “a near disaster.”
According to him, illegal miners are increasingly operating dangerously close to high-voltage transmission towers, particularly within areas cleared for power line maintenance—known as right-of-way zones.
“Now the right-of-way clearing has become lucrative for galamseyers. In several areas, we find that overnight people move in to carry out galamsey activities very close to our towers,” he said.
Otchere explained that while transmission towers may appear to be simple steel structures, they are carefully engineered with precise foundations tailored to the terrain.
Encroachment from mining activities can weaken these foundations, threatening the stability of the entire power transmission network.
“There are some towers that we have had to rush to reinforce with intermediary measures,” he revealed.
Even more worrying, Otchere disclosed that GRIDCo maintenance teams have come under attack in some areas, with staff being shot at by armed individuals while carrying out routine inspections and repairs.
“There are some areas where, when our maintenance teams go in, they get shot at, and some of them have had to run for their lives,” he said.
Otchere stressed that GRIDCo can no longer manage the threat alone and called for urgent support from national security forces to protect the country’s critical energy infrastructure.
“We are getting to a point where GRIDCo alone cannot manage. We need support from all the security forces to be able to do that,” he appealed.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Energy, Hon. Emmanuel Bedzrah, assured GRIDCo of Parliament’s support to address the situation.
He also appealed to illegal miners to desist from operating near power lines and to refrain from attacking GRIDCo personnel.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com