Ghana: Set KPIs For ECG/NEDCo MDs – Minority Tells Govt
Ghana’s parliamentary minority caucus on energy has tasked the government to set Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for managements of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Distribution Company (NEDCo) to reduce operational losses.
The minority caucus held a press conference in Accra on May 19, 2025, to respond to recent comments by the sector minister which, according to them, affect investor confidence as well as the Ghanaian energy consuming public.
The Minority’s Ranking Member on Energy, Hon. George Kwame Aboagye, who addressed the media, charged the sector minister to deal with the challenges of the Cash Water Fall mechanism and enforce it to alleviate the challenges confronting the sector.
He questioned why the government had failed to diversify the Energy Mix with renewables and gas optimization (maximizing Jubilee and TEN fields to reduce reliance on imported fuels).
According to him, government must swiftly encourage off-peak consumption by industries to flatten demand curve.
Hon. Aboagye, who is also the Member of Parliament for Asene-Manso, urged the sector minister to accelerate the roll-out of smart metering to curb theft and increase revenue mobilization.
“We also understand and know some of the challenges are forex-related and believe the current appreciation of the Ghana cedi is an opportunity to recover some losses in the sector. Today, however, a new generation (Generation Alpha’s) is experiencing power outages for the first time, reminiscent of the dark days of “dumsor” that plagued us from 2012 to 2016…This is not merely a matter of nostalgia; it is a call to action,” he pointed out.
He stressed that Ghanaian had already endured a 14.75% increase in electricity tariffs this year, and they rightfully expect a corresponding improvement in service quality and reliability.
“We, the minority caucus, firmly believe that any increase in tariffs must be accompanied by enhanced service delivery. We cannot accept poor performance while paying exorbitant prices.
“The specter of returning to the dark days of “dumsor” is unacceptable. We recognise the financial challenges facing the industry, but if Minister John Jinapor requires assistance, he must seek it and prioritize action over rhetoric. And this shouldn’t be a window for him to sign on to dubious contracts which will saddle the industry as they were noted for,” he said.
“We demand action and results from the Minister of Energy and the government. It is time to stop the talking and put the lights on,” he added.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Zambia: ZESCO Assures Stable Electricity Supply As Kariba Water Levels Improve
Zambia’s power distribution company, ZESCO Limited, has assured the nation that electricity generation at the Kariba North Bank Power Station will remain stable enough to support the current load-shedding schedule, despite ongoing water rationing efforts.
According to ZESCO officials, the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has allocated ZESCO 13.5 billion cubic liters of water for 2025, which must be carefully managed to last until the next rainy season, expected toward the end of the year.
Although the 2024-2025 rainy season brought relatively good rainfall, the inflows into Lake Kariba have not been sufficient to allow full-capacity generation.
Kariba North Bank, with an installed capacity of 1,080 megawatts, is currently operating at reduced output, with some turbines shut down due to limited water availability.
Addressing a section of journalists during a tour of the Kariba North Bank Power Station, Senior Engineer Kenney Singogo of ZESCO cautioned that failure to manage the water allocation from ZRA could be problematic. “Failure to manage this allocation responsibly could disrupt the current load-shedding plan and result in more frequent outages, similar to what we experienced at the end of 2024,” he cautioned.
The tour helped stakeholders appreciate why electricity load-shedding has continued—albeit with reduced hours—despite the good rains recorded this year. It highlighted the delicate balance between rainfall, water inflows, and power generation capacity, reinforcing the need for cautious and sustainable water use.
ZESCO also explained that the challenges faced in hydropower generation have driven the company to diversify its energy portfolio by investing in solar power alternatives, aiming to strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on fluctuating water levels. “The water levels are rising steadily, which is encouraging,” said Eng. Singogo. “However, unless we receive exceptionally high rainfall, it is unlikely the reservoir will reach full capacity this year.”
Lake Kariba is fed by the Zambezi River, which is jointly managed by Zambia and Zimbabwe. Each country, through its respective power utility—ZESCO and Zimbabwe Power Company—has been allocated 13.5 billion cubic liters of water for electricity generation in 2025. The Zambezi River Authority remains optimistic that both utilities will adhere strictly to their allocations to preserve the shared resource.
“We are confident that ZESCO and the Zimbabwe Power Company will remain within their prescribed limits,” said ZRA Public Relations and Communications Manager Selusiwe Moyo. “Our hydrologists are continuously monitoring the water levels to ensure accurate and timely advisories are issued to both power stations.”
ZESCO reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the current load-shedding schedule and pledged to update the public should there be any improvements in the water situation and generation capacity.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Stop Lamenting And Fix Intermittent Power Supply Before Talking About 24-Hour Economy – Minority To Govt
Ghana’s parliamentary minority group caucus on energy has called on the Mahama administration to fix the problems in the country’s energy sector and stop lamenting.
The minority caucus argued that without a stable, affordable and reliable power, the government’s much trumpeted 24-hour economy would remain a mirage.
Addressing a section of Ghanaian journalists in Accra on Monday, 19th May 2025, under the theme: “Stop the Talking, Fix the Lights – Before the 24-Hour Economy Becomes a 24-Hour Blackout,” the minority caucus described the current power outages as “a national emergency”.
They strongly condemned what they called the government’s persistent “lack of honesty, poor planning, and administrative failure” in the energy sector.
The legislators lamented the toll the erratic power supply is having on households, businesses and public institutions, making their operations difficult and expensive.
Besides, they cautioned that the government’s much-publicised 24-hour economy risks becoming meaningless if the country cannot guarantee consistent power supply.
“The time for excuses is over,” Hon. George Kwame Aboagye, a Ranking Member on Energy & Member of Parliament for Asene-Akroso-Manso, stated.
“The government must come clean on the true state of Ghana’s energy sector and publish a load-shedding timetable if it cannot resolve the crisis immediately,” he charged.
The group questioned the style of the Minister of Energy and Green Transition in managing the sector and urged him to come out with workable solutions, instead of adopting a complain methodology and media theatrics.
This latest confrontation between the sector minister and the minority came as Ghana continues to suffer regular energy outages as a result of mounting operational costs and distribution losses in the power generation ecosystem.
Source:https//energynewafrica.com
Nigeria: Power Sector Requires $10 Billion Investment To Guarantee Reliable Electricity – Adelabu
Nigeria will require about $10 billion to address the challenges in the country’s power sector and guarantee reliable electricity supply, Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has said.
This amount is equivalent to almost a third of Nigeria’s national budget, prompting Adelabu to question whether the nation can commit such a huge sum to the power sector, considering other critical sectors like defense, education, and health also need interventions.
Adelabu explained that a turnaround in the power sector would require foreign and local investors, as well as the Federal and State Governments, to make the necessary investments.
“We need about $10 billion, which is about N63 trillion… Can we afford to put that alone in the power sector? There must be some level of investment flow locally by investors and even foreign investment flows for this sector to be turned around,” he said during the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) retreat.
The Minister also highlighted that the Federal Government owes over N200 billion in electricity debt.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, elaborated on the debt burden, stating that the tariff shortfall means the government owes N200 billion monthly.
With no payments made since 2025, the debt burden this year stands at N800 billion, adding to an existing N3 trillion debt owed to generating companies.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, emphasized that while power is a catalyst for economic growth, Nigeria currently faces significant challenges in the sector.
He stressed the need for a steady electricity supply to unlock the potential of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which drive economic growth in most societies
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: ECG Cuts Power Supply To Parts Of Accra Due To Floods
The Electricity Company of Ghana has reported widespread power outage in part of Accra, capital of Ghana, after torrential rains on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
The rains, which lasted for about three hours, caused flooding in several parts of the city and adjoining areas.
The affected areas in Accra include Borteyman Stadium, Affordable Housing, Borteyman Township, Little Roses, Lakeside, Nanakrom, Kissieman, Dome Pillar 2, Christian Village, School Junction, School Junction Melcom, Nmaidzor Zoomlion, University Farms, Trasacco 3rd gate, Legon Hill, Santoe, Blue Kiosk, Adenta ECG office, Madina Islamic University.
A statement issued by ECG on Monday, May 19, 2025, said that after the rainfall, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) requested that the above-mentioned areas be isolated due to the flooding.
The statement said ECG is collaborating with the NADMO team for their directives before power supply is restored.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya: Lawyers For Gitson Energy Mount Pressure On Ministry Of Energy And Petroleum Over Court Order
The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum in Kenya is facing pressure to comply with a High Court ruling related to a case filed by Gitson Energy Ltd.
The court, presided over by Justice Bahati Mwamuye, directed the Ministry to provide information regarding energy project approvals and government commitments.
This directive was issued on April 10, 2025, with a subsequent order on April 28, 2025.
Gitson Energy’s lawyers, W. Thuku and Associates Advocates, have accused the Ministry of ignoring the court’s directives and warned of potential contempt proceedings if the Ministry fails to comply within three days.
A letter dated May 15, 2025, states that the compliance timeline has lapsed, and the Ministry must respond urgently.
This legal standoff is part of a long-standing dispute over Gitson Energy’s 300MW wind energy project in Marsabit County.
The project has faced delays due to land gazettement issues and disagreements over project approvals. In 2010, Gitson Energy was initially granted approval for the project, but the process has been slowed down by various challenges, including a five-year court battle.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Exxon, ADNOC Agree To Boost Capacity Of Offshore Oil field
The United Arab Emirates and Exxon Mobil Corp. agreed to expand the nation’s oil production capacity.
Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. will work with Exxon to boost capacity at the offshore Upper Zakum field, the UAE company said in a statement Friday.
The site, where Japan’s Inpex Corp. is also a partner, currently can produce more than 1 million bpd. ADNOC didn’t specify the new target.
Increasing capacity is a touchy subject for the UAE and its partners in OPEC+, which puts limits on output. The nation’s current cutbacks as part of OPEC+ policy leave some capacity, which cost billions of dollars to add, lying idle.
ADNOC’s current capacity is 4.85 million bpd, according to its website, while its OPEC+ quota would allow it to pump just shy of 3.1 million bpd in June. Future additions, which can take years to complete, would widen that gap.
The Gulf energy giant is in the midst of a $150 billion spending plan focused primarily on raising crude production capacity and making the country self-sufficient in natural gas. That blueprint targets 5 million bpd. ADNOC could reach that by the end of this year.
One person who hasn’t been able to get enough of the local oil is U.S. President Donald Trump. Officials signed energy and other deals Friday morning at an Abu Dhabi meeting that included ADNOC Chief Executive Officer Sultan Al Jaber.
Occidental Petroleum Corp. CEO Vicki Hollub also attended. ADNOC and her company will jointly explore increasing capacity of the Shah Gas field to 1.85 billion standard cubic feet per day from 1.45 billion now, ADNOC said.
ADNOC also will participate in a project Occidental is setting up in the U.S. to suck carbon dioxide directly from the air and inject the gas into oil field reservoirs to boost production, Hollub said.
XRG PJSC, ADNOC’s new international investment arm, will participate.
EOG Resources Inc. will also get a concession to explore an unconventional oil block in Abu Dhabi, according to ADNOC’s statement.
The pledges add up to $60 billion of potential U.S. investment into the UAE, Al Jaber said.
Meanwhile, the UAE expects its initiatives to invest in the U.S. energy industry will reach a combined $440 billion by 2035 from $70 billion already spent, he said.
During this week’s visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, Trump announced $2 trillion in investments from the three allies.
Source; Worldoil.com
South Africa: Henkel And Sasol Collaborate To Deliver Lower Carbon Emission Adhesives
Henkel, a global leader in adhesives, sealants and functional coatings, and Sasol, a global leader in Fischer-Tropsch technology, have announced a strategic partnership focused on reducing the environmental impact of hot melt adhesives.
Through the integration of Sasol’s newly developed SASOLWAX LC product range into Henkel’sTECHNOMELT® portfolio for the European, Indian, Middle Eastern and African markets, Henkel is delivering advanced adhesive solutions with a reduced carbon emission impact, for consumer goods packaging manufacturers.
SASOLWAX LC100, produced via Sasol’s enhanced Fischer-Tropsch process, delivers a 35 percent reduction in Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) cradle-to-gate compared to proven baseline formulas without compromising on performance. As a drop-in replacement in Henkel’s legacy formulations, it enables seamless adoption across production lines while aligning with Henkel’s ambition to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 30 percent by 2030 (base year 2021).
The partnership reflects both companies’ alignment with the Science Based Target initiative and commitment to credible sustainability practices. The PCF methodology applied to entire SASOLWAX value chain is rigorously developed and independently reviewed to comply with ISO 14040, 14044, and 14067 standards, ensuring transparency and trust in environmental claims.
“This partnership exemplifies how innovation in material science can enable measurable benefits for our customers,” said Corbett Wallace, Corporate Vice President, Consumer Goods, Henkel Adhesive Technologies.
“As demand grows for more sustainable consumer goods, our collaboration with Sasol allows brands to achieve their environmental goals without trade-offs in quality or performance. Together, we are enabling smarter, more responsible choices across the value chain.”
“We are proud to join forces with Henkel in this strategic partnership, marking a key milestone on our aligned path to a more sustainable future,” said David Mokomela, Senior Vice President Chemicals Marketing & Sales at Sasol.
“The SASOLWAX LC range, with 35 percent PCF reduction, is only the first step in a broader roadmap toward further significant reductions. As our products are designed as drop-in alternatives, the market can quickly benefit from the next steps in carbon footprint reduction.”
TECHNOMELT® adhesives are widely used in applications ranging from food and beverage packaging to hygiene and personal care products. With the incorporation of SASOLWAX LC100, Henkel empowers its partners to improve product sustainability at the material level, supporting consumer brands in delivering on their climate commitments and strengthening supply chain transparency.
The partnership includes further exploration of renewable and recycled inputs, supported by Sasol’s adaptable synthesis capabilities and joint efforts toward sustainable innovation.
Source: Sasol
Ghana: Deputy Energy Minister Woos Investors To Tap Into Energy Sector Opportunities
Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah, has urged investors to tap into the country’s thriving energy sector.
Speaking at the Ghanaian-German Economic Association Business Forum, he highlighted the sector’s vast potential, citing a growing electricity demand of 300 MW annually and petroleum product consumption exceeding 400,000 metric tons monthly.
Gyan-Mensah emphasized Ghana’s attractiveness as an investment destination, outlining the government’s transformational agenda centered on energy security, affordability, universal access, and regulatory predictability.
Key initiatives include constructing a second Gas Processing Plant, expanding storage facilities, and reinforcing electricity transmission lines.
“Ghana is a leading destination for energy investments in West Africa and beyond. Our transformational agenda in the energy sector is anchored on four cardinal principles: energy security, affordability, universal access, and regulatory predictability. In the petroleum sector, the construction of a second Gas Processing Plant with a capacity of 150-300 million standard cubic feet per day is under consideration.
“The country plans to construct a new offshore mooring facility in Tema and expand storage in Takoradi to accommodate growing demand, reduce congestion and demurrage, and guarantee a steady supply of petroleum products,” the Deputy Minister stated.
The Deputy Minister further noted that in the electricity transmission sub-sector, GRIDCo is reinforcing existing lines and building new ones to improve supply quality. He mentioned the government’s construction of a new 330 kV line and a new transmission line from Tamale through Bimbila to Kejebi, as well as the upgrade of the existing 69 kV Asiekpe-Ho line to 161 kV.
Hon. Gyan-Mensah also encouraged investments in renewable energy, reflecting the President’s vision of ‘Green Transition.’ “In implementing the National Energy Transition Framework, the Ministry is dedicated to increasing the proportion of non-hydro renewable energy from less than 3% to 10% by 2030 and continuing the construction of new mini-hydro dams to meet energy demand.
“For instance, the Ministry is rolling out 12,000 net-metered solar PV systems and 35 mini-grids. We are championing the Renewable Energy Authority Bill to promote renewable energy generation and investment, demonstrating our government’s commitment to Green Transition.”
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: GOIL Slashes Petrol, Diesel Prices For Consumers
Ghana’s largest indigenous petroleum downstream oil marketing company, GOIL, has reduced its petrol and diesel prices effective May 19, 2025.
According to the price update, petrol (RON 91) is selling at Gh¢13.27 per litre, while petrol (RON 95) is sold at Gh¢15.27 per litre, with diesel being sold at Gh¢13.87 per litre.
During the first window pricing in May, GOIL sold petrol (RON 91) at Gh¢13.69 per litre, while petrol (RON 95) was sold at Gh¢15.11 per litre, with diesel being sold at Gh¢14.41 per litre.
GOIL’s current fuel prices are lower than some of its competitors.
In Ghana, fuel prices are reviewed daily by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) based on fluctuations in key factors such as exchange rates, cost of refined petroleum products, and inflation.
In contrast, fuel prices are reviewed monthly in other parts of Africa.
On the international market, gasoline is sold at US$673 per metric ton, while gasoil is sold at US$589.75 per metric ton, and LPG is sold at US$458.75 per metric ton.
Since April, crude oil prices have been relatively stable, with Brent selling at $64.89 per barrel and WTI sold at $62.03 per barrel as of Monday, May 19, 2025.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: NPA CEO Engages Petroleum Downstream Stakeholders In Western Region
The Acting Chief Executive, Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo (Esq.), has paid a working visit to the Western Region to engage key stakeholders and familiarize himself with various petroleum installations.
Accompanied by management members, Mr. Tameklo first paid a courtesy visit to the Omanhene of Esikado, Nana Kobina Nketsia V.
The team then toured the Ghana Gas Processing Plant, Quantum Terminal’s Anokyi Facility, and several key fuel installations within the Takoradi enclave to assess operations and encourage compliance.
The NPA CEO also engaged fuel tanker drivers, assuring them of his commitment to resolving their challenges.
The Chief Executive subsequently met with the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), where both parties pledged to strengthen cooperation to tackle illicit fuel smuggling and supply to galamsey sites.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Nigeria: TCN Begins Reconstruction Of Three Towers Along Kainji-Birnin Kebbi Transmission Line
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has begun reconstructing the three towers that collapsed along the 330kV Kainji-Birnin Kebbi transmission line on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
The collapse was caused by strong winds that felled the towers at approximately 5:35 pm.
TCN has mobilized three separate contractors to the site, each assigned to handle the reconstruction of one tower.
This strategic deployment aims to accelerate the restoration process and minimize downtime on the line, according to a statement issued by TCN.
According to TCN, efforts have been made to cushion the impact of the disruption in bulk power supply to Kaduna DisCo, affecting some of its customers.
Sokoto and Birnin Kebbi are currently receiving between 6 MW and 7 MW of bulk electricity from the Mando Transmission substation via the 132kV Mando-Zaria-Funtua-Gusau-Talata Mafara-Sokoto-Birnin Kebbi line.
TCN expressed appreciation to affected communities for their patience and understanding as contractors work diligently with its supervising engineers to rebuild the towers and restring the 330kV transmission line.
“We regret the inconvenience caused by the tower collapse and are committed to restoring full supply as quickly as possible,” the statement concluded.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Malawi: World Bank Approves $350 Million Grant For 358.5 MW Mpatamanga Hydropower Storage Project
The World Bank has approved a $350 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA) to support Malawi’s Mpatamanga Hydropower Storage Project (MHSP), part of plans to transform the country’s energy landscape and economic development trajectory.
This project will significantly increase the country’s installed capacity, delivering 1,544 gigawatt-hours of clean energy annually. The additional energy will supply electricity to over a million new households and create thousands of job opportunities.
“MHSP is a top priority for our government as the least-cost option for meeting our growing energy demand and achieving our access targets,” said Ibrahim Matola, Minister of Energy.
“Once operational, this project will drive long-term energy security and support lasting, inclusive economic growth. Energy access is fundamental to reducing poverty, fostering economic growth, and attracting private investment,” he added.
MHSP was co-developed by the Government of Malawi and the International Finance Corporation (part of the World Bank Group) as a public-private partnership (PPP) with an expected overall cost of over $1.5 billion, including financing costs during construction.
In September 2022, the Malawian Government selected a consortium consisting of Electricité de France (EDF) and SN Malawi BV (owned by British International Investment, Norfund, and TotalEnergies) as MHSP’s strategic sponsors through an international competitive tender process.
The project’s financing will consist of grants, equity contributions, loans, and guarantees from various development partners and private sector stakeholders, representing the largest foreign direct investment in Malawi’s history.
MHSP’s main and regulating dams on the Shire River will generate clean energy and store power to supply electricity during peak demand hours, improving the reliability of Malawi’s national grid.
The hydropower facility will also boost the grid’s capacity to support the growing demand of the country’s mining companies, an industry with significant potential to boost economic development prospects.
Commenting on the project, Nathan Belete, World Bank Division Director for Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, said,” This new hydropower project is a game-changer for Malawi, capable of catalyzing transformative change in productive economic sectors such as mining, agri-business, and tourism. As the country drives its economic development agenda, this new source of clean and reliable energy will help drive business growth, create jobs, and improve the lives of millions of Malawians.”
MHSP is one of several large energy projects in Malawi supported by the World Bank Group, reflecting the institution’s strong commitment to supporting this sector as a key enabler of economic growth and development.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Energy Minister Inaugurates Go Energy Board
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, has inaugurated the reconstituted board of Go Energy Company Limited, a subsidiary of Goil Plc.
The minister charged the board to steer the company to become the most reliable Bulk Distribution Company (BDC) in the country.
The new board is chaired by Mr. Yaw Akoto, with members including Mr. Theophilus Otchere, Mr. Emmanuel Jeffery, Mr. Alex Oti-Mensah, Madam Patricia Kyei Frimpong, and Mohammed Amin Osman. The Energy Minister urged them not to disappoint the president.
“Go Energy should aim to be the primary BDC for government and the most reliable BDC in the downstream sector,” he said.
“Unfortunately, the company has been saddled with debt, like most state-owned enterprises. You must come up with innovative ways to improve efficiency and the financial position of the company. His Excellency the President has absolute trust and confidence in this board. You have my full support and maximum cooperation.”
Mr. Yaw Akoto, the Chairman of the new board, expressed gratitude to the President and the Minister on behalf of the members, vowing to deliver on their mandate with integrity.
“It’s an honor to accept this role as Chairman of the Board,” he said.
“As a pivotal subsidiary of Goil Plc, we aim to be the best BDC in the energy sector, in line with the company’s goals. We will deliver on our mandate and work with integrity,” he concluded.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com