Kenya: Kenya Power Begins Installation Of Sensors To Reduce Blackouts
Kenya’s power and lighting company (Kenya Power) has begun the installation of new sensors on its power lines to detect line faults, temperature anomalies and mechanical stress in real-time, reducing outages besides improving grid performance.
The new initiative which began earlier this week is being implemented by Amotech Africa, in partnership with Megger, a global electrical test equipment manufacturer, according to a report by Capital FM.
In recent years and months, Kenyans have been treated to frequent electricity blackouts running into hours, resulting in millions of losses to businesses as well as households that rely on power for operations.
Such outages have often resulted in public outrage at the power utility firm, necessitating the need to address the problem.
“Technical teams would have to visually inspect these lines to determine where the faults originated and which portion of the line is effective. These sensors analyze the line in a very powerful way. We use built-in technology, and it will send the data via cellular communications to a central software location so that the operations team can get immediate notification that the line has gone down, and they also know where exactly to go to focus their attention,” Jackson Mwema, Sales Manager at Amotech Africa, said.
“By doing it this way, we reduce the time it takes to find these faults by, at least, 60 per cent, enabling people who are affected by power outages to now get power restoration a lot quicker,” he added.
Amotech has also lined up a five-day training programme with the Kenya Power team to ensure project sustainability.
“So, Africa is a very, very special place. It’s an amazing continent, and I really love (it). However, we are struggling with certain challenges. Electrification doesn’t reach the whole of the population on this continent,” Johan Pryra, Senior Applications Engineer at Megger, added.
“This will allow us to add more infrastructure so that power can reach more people. So, this really speaks to the heart of what we do and why we do it. And that’s why we make it. We are very honored to have partnered with KPLC.”
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Gambia: NAWEC Kicks Off Nationwide Disconnection Exercise On May 15
The Gambia’s National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) has announced a nationwide disconnection campaign effective tomorrow, May 15, 2025. The exercise targets all electricity and water consumers with outstanding bills.
A statement issued by NAWEC highlighted the need for customers to settle their arrears to avoid disconnection. According to NAWEC, customers who get disconnected will only be reconnected after making full payment.
“Please note that reconnection will only be carried out after full payment, including applicable fees, and will be completed within 72 hours of settlement,” the statement said.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya: IAEA Launches SMR School As Africa Looks To Nuclear Energy
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has launched a new initiative to inform governments, regulators and industry players in countries around the world about small modular reactors and their potential role in the energy mix.
Hosted by the government of Kenya, the first such small modular reactor (SMR) workshop, known as an SMR School, took part in Nairobi from 5-9 May with a focus on African countries, with 28 participants including officials, policy makers and managers of organizations implementing nuclear programmes in Kenya, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia. Future SMR Schools are already planned for Asia and Latin America.
“As an embarking country, Kenya recognizes the critical role of SMRs in bridging gaps in clean and affordable energy access, supporting industrial growth, and complementing our renewable ambitions,” said Serah Esendi, Acting CEO of the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) of Kenya. “This school serves as a catalyst, equipping our technical teams, regulators, and future leaders with the expertise required to navigate the complexities of nuclear technology deployment responsibly and efficiently.”
Africa’s Nuclear Power Push
In Africa, nuclear power is expanding and the IAEA is supporting countries in the development of the necessary infrastructure for safe and secure nuclear energy. Egypt is building its first plant, comprised of four large reactors, and South Africa is planning to expand Africa’s only existing nuclear power programme. Many more African countries are exploring SMRs in their energy mix.
Benefits of SMRs
A fraction the size of large reactors, SMRs are under development around the world, with China and Russia having already deployed their first units. With lower upfront costs and flexibility to work in tandem with renewables such as solar and wind, SMRs are expected to make nuclear power a more accessible option amid a global consensus on expanding nuclear power that emerged in 2023 at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai.
The inaugural SMR School was the first event for high level officials covering key aspects of SMRs, including technology development and demonstration, legal frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and safety, security and safeguards.
“The technical presentations, discussions, and shared experiences deepened our understanding of SMR deployment and regulatory considerations,” said Rasheed Adeola Ogunola of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission. “We also appreciated learning about the publications and services available to support Member States in building safe and effective nuclear programmes. This knowledge will directly inform our next steps as we progress through the nuclear power programme development milestones.”
“As countries seek clean and reliable solutions to their energy and development challenges, they are increasingly looking to nuclear energy as an option, particularly SMRs,” said Dohee Hahn, IAEA SMR Platform Coordinator. “The new IAEA SMR School aims to fill a critical gap for countries in better understanding the array of issues involved in the development and deployment of this promising new technology.”
IAEA Support on SMRs
Asia and Latin America are slotted to be the next venues for the IAEA SMR School. Thailand will host a school on 21-25 July in Bangkok with participants from Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Estonia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and Uzbekistan. The Latin America session will take place in Buenos Aires on 25-29 August with participants from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Columbia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Paraguay and Peru.
The IAEA provides comprehensive support to countries on the development, deployment and oversight of SMRs through its SMR Platform, Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative and SMR Regulators’ Forum.
In addition, the IAEA supports nuclear newcomer countries in developing the necessary infrastructure for safe and secure nuclear power through its Milestones Approach and associated Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) service.
The IAEA use its regular budget, technical cooperation funds and extrabudgetary contributions to support these activities.
Source: IAEA
Ethiopia Secures $1.6 Billion Energy And Minerals Deals
Ethiopia secured more than $1.6 billion worth of investment deals – most of these with Chinese firms – in its energy and minerals sectors at the end of the Invest in Ethiopia High-Level Business Forum 2025, the Ministry of Finance of the East African country said in a statement.
Ethiopia is currently looking to enact reforms and boost its economy via private-led growth, including by attracting investments in its natural resources.
Last year, the country reached a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $3.4 billion Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement to support Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform (HGER) Agenda to address macroeconomic imbalances, restore external debt sustainability, and lay the foundations for higher, inclusive, and private sector-led growth.
At the closing ceremony of the business forum in the capital city Addis Ababa, Ethiopia signed on Tuesday a number of investment deals.
China’s Huawei Mining Processing Company Limited agreed to a planned investment totaling $500 million for mineral exploration, processing, and the development of a special economic zone focused on minerals.
Sequa Mining and Processing PLC – a joint venture between Ethiopian and Chinese companies – plans about $600 million in investment to develop coal mining projects in the East African country.
Hanergy New Energy Technology Company Limited & Jandu signed a deal for a planned investment of $360 million to establish a solar cell manufacturer in Ethiopia.
Toyo Solar Manufacturing Development PLC signed an agreement to invest $14 million to further increase its Ethiopian solar cell capacity.
Additionally, Sesar Energy Advancing Solutions signed a deal for a planned investment of approximately $100 million in the first phase and an additional $150 million in the second phase to support local solar energy development.
Ethiopia is known for having deposits of coal, opal, gemstones, kaolin, iron ore, soda ash, and tantalum, but only gold is currently mined in significant quantities.
Source: Oilprice.com
Africa Technology Conference 2025
Join industry leaders, experts, and innovators at the 2025 SPE Africa Technology Conference, taking place in the heart of Tanzania this May
Held in one of the continent’s emerging hubs for energy – a country rich in natural resources and poised growth, ATC offers a unique opportunity to explore significant vast potential technological oil gas development. This year’s theme; ‘Navigating the Future: Building Technological Excellence for Sustainable Energy in Africa’ highlights the critical need for advanced technical skills and innovation to ensure the long-term sustainability and success of Africa’s oil and gas sector in a rapidly evolving global energy landscape. Attendees will gain invaluable insights through dynamic panel sessions, cutting-edge paper presentations and inspiring keynote addresses. Engage with peers, discover emerging technologies and help shape the future of energy in Africa.Liberia: Security Officers Arrest 40-Year-Old Man For Impersonating Mines And Energy Minister In $5,000 Scam
Liberian security officers have arrested a 40-year-old man for impersonating the country’s Minister for Mines and Energy, Hon. Wilmot Paye, and attempting to defraud a citizen of $5,000 under the pretense of securing a Class B mining license for him.
The culprit, Abraham Gbogar Gbogar, was arrested on the evening of May 12 at the Duport Road junction in Monrovia, according to a report.
During interrogation, Gbogar claimed to be an employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and apologized for impersonating Minister Paye.
The victim, identified as Peter Logan, a Class C miner from Rivercess County, said Gbogar attempted to convince him to pay $5,000 to upgrade his license.
However, Logan, citing Minister Paye’s known stance on integrity and transparency, grew suspicious and opted to give only $50 for transportation to Gbogar’s intermediary.
The Ministry of Mines and Energy, in a statement, distanced itself from the fraudulent act, emphasizing that neither the institution nor Minister Paye solicits money for licenses.
“All application procedures for obtaining mining licenses are outlined in the Minerals and Mining Law and its accompanying regulations,” the statement said.
The Ministry is cooperating with state security in the ongoing investigation.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana And Russia Strengthen Cooperation In Nuclear Education And Innovation
Energy and educational experts from Russia and Ghana recently gathered for a virtual seminar focused on expanding collaboration in nuclear science and technology.
The event, titled “Energy Education & Innovation Seminar: Strengthening Ghana–Russia Collaboration in Nuclear Science and Energy”, brought together representatives from universities, public institutions, and industrial partners to explore long-term cooperation in education, research, and innovation.
The seminar marked another step in the development of the Ghana–Russia nuclear partnership, which began in 2012 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and was reinforced by an Intergovernmental Agreement in 2015.
Since then, the relationship has grown to include knowledge exchange, technical assessments, and joint educational initiatives.
“International cooperation in education and research creates lasting bridges between countries. Today’s scientific partnerships are not just about sharing technologies — they are about sharing dreams, ideas, and ambitions. The growing collaboration between Russia and Ghana in nuclear science shows how knowledge can unite different nations and help build a sustainable future that benefits all,” noted Ryan Collyer, CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa.
Speakers included Dr. Robert B.M. Sogbadji, Deputy Director for Energy at the Ministry of Energy of Ghana, alongside representatives from Rosatom and leading Russian universities — including Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba (RUDN University), Tomsk Polytechnic University, and the National University of Science and Technology (NUST MISIS).
They presented concepts for industrial-educational cooperation, discussed non-power applications of nuclear technologies, and outlined models for collaboration in areas such as the circular economy and low-carbon development.
The seminar also highlighted the importance of strengthening scientific and educational partnerships to support national expertise in peaceful nuclear technologies — both for energy generation and for wider non-energy applications.
The seminar took place as part of a broader initiative to foster collaboration between Rosatom and African countries through long-term partnerships in science, education, and industry.
Ghana, which continues to explore peaceful nuclear energy options, views these joint efforts as an investment in both national capacity and regional sustainability.
The 2025 seminar comes at a symbolic moment: this year marks 80 years of Russian nuclear industry and the 500th anniversary of the Northern Sea Route.
Both milestones highlight how international collaboration in science and engineering can shape global progress for generations to come.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Energy Ministry Appoints Richmond Rockson As Head Of Communication And Spokesperson
Ghana’s Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has appointed Richmond Rockson Esq. as its new Spokesperson and Head of Communications, effective immediately.
A statement issued on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, highlighted Mr. Rockson’s extensive background as a lawyer, energy analyst, business development consultant, and media contributor on energy policy.
As spokesperson, he will be the primary point of contact for all media inquiries and public engagements related to the Ministry’s work. The Ministry emphasized that this appointment aligns with its commitment to transparency and effective communication as Ghana advances its energy and green transition agenda.
The Ministry expressed confidence that Mr. Rockson’s expertise will enhance public engagement and shape discussions on sustainable energy.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Kpong GOIL Service Station Attendants Suspended Over Alleged GOIL Go-Card Wrongdoing
Ghana’s largest indigenous oil marketing company, GOIL, has suspended fuel attendants at Kpong Service Station allegedly involved in the misuse of the company’s Go-Card during a fuel purchase involving a VRA vehicle.
The action taken by the management of GOIL follows a Facebook post by one ‘Se Lorm’ alleging a wrongdoing by the driver of VRA’s dark grey Hilux and fuel attendants at the Kpong Service Station when he was at the station to refuel his vehicle.
Describing what he witnessed involving the attendants and the driver, Se Lorm wrote, “I witnessed something that broke my heart. I pulled up at Kpong F/S GOIL to fill up and I opted to pay with a Go-Card. There was this VRA dark grey hilux with green plate and a registration number ending 14 also filling up and his Go-Card was being processed, while I was waiting for my payment to be processed. I noticed some funny move by one of the attendants; you know that move when someone is sort of hiding to count money, yes!”
He continued, “The attendant handed the money to his colleague who was processing the payment. At this point, they realised I had seen the move; not long, the attendant handed the receipt and cash to the driver.”
He added, “When they came to process my payment, I asked them if what they did was right and they wanted to justify it by saying they came with their boss to make that arrangement. I asked them if it was right; this driver is probably buying less amount but will ask them to increase the amount on the receipt and he will pocket the difference.”
Se Lorm stressed that this is not the first time this driver is doing that.
“I agree “obiaaa didi na dwoma ho” (to wit everyone eats from his or her place of work) but should it be at the expense of the ordinary Ghanaian?” he asked.
The post called on whoever was heading the transport department of VRA to ask all their hilux drivers to bring their log books, receipt and also check their Go-Card statements for the day (from 6:52am to 7am) and they would get all the info and know the exact car that filled up at Akuse GOIL that morning.
The post caught the attention of the Group Chief Executive Officer of GOIL PLC, Mr Edward Abambire Bawah, who responded and promised swift action.
In an official statement issued by the Corporate Affairs Department of GOIL, it noted that preliminary investigation indicates that the incident did occur and the fuel attendants involved had been suspended pending a full inquiry, in collaboration with VRA.
According to GOIL, it treats this matter with the highest seriousness and will continue to maintain a zero tolerance on actions that tarnish its brand image.
“We also remain committed to upholding the integrity, trust in our brand and transparency in our business operations and assure stakeholders of the delivery of secure, reliable and trustworthy services,” the statement added.
The company encouraged its customers and the public to report any irregularities they encounter at their service stations for prompt investigation.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Eskom Implements Stage 2 Loadshedding Due to Generation Capacity Constraints
South Africa’s power utility company, Eskom is implementing Stage 2 loadshedding from 16:00 today until 22:00 on Thursday, May 15, 2025, to manage limited generation capacity and ensure supply during working days.
This decision follows delayed in return of generation units amounting to 3120MW, as well as an additional loss of 1385MW in the past 24 hours due to unplanned breakdowns.
In a statement Eskom said these delays coupled with an unplanned capacity loss has now exceeded 13,000MW.
Despite these challenges, Eskom remains committed to reliable electricity supply.
Eskom’s Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, emphasized the importance of the Operational Excellence Programme in restoring performance.
“Our new Operational Excellence Programme is key to restoring performance. We are reinforcing oversight, strengthening accountability, and aligning service providers with stricter performance standards. This forms part of our broader drive for consistent improvement through Systems, People, and Processes,” said Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane.
“We are determined to build on the progress already achieved. The delays in returning units are being addressed with urgency by senior leadership,” concluded Marokane.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Sierra Leone: Power Outage Looms As Bumbuna Hydro Plant Undergoes Annual Maintenance For Ten Days
The Sierra Leonean Ministry of Energy has announced the commencement of annual maintenance activities on the Bumbuna Hydro-Electric Power Dam from Monday, 19th May to Thursday, 29th May 2025.
This follows a strategic meeting held on 12th May 2025, chaired by the Deputy Minister II of Energy, Dr. Jalloh, at the Ministry’s conference room, where key updates and mitigation plans were discussed with Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) and Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC) officials, according to the Sierra Leone News Agency.
Dr. Jalloh disclosed that, as part of the scheduled maintenance, the Bumbuna Hydro Plant will be temporarily shut down for ten days, affecting electricity supply to Makeni, Magburaka, and parts of the Western Area, including Freetown.
He emphasized the need for proactive public awareness, particularly for residents in Makeni and Magburaka, who are expected to experience the most significant impact.
To mitigate power disruptions, the Ministry confirmed that Karpowership will increase its generation capacity to help fill the supply gap. Freetown will continue to receive electricity through the combined support of Karpowership and the Nigata generator at Kingtom.
“The Ministry regrets any inconvenience this may cause and calls on all customers—especially those in the north and western regions—to exercise patience as we carry out these necessary maintenance activities,” said Dr. Jalloh.
“This annual shutdown is critical to ensuring the long-term reliability, stability, and safety of the national electricity grid.”
The Ministry assures the public that power supply will resume to normal levels following the successful completion of the maintenance works and reactivation of the Bumbuna Hydro Plant.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Offshore Oil Exploration Booms In Namibia With Key Decisions Looming
Namibia expects France’s TotalEnergies and Norway’s BW Energy to take final investment decisions on oil projects offshore the African country in late 2026, a senior Namibian official says.
TotalEnergies is expected to submit this summer a field development plan for the Venus project, while BW Energy and Namibia are finalizing a plan to develop a smaller discovery, Maggy Shino, Petroleum Commissioner at the Namibian Ministry of Mines and Energy, said on Tuesday.
Both TotalEnergies and BW Energy are set to make a final decision whether to proceed with the offshore field developments – which would be Namibia’s first ever – in the fourth quarter of 2026, Reuters quoted Shino as telling a conference in Paris.
In recent years, international majors have scaled back investments in Africa’s legacy producers such as Nigeria and Angola, and have instead opted for exploration offshore Namibia, hoping it would be the next Guyana and the next major oil producer and exporter.
TotalEnergies, Portugal-based energy firm Galp, and Shell have already made large discoveries offshore Namibia, kicking off the Namibian oil rush in 2022.
However, in a recent setback, Shell wrote down $400 million over an oil discovery offshore in offshore block PEL39 in Namibia that “cannot currently be confirmed for commercial development.”
Despite the downgrade of the discovery, Namibia remains a frontier province which majors are considering exploring and developing.
Chevron, for example, plans to begin drilling an exploration well offshore Namibia in 2026 or 2027.
At TotalEnergies’ Q1 earnings call, CEO Patrick Pouyanné said that the company’s project in Namibia is feasible but faces challenges because of low permeability.
TotalEnergies and Namibian authorities have started discussions about a possible development at Venus, Pouyanné said, adding that the supermajor could move with the project if it meets the rate of returns the company has set.
Source: Oilprice.com
Iran’s Sanction-Skirting Oil Network Draws New U.S. Fire
The U.S. State Department rolled out another round of sanctions Tuesday targeting an Iranian oil smuggling network allegedly responsible for funneling billions in crude oil sales to China on behalf of Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff.
The scheme, operated through front company Sepehr Energy Jahan Nama Pars, is accused of bankrolling Iran’s ballistic missile development, nuclear ambitions, and its web of proxy militias—from Red Sea Houthi attacks to assaults on the U.S. Navy and Israel.
“As long as Iran devotes its illicit revenues to funding attacks on the United States and our allies, supporting terrorism around the world, and pursuing other destabilizing actions, we will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to hold the regime accountable, said the Department’s press statement. The action, taken under Executive Order 13224 and its amendments, is the latest enforcement move under National Security Presidential Memorandum 2—a Trump-era policy still guiding a maximum-pressure approach to Iran. It comes just weeks after the Treasury designated Chinese teapot refiner Shandong Shengxing for purchasing over $1 billion in crude from an IRGC-QF-linked front. The shadow fleet facilitating these trades—tankers switching flags, faking manifests, and vanishing from tracking systems—has drawn increasing scrutiny. But enforcement has struggled to keep pace with the sheer volume of illicit flows. Chinese imports of Iranian crude hit a record 1.8 million bpd in March, contributing to a 20-month high in overall oil inflows. While sanctions are meant to cut off Iran’s oil revenues entirely, real-world results have been more muddled. Tehran continues exporting, albeit at steep discounts, and China appears more emboldened than deterred. Still, U.S. officials argue that starving Iran’s military-industrial complex remains non-negotiable. Market watchers will be eyeing whether the crackdown finally crimps volumes—or just adds another layer to the world’s most lucrative game of maritime hide-and-seek. Source: Oilprice.comGabon: Dixstone Secures Liquefaction Barge + LNG Storage Contract
Dixstone, a Netherlands-based offshore engineering services company, has been awarded the construction, procurement, and integration contract for its new LNG project in Cap Lopez, Gabon.
This project involves a nearshore-type LNG facility that will produce 0.7 million metric tons per annum of LNG and 25,000 tons of LPG per year (Phase 1), with a storage capacity of 137,000 m³ in an ex-gas tanker converted to a Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel.
Dixstone will construct the liquefaction barge in Dubai, where it has established a new office based on its extensive experience in international FSO/FPSO conversions over the last 20 years.
The company has successfully completed over 15 MOPU/MODU/MOCU/MOLQU/MOPoDU conversions and upgrades in various countries, including those in Africa, the UK, Brazil, and the Caribbean.
Dixstone is providing unique local content capacity to the project through its “Les Chantiers du Gabon” yard in Port-Gentil.
The yard will support Perenco Oil & Gas Gabon with onshore works necessary to gather gas from operated fields in the country and support works at the Cap Lopez Terminal.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com