Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: NPA Boss Seeks Police Support To Combat Fuel Diversion Amid ‘Galamsey’ Fight
Ghana’s petroleum downstream regulator, the National Petroleum Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, Esq. has solicited the support of the Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to curb fuel diversion amidst the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey in the Ghanaian parlance.
Edudzi made the appeal when he led a delegation to pay a courtesy call on the Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, on Friday, April 30, 2025.
The purpose of the visit was to officially congratulate the IGP on his appointment and to hold discussions that bothered on strengthening the long-held relationship between the NPA and the Ghana Police Service.
The IGP lauded his guests for the visit and assured the NPA of the Police Service’s readiness to assist them in the fight against fuel diversions and other crimes in the downstream petroleum sector.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring that the relationship between the Ghana Police Service and the NPA continues to grow.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Nigeria: Power, Defence Ministers Not Sacked — Onanuga
Nigeria’s Presidency has called on security agencies to take stringent action against fake news websites and platforms, as well as purveyors who fail to check the authenticity of stories before disseminating them virally.
This follows a report suggesting that the Power and Defence Ministers have been sacked.
According to the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the report is completely false, misleading, and devoid of any factual basis.
“At no point has President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dismissed the Ministers of Defence or Power. This falsehood, presented as breaking news, is nothing but reckless propaganda designed to misinform the public,” he clarified.
To set the record straight, the most recent cabinet changes announced in October 2024 did not include the Ministers of Defence or Power.
Those affected were Ministers of Women’s Affairs, Tourism, Education, State for Housing and Urban Development, and Youth Development. Furthermore, ten ministers were reassigned, and seven new nominees were presented for Senate confirmation, all of which were officially documented and widely reported by credible media platforms.
Nigerians are strongly advised to ignore the concocted report by Phoenix Browser. It is fake news, plain and simple, sensationalist hogwash that should be treated with the contempt it deserves.
The Presidential aide, however, clarified that “press freedom and freedom of speech will not exist when some people can wake up and concoct their news and narratives without regard for truth.”
Tinubu’s spokesman described the report as simply “licentiousness and must be criminalized.”
He therefore urged the public to depend on official government channels and trusted news outlets for accurate and verified information.
Source://https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Embrace New Technologies, Ideas To Improve Services—Acting VRA Boss Tells Workers
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Volta River Authority (VRA), Edward Obeng-Kenzo, has urged the staff of the organisation to be ready to embrace new technologies and ideas to improve services and imbibe innovation to shape the future of this critical national power asset.
According to him, this is the new and innovative way to make the VRA a competitive and functional energy resort that will help Ghana fast-track her socioeconomic development agenda in this competitive world.
He said this at the 64th Anniversary celebrations of the VRA, under the theme: ‘Unite, Explore and Innovate’, which was held at Akuse on Friday, April 25, 2025, in the Eastern Region.
Mr Obeng-Kenzo asserted, “Digital transformation, customer-centric approaches, internal process optimisation and strategic planning would be our principal guide in pursuit of a sustainable future.”
The Acting VRA boss was of the view that the power environment has taken a new dimension due to increasing competition, with rapid changes in policy, regulations and the global energy transition drive having a telling effect on the energy business across the world.
“We, therefore, need to run our business with a different mindset for a better tomorrow. We need to operate in a way that provides value to our stakeholders. We need to continue to build on our quest to deliver reliable and affordable electricity and demonstrate with clear actions our strong belief in developing local talent,” he assured the staff.
To attain this, Mr Obeng-Kenzo expressed the firm belief that they should collectively remain innovative, disciplined and hardworking, trusting that their esteemed workforce, endowed with differentiated value, skills and competence, should be harnessed to provide superior service delivery, innovative solutions, and responsiveness to their adopted new strategy.
“As the Acting Chief Executive, I am committed to increasing the efficiency and reliability of our operations, increasing the capacity of our generation portfolio, reducing equipment downtime, and enhancing overall organizational performance,” he affirmed.
The Acting VRA CEO said the theme for the celebration underscored their commitment to fostering collaboration, driving continuous learning and cultivating innovative practices that position VRA for sustainable grand operational excellence.
To achieve this noble objective, he, therefore, called for renewed productivity and efficiency by making it habitual to find new ideas, fresh energy, and attract novel partnerships to help sustain the business.
“That is why the organisation will invest in talent development, attract, develop and retain talent while fostering a culture of innovation, safety and excellence that can shape the landscape of their productivity,” he said.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
He said this at the 64th Anniversary celebrations of the VRA, under the theme: ‘Unite, Explore and Innovate’, which was held at Akuse on Friday, April 25, 2025, in the Eastern Region.
Mr Obeng-Kenzo asserted, “Digital transformation, customer-centric approaches, internal process optimisation and strategic planning would be our principal guide in pursuit of a sustainable future.”
The Acting VRA boss was of the view that the power environment has taken a new dimension due to increasing competition, with rapid changes in policy, regulations and the global energy transition drive having a telling effect on the energy business across the world.
“We, therefore, need to run our business with a different mindset for a better tomorrow. We need to operate in a way that provides value to our stakeholders. We need to continue to build on our quest to deliver reliable and affordable electricity and demonstrate with clear actions our strong belief in developing local talent,” he assured the staff.
To attain this, Mr Obeng-Kenzo expressed the firm belief that they should collectively remain innovative, disciplined and hardworking, trusting that their esteemed workforce, endowed with differentiated value, skills and competence, should be harnessed to provide superior service delivery, innovative solutions, and responsiveness to their adopted new strategy.
“As the Acting Chief Executive, I am committed to increasing the efficiency and reliability of our operations, increasing the capacity of our generation portfolio, reducing equipment downtime, and enhancing overall organizational performance,” he affirmed.
The Acting VRA CEO said the theme for the celebration underscored their commitment to fostering collaboration, driving continuous learning and cultivating innovative practices that position VRA for sustainable grand operational excellence.
To achieve this noble objective, he, therefore, called for renewed productivity and efficiency by making it habitual to find new ideas, fresh energy, and attract novel partnerships to help sustain the business.
“That is why the organisation will invest in talent development, attract, develop and retain talent while fostering a culture of innovation, safety and excellence that can shape the landscape of their productivity,” he said.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com Nigeria: TCN Demolishes Illegal Structures Under Power Pylons
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Kano Region, has cleared illegal structures erected within parts of its Transmission Right of Way (RoW) in Kano Metropolis.
The exercise, carried out on April 23 and 24, 2025, was undertaken under the directive of the Encroachment and Anti-Vandalism Committee, reinforcing TCN’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the national transmission network.
A statement issued by Mdidi Mba, General Manager for Public Affairs at TCN, said the exercise targeted unauthorized developments along critical power lines, including the Kano-Zaria 330kV line, Kano-Zaria 132kV line, and Kano-Kankia 132kV line, in the Panshekara and Reka communities.
“These encroachments posed significant risks to the reliability of the lines and safety of individuals in structures under the transmission lines,” TCN said.
TCN had previously issued warnings against trading, buying, or constructing within designated Transmission Rights of Way, emphasizing the importance of adhering to prescribed clearance zones for the protection of lives and access during line and tower maintenance.
The company reiterated that the specified RoW measurements are 25 meters on either side of 330kV lines and 15 meters on both sides of 132kV lines.
It asserted that any infringement upon these areas not only negatively impacts TCN’s efforts but also endangers lives, posing severe risks to surrounding communities.
TCN emphasised that the committee will continue to work not only in the Kano Region of TCN but also in other transmission regions of TCN, as part of measures to safeguard the transmission lines and integrity of its towers for more stable and efficient bulk power transmission.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s Petroleum Proceeds Jumped By 27% To $1.357 Billion In 2024–PIAC Report
Ghana’s total petroleum proceeds soared by 27.8 per cent from US$1.062 billion in 2023 to US$1.357 billion in 2024.
This is the second-highest annual petroleum receipt since inception, with 2022 being the highest year (US$1.42 billion).
This was revealed by the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) in its 2024 Performance Report, citing an increase in crude oil prices.
The report added that the total proceeds from GNPC Explorco’s liftings received in 2024, amounting to US$145 million, were not paid into the Petroleum Holding Fund (PHF).
This brings the cumulative proceeds of unpaid revenue into the PHF held by Jubilee Oil Holding Limited (JOHL) and, subsequently, GNPC Explorco to US$488,790,044 as of the end of 2024.
GNPC argued that proceeds from liftings by GNPC Explorco did not constitute payments into the Petroleum Holding Fund.
About the recommendation, the Committee reiterated its position that proceeds from liftings by GNPC Explorco constituted indirect participation of the State and, therefore, must be paid into the Petroleum Holding Fund.
Surface Rental Arrears
Meanwhile, the surface rental arrears owed by some International Oil Companies (IOCs) remained high at US$2,893,120 as of the end of 2024.
The report stated that about 60 per cent of the arrears were due to three companies whose Petroleum Agreements were terminated in 2021.
For recommendation, the report urged the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Petroleum Commission, the Bank of Ghana and the Ministry of Energy to collaborate to recover the Surface Rental arrears.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Egypt: Afreximbank Launches US$3 Billion Revolving Intra-African Oil Import Financing Programme
African Export-Import Bank has rolled out a $3 billion revolving credit line that will enable African and Caribbean buyers to source petrol, diesel, jet fuel and other products from refineries on the continent more easily.
The bank expects the facility to provide $10–14 billion of trade finance over its first three years and address Africa’s persistent reliance on imported refined petroleum products, which accounts for approximately $30 billion annually in petroleum import costs due to inadequate refining capacity.
Both oil export- and import-dependent economies have been whipsawed this year by a sharp fall in crude prices and a jump in freight costs.
Brent crude is down more than 20% since mid-January on supply dynamics and on fears that a global trade war will sap demand.
Meanwhile, insurance costs for ships using the Red Sea have climbed again after renewed Houthi attacks prompted U.S. airstrikes on Yemen in March, adding hundreds of thousands of dollars to a typical fuel cargo.
By shifting purchases to nearby refineries and locking in bank credit up-front, governments can limit the budget shock from such external swings.
The Revolving Intra-African Oil Import Financing Programme is rooted in Afreximbank’s recent push to boost regional processing capacity.
The Cairo-based lender is the largest financier of Nigeria’s 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote refinery. It has also helped overhaul Nigeria’s Port Harcourt oil complex and is arranging funding for plants in Angola and Ivory Coast too.
These ventures could add around 1.3 million bpd of refining capacity.
Commeting Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Afreximbank, said that the programme “would galvanise efforts towards making the Gulf of Guinea a key refining hub. Whilst the programme will have a direct impact on the volume of the refined petroleum products produced and consumed in Africa, it will also have a multiplier effect on the downstream petroleum value chain as it will catalyse critical investments in shipping and marine logistics for intra and extra African trade of crude oil and refined products.
The multiplier effect will also be seen in marine cargo insurance and other ancillary businesses within the sector. We want to see an increased proportion of the about 4 mbpd of crude oil produced in the Gulf of Guinea refined in Africa.”
Also commenting on the initiative, His Excellency Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi, said: “This programme is a clear demonstration of Africa’s resolve to take charge of its own energy future. We commend Afreximbank for this timely intervention, which stands to benefit African countries like Malawi by reducing import dependency, strengthening regional supply chains, and keeping more value within the continent. Most importantly, it will deliver real impact to our citizens by ensuring more stable and affordable access to refined petroleum products, which are essential to Malawians’ daily life and economic productivity.”
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Zambia: UK Firm Seeks Deal To Deploy 5,000MW Renewable Energy In Six Months
United Kingdom (UK)-based Echo Eight Investments Limited is seeking a power deal with Zambia to deploy 5,000MW of renewable energy projects within six months of receiving the necessary approvals, according to a report by Zambia Mail.
David Green, the founder of Echo Eight, stated that the firm has access to immediate capital and is prepared to invest in solar, hybrid and advanced energy storage technologies.
The initiative will incorporate patented 3D solar panels and rooftop wind units designed to boost efficiency and reduce environmental impact, Mr Green added.
This announcement was made during a high-level meeting with a Zambian delegation led by Energy Minister Makozo Chikote at the Zambian mission in London.
Zambia’s Energy Minister welcomed Echo Eight’s proposal, highlighting the country’s need for investors capable of delivering swift and impactful solutions.
He invited Echo Eight Investments Limited to establish clean energy initiatives in Zambia as part of the government’s efforts to end load-shedding and strengthen national energy security.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Energy Minister Appeals To Ghanaians To Accept 14.75% Electricity Tariff Hike
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has appealed to Ghanaians to bear with the government’s decision to increase electricity tariff by 14.75 per cent effective, May 3, 2025.
According to him, the hike is aimed at meeting the revenue requirement of utilities in order to address operational and financial challenges.
Addressing a section of journalists during the Meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the West African Gas Pipeline in Accra, the capital of Ghana, Hon. Jinapor stressed the importance of the review in sustaining the nation’s power supply and advancing ongoing reforms in the sector.
“I want to appeal to Ghanaians and the general consuming public to bear with us even as we make some of these difficult, but unavoidable decisions to ensure that we have stable and reliable power sources for our own economic development,” he stated.
The hike in electricity and water utilities tariffs have been met with stiff opposition from a section of Ghanaians and consumer groups in the West African nation.
However, from the look of things, it appears there is no indication that the government is reversing its decision or reducing the percentage.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
London: Globeleq Confirms Jonathan Hoffman As Permanent CEO
The Board of Globeleq, the leading independent power company in Africa, and its shareholders have announced that Jonathan Hoffman, currently interim Chief Executive Officer, has been confirmed as the group’s permanent CEO.
The Board undertook a thorough and extensive search process that considered both internal and external candidates. Jonathan Hoffman joined Globeleq in 2010, was appointed Chief Development Officer in 2020, and took over as interim CEO in July 2024.
Jonathan has led the development and investment team as they have secured deals and new investments across Africa, including the recent award of Red Sands, the largest standalone battery storage project on the continent.
With over 20 years of experience in the power sector, having previously worked for ABB Energy Ventures and co-founded InfraCo, Jonathan is well-suited for the role.
Since 2015, Globeleq has nearly doubled its generating capacity in operation and under construction. In the 2020s, the group has been responsible for 43% of all utility-scale non-hydro renewable and gas IPP generation to reach financial close in Sub-Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa).
Jonathan Hoffman will now lead Globeleq through its next phase of growth, focusing on the energy transition in Southern Africa and Kenya.
The group owns and operates 12 renewable power plants across South Africa, Mozambique, and Kenya, has 485 MW in construction, and has several landmark projects in its development pipeline.
Outside Southern Africa, Globeleq will focus on its existing plants, providing vital power to local communities and industry, and generating returns for its shareholders.
Laurence Mulliez, Globeleq Chair, commented, “I am very pleased to confirm that Jonathan Hoffman is now Globeleq’s permanent CEO. Jonathan has in-depth knowledge of our people and portfolio and is ideally placed to lead Globeleq through the next period of growth. Since becoming Interim CEO last year, Jonathan has impressed the board with his commitment to the business and knowledge of our industry and partners.”
Jonathan Hoffman, Globeleq’s CEO, added, “I am thrilled to lead Globeleq’s talented team to deliver on our mission and drive the energy transition in Southern Africa. My absolute commitment is to solve problems for our customers and deliver value to our shareholders.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Tanzania’s Electricity Generation Soars From 1,600 MW To 4,301 MW In 6 Years
The Tanzanian government has invested massively in power generation over the past five years, increasing generation capacity from 1,601.84 MW in 2020 to 4,031.71 MW in 2025.
The government investment drive in energy was fuelled by rapid growth in industries and energy use.
Since assuming office in September 2023, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr. Doto Mashaka Biteko, has spearheaded development in the energy sector to drive growth in all sectors of the Tanzanian economy.
Presenting the 2025/2026 Energy Budget in Parliament on Monday, April 28, 2025, Dr. Doto Biteko highlighted the major achievements of the ministry.
He mentioned the completion of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) with a generation capacity of 2,115 MW; the 400 kV power transmission line from Singida to Arusha and connecting Kenya through the East African power pool, the 400 kV, 160-kilometre transmission line from the Julius Nyerere Hydropower plant to Chalinze in the Coast Region, the Chalinze substation, and the successful integration of power generated from the JNHPP into the national grid.
Additionally, the Minister mentioned the completion of the 400 kV transmission line from Nyakanazi to Kigoma, connecting the Kigoma Region to the national grid, and the 132 kV, 115-kilometre transmission line from Tabora to Urambo, improving power supply in Urambo.
Touching on other steps the ministry has undertaken, he mentioned the decommissioning of oil-based power plants in Kigoma, which resulted in saving approximately TZS 58.4 billion annually that was previously spent on diesel fuel.
Electricity Access
According to Minister Biteko, electricity access in Lindi and Mtwara regions had also improved following the installation of a 20 MW natural gas-powered plant in Hiyari, Mtwara.
“There has been an increase in electricity customer connections from 2,766,745 in 2020/21 to 5,449,278 as of April 2025, representing a 97% increase,” he said.
He disclosed that 12,318 villages on the Tanzania mainland had been electrified, up from 506 villages in 2007, and that the Rural Energy Agency (REA) had been established.
“A total of 33,657 out of 64,359 hamlets (52%) across the country have been connected to electricity,” he added.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Spain And Portugal Declare States Of Emergency After Massive Power Outage
Spain and Portugal have declared a state of emergency after a massive power outage on Monday knocked out traffic lights, caused chaos on roads and in airports.
The cause of the massive power outage has not yet been established, although an investigation is still underway.
As of the time of filing this report, half of Spain’s power had been restored, according to Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, after a state of emergency was declared in the country.
Authorities are still yet to establish why the outage occurred, Sanchez said, after Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro insisted there was “no indication” of a cyberattack.
Sanchez told the country “a long night lies ahead” as images across Spain and Portugal showed residents plunged into darkness.
According to a report by the BBC, citing Portugal’s power firm REN, it could take about a whole week for the country’s power network to fully normalise.Spain’s Interior Ministry has been reinforcing police patrols across the country by deploying 30,000 officers to maintain public order and prevent security incidents, particularly on roads where traffic signals are not working.
“Citizens can and should remain calm,” Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said during his latest address.
In many towns and cities, plain clothed officers are being used to prevent looting and protect businesses, many of which are unable to lower their electric shutters due to the power outage.
In Catalonia, the Mossos d’Esquadra (Catalan Police) will deploy more than 7,000 officers overnight to respond to emergencies and maintain public order.
The situation left hundreds of people transacting business at banks, shoppers, and travelers stranded as transportation systems were shut down.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Tanzania: Gov’t Invests 5.2 Billion Shillings To Upgrade Njiro Power Station To Boost Electricity Supply In Arusha Province
The Tanzanian Government has invested 5.2 billion shillings (an equivalent of $40,211,194.40) to expand the Njiro Electric Cooling Station, boosting power supply in Arusha Province, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko.
The station’s transformer capacity has been upgraded from 90 MVA to 210 MVA, resulting in improved power supply within the province.
Speaking to citizens at the ceremony marking the union of Tanganiaka and Zanzibar in Arusha Province, immediately after inaugurating the station on April 26, 2025, Hon. Dr. Doto Bitieko said the expansion of the transformer capacity was to meet the increasing electricity demand in the province.
“In this zone, the demand for electricity in Arusha Province is 107 megawatts, and 68 megawatts in Tanga. Today, we’ve launched the expansion of the Njiro Electricity Cooling Station, which has ten distribution lines to supply electricity in Arusha, enabling the province to meet electricity requirements of up to 200 megawatts, compared to the current demand of 107 megawatts,” said Hon. Dr. Bitieko.
According to him, the government is implementing a plan to improve electricity infrastructure, following instructions by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, to repair all weak electricity infrastructure and transmission lines.
“We can generate electricity, but the challenge lies in the infrastructure. That’s why the Honorable President has instructed us to repair all weak electricity infrastructure to ensure a reliable electricity supply,” he said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: We’re Fully Committed To Providing Reliable Power -ECG
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has reassured its customers that it is fully committed to providing reliable and safe power, despite facing challenges with some of its distribution network.
Parts of the country have been experiencing power outages, prompting Ghanaians to express frustration on social media.
Over the weekend, ECG informed the public that the heavy rainstorm on Saturday afternoon caused a power outage within its network and assured customers of a speedy restoration of power.
On Sunday, the power distributor issued another notice, reassuring customers that it is working tirelessly to strengthen and maintain a robust distribution network. It noted, however, that massive rainstorms and stormy winds usually cause trees, billboards, and ripped roofing to fall onto its electrical conductors, resulting in outages.
“The outages that are caused by transient tripping (temporary interruptions) on our feeders are restored soon after the rainstorm. However, permanent faults on our feeders will have to be rectified and may take a while to be restored by our Engineers,” ECG said.
Meanwhile, Charles Nii Ayiku Ayiku, General Manager of External Communication at ECG, has acknowledged that part of its network does not perform at its peak.
Despite this, he emphasised that the company remains focused on ensuring consistent service delivery, even as some equipment struggles to meet optimal standards.
“As you’re aware, ECG works with equipment, and some of them aren’t functioning as they ought to. But that’s why we sometimes have to do periodic maintenance to get the systems working,” he explained.
He added, “Indeed, some of our systems aren’t operating at their optimal level, but we’ll continue to supply reliable and safe power to our customers.”
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com