Ghana: GOIL PLC To Drive Energy Innovation With Digital System And EV-Ready Infrastructure

GOIL PLC is embracing bold innovations to redefine fuel retailing in Ghana, positioning itself for a future shaped by digital transformation and clean energy technologies. Group CEO and Managing Director, Mr. Edward Abambire Bawa, announced this move during a high-level engagement with dealers from the South, South-East, and Tema Zones — the final session in a nationwide stakeholder tour covering all operational zones. At the center of GOIL’s transformation is the GOIL Fuel Management System, a state-of-the-art innovation being rolled out across its service stations. The system will enable dealers to track inventory in real-time, optimize stock levels, and eliminate inefficiencies, all while enhancing transparency and customer satisfaction. “We’re not just selling fuel anymore. We’re delivering smart, data-driven energy solutions,” Mr. Bawa said. “Innovation is how we’ll stay competitive and relevant in a rapidly changing world.” GOIL is also preparing for the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) by initiating plans to install EV charging ports at selected stations. Mr. Bawa confirmed an ongoing collaboration with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to inform EV infrastructure planning. “GOIL will not wait for the future to arrive — we are building it now,” he stressed. “Our vision is to be at the forefront of Ghana’s shift to sustainable energy by making our network EV-ready.” The CEO further noted that renovations will commence at over 270 service stations, designed not only to improve aesthetics and service delivery but also to integrate smart technology and future capabilities. He called on the government for continued support in fair and timely allocation of laycans — essential permits that enable petroleum imports. This support, he said, will help GOIL import competitively and stabilize fuel supply and prices nationwide. These moves are anchored in five strategic pillars: delivering premium customer experience, ensuring product availability, deepening dealer partnerships, building trust as a national brand, and driving innovation. “Our brand was built on trust, but it will grow on innovation,” Mr. Bawa concluded. “GOIL is not just keeping up — we’re setting the pace for energy transformation in Ghana.”     Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: New TOR Board Members Meet Management, Interact With Workers

The newly constituted Board of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Ltd has paid a visit to the refinery to engage with management and workers, discussing the turnaround plan for the premier refinery. The visit afforded the Board an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the management, staff, and operations of the refinery. As part of the visit, the Board held a series of engagement sessions, including meetings with General Managers, interactions with Managers and local labor unions, a tour of key operational areas of the refinery, and a staff durbar at the forecourt of the refinery. These activities formed part of the Board’s effort to better understand the refinery’s current state, operational challenges, and workforce dynamics as TOR works towards full operational revival. Workers of the refinery were joyful, with excitement beaming from their faces as the Board interacted with them. The visit marked an important step in the refinery’s recovery journey, reinforcing leadership commitment to restoring TOR to full operational capacity. Tema Oil Refinery, Ghana’s premier refinery since its establishment in 1963, boasts an ideal configuration and sufficient storage tank capacity, remaining a strategic national asset and a key pillar in ensuring Ghana’s energy security. The 45,000 barrel per stream day refinery has struggled to return to its former glory, but the current administration’s efforts to revive it have sparked hope among many.           Source:https://energynewsafrica.com

Russia’s Rosatom, Niger Sign MoU To Advance Nuclear Energy Cooperation

Russia’s atomic energy corporation, Rosatom, and the Nigerien Ministry of Energy have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate on using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. The MoU was signed during a visit by a Russian delegation led by Sergey Tsivilev, Minister for Energy. The delegation held talks with Niger Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, Minister of Mines Ousmane Abarchi, and President Abdourahamane Tiani. “We listened to detailed presentations on the cooperation opportunities that Niger is ready to offer. And now our teams are discussing with each other, face-to-face, how to realize this great potential,” said Tsivilev. He added: “As part of today’s meeting, an important memorandum on cooperation in the field of peaceful atom was signed. Our task is not just to participate in uranium mining; we must create an entire system for the development of the peaceful atom in Niger. This includes the construction of power generation, so that it is available to every resident of the country, and cooperation in the field of nuclear medicine. We also agreed on the joint training of specialists in this field.” Mines Minister Abarchi said that “in a world marked by instability, rapid technological change, geopolitical tensions, and growing demands of people, it has become imperative to build strategic, sustainable, and balanced partnerships.” He identified priority areas of collaboration, particularly in defense, mines, oil and energy, agriculture, education and training, transport, industry, trade, and finance. Uranium has been mined in Niger since the 1970s. The country produces around 5% of the world’s uranium mining output. However, operating permits for mines, including GoviEx’s Madouela project and Orano’s Imouraren, were withdrawn following a military coup in July 2023. Somaïr, which operates the Arlit uranium mine, is 63.4% owned by France’s Orano, with Niger’s state-owned mining assets company SOPAMIN holding 36.6%. However, Somaïr has been under the operational control of the Nigerien authorities since December. In June, Orano said that litigation was its only possible recourse after Niger’s Council of Ministers announced plans to appropriate and nationalize the joint venture.         Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Niger: AfDB Approves Over $144M To Enhance Energy Access And Economic Competitiveness

The African Development Bank Group has approved a loan of $144.27 million to the Republic of Niger for the first phase of a program aimed at reforming energy sector laws and addressing the country’s critical power shortage. The West African nation is implementing an Energy Sector Governance and Competitiveness Support Program to address governance challenges by strengthening public financial management systems, particularly tax revenue mobilization and control. The program will also support the clearance of domestic arrears, public-private dialogue, and the adoption of an industrial and commercial policy to bolster support for Nigerien businesses. The Bank’s support will underpin ambitious energy objectives, including increasing national electricity access from 22.5% to 30% by 2026, while boosting manufacturing’s contribution to GDP from 2.5% to 3.8%. A key component focuses on the renewable energy capacity development framework and includes plans to generate 240 MW of solar energy by 2030, with 50 MW coming online before December 2026. The program particularly emphasizes social inclusion, with specific measures to support internally displaced persons, women, and youth. With over 507,000 internally displaced persons nationwide due to security challenges in the Sahel region, targeted interventions will ensure that vulnerable populations benefit from improved economic opportunities. Despite challenges, the Nigerien economy has shown remarkable resilience, with GDP growth climbing to 8.8% in 2024, and oil production expected to increase from 20,000 to 90,000 barrels per day by 2026. However, only 22.5% of the population enjoys access to electricity, one of the lowest rates in West Africa. In rural areas, where 80% of Nigeriens live, only 4.5% have access to electricity, forcing families to rely on biomass for 94% of their energy needs. Niger’s strategic energy compact, formally adopted by decree, provides a framework to attract $527 million in private sector investment by 2030. The project will establish high-level coordination mechanisms and update national energy policies to create an enabling environment for private participation in mini-grid developments crucial for rural electrification. “This program represents our commitment to supporting Niger’s economic recovery and energy independence,” said Lamin Barrow, African Development Bank Director General for West Africa. “By improving access to energy and strengthening governance frameworks, we are helping to lay the foundations for sustainable growth that will benefit all Nigeriens, particularly the most vulnerable populations.”       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Burkina Faso: AfDB Supports Burkina Faso’s Renewable Energy Ambitions With €6 Million Funding For Dédougou Solar Project

The African Development Bank’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) has committed €6 million in concessional finance to support the development of an 18 MW solar power plant in Dédougou, Burkina Faso. The funding package includes a €2.5 million senior concessional loan and a €3.5 million reimbursable grant, complemented by loans from the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO). The Dédougou Solar Power Plant is part of the Desert-to-Power initiative, a flagship program led by the African Development Bank aimed at transforming the Sahel region into a major solar energy hub. The project aligns with Burkina Faso’s national roadmap and will help increase the country’s energy generation capacity, diversify its energy mix, and provide reliable and affordable electricity to support economic growth and local livelihoods. The project is expected to have a significant impact on the region, reducing electricity costs and boosting access to energy. It will also prioritize sustainability through a comprehensive Environmental and Social Management System, ensuring responsible operations and mitigating potential environmental and social risks. Dr. Daniel Schroth, Director for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at the African Development Bank, hailed the project as a significant milestone for Burkina Faso and the Sahel region, demonstrating the potential for solar energy to drive inclusive and sustainable development. Abdoulaye Toure, CFO of Qair Africa, the project’s developer, expressed gratitude to SEFA and FMO for their support, saying it marked a significant milestone in Qair’s journey in Burkina Faso and reflected the company’s commitment to accelerating the energy transition across Africa. The Dédougou Solar Power Plant is expected to serve as a model for future renewable energy projects in the Sahel region, accelerating the transition towards sustainable power and fostering economic growth and development.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

U.S. Gives Chevron Green Light To Return To Venezuela

The US government has granted Chevron a sanction exemption for its operations in Venezuela, but only on the condition that no money from these operations would go to the Venezuelan government, according to Reuters, citing unnamed sources. A week ago, Reuters reported that the US government was considering reversing its earlier decision to force Chevron out of Venezuela amid a new sanction push against the Maduro government. Chevron was cautious in its reaction to the report. “Chevron conducts its business globally in compliance with laws and regulations applicable to its business, as well as the sanctions frameworks provided for by the US government, including in Venezuela,” the company said last week in reaction to the news it could be allowed to return to Venezuela, where it produced some 240,000 barrels of oil daily. Amid these reports, ING predicted that Venezuelan crude oil supply would gradually return over the second half of the year. TradeWinds forecast a rebound in demand for Aframax and Suezmax tankers following the decision. Kpler noted in a commentary that the exemption granted to Chevron would result in a price correction for heavy crude grades. The data analytics provider said the exemption was “expected to help cool the heat in the heavy crude market — albeit arriving somewhat late, as the peak summer demand season is nearing its end.” Kpler senior crude oil analyst Muyu Xu added, “Nevertheless, it introduces upside risk to global supply just as the market is on the brink of shifting into oversupply by late Q3.” The US was importing Venezuelan crude at a peak rate of around 300,000 barrels daily last year and early this year, according to Kpler.         Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Kenya: KenGen Unveils First Battery Storage System To Power Data Center

Kenya’s Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) has commissioned a new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to provide reliable and uninterrupted power supply from renewable energy to its modular data center. The newly installed 1.16 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery system will serve the company’s 52-kilowatt Modular Data Center (MDC) at its headquarters in Nairobi. The storage system is designed to guarantee stable electricity supply even during periods of low grid demand, underscoring the role of battery technology in enhancing energy resilience. In a statement, the Managing Director and CEO of KenGen, Eng. Peter Njenga, said the move marks a significant step toward a low-carbon, digitally resilient future, marking a new frontier in Kenya’s long-term green energy strategy. “By integrating battery storage into our data infrastructure, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also showcasing how energy utilities can lead in sustainable innovation,” he said. The facility is expected to serve internal operations while providing a model for how utilities can use renewable storage to meet rising computing and connectivity demands. The launch comes as a key pedestal for its Good to Great (G2G) 2034 strategic blueprint, which targets the rollout of 500 MWh of energy storage capacity over the next decade. BESS is essentially a large-scale rechargeable battery that can store energy when it’s abundant, often from renewable sources like solar or wind, and then release it when needed. The system offers multiple advantages, including improved grid stability, energy independence, cost efficiencies, and seamless backup capabilities. It plays a crucial role in integrating renewable energy sources by storing excess energy produced during off-peak hours or when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. When electricity enters the BESS, it is converted into chemical energy and stored within the battery cells. An Energy Management System (EMS) monitors and manages the charging and discharging of the batteries, optimizing efficiency and battery life. For power to be discharged, the stored chemical energy is converted back into electrical energy using a power conversion system (PCS), which converts the DC (Direct Current) from the batteries to Alternating Current (AC) power for use by the grid.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: Energy Sector Accounts For 86% Of Irregularities-Auditor General’s Report

Ghana’s energy sector remains one of the key sectors of the economy that is putting pressure on the West African nation’s public spending, 2024 Auditor-General’s Report has revealed. The 2024 Auditor-General’s report revealed a whopping GH¢15.8 billion, representing 86% of all public spending on irregularities, which originated from institutions under the Ministry of Energy. These irregularities across public boards and statutory bodies amounted to GH¢18.4 billion, and it has doubled from the figure in the 2023 report. The rate of irregularities shows systemic failures, specifically in revenue reporting, procurement, debt recovery, and contract compliance in the energy sector ecosystem. At the nerve-centre of this is the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), where financial misreporting and weak internal controls resulted in most of the most critical irregularities. In 2023, ECG underestimated over GH¢2.95 billion in revenue. Rather than reporting the actual collection of GH¢11.59 billion, the company disclosed only GH¢8.64 billion to the Ministry of Energy and other related authorities. The worst of ECG’s bad acts was its refusal to disburse GH¢1.29 billion in collected revenue to state-owned enterprises and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) under the Cash Waterfall Mechanism. These infractions were pointed out by the Auditor-General as misleading and unjustified, representing major infractions of public trust and financial transparency cover-up, and also refusal by the company to remit GH¢70.9 million in taxes to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Besides, the company’s procurement practices were wrongly founded. Rather than procuring directly from manufacturers, ECG purchased materials through middle-men increasing operational cost to over GH¢251 million and also paid GH¢75 million to Hubtel Limited for a digital payment platform minus legally binding contracts. The audit also revealed that Hubtel collected over GH¢10.3 billion in revenue for ECG and took 1.5% commission before depositing the remainder, which is an infringement on the public financial regulations that demand gross collections to be accounted for before deductions. The contract became effective in March 2024 but made operational retrospectively from January 2023, and it was promulgated without proper procurement clearance from the Public Procurement Authority.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: Minister For Energy And Green Transition Visits Energy Commission

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, has visited the Energy Commission as part of his familiarization tour of key energy institutions. He was received by the Executive Secretary, Ms. Eunice A. Biritwum, and the management team, who presented a comprehensive overview of the Commission’s mandate, achievements, structure, and challenges. Notable highlights included the launch of a solar-powered electric vehicle charging station, development of national EV standards, enforcement of appliance efficiency regulations, and certification of more than 18,000 professionals under the Electrical Wiring Regulations. The Minister addressed key concerns raised by management and encouraged continued dialogue for deeper collaboration, while reaffirming the Commission’s strategic advisory role to the Ministry. In an open engagement with staff, Hon. Jinapor commended the Commission’s work and urged staff to serve with dedication and ownership, stating: “Treat this organization as if it is your own. Do your best to serve Ghana, and I will advocate for your welfare.” He also emphasized the importance of staff well-being and praised the appointment of Ms. Eunice A. Biritwum as the Commission’s first female Executive Secretary, underscoring his commitment to inclusive leadership. The visit was well-received and left staff and management inspired by the Minister’s openness, vision, and encouragement to continue driving Ghana’s energy transition agenda.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: PURC Achieves 97.5 Per Cent Complaint Resolution In Upper East Region

The Upper East Regional Office of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has achieved remarkable success in its operations within the first half of 2025. At the beginning of this year, the office received a total of 636 complaints from aggrieved electricity and water consumers in both the Upper East and North East regions. Out of these, 593 complaints were lodged against the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), while the remaining 43 were lodged against Ghana Water Limited (GWL). NEDCo resolved 580 complaints, representing 97.8 per cent (580/593), while Ghana Water resolved 40 out of 43 complaints, representing 93 per cent (40/43). Cumulatively, the total complaints resolved by the close of June stood at 97.5 per cent, with the remaining 2.5 per cent still at various stages of the Commission’s complaint management processes. The remaining complaints are mostly related to faulty or damaged poles and transformers awaiting replacement. Nonetheless, NEDCo has been able to replace five transformers and nine faulty poles within the same period under the PURC’s effective supervision. An amount of GH¢385.00 was awarded in favour of a GWL customer. The Upper East Region office of the PURC was opened in 2022 to bring its services closer to consumers in both the Upper East and North East regions. Over the past three and a half years, the regional office has credibly performed its supervisory role over the two main utility service providers, resulting in many positives, including enhanced service provider-customer relationships, improved service delivery, and a deeper understanding of consumers’ rights and obligations.       Source:https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: Energy Media Group To Launch 9th Ghana Energy Awards On August 12

The Energy Media Group, organizers of the prestigious Ghana Energy Awards, is set to host the official media launch of the 9th edition of the Awards on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at the Airport View Hotel in Accra. The event is expected to bring together key stakeholders from the energy sector and the media to officially unveil this year’s theme and award categories, as well as mark the opening of the nominations window for the 2025 edition. Now in its ninth year, Ghana’s premier energy awards scheme continues to serve as a credible and industry-recognized platform that honors excellence, innovation, and leadership within the energy value chain. The Awards are proudly endorsed by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, its allied agencies, and the World Energy Council, Ghana. Serving as Special Guest of Honour, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, is expected to grace the occasion, reaffirming the Ministry’s continued support for the Awards and its role in promoting industry excellence. Leading up to the Awards Night, the media launch also signals the start of a lineup of pre-event activities. These will include the Energy Personalities Outreach Programme, media engagements, and site visits to nominees’ projects.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Togo: Lomé To Host 160,000 Metric Ton Capacity Floating Fuel Terminal

Togo’s capital city, Lomé, will host a floating terminal with a capacity to hold 160,000 metric tons of petroleum products starting next month (August 2025). This new oil infrastructure will comprise 60,000 metric tons of gasoline and 100,000 metric tons of diesel, stored on a vessel anchored offshore, operated by United Petro Group (UPG). The facility aims to ensure an uninterrupted supply of petroleum products to key markets in West and Southern Africa, including Ghana, South Africa, and Mozambique. According to United Petro Group, the Lomé platform addresses the limited onshore storage capacity in the region, where fewer than 6% of facilities exceed 150,000 cubic meters. The floating terminal also arrives as nearly 70% of West Africa’s fuel surpluses are already stored off the coast of Togo, establishing the country as a strategic oil trading hub. While the infrastructure is expected to strengthen Lomé’s position as a hub for hydrocarbon flows in the subregion and beyond, the strategy faces criticism, particularly from regional players in the sector. For instance, Nigerian cement and refining magnate Aliko Dangote has criticized what he views as a counterproductive system. He contends that Lomé’s offshore platform would severely undermine the viability of any refinery in sub-Saharan Africa. “In fact, I don’t see any new major refining project succeeding with the offshore Lomé market in existence,” he said, as reported by Nigerian media outlet Vanguard and cited by Togo First. He accuses international traders of maintaining floating stockpiles to manipulate prices, to the detriment of local refining capacity. His comments come as he continues to support his $20 billion mega-refinery project, which still faces challenges securing crude oil supplies. In Lomé, however, officials emphasize the efficiency of maritime trade and the logistical resilience offered by the deep-water port. The conflict between these two visions highlights growing tensions around Africa’s energy future. For now, the West African nation appears set to consolidate its position, navigating between economic pragmatism and geopolitical pressure.     Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: ECG Cautions Public Against Unauthorized Meter Transfers

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has cautioned the public against the unauthorized transfer of electricity meters, describing the act as illegal and punishable by law. According to ECG, all meters issued by the company are registered to specific locations and must not be moved without formal approval. Unauthorized transfers, the utility provider says, can disrupt billing systems, cause service challenges, and result in legal action. Speaking to the media Dr. Charles Nii Ayiku Ayiku, General Manager for External Communications at ECG, explained that meter transfers are strictly regulated and permitted only under specific conditions. “A meter issued by ECG is registered to a particular location. It cannot be transferred, especially from immovable structures such as residential buildings,” he said. However, ECG clarified that meter transfers are allowed only for movable structures, such as containers and kiosks, and even then, only within the same ECG district. “These transfers must be carried out by ECG-authorized personnel upon official request. Transfers involving permanent or immovable structures are strictly prohibited,” Dr. Ayiku emphasized. He warned that customers who move meters without authorization risk facing criminal prosecution. “Transferring a meter without ECG’s consent is a violation of both company policy and national laws. We urge customers to follow due process,” he added. The company urged the public to report any suspicious meter activity or irregularities through its district offices or verified communication channels. Dr. Ayiku concluded by encouraging its cherished customers to support ECG’s efforts in ensuring reliable and safe power supply.         Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ukraine Signs First Transbalkan Gas Deal With Azerbaijan’s SOCAR

Ukraine’s state-owned oil and gas major Naftogaz has signed its first deal with Azerbaijan’s SOCAR to import a small volume of Azeri-origin natural gas via the Transbalkan route, according to a Reuters report. “For the first time, a test shipment of gas is being delivered through the Transbalkan route along the Bulgaria–Romania–Ukraine corridor,” Naftogaz said in a statement on its website. The Ukrainian company said the agreement was for a small volume of gas, but did not specify a timeline. “This is a small volume but strategically important step that paves the way for long-term cooperation,” Naftogaz CEO Serhiy Koretskyi was quoted as saying in the statement. Ukraine had said in May that its energy regulator had approved a gas import mechanism that would avoid the high transit fees for gas supplied through the Transbalkan pipeline from Greece to Ukraine. Ukraine has faced a serious gas shortage since a series of devastating Russian missile strikes this year, which significantly reduced domestic gas production. Ukraine imports gas via Slovakia and Hungary but has not used the southern route because of its higher transit tariffs, as gas from LNG terminals in Greece also passes through Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova. Ukrainian analysis firm ExPro earlier this month said that Ukraine had more than 9 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas in its underground storage facilities as of July 17, while it plans to accumulate around 13 bcm for the 2025/26 winter heating season. It noted that the reserves were 13.9% down compared with the same period last year and were at their lowest in the last 12 years.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com