Local officials and project developers echoed his sentiments, noting that the solar plant would significantly contribute to national grid stability and economic growth.
Central province Minister Mwabashike Nkulukusa and Chisamba MP, Chushi Kasanda accompanied the minister.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Zambia: Chisamba Solar Plant Nears Completion, Set For May 2025 Commissioning
Zambia’s Energy Minister, Makozo Chikote, is impressed with the progress made at the 100MW Chisamba Solar Plant, which is now 91% complete.
During his inspection tour, Minister Chikote highlighted the project’s significance in Zambia’s transition to renewable energy, reducing dependence on hydropower, and enhancing energy security.
The Chisamba Solar Plant is a major milestone in Zambia’s renewable energy journey, demonstrating the country’s commitment to clean energy and sustainability.
The plant is expected to be commissioned by President Hakainde Hichilema on May 2025.
Once operational, the plant will not only increase power supply but also create jobs and attract investment
“This project is a clear demonstration of our commitment to clean energy and sustainability. It will not only enhance power supply but also create jobs and attract investment,” said Minister Chikote.
He also took a moment to appreciate the dedication and hard work of the workers who made the project a success.
“I want to commend the engineers, technicians, and laborers who put in tireless effort to bring this project to life. Your commitment and expertise are helping shape a brighter future for Zambia,” he said.
The minister emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to support similar projects, ensuring a stable and reliable energy sector.
He urged private sector players to invest in renewable energy, reaffirming Zambia’s goal of achieving energy self-sufficiency.
Local officials and project developers echoed his sentiments, noting that the solar plant would significantly contribute to national grid stability and economic growth.
Central province Minister Mwabashike Nkulukusa and Chisamba MP, Chushi Kasanda accompanied the minister.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Local officials and project developers echoed his sentiments, noting that the solar plant would significantly contribute to national grid stability and economic growth.
Central province Minister Mwabashike Nkulukusa and Chisamba MP, Chushi Kasanda accompanied the minister.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: VRA’s Sophia Abena Tijani Elected GHIE President In Historic Win
Sophia Abena Tijani, a renowned female electrical engineer at the Volta River Authority (VRA), has made history by becoming the president-elect of the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GHIE).
She secured 664 votes, accounting for 31.72% of the total 2,093 votes cast, narrowly beating her closest competitor, David Kwatia Nyante, by nine votes in a male-dominated election.
The other contestants were Ing Michael Kwesi Levi Dedey, who pulled 470 votes, Ebenezer Kwesi Haizel, who pulled 256 votes and Daniel K Bainson, who pulled 48 votes.
The elections was held as part of GHIE’s annual general meeting and conference which started on Tuesday March 25 and ended on Friday March 28,2025 with a banquet dinner ceremony.
Ms Tijani will succeed Kwabena Bempong, becoming the first female GHIE President from the Volta River Authority.
As a licensed Professional Electrical Engineer with over 22 years of experience in the electricity industry, Sophia Abena Tijani has made significant contributions to the energy sector.
Her career journey includes working with Electricity Company of Ghana, Volta River Authority (Ghana), Mott MacDonald Inc. (USA), and USAID’s West Africa Energy Program.
Tijani holds a Master’s Degree in Electrical Power Engineering from Texas A&M University, an MBA in Finance from Paris Graduate School of Management, and a BSc in Electrical/Electronics Engineering from KNUST.
She is a Fellow of Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), a Senior Member of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and a Stanford-certified Advanced Project Management Professional.
Profile of president-elect Sophia Abena Tijani (FGhIE)
Sophia A. Tijani is a distinguished electrical engineer with over 22 years of expertise in the energy sector, contributing to reliable electricity supply across Africa and the USA.
Her career spans key organisations, including ECG, VRA, Deloitte, and Mott McDonald’s Inc. (USA), showcasing her technical and strategic acumen.
Her multifaceted experience covers substation protection and control design, equipment maintenance, business planning, financial and economic appraisal, contract management, public procurement and talent development.
A passionate advocate for capacity building, she collaborates with regional bodies such as WAPP, ECREE, GIZ, and AfD to strengthen energy sector capabilities.
A leader in engineering excellence, Sophia Tijani has held various roles in the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), including Vice President and National Councillor, and has served on governing boards like the Ghana Railway Development Authority and Ho Technical University.
She is a Fellow of GhIE, a Senior Member of IEEE, a certified adult trainer, and a Renewable Energy Professional.
She is currently the Manager, Employee Relations & Reward Management, Human Resources at the Volta River Authority.
Her outstanding contributions to gender and energy have also earned her numerous awards locally and internationally.
With a strong commitment to STEM advocacy, professional ethics and excellence, Tijani continues to drive impactful change in Ghana and beyond.
Until she was elected president-elect, Sophia Abena Tijani was the vice president of GHIE.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Nana Yaa Jantuah, Seven Others Inaugurated As New PURC Board
A former Director of the Public Relations and External Affairs at the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Nana Yaa Jantuah, and seven others have been sworn in as the new Board of PURC.
Ms Yaa Jantuah resigned from the Commission in 2017.
The new PURC board, which is chaired by Professor Thomas Akabzaa,, was inaugurated on Friday, March 28, 202,5, by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah.
The other members of the board are Prof Ebenezer Bugri Anarfio, Bridgeworche Barichisu, Dr Edna Agyepong, Dr Kwabena Nuarko Otoo representing the Trades Union Congress, Dr Humphrey Ayim Darke representing the Association of Ghana Industries, and Dr Shafic Suleman, who will serve as the Secretary.
The eight-member board has been tasked with overseeing and regulating public utilities in the country.
Addressing the new board, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, called for transparency in the regulation of public utilities, urging the new board to uphold these principles as they take on their responsibilities.
“Let me, on behalf of the President, thank you for agreeing to work hard for him. And as you all must be aware, this government is in a hurry, but at the same time, we have to make sure things are done meticulously. We were voted into power to take care of the people’s interest, and as much as possible, we need to have it at the back of our minds.
“His Excellency is determined that the energy sector and all other security services discharge excellently, and so we encourage you as much as possible to pay attention and give your best so that the government will look good and the people will be satisfied,” he stated.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: COMAC Opposes Proposal To Introduce New Tax On Fuel To Fund Fire Service
The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) in Ghana has rejected a proposal by the Interior Ministry to introduce a 10-pesewa tax on petroleum products.
The tax aims to support the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), but COMAC argues it is unsustainable and impractical.
COMAC acknowledges the critical role of the GNFS but says the petroleum sector is already burdened with multiple levies and taxes, contributing to high fuel prices.
These levies account for approximately 25% of the ex-pump price.
“While we acknowledge the need to improve the operational efficiency of the GNFS, we strongly advocate for a proactive approach rather than reactive taxation to address fire safety concerns,” a statement signed by Dr. Riverson Oppong, Chief Executive Officer and Industry Coordinator, said.
Dr. Oppong listed around 12 taxes and levies imposed on fuel including Energy Debt Recovery Levy, Road Fund Levy, Energy Fund Levy, Price Stabilization and Recovery Levy, Sanitation and Pollution Levy, Energy Sector Recovery Levy, Special Petroleum Tax, Primary Distribution Margin and BOST Margin.
According to him, these levies and regulatory margins collectively account for approximately 25% of the ex-pump price, adding a significant cost burden to Ghanaian consumers.
“While we acknowledge the need to improve the operational efficiency of the GNFS, we strongly advocate for a proactive approach rather than reactive taxation to address fire safety concerns.
“The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies firmly opposes the introduction of any additional fuel levy and calls on the government to explore alternative financing strategies that do not impose further economic hardship,’’ Dr Oppong stated.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Sweden: State Loans Proposed For New Nuclear Reactors
The Swedish government has proposed a new law regarding state support for nuclear power investments.
In the bill – submitted to parliament on 27 March, 2025 – it proposes providing state loans to finance four new nuclear reactors as well as a contract-for-difference power price mechanism.
“In the bill, the government proposes a new law on state support for investments in new nuclear power,” the government said.
“The law regulates the basic conditions and forms of state support for companies for investments in new nuclear power reactors in Sweden.”
It added: “Government loans may be provided for the construction and test operation of new nuclear power reactors, as well as for design and other preparatory measures for construction.”
The loans – aimed at lowering the cost of financing new nuclear – will be limited to the equivalent of four large-scale reactors (about 5000 MWe of capacity).
The government said that several project companies may be eligible and there is the possibility for other private actors and the state to take shares in project companies.
“Two-way contracts for difference may be concluded for the routine operation of new nuclear power reactors. Support shall be subject to conditions regulated in agreements between the state and the company receiving support,” it added. These are aimed at reducing market risk.
The bill contains different scenarios for future electricity prices. In a scenario with lower electricity prices, it is assumed that the strike price is around SEK0.02 (USD0.002) per kWh higher than the electricity price.
The government noted that support may only be granted if the new reactors are located at the same location and have a total installed output of at least 300 MWe. “If there are special reasons, the government may decide to grant support even if the reactors have a total installed electrical output of less than 300 MW,” it said.
The new law is proposed to enter into force on 1 August this year.
Vattenfall – which aims to have a new reactor in operation at its Ringhals site in the mid-2030s at the earliest – welcomed the government’s proposals for risk sharing for new nuclear power.
“The state taking a clear role in financing is a basic prerequisite for it to be possible to invest in new nuclear power,” said Desirée Comstedt, the company’s head of new nuclear power. “The bill is therefore a crucial step on the path towards us being able to realise new nuclear power on the Värö peninsula near Ringhals. Nuclear power is not being built anywhere in the world without some form of government support.
“The next step is for us to read the bill to review what an application should contain and prepare to submit our application as soon as possible. Ultimately, the levels of the parameters in the model will of course be an important factor, but these levels are set later in the process, after we have submitted an application.”
Source: World Nuclear News
Nigeria: Three Arrested For Vandalizing TCN Power Installations In Enugu State
Three individuals have been arrested in Nigeria for allegedly vandalizing power line installations belonging to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in Agbogugu, Enugu State.
The suspects were apprehended through a collaborative effort between community members and law enforcement agents on Sunday, March 24, 2025.
They were initially detained at the Agbogwugu police station in Ozalla, then transferred to the state’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and finally moved to prison after their first court appearance.
According to a statement issued by TCN, the company is working closely with the police to ensure the vandals face justice.
This incident underscores the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement in combating vandalism.
TCN urged all host communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security operatives or the nearest TCN office.
TCN emphasized that vandalism is a serious offense affecting everyone, undermining the nation’s efforts to provide a reliable and efficient transmission grid.
The company called on all Nigerians to support their efforts in addressing the situation.
Source:https://energynewsfrica.com
Zambia: British Envoy Visits Zambia’s Ministry Of Energy
The newly appointed British High Commissioner to Zambia, Her Excellency Rabecca Terzeon, has praised Zambia’s ongoing energy sector reforms and commended the government’s plans to establish the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector.
This key project aims to enhance regional energy trade and stability.
During a courtesy call on the Minister of Energy, Hon. Makozo Chikote, MP, at the ministry’s headquarters in Lusaka, Terzeon acknowledged Zambia’s efforts to improve energy security, attract investment, and expand renewable energy sources despite existing challenges such as power deficits and infrastructure constraints.
She noted that the planned interconnector with Tanzania would be instrumental in strengthening cross-border electricity supply, boosting economic growth, and enhancing energy reliability across Southern and East Africa.
Minister Chikote emphasised the importance of Zambia engaging private sector investment to address energy challenges, particularly those caused by recent droughts that have affected hydroelectric power generation.
He highlighted the critical role of both public and private partnerships in creating sustainable energy solutions and enhancing the resilience of Zambia’s energy sector.
Minister Chikote welcomed the British envoy’s support and reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to modernizing the energy sector.
He also discussed ongoing initiatives to expand hydro, solar, and other renewable energy sources while ensuring a stable and affordable power supply for the country.
Minister Chikote further emphasized the importance of regional energy projects, such as the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector, in achieving long-term energy security.
Both parties expressed their commitment to strengthen their relationship.
Source:https://energynewsfrica.com
She noted that the planned interconnector with Tanzania would be instrumental in strengthening cross-border electricity supply, boosting economic growth, and enhancing energy reliability across Southern and East Africa.
Minister Chikote emphasised the importance of Zambia engaging private sector investment to address energy challenges, particularly those caused by recent droughts that have affected hydroelectric power generation.
He highlighted the critical role of both public and private partnerships in creating sustainable energy solutions and enhancing the resilience of Zambia’s energy sector.
Minister Chikote welcomed the British envoy’s support and reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to modernizing the energy sector.
He also discussed ongoing initiatives to expand hydro, solar, and other renewable energy sources while ensuring a stable and affordable power supply for the country.
Minister Chikote further emphasized the importance of regional energy projects, such as the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector, in achieving long-term energy security.
Both parties expressed their commitment to strengthen their relationship.
Source:https://energynewsfrica.com Shell Quits Brazil Wind And Solar Projects
Shell has decided to scrap wind and solar power generation projects it had planned to build in Brazil, citing the unfavorable investment environment, per a Reuters report.
“We are always exploring ways to create value from our power generation portfolio, including exiting activities that do not fit into our strategy or do not generate sufficient returns,” the supermajor said in a statement, days after declaring a pivot away from alternative energy and a return to oil and gas as priority business areas.
Reuters noted in its report that wind and solar power projects in Brazil have suffered setbacks in the form of oversupply of energy, presumably from other sources, a challenging regulatory landscape, and weak growth in demand for those alternative energy sources.
According to official data from the Brazilian state gazette, Shell had approached the country’s energy regulator with a request for it to revoke Shell’s rights to operate several utility-scale solar power plants in central and northeastern Brazil.
Earlier this week, at its investor day, Shell said it would lower its capex range for 2025 to 2028 and it would invest $20-22 billion per year through 2028, down from a range of $22-25 billion per year announced in 2023. Last year, Shell’s cash capex was $21 billion.
The supermajor also said it aimed to increase cost cuts from between $2 and $3 billion this year to $5-7 billion by the end of 2028, while boosting shareholder returns via share buybacks and dividends.
Shell was one of the first European majors to pivot back to oil and gas in a 2023 strategy to continue investing in oil and gas production and selectively pour capital into alternative energy solutions, as these solutions underwhelmed in terms of investment returns. Since then, Shell has slowly but inexorably been shrinking its exposure to wind, solar, and the rest of the transition industries.
Source: Oilprice.com
Ghana: 8 Chinese Nationals, 1 Ghanaian Arrested During Search For Missing ECG Containers
Ghana’s national security has arrested eight Chinese nationals and a Ghanaian at a factory at Shai Hills, a suburb of Greater Accra, in the search for a missing containers containing electrical items belonging power distribution company, Electricity Company of Ghana.
A National Intelligence Bureau operative, who briefed a section of Ghanaian journalists, revealed that the agency received intel which led them to the company.
Upon arrival, they discovered that several Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) cables had been vandalized, cut into pieces, and melted into liquid form.
The liquid metal was then molded into round aluminum bars, and some were powdered for export at high prices, according to the security officer.
Ghana underwent a government transition on January 7, 2025, following the December 7, 2024, Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.
During this transition, the outgoing government informed the incoming administration that ECG had procured electrical equipment loaded in 2,500 containers, which were stuck at the Tema Port.
After assuming office, President John Dramani Mahama appointed John Abdulai Jinapor as the new Minister for Energy and Green Transition. During a recent visit to Tema Port, it was discovered that some containers were missing, prompting the Minister to set up a committee to investigate.
The committee, chaired by Prof. Innocent Senyo Acquah, concluded its investigation and reported that 1,347 containers could not be accounted for.
National security then launched a search for the missing containers.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana underwent a government transition on January 7, 2025, following the December 7, 2024, Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.
During this transition, the outgoing government informed the incoming administration that ECG had procured electrical equipment loaded in 2,500 containers, which were stuck at the Tema Port.
After assuming office, President John Dramani Mahama appointed John Abdulai Jinapor as the new Minister for Energy and Green Transition. During a recent visit to Tema Port, it was discovered that some containers were missing, prompting the Minister to set up a committee to investigate.
The committee, chaired by Prof. Innocent Senyo Acquah, concluded its investigation and reported that 1,347 containers could not be accounted for.
National security then launched a search for the missing containers.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: LPG Consumption Surges By 7.25% In 2024
Ghana’s Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) consumption witnessed a significant 7.25% increase in 2024, according to a report by the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC).
Total LPG consumption rose from 317,465,399 litres in 2023 to 340,492,293 litres in 2024.
The surge is attributed to the promotion of the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM), introduced in Ghana in September 2023, and the country’s adoption of LPG as a cleaner alternative to traditional wood fuels.
Efforts such as rural LPG promotions, distribution of cylinders to northern communities, and public education on safe usage have contributed to this growth.
The report highlights a significant increase in LPG adoption, particularly in urban areas, where usage rose from 28.9% in 2010 to 60% in 2023. Nationally, LPG usage has more than doubled, growing from 18.2% in 2010 to 44.1% in 2023.
However, rural areas continue to lag in LPG adoption, with usage increasing from 4.8% in 2010 to 18.7% in 2023.
The sharp rise in national LPG consumption, especially after 2020, reflects increased accessibility, availability, and government policies promoting clean cooking fuels.
Despite this progress, disparities between urban and rural adoption of LPG use highlight the need for further interventions to expand access and affordability.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Accra West ECG Declares ‘War’ On Illegal Connections
The Accra West Region of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has intensified its crackdown on unauthorised electricity connections at customer premises in the region.
The move aims at reducing commercial losses and recouping lost revenue for the company.
To this end, the region has set up a special task force to visit customers in the region to audit the state of installed meters and other electrical connections in their facilities.
The Ag. General Manager for ECG Accra West Ing. Emmanuel Ankrah, revealed that the special task force comprises of technical staff specially trained to identify all forms of illegality at customer premises.
He warned that all customers who are identified to have engaged in illegalities will be disconnected, surcharged to pay a punitive amount and reported to the police for prosecution.
“Customers are advised to desist from conniving with self-styled employees of ECG, or electricians who interfere with our meter installations and illegally connect customers to the grid. Such actions deny the ECG of much needed revenue, negatively affecting the quality of services provided to customers,” Ing. Ankrah said.
He further warned that “to all who have done illegal connections, we will identify you and recover the value of all the power you have used for free, with penalty.”
During a three-month pilot of the revenue protection exercise from September to December 2024, 374 customers were arrested for engaging in various forms of illegality. In total, 3.3Gwh of power, amounting to GH¢7,411,462.00 was recovered.
The Accra West Revenue Protection Manager, Dr. Mark Owusu Ansah, revealed that the alarming figure from the pilot shows the gravity of the challenge of illegal connections.
He reiterated the commitment of the task force to visit all customer premises in the region, and promised to create an unfriendly environment for all customers who want to engage in illegal connections.
“We regard persons who engage in illegalities as thieves who steal power from us and deny us revenue. We are, therefore, leaving no stone unturned to identify such criminals and root them out,” he said.
Some forms of illegality that were identified during the pilot exercise included direct service connections, meter bypass, meter tampering, and unauthorised service connections.
The Accra West region of ECG has eight operational districts. These are Ablekuma, Achimota, Amasaman, Bortianor, Dansoman, Kaneshie, Korle-bu and Nsawam.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
“Customers are advised to desist from conniving with self-styled employees of ECG, or electricians who interfere with our meter installations and illegally connect customers to the grid. Such actions deny the ECG of much needed revenue, negatively affecting the quality of services provided to customers,” Ing. Ankrah said.
He further warned that “to all who have done illegal connections, we will identify you and recover the value of all the power you have used for free, with penalty.”
During a three-month pilot of the revenue protection exercise from September to December 2024, 374 customers were arrested for engaging in various forms of illegality. In total, 3.3Gwh of power, amounting to GH¢7,411,462.00 was recovered.
The Accra West Revenue Protection Manager, Dr. Mark Owusu Ansah, revealed that the alarming figure from the pilot shows the gravity of the challenge of illegal connections.
He reiterated the commitment of the task force to visit all customer premises in the region, and promised to create an unfriendly environment for all customers who want to engage in illegal connections.
“We regard persons who engage in illegalities as thieves who steal power from us and deny us revenue. We are, therefore, leaving no stone unturned to identify such criminals and root them out,” he said.
Some forms of illegality that were identified during the pilot exercise included direct service connections, meter bypass, meter tampering, and unauthorised service connections.
The Accra West region of ECG has eight operational districts. These are Ablekuma, Achimota, Amasaman, Bortianor, Dansoman, Kaneshie, Korle-bu and Nsawam.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana Records 17.53% Rise In Petroleum Consumption In 2024
Ghana’s national consumption of petroleum products increased to 6,459,000,000 liters in 2024, up from 5,496,000,000 liters in 2023, according to the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) 2024 Annual Report.
This represents a 17.53% increase.
The transport sector emerged as the highest consumer of petroleum products, followed by industry, residential, agricultural, and service sectors.
Gasoline was the most consumed petroleum product in 2024, accounting for 49.35% of total national consumption, followed by diesel, which represented 36.11%.
Gasoil contributed 5.65%, while LPG (Butane) accounted for 5.27% of overall consumption.
The report noted significant fluctuations in petroleum products consumption between 2023 and 2024. Gasoline consumption increased by 15.72%, Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) rose by 7.25%, and premix recorded a 12.29% growth. In contrast, kerosene experienced a significant decline of 31.17%.
Gasoline remained the primary fuel for transportation, particularly in the private and small-scale public transport sectors. The report attributed the rising gasoline consumption to the dominance of petro-powered vehicles, which accounted for 75% of registered vehicles in Ghana by the end of 2024.
Regarding fuel standards, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) reviewed the national standard for gasoline, reducing the maximum allowable manganese levels in regular gasoline from 18mg/L to ensure higher fuel quality for consumers.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya: Five African Nations Tap KenGen Expertise
Five African countries have tapped into Kenya Electricity Generating Company’s (KenGen) technological expertise and decades-old experience in geothermal exploration to assist them in harnessing and transitioning to green energy, the Kenya News Agency has reported, quoting KenGen Managing Director.
The move is in line with commitments to the Paris Climate Agreement (2015), which seeks to enable countries to reduce their carbon emissions footprints, limit global temperatures to below 2 ‘Celsius and reverse climate-induced calamities.
KenGen years of geothermal exploration have seen Kenya lead its African peers by generating 754 MW of geothermal power with plans to double it to 1,500 MW by 2034.
The remarkable achievement has seen Tanzania, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Zambia and E-Swatini tap its expertise to accelerate their transition to green energy power sources, especially geothermal power.
According to the Managing Director of KenGen Eng. Peter Njenga, his outfit has been awarded exploration rights in Zambia and Tanzania while drilling is ongoing in Ethiopia, Djibouti and E-Swatini.
Dr. Njenga said KenGen will deploy its technological support and decade’s old expertise to assist the individual countries transition to clean energy sources following Kenya’s remarkable footsteps.
Speaking in Naivasha, Njenga said the company is on course in rehabilitation of the old Olkaria 1 power plant which once complete will see it increase its power generation from the current 45MW to 63MW.
“The rehabilitation of the old Olkaria 1 power plant is 50 percent complete and it aims to add 18 MW more to our national grid from current 45 MW to 63 MW by 2026,” said Njenga.
Njenga said KenGen supplies 60 percent of Kenya electricity needs every day adding that the company is committed to expand its wings to meet the growing demand for steady power supply for households and industries.
In addition, Njenga said that KenGen is seeking funding from investors to realize its 10-year strategic plan (2024-2035) which aims to increase green energy power generation to 1,500 MW and ensure the country’s energy mix is 100 percent green.
Njenga said with only 1,000 MW of geothermal energy power being tapped out of the 10,000 MW potential, KenGen will partner with other agencies, including Geothermal Development Company (GDC) to explore more sources in Menengai, Suswa, and Eburru among others to achieve the ambitious targets.
The MD said the company’s Green Energy Park at Olkaria in Naivasha that aims to power industrial large-scale development has attracted 10 investor bids where they access steady, more reliable, cheaper green energy to drive their operations.
He said the 342-hectare park has already been launched with the government breaking ground for the construction of sh100B data centre by Konza Technopolis and Microsoft, running on 100 percent geothermal energy.
Currently, the country’s energy installed capacity stands at 1726 MW, consisting of 754MW of geothermal, 826MW hydro, 120MW thermal and 25 MW wind.
On the transition to tapping clean energy use and reducing carbon emissions footprints in the environment, KenGen has also started plans of changing its fuel-driven fleet to green-powered ones.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Acting Ghana Gas CEO Calls For Cost-Cutting Measures
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of Ghana National Gas Company, Judith Adjobah Blay, has urged management to support her plans to reduce waste and increase efficiency.
Speaking at her first face-to-face meeting with management at the Operational Headquarters of Ghana Gas at Alabokazo in the Western Region, Madam Blay emphasized the need to cut costs without compromising essential operations like maintenance.
“I will not cut cost when it’s for maintenance or where my managers advise I don’t go there, but there are some places that I know that we waste a lot and I think that together, we can commit to that crusade of cutting down on some of these wastage so that we make Ghana Gas sustainable.
“We are hoping that there would be more production so that our gas inflows would considerably increase but we should know that the resource is finite and that is where the cost cutting comes in.
“This is because we have to think about how to sustain our business so that we can enjoy. We have to tighten up small or suffer small so that in the future, we can pay ourselves the salaries or even better,“ said Madam Blay, according to citinewsroom.com.
The first female CEO of the Ghana National Gas Company, while expressing her belief in the competences of the managers and her readiness to work with them, further urged her management members not to let their loyalty be to her but Ghana Gas and Ghana for the sake of the company.
“I’m happy to be here to lead you, but you need to let your loyalty be to Ghana Gas and not to me, because my position is transient. I will be gone tomorrow, so if you let your loyalty be for me, what happens after I’m gone? So let your loyalty be to the company that pays you and not me. When you are at the plant working, work as your life depends on Ghana Gas and not me“, she emphasized.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com