Mega Power Outage In Spain And Portugal Threatens To Last 10 More Hours

Michael Creg Afful
-
0
Mega Power Outage In Spain And Portugal Threatens To Last 10 More Hours
Spain and Portugal lost power Monday in a massive electricity blackout that affected public transport systems, traffic lights, hospitals, manufacturing and nuclear power plants. Outages were reported from Madrid to Lisbon, with large parts of the Iberian Peninsula without power as of early Monday afternoon. The blackout was caused by a “very strong oscillation in the electrical network” that led Spain’s power system to “disconnect from the European system, and the collapse of the Iberian electricity network at 12:38,” said Eduardo Prieto, director of Spanish transmission system operator Red Eléctrica.
Prieto refused to speculate as to what had caused the power surge and declined to say if a cyberattack could have contributed to the blackout. While the flow of electricity has been reestablished in some parts of Spain, he added that it would take between six and 10 hours to have service fully restored throughout the rest of the country. “At the moment there is nothing that allows us to say that there is any kind of sabotage or cyberattack,” said European Commission Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera, a former top minister in the Spanish government. “And obviously we are working with the utmost caution and we will have to continue investigating to determine what are the specific causes that have generated this incident, which is one of the most serious that have been recorded in Europe for a long time,” Ribera added. Spain and Portugal have a highly integrated energy grid that operates as an energy island and is linked to the rest of Europe through a small number of cross-border interconnections with France. The European Commission has for years called for greater integration of the countries’ energy systems, but while Madrid, Lisbon and Paris have repeatedly signaled their will to move forward with that plan, advances have been slow to come. Portugal’s E-Redes operator said the blackout was due to a “problem in the European power grid” and that data collected following the blackout suggested a voltage imbalance was responsible for the collapse. Portuguese Presidency Minister António Leitão Amaro told news agency Lusa that the imbalance appeared to be linked to “a problem in Spain’s transportation network, the exact details of which have yet to be identified.” Spain’s opposition to Israel’s war in Gaza and its support for Kyiv against Russia’s aggression have made it a major target for cyberattacks. The Joint Cyberspace Command, which reports to the Defense Staff and oversees cybersecurity, and the National Cryptologic Center, are both looking into the blackout. Massive power outages in Europe have previously been triggered by minor disruptions to national grid systems. In 2003 the entirety of Italy was left without power after a power line in Switzerland was disabled by a tree.
      Source: Politico.eu

Ghana: We’re Fully Committed To Providing Reliable Power -ECG

Michael Creg Afful
-
0
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

Trump Officials Push IEA To Drop Energy Transition Agenda

Michael Creg Afful
-
0
Trump Officials Push IEA To Drop Energy Transition Agenda
The Trump Administration is pushing the International Energy Agency (IEA) to ditch its focus on the energy transition and promotion of renewable energy sources, two sources briefed on recent IEA meetings have told POLITICO. Reports emerged as early as last summer during President Donald Trump’s presidential campaign that if elected, Trump would push the IEA, for which the United States provides about a quarter of the funding, to focus back on energy security and fossil fuel supply. The Paris-based IEA was created to ensure the security of energy supply to developed economies in the aftermath of the Arab oil embargo in the 1970s. In recent years, however, the agency has shifted from this purpose to endorsing the net-zero by 2050 goal and is advocating for a major change in the global energy system to include more electric vehicles (EVs), renewable power supply, hydrogen, and all other low-carbon energy sources. The IEA has even infamously said that no new oil and gas developments would be needed if the world stands a chance of reaching net zero by 2050. But now a very pro-fossil fuel U.S. Administration is pressuring the agency to return to its roots, which has frustrated European officials who want the IEA to continue advocating for a clean energy transition, according to POLITICO’s sources. The U.S. stance during talks and meetings at the IEA has been “let’s weaken or disable the IEA unless they’re working on our values — which is the same approach that they’ve taken to every other international organization,” a European official told POLITICO. The IEA’s agenda, especially calls for no investment in new oil and gas supply, has drawn harsh criticism from OPEC in recent years. Earlier this year, the IEA acknowledged that continued investment in existing oil and gas fields is needed. This, OPEC said, is another moment of truth for the IEA, highlighting the Paris-based agency’s inconsistent messages about upstream investment. “Hopefully, the Agency can return to analysis based on energy realities and focus on its mandate of energy security. In doing so, the IEA can look to a willing partner in OPEC,” the cartel said.             Source:Oilprice.com

Ghana: Heavy Rainstorm Causes Power Outages…Says ECG

Michael Creg Afful
-
0
Ghana: Heavy Rainstorm Causes Power Outages…Says ECG
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced that Saturday’s afternoon rainstorm has caused power outages in parts of the country. In a notice, ECG assured affected customers that its engineers are working assiduously to repair the faults and restore power supply. “The Electricity Company of Ghana wishes to inform our cherished customers and the general public that the heavy rainstorm that hit parts of the country today, Saturday, 26th April, 2025, has caused some outages within our network,” the statement said. The company apologised for the inconvenience caused to customers.     Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Namibia: Eni Confirms Oil Discovery Offshore

Michael Creg Afful
-
0
Namibia: Eni Confirms Oil Discovery Offshore
Eni has confirmed the preliminary results of the Capricornus 1-X well in Namibia’s Orange basin. The well, operated by Rhino Resources, was spudded on February 17 using the Noble Venturer drillship and reached total depth on April 2. The well successfully penetrated the Lower Cretaceous target, finding 38 meters of net pay with good petrophysical properties. Hydrocarbon samples and sidewall cores were collected, and a production test achieved a surface-constrained flow rate exceeding 11,000 barrels per day. The well will be temporarily plugged and abandoned, and the rig will be released. Laboratory studies will be conducted on fluid samples collected during the test. Petroleum Exploration License 85 (PEL85) is operated by Rhino Resources (42.5%), with co-venturers Azule Energy (42.5%), Namcor (10%), and Korres Investments (5%). Eni and bp each hold a 50% interest in Azule Energy. Source:https://energynewsafrica.com

South Africa: Eskom Suspends Load Shedding Due to 2000 MW Recovery In Generation

Michael Creg Afful
-
0
South Africa: Eskom Suspends Load Shedding Due to 2000 MW Recovery In Generation
South Africa’s power utility company, Eskom, has temporarily suspended load shedding following a recovery of over 2,000 megawatts of generation capacity and sufficient emergency reserves. This decision also considers an anticipated decrease in electricity demand. Recently, Eskom implemented stage two load shedding due to high demand and loss of generating units. The suspension aims to provide relief to consumers until further notice.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Russia And Iran Deepen Energy Cooperation

Michael Creg Afful
-
0
Russia And Iran Deepen Energy Cooperation
Iran and Russia are enhancing further their energy cooperation as Russian companies signed a deal to develop oilfields in Iran and the countries discuss the creation of a natural gas hub in the Islamic Republic. Iran’s Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad is currently on a visit to Moscow, where the two countries that are under U.S. sanctions committed to increase their cooperation. Early this year, Iran and Russia signed a so-called Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, which included – among various other commitments – a pledge to expand cooperation in the energy sector, including in energy supply and swap operations. Russia and Iran have been deepening their cooperation, including in the energy sector, for years, and especially after the Russian invasion of Ukraine cut off a lot of Moscow’s previous oil and gas customers. Paknejad’s visit to Moscow this week comes as the two counties seek to forge deeper cooperation in the finance and banking sectors, too. During the visit, Iran finalized four agreements with Russian companies to develop seven oilfields in Iran, the minister said. The deals are worth a total investment of about $4 billion, Iranian media quoted Paknejad as saying. Russia and Iran also signed several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in the oil and gas sector that could be finalized into contracts in the future. Teams of expert from both countries are negotiating the details of these possible new oil and gas contracts, Paknejad said. In addition, Russia and Iran are holding talks on potential imports of natural gas from Russia, which could be followed by gas swaps and transit to other countries, according to the Iranian official. Iran and Russia will also aim to double their annual bilateral trade to $10 billion, the Iranian minister added. “The potential for trade between Iran and Russia is far greater than the current $5 billion level,” Paknejad was quoted as saying.     Source: Oilprice.com

UK Bans State Investment In Solar Panels Linked To Forced Labour

Michael Creg Afful
-
0
UK Bans State Investment In Solar Panels Linked To Forced Labour
Britain will ensure its new state-owned energy company, Great British Energy, avoids the use of solar panels linked to suspected forced labour in China, the energy department said on Wednesday. China produces over 80% of the world’s solar panels. Research from the UK’s Sheffield Hallam University says forced labour from among the country’s Uyghurs is used to produce polysilicon, one of the panels’ core components. China denies any abuses and a foreign ministry spokesperson said in February that allegations of forced labour were among the “lies of the century”. The Chinese Embassy in London did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday. Britain has a target to largely decarbonise its electricity sector by 2030 which will require a huge increase in renewable electricity, including an estimated tripling of solar power capacity. GB Energy was launched in July with the aim of boosting investment in renewables to help meet those goals. Following criticism from some lawmakers about the origin of many solar panels, the commitment on forced labour will be written into legislation currently going through parliament that fully establishes the state-backed company. “Great British Energy will be an industry-leader in developing supply chains free of forced labour,” junior energy minister Michael Shanks said in a statement. The final wording of the legislation will need to be agreed by both houses of parliament before it becomes law. Trade association Solar Energy UK said the change did not threaten Britain’s ability to meet its 2030 net zero targets. Imports to the U.S. are already banned from dozens of Chinese companies producing cotton apparel, auto parts and solar panels over alleged human rights abuses involving the Uyghurs, a mainly Muslim ethnic minority.     Source: Reuters.com

Ghana: PURC Leadership Visits Twin City Energy And Early Power Plants

Michael Creg Afful
-
0
Ghana: PURC Leadership Visits Twin City Energy And Early Power Plants
The Executive Secretary of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Dr. Shafic Suleman, and a team of staff paid a working visit to the Twin City Energy Power Generation Plant (Amandi) at Aboadze in the Western Region. This visit was part of his regional tours to familiarize himself with the operations and create collaborations for effective regulations. The Twin City Energy power plant, located in Aboadze near Takoradi in the Western Region, is a 200MW combined cycle facility that can run on crude oil and natural gas. Dr. Shafic Suleman thanked the Amandi team for receiving the PURC team and urged them to quickly resolve the technical challenges to get the plant back online. He emphasized that it’s unjustifiable for Ghanaians to pay for power services without receiving the generated power. He also advised Amandi Energy to consider more gas-to-power generation in the future, as this is cheaper and more sustainable for the economy, especially with the government’s intention to construct a second Gas Processing Plant (GPP). However, he applauded the Amandi team for maintaining and operating such a state-of-the-art facility over the years. The Operations Manager, Mr. Josjua-Ravi Kumar, and his team gave the PURC team a tour of the plant’s general functionalities and ongoing procedures. According to him, the plant is currently under shutdown due to planned maintenance, but when in operation, it is usually powered by gas through the Ghana National Gas Corporation (GNGC) gas pipeline from Atuabo. The plant can also operate on Diesel Fuel Oil (DFO) and Light Crude Oil (LCO). Mr. Kumar explained that the generation facility has a 24-hour manned control room and a total generation capacity of 397 MW (200 MW gas-to-power and 197 MW LCO-to-power), with potential for future expansion. Due to the integration of Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) technology, power generation efficiency has increased by 49.95%, with a dispatch rate of 99% and an availability of 93%. Mr. Kumar noted that one of the plant’s challenges is the need for an additional power evacuation (transmission) line, as the current one is inadequate for the plant’s capacity. Following the visit to Amandi, Dr. Shafic Suleman and the PURC management staff paid a working visit to Early Power at Tema on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, to further strengthen collaborations between the regulator and utility service providers.   Source:https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana Set To Launch Mini-grid Project To Electrify 150 Island Communities

Michael Creg Afful
-
0
Ghana Set To Launch Mini-grid Project To Electrify 150 Island Communities
Ghana is poised to launch a mini-grid programme aimed at extending electricity to 25,000 people across 150 islands nationwide. According to the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, this initiative would expand renewable energy access to underserved areas, accelerating Ghana’s progress toward energy equity and inclusion. The programme aligns with the government’s “Light for Life” initiative, supporting the goal of achieving 99.8 per cent electricity access by 2030. The Minister made this disclosure while commissioning a SECO-funded $2.3 million mini-grid project in Alorkpem, Aflivie and Azizakpe in the East Ada Municipality. Background In 2020, the Government of Ghana secured $69.88 million in funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Climate Investment Fund (CIF) and the Swiss Government Federation to implement renewable energy projects, including the mini-grid under the Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Programme (SREP).
Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor receives briefing from Ing. Seth Mahu during commissioning of three mini-grids in Ada East Municipality.
The project comprises mini-grids and stand-alone solar home systems for rural off-grid communities, to be implemented by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, and net-metered solar PV systems for urban and peri-urban electricity consumers, to be implemented by the Energy Commission. Approximately, 6,890 households, 6,001 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), and 6,890 public buildings will benefit from net-metered solar PV systems. Additionally, about 1,350 schools and 500 health centers in rural off-grid areas will benefit from the project while seventy communities across nine island districts will be electrified using renewable energy-based mini-grid systems. The SREP aims to contribute to Ghana’s renewable energy penetration target of 10 per cent by 2030, reduce carbon emissions, and achieve universal electricity access. The project aligns with the Government of Ghana’s energy policy targets and climate obligations under the Paris Agreement.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: NEDCo’s Debt Recovery Efforts In Tamale Allegedly Impeded by Regional Minister

Peter Adofo Asante
-
0
Ghana: NEDCo’s Debt Recovery Efforts In Tamale Allegedly Impeded by Regional Minister
The Northern Electricity Distribution Company’s (NEDCo) efforts to recover debts from customers in the Tamale Metropolis are reportedly being hindered by Regional Minister Hon. Ali Adolf John. NEDCo announced it would embark on a Revenue Mobilisation and Loss Control exercise in all of its operational areas, effective April 7, 2025, to recover debts owed by consumers. Although the exercise commenced as planned, reports suggest that Minister John ordered NEDCo authorities to suspend the exercise in Tamale. The Minister reportedly cited the recent Eid celebrations, stating that residents had made significant financial commitments and needed time to pay for their electricity consumption. However, checks by this portal indicate that the exercise is proceeding smoothly in other NEDCo operational areas, sparking questions about the Minister’s decision to suspend the exercise in Tamale. According to sources, Minister John mentioned during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Metropolitan Chief Executive of Tamale that his action was intended to give the people of the Northern Region a breathing space after the Eid festivities. “This is not a cancellation but a suspension to give the people of the Northern Region a breathing space, especially after the Eid festivities,” he stated. “Let me be clear: illegal connections will not be entertained. I urge everyone to comply with the rules and pay their bills to avoid disconnection when the exercise resumes,” he said. The Regional Minister’s decision reportedly did not sit well with Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor, who visited Tamale to persuade him. However, the Regional Minister maintained his stance. During a media interaction, Minister Jinapor revealed that 50 per cent of NEDCo’s total power losses originate from the northern sector, with 70 per cent of that figure concentrated in Tamale alone. Stakeholders have criticised the Regional Minister’s action, viewing it as inappropriate. They have called on the Minister to desist from issuing such directives in the future, emphasising the need for consistent enforcement of electricity bill payments across all regions.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Nigeria: Arnergy Solar Secures $18 Million Series B Round To Scale Solar Deployments

Michael Creg Afful
-
0
Nigeria: Arnergy Solar Secures $18 Million Series B Round To Scale Solar Deployments
Arnergy Solar, a leading Nigerian renewable energy company specializing in distributed solar power solutions, has successfully closed an $18 million Series B funding round. The investment will accelerate the deployment of solar systems and expand its reach across key sectors, including healthcare, education, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The funding was led by CardinalStone Capital Advisers Growth Fund (CCA-GF), with British International Investment (BII) joining as a new investor with a $3 million commitment. Existing investors, including Norfund, Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV)—founded by Bill Gates, EDFI Management Company (EDFI MC), and Shell-backed All On, also participated in the round. The $18 million raise comprises a $15 million Series B extension and a previously closed $3 million Series B1 round, bringing Arnergy’s total capital raised to over $27 million. The company plans to use the new capital to deploy 12,000 additional solar systems by 2029, expand its rent-to-own solar financing model, and strengthen its distribution network through strategic partnerships. Arnergy’s solar systems play a vital role in closing Nigeria’s energy access gap by offering clean, reliable, and affordable off-grid power to underserved communities and businesses. This latest investment underscores investor confidence in the company’s scalable model and its role in driving Nigeria’s energy transition.       Source:https://energynewsafrica.com

EU Parliament Committee Backs Softer Gas Storage Rules

Michael Creg Afful
-
0
EU Parliament Committee Backs Softer Gas Storage Rules
The energy committee at the European Parliament supported on Thursday the EU member states’ proposal to give more flexibility to the natural gas storage goals. The EU is seeking greater flexibility in filling targets before each winter to avoid supply shortages and price spikes. The EU seeks to expand the period in which countries should have 90% full storage ahead of the winter. The European Parliament’s energy committee supported a target of 83% full gas storage at any time between October 1 and December 1. If prices are high, EU member states would be allowed to deviate from the target by up to four percentage points, according to the committee’s position. At any rate, all EU member states should have at least 75% full storage before winter. The full vote for the European Parliament’s negotiating position on the matter will take place in May. Earlier this month, the EU supported the European Commission’s proposal to extend the gas storage regulation by two years. But EU member states also want more flexibility in reaching the filling target to avoid price spikes if market conditions are tight. The representatives of the EU member states approved a draft that will serve as the negotiating mandate for the presidency to start talks with the European Parliament on the final shape of the law. For months, a group of EU member states, including the biggest economies Germany and France, have argued that to avoid price spikes and market speculation, the bloc should allow more flexibility in its currently binding 90% full-storage target by November 1 each year. In abnormal market conditions – and amid great volatility with tariffs-on-tariffs-off rhetoric – EU member states have two choices in how to approach the refill season. These, as Bloomberg notes, are either governments subsidizing the stockpiling of gas, or relying on market forces and possibly paying up for a much higher-priced gas supply if the market tightens later this year.     Source: Oilprice.com

Namibia: Orange Basin Could Produce 47,000 bpd, Says NEC

Michael Creg Afful
-
0
Namibia: Orange Basin Could Produce 47,000 bpd, Says NEC
Namibia’s Orange Basin has the potential to produce up to 47,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) and generate trillions of dollars in revenue, according to Marcio Mello, Founder of Namibia Energy Corporation. Speaking at the Namibia International Energy Conference, Mello highlighted the potential of the Orange Basin to replicate the offshore success of Brazil’s Santos Basin, which has produced for over 20 years. Mello noted that Brazil’s Campos Basin currently produces an average of 13,000 bopd and has the capacity to increase output to 20,000 bopd. In comparison, Namibia’s Orange Basin holds even greater potential due to its size and resource composition, being eight times larger than the Campos Basin. “The reservoirs of the two basins are similar,” Mello stated, noting that both share comparable trap-seal systems, petroleum systems, and reservoir formations. Each features overcharged Cretaceous lacustrine and marine petroleum systems, with primary reservoirs formed by sand-rich turbidite channel systems. The key difference lies in the stage of development: “Campos is a mature basin with over 25 deepwater wells drilled, while Namibia’s Orange Basin is still emerging, with just 17 wells completed to date.” The Orange Basin contains approximately 35% light oil, 40% condensate, and 30% gas, compared to the Campos Basin’s 85% light oil, 10% condensate, and 5% wet gas. While the Orange Basin’s prospects are more gas-heavy, Mello argued that this enhances its long-term economic potential. “Namibia has significant volumes of oil embedded within its gas reservoirs, offering a major opportunity for monetization,” he said.     Source: Energy Chamber
1...789...509Page 8 of 509