Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Energy Minister Inspects Atuabo Gas Plant Maintenance Work
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, has paid a working visit to the Western Region to inspect the ongoing shutdown maintenance work on the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant, owned by the Ghana National Gas Company Limited.
The gas plant, a critical component of Ghana’s energy infrastructure, was shut down on Saturday, August 16, 2025, to undergo mandatory maintenance and is expected to be completed by August 30, 2025.
The Minister was received at the plant by the Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Judith Adjobah Blay, her deputies, and some management members and engineers on site.
The plant supplies between 100 and 120 mmscf of natural gas for power generation in the West African nation, and maintenance will ensure continued efficiency, reliability, and enhanced capacity.
Minister Jinapor highlighted the government’s Gas-to-Power vision, which aims to leverage natural gas resources to provide stable and affordable electricity. He reiterated the government’s commitment to constructing a second Gas Processing Plant to ensure long-term energy security for the country.
The Minister also reflected on the significant strides made in the power sector since assuming office. “We were shedding load of about 700 MW in December 2024, just before I took over as Energy Minister,” he stated.
“For months now, there has been zero load shedding, and we are even exporting power to other countries. We have made significant progress.”
The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana National Gas Company Limited, Judith Adjobah Blay, assured Ghanaians and the Energy Minister that her outfit will complete the planned maintenance work ahead of the 10-day deadline and resume gas supply for power generation.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: BoG Directs Commercial Banks To Halt Foreign Currency Cash Payment To Mining, Bulk Oil Distribution Companies
Ghana’s central bank, the Bank of Ghana, on Thursday directed all commercial banks in the country to immediately halt payment of foreign currency cash to large corporate bodies, including mining companies and Bulk Oil Distribution Companies (BDCs), if such payments are not backed by prior foreign currency deposits, a statement by the bank said.
The bank, in a notice issued by Aimee V. Quashie (Ms) on August 20, 2025, said it has observed with concern the growing practice of dollar cash withdrawals by large corporates that are not supported by foreign currency deposits.
According to the central bank, this practice is contributing to avoidable pressure on the already fragile foreign exchange market and undermining ongoing efforts to stabilize the cedi.
Mining companies and BDCs are among the biggest consumers of foreign exchange in Ghana, given their reliance on imports for equipment, fuel, and other critical inputs.
Ghana spends nearly $400 million monthly to import petroleum products, and bulk oil importers rely on commercial banks and forex bureaux.
“With immediate effect, all banks are directed to discontinue the payment of foreign currency cash to large corporates unless such transactions are fully supported by equivalent foreign currency cash deposits lodged by the same institution,” the bank said.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Zamfara State Gov’t Partners With ASI Engineering To Boost Power Supply And Drive Economic Growth
The Zamfara State Government has committed to a strategic partnership with ASI Engineering Limited, the core investor in Kaduna Electric, to strengthen electricity infrastructure and improve the reliability and quality of supply across the state.
The initiative is aligned with the State Government’s manifesto and its bold six-point SMART Agenda, focusing on Security, Agriculture and Food Security, Education, Economy, Healthcare, and Empowerment, with power as a critical enabler of these development priorities.
This commitment was reaffirmed at a meeting held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, between His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal, and his team, and the Board and Management of ASI Engineering Limited, led by its Chairman, Alhaji Aminu Abubakar Suleiman.
Under this partnership, ASI Engineering will integrate electricity infrastructure upgrades into Zamfara’s rescue and rebuild pillars, unlocking significant economic dividends ranging from improved industrial productivity to job creation and enhanced quality of life.
To deepen the impact, ASI Engineering, through Kaduna Electric, will collaborate with the Zamfara State Government to convene a high-level Economic and Investment Summit, tagged “Zamfara Economic Revival & Investment Summit (ZERIS)”.
The event will bring together credible investors, development partners, and private sector leaders to harness the state’s vast opportunities.
Through this collaboration, ASI Engineering projects a doubling of Zamfara’s power demand from the current 20 MW to over 40 MW within two years, delivering tangible benefits to the state’s economy and its people.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Under this partnership, ASI Engineering will integrate electricity infrastructure upgrades into Zamfara’s rescue and rebuild pillars, unlocking significant economic dividends ranging from improved industrial productivity to job creation and enhanced quality of life.
To deepen the impact, ASI Engineering, through Kaduna Electric, will collaborate with the Zamfara State Government to convene a high-level Economic and Investment Summit, tagged “Zamfara Economic Revival & Investment Summit (ZERIS)”.
The event will bring together credible investors, development partners, and private sector leaders to harness the state’s vast opportunities.
Through this collaboration, ASI Engineering projects a doubling of Zamfara’s power demand from the current 20 MW to over 40 MW within two years, delivering tangible benefits to the state’s economy and its people.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Energy Minister Inaugurates Petroleum Commission Board
President John Dramani Mahama has appointed a board of directors for the Petroleum Commission, Ghana’s petroleum upstream regulator.
The new board is chaired by Mr. Ernest Thompson, Esq., a former Director-General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).
The other members are Madam Victoria Emeafa Hardcastle, Esq. (Ag. Chief Executive), Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse (Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency), Mr. Crisler Akwei Ankrah, Hon. Joseph Kwasi Mensa, Dr. Hasiyatu Abubakari, and Mr. Hassan Thompson Osman.
Swearing in the new board, Minister for Energy and Green Transition John Abdulai Jinapor charged the board to reverse the decline in Ghana’s oil reserves, boost overall oil production, and attract major international oil companies. Hon. Jinapor emphasized the importance of the board’s role in ensuring the sustainable development of Ghana’s petroleum resources.
He highlighted the need for strategic initiatives, innovative approaches, and robust regulatory oversight to achieve ambitious targets.
“The challenges of the upstream industry in Ghana have evolved over the years, with recent ones being arbitrations, investment droughts, and dwindling oil and gas reserves and production. Local content and local participation, particularly in the core business of oil and gas exploration and production, remains an issue the country is grappling with.”
“I implore you to be pragmatic and strategic in your decision-making so that collectively we can find lasting solutions to the issues bedeviling the industry,” Hon. Jinapor stated.
In response, the newly appointed Board Chairman, Mr. Ernest Thompson, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, expressed their commitment to the task ahead.
“We pledge to work diligently and tirelessly to ensure that Ghana’s oil production is increased, contributing significantly to the nation’s prosperity,” he stated.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
He highlighted the need for strategic initiatives, innovative approaches, and robust regulatory oversight to achieve ambitious targets.
“The challenges of the upstream industry in Ghana have evolved over the years, with recent ones being arbitrations, investment droughts, and dwindling oil and gas reserves and production. Local content and local participation, particularly in the core business of oil and gas exploration and production, remains an issue the country is grappling with.”
“I implore you to be pragmatic and strategic in your decision-making so that collectively we can find lasting solutions to the issues bedeviling the industry,” Hon. Jinapor stated.
In response, the newly appointed Board Chairman, Mr. Ernest Thompson, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, expressed their commitment to the task ahead.
“We pledge to work diligently and tirelessly to ensure that Ghana’s oil production is increased, contributing significantly to the nation’s prosperity,” he stated.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Germany: Ukrainian Arrested Over Nord Stream Pipeline Explosions
German prosecutors have announced the arrest of a Ukrainian national as a suspect in the alleged attack on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, which transported Russian gas to Europe in September 2022.
According to the prosecutors, the suspect was detained near Rimini, Italy. In a statement, they thanked their Italian counterparts and other international law enforcement agencies for their assistance.
Authorities said the individual, identified only as Serhii K. in accordance with German privacy laws, was part of a group that planted explosives on the pipelines and is believed to have helped coordinate the attack. Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig praised the “impressive success” that led to the overnight arrest, calling for the case to proceed until all suspects had been detained.
Danish authorities detected a series of underwater explosions on September 26, 2022, near Nord Stream infrastructure. The suspected sabotage resulted in gas leaks, rendering three pipelines inoperable.
At the time of the attack in September 2022, the pipelines were filled with gas but not operational, as part of early sanctions against the Russian government.
Seen by both Russia and the West as an act of sabotage, no one has ever taken responsibility for the explosions. Nord Stream 1 and 2 were among 23 pipelines that delivered Russian gas to Europe before the invasion.
Because the explosions occurred in Swedish and Danish waters on German-owned equipment, all three countries launched investigations.
In August 2024, German authorities concluded their initial investigation and issued an arrest warrant for the suspected ringleader, a Ukrainian national identified as Volodymyr Z.
Officials said he had been living in Poland and had chartered a German yacht to carry out the attack. The Ukrainian government has vehemently denied any involvement in the incident.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Uganda: Gov’t Cut Down Cost Of Electricity Connection Fee To Boost Access
The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), has launched a nationwide initiative aimed at making the cost of connecting electricity from the national grid cheaper for citizens.
Under the new initiative, those who want to connect electricity from the national grid will pay just Shs 23,000, a significant drop from the previous fee of Shs 750,000.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative, Minister for Energy and Mineral Development Ruth Nankabirwa said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to extending electricity to all Ugandans.
According to her, the program aims to transform lives, boost economic activity, and lift communities out of poverty.
“This initiative is a cornerstone of our national development strategy,” Nankabirwa said.
“Access to affordable and reliable electricity is crucial for economic growth, job creation, and improved livelihoods. We will not tolerate those who seek to undermine this progress through illegal activities such as power theft.”
Currently, Uganda’s electricity access stands at about 60 percent, including households using solar power.
The government’s long-term goal is to achieve universal access by the next decade.
Commenting on the program, Managing Director of Ugandan Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), Mr. Paul Mwesiggwa, said the new pricing structure was designed to remove inefficiencies and corruption that resulted in inflated costs of connection in the past.
“This streamlined process eliminates many of the bureaucratic hurdles and opportunities for bribery. We now have a system that ensures transparency and accountability,” he said.
He added that the initiative would also curb electricity theft, a persistent challenge that undermines the sector’s financial stability.
Some Ugandans have hailed the initiative and praised the government for it.
“For years, we lived in darkness. Now my family and neighbors can access electricity, and it will help us in business and improve education for our children,” one resident said, as cited by Nile Post.
The reduced cost of connection is expected to stimulate growth in rural areas, empower small businesses, and improve living standards by making electricity more accessible than ever before.
“This initiative must not only light homes but also light the way for accountability,” one community leader in Bukomero said, urging vigilance to ensure fairness and sustainability.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Commenting on the program, Managing Director of Ugandan Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), Mr. Paul Mwesiggwa, said the new pricing structure was designed to remove inefficiencies and corruption that resulted in inflated costs of connection in the past.
“This streamlined process eliminates many of the bureaucratic hurdles and opportunities for bribery. We now have a system that ensures transparency and accountability,” he said.
He added that the initiative would also curb electricity theft, a persistent challenge that undermines the sector’s financial stability.
Some Ugandans have hailed the initiative and praised the government for it.
“For years, we lived in darkness. Now my family and neighbors can access electricity, and it will help us in business and improve education for our children,” one resident said, as cited by Nile Post.
The reduced cost of connection is expected to stimulate growth in rural areas, empower small businesses, and improve living standards by making electricity more accessible than ever before.
“This initiative must not only light homes but also light the way for accountability,” one community leader in Bukomero said, urging vigilance to ensure fairness and sustainability.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Nigeria: NERC Appointments And Matters Arising
By: Adetayo Adegbemle
The controversial installation of Engineer Abdullahi Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has sent shockwaves through the nation’s power sector, revealing deep fractures in governance and threatening to shatter fragile investor confidence.
Ramat’s dramatic arrival at NERC headquarters on August 8, 2025—reportedly flanked by political supporters and security personnel—wasn’t merely a leadership transition; it was a constitutional crisis unfolding in real-time. His forceful takeover, displacing acting leadership despite lacking Senate confirmation and occurring after a retracted presidential directive, blatantly violates the NERC Act (2005). This act mandates legislative approval for such appointments, making Ramat’s resumption an assault on institutional integrity.
The presidency’s subsequent clarification, stating his nomination remained “subject to Senate confirmation” with the acting chairman retaining authority until then, only highlighted the illegitimacy of the power grab. With the Senate recessed until late September, the vacuum invites legal chaos, potentially nullifying future critical decisions on tariffs or licenses.
The reaction from investors and industry stakeholders has been one of undisguised alarm. An anonymous executive starkly characterized the takeover as “not just illegal—it’s dangerous,” emphasizing the erosion of confidence for those with “billions at stake.”
This sentiment resonates deeply. International partners view independent, rule-based regulation as non-negotiable for capital deployment, especially in a sector grappling with a severe liquidity crisis and the ever-present threat of grid collapse.
Ramat’s entry, perceived as regulatory capture orchestrated by shadowy political figures, signals that NERC—the crucial referee—may now be compromised.
For the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), heavily reliant on foreign investment, this incident risks transforming the sector into a politically toxic asset class, freezing urgently needed investments in generation and distribution infrastructure.
While Ramat, aged 39, brings credentials suggesting potential for modernization—a PhD in Strategic Management, experience with blockchain-driven revenue systems, and energy-efficient initiatives from his tenure as Ungogo LGA chairman—his legitimacy is fatally undermined.
His lack of direct power-sector experience is compounded by the reliance on political patronage rather than due process for his installation. His popular pledge to compel DisCos and GenCos to “do the right thing” and end consumer exploitation through opaque billing resonates with a frustrated public.
However, without confirmed authority, any enforcement actions risk judicial nullification, further delaying essential tariff reforms and consumer protections. Internally, NERC staff reportedly resent the “forceful takeover,” fracturing cohesion and crippling ongoing projects.
The commission’s core function—impartial arbitration between consumers, generators, and distributors—is now severely compromised by the chairman’s contested legitimacy.
Restoring stability demands decisive action. First, President Tinubu must publicly and unequivocally reaffirm that Ramat remains only a nominee until Senate confirmation, distancing the administration from this constitutional overreach.
Second, the Senate must expedite Ramat’s confirmation hearing upon its return on September 23, subjecting his competence and commitment to NERC’s statutory independence to rigorous scrutiny. Finally, Ramat himself must immediately convene investors, consumer advocates, and utilities, pledging adherence to proper governance and outlining a transparent agenda to rebuild trust.
In essence, Nigeria’s power sector stands on a precipice. Ramat’s academic promise is overshadowed by the blatant politicization his accession represents – a recurring malaise crippling NESI. Without an immediate course correction, this crisis will paralyze regulatory progress and broadcast a damning verdict: that Nigeria’s institutions remain subservient to raw political will.
As one industry leader starkly observed, “NERC is a regulator, not a battleground.” The resolution of this impasse will either catalyze long-overdue reform or entrench a decay that investors simply cannot afford to ignore.
The lights of Nigeria’s economic future flicker uncertainly in the balance.
Adetayo Adegbemle is an Executive Director of PowerUp Nigeria is a leading power sector advocacy organization championing universal access to sustainable energy and resilient infrastructure. Through policy engagement, community empowerment, and partnerships, we strive to eradicate energy poverty and drive equitable development nationwide.
Ghana: Ghana Gas CEO Says Atuabo Plant Maintenance To Be Completed Within Deadline
The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana National Gas Company Limited, Judith Adjoba Blay, has assured Ghanaians and the Energy Minister that her outfit will complete the planned maintenance work of the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant ahead of the 10-day deadline and resume gas supply for power generation.
Mrs. Blay gave the assurance during a visit to the operational office of Ghana Gas in Takoradi by the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Jinapor, to inspect the progress of work following the shutdown of the gas processing plant on Saturday, August 16, 2025, for maintenance.
The maintenance work is expected to be completed on August 30, 2025. The Atuabo Gas Processing Plant supplies about 120 mmscf of gas for power generation. Besides the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant, Eni’s Offshore Gas Receiving Facility supplies 270 mmscf of gas, with additional gas from Nigeria for power generation.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Adjoba Blay stated, “We want to remain conservative; we will surprise you and call you even before the 10 days to tell you that the plant is back on.” She explained that some maintenance works are carried out over 5-to-10-year periods, while others are major and some have never been undertaken before.
The maintenance shutdown is a routine procedure aimed at enhancing the plant’s performance and preventing future disruptions. The Ministry assured the public that measures are in place to mitigate potential impacts on power supply, including the strategic deployment of alternative fuel sources.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Togo: Zener Energy Raises $24 Million To Acquire Assets In Guinea-Bissau
Togolese energy group Zener International Holding (ZIH) has raised CFA13.5 billion (equivalent of $24,042,742.65) through EDC Investment Corporation (EIC), a subsidiary of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), to acquire assets in Guinea-Bissau.
The funds will enable Zener to acquire the assets of Petrogal Guinea-Bissau, previously owned by Portugal’s Galp Energia, including a network of petrol stations, strategic fuel and gas depots, and aviation storage facilities across the country.
“Taking over Petrogal GB means establishing a long-term foothold in a high-potential market and promoting a vision of locally invested, forward-looking energy,” said Jonas Aklesso Daou, President of ZIH.
According to Ecobank, the transaction aligns with its ambition to support African-led economic growth. “By facilitating this takeover, we are affirming our commitment to supporting visionary African companies in key sectors,” said Paul-Harry Aithnard, Ecobank’s Regional Executive Director for the West and Central African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA).
Ecobank collaborated with other regional financial institutions to complete the operation. The West African Development Bank (BOAD) contributed CFA5 billion in June, highlighting the scale of pooled financing behind the deal.
This transaction reflects a growing trend: global energy majors are gradually reducing their footprint in Africa while regional firms like Zener expand.
Analysts see this as part of broader pan-African growth and integration.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: NPA Urges Public To Secure LPG Cylinders Safely During Transportation
Ghana’s petroleum downstream regulator, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has advised the public to ensure that filled LPG cylinders are transported in a safe and secure position. According to the NPA, this helps avoid over-pressurization, which could damage the pressure relief valve, leading to gas leaks or even explosions.
The Head of Consumer Services at the National Petroleum Authority, Eunice Budu Nyarko, emphasized this during an LPG safety campaign in tertiary schools in the Upper West Region. She highlighted that cylinders should ideally be transported in an upright position to minimize risks.
“Consumers of petroleum products, especially LPG, must prioritize safety,” she stated. “Ignoring safety measures could result in fire outbreaks at homes and workplaces, leading to loss of lives, injuries, and damage to properties.”
Answering a question about the risk of wrong fuel dispensing at filling stations, Mrs. Budu Nyarko urged motorists to always confirm the type of fuel they are purchasing with attendants.
She also advised paying attention to color-coded fuel nozzles: red for petrol (Super), black for diesel, and green for high-octane (RON 95) products.
Abraham Dauda, the NPA’s Upper West Regional Supervisor for Inspections and Monitoring, warned students against using mobile phones while cooking and stressed adherence to safety protocols.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of Dr. Hilla Liman Technical University, Prof. Hamidatu Saaka Darimani, suggested that Ghana adopt Burkina Faso’s system of purchasing cylinders from licensed outlets only.
This, she believes, would protect consumers from unknowingly buying repainted or substandard cylinders.
While commending the NPA for its ongoing public sensitization efforts, Prof. Darimani stressed that safety goes beyond fire prevention; it requires a deeper understanding of the risks posed by negligence.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ukrainian Attack Cuts Power In Russia-Controlled Zaporizhzhia
A Ukrainian drone attack late on Tuesday knocked out power to areas of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region under Russian control, the Moscow-installed governor said.
Russian forces hold well over half of Zaporizhzhia region in Ukraine’s southeast.
But Kyiv maintains control of the region’s main administrative centre and its attacks have periodically knocked out electricity in Russian-held areas.
Russia in 2022 annexed the Zaporizhzhia region, along with neighbouring Kherson as well as Donetsk and Luhansk in Ukraine’s east, about seven months after invading its smaller neighbour.
“The reason for the power cuts in Zaporizhzhia region is yet another enemy terrorist drone attack on high-voltage equipment,” Moscow-appointed Governor Yevgeny Balitsky wrote on the Telegram messaging app.
Balitsky said repair crews were restoring power and switching affected areas to reserve lines. He said the work was made more difficult “by the danger of repeat strikes and by darkness”.
Ukrainian shelling and drone attacks knocked out power in June for more than 24 hours to at least 700,000 residents across the area. That attack appeared to be the largest of its kind on Russian-held territory since the war began.
The Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, Europe’s largest with six reactors, was operating as normal, unaffected by the power cuts, the plant’s director of communications, Yevgenia Yashina, told Russia’s RIA news agency.
The plant produces no electricity but needs power for cooling and monitoring systems to maintain safety. Ukraine and Russia regularly accuse each other of staging attacks on the plant, seized by Russian forces in the first weeks of the February 2022 invasion.
In the part of Kherson region under Ukrainian control, Governor Vyacheslav Prokudin said in a Telegram post that Russian shelling killed a resident of a small town north of the regional capital.
And the governor of Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, to the north, Serhiy Lysak, also said on Telegram that Russian shelling killed a resident of Nikopol, a frequent target of Moscow’s attacks on the north bank of the Dnipro River.
Source: Reuters.com
Ghana: VRA Announces Resumption Of Public Visits To Its Generating Stations
The Volta River Authority, Ghana’s largest state-owned power generation company, has announced the resumption of public visits to its generating stations for students, professionals, stakeholders, and the general public.
VRA operates the Akosombo and Kpong hydroelectric power dams, with a total generation capacity of 1,180 MW.
Besides hydropower, VRA also operates solar plants in Lawra, Kaleo, and Navrongo.
According to a statement signed by David Adomako Mensah, Director of Corporate Affairs & External Relations Department, the initiative aims to foster transparency, public engagement, and education about the company’s operations and contribution to Ghana’s energy sector.
“All visits will be carefully coordinated to ensure the safety of both visitors and staff, preserve the operational integrity of our installations, and comply with all relevant regulatory requirements.”
To streamline the process, a Generation Facility Visit Policy has been developed.
To schedule a tour, a formal request must be made in a letter addressed to the Chief Executive, sent at least 10 working days prior to the requested visit date.
Once approved, visitors will be notified of the necessary processes and protocols, including identification requirements, visit protocols, and fees charged per age and/or category.
VRA remains committed to adding value to lives while maintaining the highest safety standards as it powers economies.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya: Germany And EU Provide €52 Million Funding For KenGen’s Gogo Hydropower Plant Redevelopment And Green Resilient Electricity Project
Kenya has signed an agreement with the governments of Germany and the European Union to secure funding for the redevelopment of KenGen’s Gogo Hydropower Plant and the Green Resilient Electricity System Project (GRESP).
The German Government, through KfW, is committing €35 million, while the European Union (EU) is committing €17.94 million towards these transformative projects.
The agreement was signed by the National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary, Hon. FCPA John Mbadi, on behalf of Kenya.
The initiatives will enhance power reliability in Western and Nyanza regions, reduce grid losses, support industries, and strengthen the country’s energy security. The upgrade of the Gogo Hydropower Plant, to be implemented by KenGen Kenya, will expand its generation capacity from 2 MW to 8.6 MW.
This marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s clean energy journey and underscores KenGen’s continued role as a driver of sustainable growth and industrialization in the country.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The initiatives will enhance power reliability in Western and Nyanza regions, reduce grid losses, support industries, and strengthen the country’s energy security. The upgrade of the Gogo Hydropower Plant, to be implemented by KenGen Kenya, will expand its generation capacity from 2 MW to 8.6 MW.
This marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s clean energy journey and underscores KenGen’s continued role as a driver of sustainable growth and industrialization in the country.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Zambia: Gov’t Breaks Ground For $80M Chipata Solar Power Project
Zambia has performed a groundbreaking ceremony for the commencement of the Chipata West 100-megawatt (MW) solar power project, as part of plans to address the ongoing load shedding necessitated by drought, which reduced inflows into the Kariba hydroelectric power dam. The project, estimated at $80 million, is expected to be completed in 12 months.
The south-central African nation is hoping to develop solar power projects with the capacity to generate 1,000 megawatts. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in the Eastern Province, the Minister for Energy, Makozo Chikote, in a speech read for him by Deputy Permanent Secretary, Dr. Lewis Mwape, described the project as a beacon of progress under President Hakainde Hichilema’s New Dawn Government, noting that the development comes less than two months after the commissioning of the Chisamba 100MW solar plant.
“This project will provide clean electricity to surrounding communities, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and mitigate the impact of climate change. It is a true demonstration of our President’s vision for a fully electrified Zambia where solar contributes significantly,” the Minister said.
He outlined the government’s Solar Explosion initiative, aimed at expanding renewable energy generation, improving access to clean power, and reducing Zambia’s carbon footprint. Under the initiative, ZESCO has already rolled out solar projects in Chisamba and Serenje, with similar plants planned nationwide.
He also highlighted key reforms driving energy sector growth, including: Net Metering Regulations, Electricity Open Access Regulations and Energy Single Licensing System.
To further improve electricity access, Minister Chikote pointed to the National Electricity Advancement Transformation (NEAT) programme, which has reduced connection fees from K4,864 to K300, with the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) covering the difference.
“This means many families and small businesses who could not previously afford power will now switch on their lights,” he said.
“With projects like this, we are moving together toward a brighter, safer, more connected Zambia.”
The Chief Operations Officer of ZESCO, Mr. Peter Chamfya, reaffirmed the utility’s commitment to scaling up renewable energy, saying ZESCO is working with the private sector, including China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), and to implement the Chipata West project to help reduce the current power deficit.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
He also highlighted key reforms driving energy sector growth, including: Net Metering Regulations, Electricity Open Access Regulations and Energy Single Licensing System.
To further improve electricity access, Minister Chikote pointed to the National Electricity Advancement Transformation (NEAT) programme, which has reduced connection fees from K4,864 to K300, with the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) covering the difference.
“This means many families and small businesses who could not previously afford power will now switch on their lights,” he said.
“With projects like this, we are moving together toward a brighter, safer, more connected Zambia.”
The Chief Operations Officer of ZESCO, Mr. Peter Chamfya, reaffirmed the utility’s commitment to scaling up renewable energy, saying ZESCO is working with the private sector, including China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), and to implement the Chipata West project to help reduce the current power deficit.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com