Ghana: PURC Takes Step Towards Transparency With Maiden Investment Hearing

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has successfully held its first-ever preliminary investment hearing for utility service providers. This significant step is part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in the regulatory process. Held from February 25 to 27, 2025, the hearing brought together key utility service providers, including the Volta River Authority (VRA), Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), and Ghana Water Limited (GWL).
Dr Shafic Suleman, Acting Executive Secretary of Public Utilities Regulatory Commission, PURC.
During the event, these providers presented their short-term, medium-term, and long-term capital investment projects, which included network extensions, transformer upgrades, and meter replacements. The PURC team scrutinized the presentations, asking questions and highlighting critical areas that require further analysis, such as funding sources and benefits to the energy and water sectors. The Director for Legal Services, Mrs. Nancy Atiemo, also guided the utility providers through the draft investment hearing guidelines, outlining requirements, composition processes, and timelines for the main investment hearing scheduled for May 2025. In his concluding remarks, Dr. Shafic Suleman, Ag. Executive Secretary of PURC, advised the utility providers to prioritize projects that offer immediate benefits to the energy and water sectors in the short term. He also encouraged them to incorporate feedback from the PURC to update and present detailed and accurate presentations for the main investment hearing.   Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Nigeria: Reps Secure $37.4m Debt Settlement From 7 Oil Companies

Nigeria’s House of Representatives has secured a commitment from seven major oil companies to settle their outstanding debts totaling $37.4 million to the Federation Account before August 2025. These companies include Belema Oil, Pan Ocean Oil Nigeria Ltd, Newcross Exploration & Production Ltd, Dubri Oil Company Ltd, Chorus Energy, Amni International, and Network Exploration. The commitment follows the Public Accounts Committee’s scrutiny of financial records from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), which revealed significant lapses in royalty payments and reconciliation processes across the sector. The pledged repayment is part of a N9 trillion outstanding liability queried by the Auditor General for the Federation in his 2021 report submitted to the National Assembly. Beyond these seven companies, the committee’s investigation has uncovered $1.7 billion owed by 45 oil and gas companies in unpaid royalty payments as of December 31, 2024. Additionally, nine companies, including Aradel/Niger Delta, Chevron, and Seplat Energy, have contested their outstanding balances totaling $429.2 million and requested a reconciliation process with NUPRC. The committee has directed that the reconciliation process be concluded within two weeks, after which companies must settle their confirmed debts without further delay. Furthermore, 28 companies, collectively owing $1.2 billion, have failed to honor invitations by the committee or respond to public notices. These companies have been given a one-week grace period to submit relevant documentation and appear before the committee, failing which they will face legislative and regulatory sanctions.           Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: Japan Grants $13m To Ghana To Stabilise Electricity Supply In Tamale

Ghana has secured a significant grant of 1.92 billion Japanese Yen (approximately $13 million) from the Japanese government to stabilize electricity supply in Tamale City. This grant is a testament to the strong diplomatic ties between Ghana and Japan, and is expected to enhance the reliability of electricity supply in Tamale and its surrounding areas. The agreement was formalized through an Exchange of Notes signed between Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Japan’s Ambassador to Ghana, Yoshimoto Hiroshi, on Monday, March 10, 2025. Minister Ablakwa emphasized the significance of the grant, stating that it reflects the outstanding bond of friendship between Ghana and Japan. This project aims to address frequent power fluctuations that have impacted businesses and households in Tamale. Japan has been a long-standing development partner of Ghana, supporting various sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Government officials are optimistic that the project will boost economic activities in Tamale, a key commercial hub in the Northern Region, and improve living conditions for residents.             Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Russian Forces Use Gas Pipeline To Launch Attack On Ukraine Troops

Russian soldiers used a natural gas pipeline to launch an attack on Ukrainian forces in the Russian region of Kursk and push them out of three more local settlements, media have reported. Citing a Russian war blogger, publications reported that the soldiers walked some 10 miles inside the pipeline to reach their destination. According to Euronews, which cited Ukrainian government sources, some of the soldiers spent several days in the pipeline before reaching the town of Sudzha where the attack took place. The pipeline was previously used to carry Russian natural gas to Europe. The Ukrainian sources cited by the publication said the Russians were losing in Kursk. Reuters, meanwhile, said the Russians have recaptured three local towns, Malaya Lokhnya, Cherkasskoye Porechnoye and Kositsa, all north of Sudzha, citing a Defense Ministry statement saying that “The Russian Federation’s armed forces are continuing to rout groups of the Ukrainian army on the territory of Kursk region.” The Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod pipeline was until the end of last year used to transport Russian gas to Europe via the Ukraine. At the end of 2024, however, the Zelensky government refused to extend its contract with Gazprom despite some European leaders’ protests, and ended the last flow of Russian pipeline gas to Europe. Imports of Russian liquefied natural gas, meanwhile, hit a record high last year, despite a stated efforts by European leaders to reduce and eventually end the dependence of the continent on Russian energy commodities. The year saw imports of 16.5 million tons of Russian LNG, the Financial Times reported in December, citing data from Kpler. The amount beat the previous record of 15.21 million tons, set in 2022. “What we have seen this year is surprising,” Ana Maria Jaller-Makarewicz, an analyst at climate outlet the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis told the FT. “Instead of gradually reducing Russian LNG imports, we are increasing them.”     Source: Oilprice.com

Zambia: Energy Regulation Board Clarifies Power Supply Agreement With Congo DR

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has dismissed reports that Zambia is currently exporting 120 Megawatts (MW) of power to the Republic of the Democratic Republic of Congo. A statement issued by ERB clarified that the recent Power Supply Agreement (PSA) signed between ZESCO Limited and Petrodex LCC of Congo DR was for ZESCO to supply Zambia with up to 120MW in the future and not presently. The ERB Manager for Public Relations, Namukolo Kasumpa (Mrs.), clarified that Zambia is not currently exporting 120MW to Congo DR as reported in some media platforms. According to her, Zambia presently exports only 30MW to Petrodex LCC under pre-existing agreements made before the country’s ongoing energy crisis. The agreement stipulates that exports beyond 30MW would only occur once Zambia’s hydrological conditions and inland power generation exceed 700MW, ensuring that domestic power supply remains a priority before any increase in exports. The ERB reaffirmed its commitment to effectively regulate the energy sector and remain responsive to stakeholder needs to achieve sustainable, reliable and quality energy products and services.         Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

U.S. Secretary Of Energy Chris Wright Outlines Trump Administration Approach To Energy Dev’t In Africa

The United States will embrace energy from a diversity of sources – from coal to natural gas to nuclear power to solar energy – to increase access across Africa, said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright on Friday. Speaking at the Powering Africa Summit in Washington, D.C., Wright said the new U.S. administration would partner with African governments and businesses, allowing them to drive their own energy agenda to increase economic growth and prosperity around the continent. “The only goal of energy is to expand human opportunity. Make us live longer. Healthier. More opportunities for us and our kids. Increase food security. Increase heating security. It’s foundational,” Wright said. “Africa needs massively more energy. Africans will do that. Africans will deliver that. The United States is thrilled to partner with you in that endeavour.” Wright said the U.S. will not limit the type of energy projects it will finance, noting that “there’s no technology I don’t like.” Instead, he said, the government will prioritize mutually beneficial relationships between government and business that foster entrepreneurship and a growing middle class, which are currently being stifled by a lack of access to energy and capital. “How can we harness that entrepreneurial spirit with some technology assistance, lower cost capital from the United States to make things happen? … We don’t have a top-down grand plan,” Wright said. “We’re not going to decide what you want. You decide what you want. Your citizens, your people, decide what they want. We want to be your technology partners, providing capital and partnering in any way we can to pursue that goal.” Nigerian Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu credited Powering Africa Summit with fostering critical discussions and catalyzing partnerships to transform Africa’s energy landscape, which include mobilizing investments, making policy reforms, and expanding access to stable, functional, and reliable electricity on the continent. He stressed the importance of working with the U.S. to do so. “In Nigeria, Power Africa has played a pivotal role in supporting our approach of policy reforms, infrastructure development programs, leveraging bilateral funding to derisk investments, sector commercialization, and strategic partnership with the investment community,” Adelabu said. “The presence of strong U.S.-Africa collaboration has not only improved infrastructure, it has also stimulated growth and job creation.” Energy poverty remains one of the most pressing challenges in Africa, he said, with over 600 million people lacking access to reliable energy, which harms economic development and social wellbeing. To bridge that gap, innovative solutions and sustained partnerships are required, Adelabu said. “Energy poverty isn’t solved by wishful thinking. It’s solved by power plants that come online as quickly as possible. The focus must be on large-scale projects, reducing the ridiculous, yearslong bureaucratic processes that hamper progress. And by unleashing U.S. private enterprise by eliminating hurdles contrary to achieving our goals,” said Sun Africa Chief Executive Officer Adam Cortese. “The administration’s all-in-one energy strategy is the backbone of this vision. A practical, no-nonsense plan that embraces every tool in the toolbox to deliver results.” “It’s clear that U.S. policy is energy access for all Africans, and they will partner with businesses from a diversity of sectors to achieve that goal,” said Simon Gosling, Managing Director of EnergyNet.           Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Russia, Myanmar Join Forces To Build A Small Modular Reactor

Russia and Myanmar have entered into a historic partnership, sealing an intergovernmental agreement to collaborate on the construction of a small modular reactor (SMR) in Myanmar. The agreement was signed by Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom State Corporation, and Dr. Myo Thein Kyaw, Union Minister of Science and Technology of Myanmar, in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council and Prime Minister of Myanmar. This landmark agreement paves the way for the construction of a 110 MW SMR project, with the potential for expansion up to 330 MW. Rosatom possesses reference technologies for the construction of small modular reactors, both offshore and onshore. The SMR is characterised by its compactness and modularity, short construction period and high safety standards. The world’s only floating nuclear power plant (FNPP) Akademik Lomonosov is currently in operation in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. Moreover, Rosatom signed the first ever export contract with Uzbekistan for the construction of a SMR plant in May 2024. The project envisages the construction of a nuclear power plant with a capacity of 330 MW in the Jizzakh region of Uzbekistan using Russian-developed SMR technology. The company is currently in dialogue with more than 20 African countries about the possibility of constructing high- and low-power nuclear power plants, nuclear science and technology centres, and developing uranium deposits: Rwanda, Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Namibia, and others. Agreements on the development of nuclear infrastructure and mutual understanding have already been signed with Nigeria and Rwanda.           Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Botswana, Zambia Sign Deal To Develop Electricity Interconnector

Botswana and Zambia have committed to developing a groundbreaking electricity interconnector, set to revolutionize energy sustainability and trade between the two nations. This ambitious project was announced during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Sustainable Energy Week conference held between February 24 and 28, 2025, in Botswana. According to a report by Tuesday Grill, the proposed Zambia-Botswana Interconnector aims to strengthen energy cooperation by creating a high-voltage transmission link between the two countries. This innovative project is expected to significantly enhance energy security in both nations, facilitating electricity trade within the SADC region. Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote, emphasized the urgency of developing a clear roadmap for the interconnector’s implementation, highlighting the growing demand for stable and reliable power supply in both nations. “There is a strong expectation from the people of Botswana and Zambia for energy sufficiency. This regional interconnector will play a pivotal role in achieving our shared goals of energy security and self-sufficiency.” The initiative aligns with SADC’s broader objectives of regional energy integration, as member states work towards a more interconnected and resilient power network. The Zambia-Botswana Interconnector is expected to not only stabilize electricity supply in both countries but also provide opportunities for power export to other nations within the region.         Source: https://energynewwsafrica.com

Ghana: New PURC Boss Unveils Seven-Point Agenda For Transformation

Ghana’s newly appointed Executive Secretary of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Dr. Shafic Suleman, has unveiled a 7-point agenda aimed at transforming the Commission’s operations. The PURC is responsible for regulating electricity and water utilities in Ghana, ensuring that the interests of both utility service providers and consumers are protected. Dr. Suleman’s 7-point agenda focuses on: – Technological Advancement: Leveraging technology to improve the Commission’s operations and services. – Staff Welfare: Enhancing the well-being and productivity of PURC staff. – Enhancing Visibility: Increasing the Commission’s visibility and public awareness of its activities. – Expanding Regional Offices: Establishing more regional offices to improve accessibility and service delivery. – Empowering the Commission’s Directorate: Strengthening the Commission’s leadership and decision-making capacity. – Legislative Empowerment: Advocating for legislative reforms to enhance the Commission’s effectiveness. – Youth Inclusion: Encouraging youth participation in the Commission’s activities and decision-making processes. With his extensive experience in energy and sustainability, Dr. Suleman is confident that his agenda will drive innovation and transformation at the PURC, building on the foundations laid by his predecessor, Dr. Ishmael Ackah.           Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: Judith Blay Named New Acting Ghana Gas CEO

President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Judith Adjobah Blay as the new Acting CEO of the Ghana National Gas Company Limited. She replaces Dr Benjamin K.D Asante, a renowned oil and gas expert who served as CEO from 2017 until February 2025. Judith Blay’s appointment was contained in a statement issued by Richard Kirk-Mensah, the newly appointed Head of Corporate Communications at the Ghana National Gas Company Limited. The appointment of Adjobah Blay marks a significant milestone in the operation of Ghana Gas given her extensive experience in leadership policy development and sustainable business practices. Until her appointment, Adjobah Blay served as the Deputy Director of Contracts and Administration at the Petroleum Commission of Ghana, where she successfully drove a 25 per cent annual increase in local supplier participation in the upstream petroleum industry. Before this role, she was the Manager of Community Relations at the Commission, where she integrated Environmental, Social and Governance principles into industry strategies. She also played a key role in procurement and supply chain management at the Bui Power Authority and contributed to large-scale energy reforms as a Project Coordinator at the Ministry of Energy. Judith Adjobah Blay is a chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS-UK) and holds an MA in International Transactions from George Mason University (USA), an MSc in Procurement and Supply Chain Management from KNUST and a BA from the University of Ghana. Madam Adjobah Blay is also pursuing an LLM in Public Procurement Law and Policy at the University of Nottingham. An alumnus of Wesley Girls’ High School, she has served as an Advisory Board Member for the Western Regional Coastal Foundation and other sustainability initiatives. Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has elevated Ing Robert Kofi Lartey, who is the Director in charge of Operations at Ghana Gas Company Limited to the position of Deputy Chief Executive, reinforcing the Company’s commitment to strong leadership and operational efficiency.             Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: There Is No Load-Shedding To Warrant Timetable—Energy Minister

Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has rejected calls by a section of Ghanaians and the Minority group in Parliament for a load-shedding timetable to be published due to pockets of power outages in some parts of the country. According to Mr Jinapor, there is no ongoing load-shedding as Ghana is currently exporting approximately 300 megawatts of power to Burkina Faso, Benin and other neighbouring countries. Addressing journalists on Friday, March 7, Jinapor stated: “Let me put it on record that we’re not shedding load and so, the demand by the Minority and some people that we publish a load-shedding timetable is moot. When you are not shedding load, there will be no need to publish a load-shedding timetable.” Reassuring the public, he stressed that Ghana is not experiencing systematic load-shedding and pointed to the country’s surplus electricity supply. According to him, Ghana is currently exporting approximately 300 megawatts of power to neighboring countries such as Benin and Burkina Faso. “As we speak, we’re exporting about 300 megawatts of power outside Ghana to Benin, Burkina Faso and other neighbouring countries. If you have enough and you are exporting power, obviously, there will be no need to publish a timetable.” Jinapor attributed the recent outages to technical challenges and assured Ghanaians that efforts are being made to restore stable and reliable electricity nationwide.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Kenya: KenGen CEO Eng. Peter Njenga Appointed To Chair Global Task Force On Energy

Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga, has been appointed as Co-Chair of the Business 20 (B20) Task Force on Energy Mix and Just Transition under South Africa’s G20 presidency in 2025. This appointment places Eng. Njenga at the center of high-level discussions on the future of sustainable energy, where he will work alongside global industry leaders, policymakers, and executives to shape strategies for transitioning to cleaner energy sources while ensuring economic and social equity. The B20 is the official business engagement group of the G20, representing the private sector’s voice in shaping international economic and policy decisions. Speaking on his appointment, Eng. Njenga described the opportunity as a key moment for both Kenya and Africa. He said: “This appointment underscores Kenya’s growing influence in global green energy transition. I am truly humbled to be first Kenyan to hold this prestigious role which gives us an opportunity to shape energy policies on a global scale.” With this appointment, Africa finds itself in a unique position to influence the global agenda on climate action and energy security. Eng. Njenga’s appointment signals a deliberate effort to integrate Africa’s priorities into this global dialogue, positioning Kenya – and by extension, the continent – as a leader in renewable energy innovation and policy advocacy. Kenya, widely recognized as a renewable energy powerhouse, derives over 90% of its electricity from clean energy sources, making it one of the most sustainable energy economies in the world. KenGen has been at the forefront of this transition, with an installed capacity of over 1,786MW, of which 754MW come from geothermal power, a sector where the company is the leading producer in Africa. Under Eng. Njenga’s leadership, KenGen has not only expanded its renewable energy portfolio but has also positioned itself as a key player in regional and global conversations about energy security, climate resilience, and sustainable economic growth. His new role within the B20 Task Force on Energy Mix & Just Transition is expected to further elevate KenGen’s standing in the global energy landscape. “This is a defining moment, not just for KenGen and Kenya, but for the African continent. It reflects the recognition of our leadership in renewable energy and our commitment to a just and sustainable energy transition. As we engage with global stakeholders, my priority will be to ensure that Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities are at the heart of global energy policy discussions,” said Eng. Njenga. The B20 Task Force on Energy Mix & Just Transition will play a critical role in shaping the future of energy policy. It will engage with governments, financial institutions, and private sector leaders to develop recommendations on clean energy adoption, energy security, and climate resilience. These policy positions will be presented at the B20 Summit, which will feed directly into the G20 Leaders’ Summit in South Africa later in the year. Eng. Njenga’s appointment is expected to strengthen Africa’s voice in global climate and energy discussions, ensuring that the continent’s energy transition is supported by policies that promote investment in green technologies, equitable financing mechanisms, and sustainable economic models. His participation also comes at a time when the world is grappling with how to balance the rapid shift toward renewable energy with the realities of economic development, energy access, and geopolitical challenges. As an executive with hands-on experience in scaling up clean energy solutions in a developing economy, Eng. Njenga brings invaluable insights to these high-stakes discussions. His appointment also places KenGen at the forefront of the global energy transition, reinforcing its status as a leading player in renewable energy development. The company, which has been expanding its geothermal footprint and exploring new opportunities in wind and solar energy, is now positioned to contribute to global policy decisions that will shape the future of sustainable energy. For KenGen, this milestone reaffirms its commitment to driving Kenya’s clean energy ambitions while playing an influential role on the global stage. As the energy transition gains momentum, the company’s expertise, investments, and leadership will continue to shape a sustainable future for Kenya, Africa, and the world.           Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

UK: UKAEA, Eni Partner To Build World’s Largest Tritium Fuel Cycle Facility For Fusion Energy

The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and Eni have entered into a collaboration agreement to conduct research and development activities in fusion energy. Their first project is the construction of the world’s largest and most advanced tritium fuel cycle facility, the “UKAEA-Eni H3AT (pronounced ‘heat’) Tritium Loop Facility,” located at Culham Campus. Tritium recovery and re-use are crucial for future fusion power plants, and this facility will serve as a world-class hub for industry and academia to study tritium processing, storage, and recycling. Fusion energy, a form of energy that replicates the power of the Sun, has the potential to contribute significantly to energy security and decarbonization. The fusion process involves combining two hydrogen isotopes under intense heat and pressure to form a helium atom, releasing large amounts of emissions-free energy. UK Climate Minister, Kerry McCarthy, said: “We are proud to be at the forefront of global innovation in clean energy fusion technologies, and this collaboration with Eni marks a significant step towards unlocking the potential of fusion energy, supporting our missions for economic growth, clean power and energy independence. “The UKAEA-Eni H3AT Tritium Loop Facility will not only position the UK as a leader in the development of fusion fuel technologies but also accelerate progress towards a future of safe, sustainable, and abundant clean energy.” Professor Sir Ian Chapman, CEO of UKAEA, said: “We are delighted to be working with Eni who have shown great commitment to fusion. We believe that fusion energy can contribute to a net zero future, including going beyond the decarbonisation of electricity. “The H3AT demonstration plant will set a new benchmark as the largest and most advanced tritium fuel cycle facility in the world, paving the way for innovative offerings in fusion fuel and demonstrating the UK’s leadership in this crucial area of research and development.” Claudio Descalzi, Eni CEO said: “Fusion energy is meant to revolutionise the global energy transition path, accelerating the decarbonisation of our economic and industrial systems, helping to spread access to energy, and reducing energy dependency ties within a more equitable transition framework. Eni is strongly committed to various areas of research and development of this complex technology, in which it has always firmly believed. Today with our UK partners we are laying the foundations for further progress towards the goal of fusion which—if we consider its enormous scope of technological innovation—is increasingly concrete and not so far off in time. To continue this virtuous development, international system-level technological partnerships like this one are indispensable.” The UKAEA-Eni partnership combines UKAEA’s expertise in fusion research and development with Eni’s industrial-scale capabilities in plant engineering, commissioning, and operations. Eni will contribute to the H3AT project with its expertise in managing and developing large-scale projects, helping to de-risk its roadmap. The “UKAEA-Eni H3AT Tritium Loop Facility” is expected to be completed in 2028.           Source:https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: Gov’t Aims For Green Transition With 5-Point Agenda

Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has outlined a 5-point agenda to fast-track the West African nation’s energy transition. Speaking at the Sustainable Energy Policy Dialogue 2025 organized by GIMPA -PURC Center of Excellence in Public Regulation (CEPUR), on Wednesday, March 5,2025, Jinapor emphasized the government’s commitment to developing all energy resources in a sustainable manner. The 5-point agenda includes:
  • Establishing the Renewable Energy and Green Transition Fund: to support research and development of home-grown green technologies, provide solar-powered solutions for various sectors, and promote energy efficiency education.
  •  Deploying Solar-Powered Street Lights: to reduce the burden of electricity tariffs on state institutions and improve security in areas with inadequate street lighting.
  • Fast-Tracking Universal Access to Electricity: by deploying renewable energy mini-grids, with the aim of reaching 90% electricity access this year.
  • Establishing the Renewable Energy Agency: to manage the Renewable Energy and Green Transition Fund, promote investments in energy transition, and support research and development of renewable technologies.
  • Implementing Open and Competitive Renewable Capacity Procurement: to achieve competitive prices, attract credible investors, and fast-track the green transition agenda.
Jinapor emphasized that the energy transition is no longer just about environmental benefits, but also has a strong economic case. He invited stakeholders to partner with the government to achieve Ghana’s green transition goals while developing other energy resources.           Source: https://energynewsafrica.com