He stated: “At Vivo Energy, we have made significant investments in safety technologies including In-Vehicle Monitoring Systems (IVMS), in-cab cameras, anti-rollover systems, Vehicle Health Assessments (VHA), and engineering controls, all aimed at making road transport and workplace environments safer.”
However, people make the real difference l. Safety requires people who are competent and committed to protect themselves and those around them.
Representing Vivo Energy Group at the launch, Rob Foyle, Group Head of Communications, commended the Ghana team’s commitment to safety, and highlighted the importance of personal accountability and shared responsibility.
“As we launch this year’s safety campaign and present awards to employees and contractors who have demonstrated an outstanding safety culture, let us remember that while systems and procedures can guide us, it is our mindset that makes us safe. Let us speak up, look out for one another, and build a safety culture where every action counts,” he said.
He further stressed that safety at Vivo Energy is a foundational value, embedded across its operations on the continent.
“At Vivo Energy, safety isn’t just a box to tick; it is our absolute priority, and a core value. Achieving and maintaining world-class health, safety, security, environment, and quality standards differentiates us in every market – from Tema to Takoradi, and from Tunisia to Tanzania,” he added.
The emphasis on mindset and safe behaviour was brought to life through a powerful skit performed by staff during the launch, vividly demonstrating how individual choices can either prevent or lead to workplace incidents. The performance served as a visual and impactful reminder of the critical role behaviour plays in maintaining a safe work environment.
The event also recognised individuals and teams who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to safety.
Awards were presented to outstanding employees, contractors, and transporters, with the Best Haulier going out to J. K Hogle Transport & Co. Ltd, Best Bulk Vehicle Operator, Ernest Ofoe, Most Potential Incidents Reporter, Michael Oppong and the Best Quality Potential Incidents Reporter, Raphael Oduro.
As the year-long campaign progresses, Vivo Energy Ghana remains focused on building a workforce that is both competent in its duties and committed to living out safety values in every task, every day.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Ghana: Vivo Energy Pledges Commitment To Safety Across Its Operations
The Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana, Mr. Christian Li, has pledged the company’s commitment to upholding the highest standard of safety in its operations, having achieved 5,249 (about 14 years) Goal Zero days without any significant safety or environmental incident, a reflection of the organisation’s strong safety culture.
Mr Christian Li made this remark at the launch of this year’s Vivo Energy Ghana’s Safety Day and Awards ceremony at its Tema depot.
The event, which brought together employees, partners, and stakeholders of the company marked the beginning of a year-long drive to strengthen workplace safety across all levels of operations.
Highlighting this year’s theme, ‘Growth Mindset – Competent and Committed’, Mr. Li stated that building a strong safety culture requires more than just compliance. It requires commitment, interest, and continuous learning. He added that the company’s focus for 2025 is to empower every individual to take ownership of safety, reinforcing competence at all levels, and creating a work environment where proactive behaviour and generative culture becomes second nature.
He stated: “At Vivo Energy, we have made significant investments in safety technologies including In-Vehicle Monitoring Systems (IVMS), in-cab cameras, anti-rollover systems, Vehicle Health Assessments (VHA), and engineering controls, all aimed at making road transport and workplace environments safer.”
However, people make the real difference l. Safety requires people who are competent and committed to protect themselves and those around them.
Representing Vivo Energy Group at the launch, Rob Foyle, Group Head of Communications, commended the Ghana team’s commitment to safety, and highlighted the importance of personal accountability and shared responsibility.
“As we launch this year’s safety campaign and present awards to employees and contractors who have demonstrated an outstanding safety culture, let us remember that while systems and procedures can guide us, it is our mindset that makes us safe. Let us speak up, look out for one another, and build a safety culture where every action counts,” he said.
He further stressed that safety at Vivo Energy is a foundational value, embedded across its operations on the continent.
“At Vivo Energy, safety isn’t just a box to tick; it is our absolute priority, and a core value. Achieving and maintaining world-class health, safety, security, environment, and quality standards differentiates us in every market – from Tema to Takoradi, and from Tunisia to Tanzania,” he added.
The emphasis on mindset and safe behaviour was brought to life through a powerful skit performed by staff during the launch, vividly demonstrating how individual choices can either prevent or lead to workplace incidents. The performance served as a visual and impactful reminder of the critical role behaviour plays in maintaining a safe work environment.
The event also recognised individuals and teams who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to safety.
Awards were presented to outstanding employees, contractors, and transporters, with the Best Haulier going out to J. K Hogle Transport & Co. Ltd, Best Bulk Vehicle Operator, Ernest Ofoe, Most Potential Incidents Reporter, Michael Oppong and the Best Quality Potential Incidents Reporter, Raphael Oduro.
As the year-long campaign progresses, Vivo Energy Ghana remains focused on building a workforce that is both competent in its duties and committed to living out safety values in every task, every day.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
He stated: “At Vivo Energy, we have made significant investments in safety technologies including In-Vehicle Monitoring Systems (IVMS), in-cab cameras, anti-rollover systems, Vehicle Health Assessments (VHA), and engineering controls, all aimed at making road transport and workplace environments safer.”
However, people make the real difference l. Safety requires people who are competent and committed to protect themselves and those around them.
Representing Vivo Energy Group at the launch, Rob Foyle, Group Head of Communications, commended the Ghana team’s commitment to safety, and highlighted the importance of personal accountability and shared responsibility.
“As we launch this year’s safety campaign and present awards to employees and contractors who have demonstrated an outstanding safety culture, let us remember that while systems and procedures can guide us, it is our mindset that makes us safe. Let us speak up, look out for one another, and build a safety culture where every action counts,” he said.
He further stressed that safety at Vivo Energy is a foundational value, embedded across its operations on the continent.
“At Vivo Energy, safety isn’t just a box to tick; it is our absolute priority, and a core value. Achieving and maintaining world-class health, safety, security, environment, and quality standards differentiates us in every market – from Tema to Takoradi, and from Tunisia to Tanzania,” he added.
The emphasis on mindset and safe behaviour was brought to life through a powerful skit performed by staff during the launch, vividly demonstrating how individual choices can either prevent or lead to workplace incidents. The performance served as a visual and impactful reminder of the critical role behaviour plays in maintaining a safe work environment.
The event also recognised individuals and teams who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to safety.
Awards were presented to outstanding employees, contractors, and transporters, with the Best Haulier going out to J. K Hogle Transport & Co. Ltd, Best Bulk Vehicle Operator, Ernest Ofoe, Most Potential Incidents Reporter, Michael Oppong and the Best Quality Potential Incidents Reporter, Raphael Oduro.
As the year-long campaign progresses, Vivo Energy Ghana remains focused on building a workforce that is both competent in its duties and committed to living out safety values in every task, every day.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Global Nuclear Industry Gathers In Poland To Mobilize £2tn Supply Chain Opportunity
World Nuclear Association held the inaugural World Nuclear Supply Chain Conference, at the Crowne Plaza Warsaw – The Hub, Poland, on May 20-21, 2025.
Marzena Czarnecka, Minister of Industry of the Republic of Poland opened the conference, which aims to unite industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to strengthen and scale the global nuclear supply chain, capitalizing on the growing momentum for nuclear energy expansion worldwide.
Recent events in Europe have highlighted the nuclear energy’s vital contribution to resilient energy grids and the need to invest in expanding nuclear capacity.
The latest World Nuclear Supply Chain Report, based on collaborative analysis conducted by the industry expert working group, estimated a $2 trillion investment opportunity to grow the global supply chain over the next 15 years.
Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of World Nuclear Association, said ahead of the event: “The unprecedented support for nuclear energy as an essential technology to achieve decarbonization, energy security and socio-economic growth in a timely, cost-effective and equitable manner has sent a clear signal to industry to scale up the deployment of nuclear projects. World Nuclear Association research shows a $2tn investment opportunity, our Supply Chain conference aims to mobilize the nuclear industry to build the successful delivery teams that will realize the opportunity and turn vision into reality.”
Rafał Kasprów, CEO of Orlen Synthos Green Energy and Strategic Sponsor for the conference, said: “A programmatic approach to delivering nuclear power offers the best route to deployment – WNSC is a platform to connect with other business – we need all stakeholders to play their part and come together as an industry. Now, it is clear that neither tripling nuclear power in the world nor achieving net zero by 2050 is possible without nuclear, including SMRs. These projects can drive both global and local sustainable socio-economic development and wide range of applications to help Poland transition.”
World Nuclear Supply Chain conference provides a platform to facilitate business-to-business (B2B) engagement by connecting project developers, vendors, construction companies and suppliers to provide opportunity for long-term business relationships and strategic partnerships. There are many international delegations and more than 300 B2B meetings scheduled as part of an actively participating audience.
The event, also sponsored by EDF, GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy, and Baker McKenzie, will highlight the key business drivers needed for nuclear project success, and enable the international supply chain to flourish and to seize the opportunities ahead.
Exploring local and global perspectives through Poland’s nuclear plans, recognizing nuclear as critical large infrastructure deployment, and recommending the transition from a ‘projects to programmes’ approach, all stakeholders can realize the socio-economic benefits of nuclear.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Mozambique: African Development Fund Approves $43.6M For 120 MW Transmission Line Project
The African Development Bank Group has approved $43.6 million in financing for the construction of the Namaacha–Boane Transmission Line and related electricity infrastructure in Mozambique.
The new infrastructure will transmit up to 332 gigawatt-hours of clean wind energy from the future 120 MW Namaacha Wind Farm to homes and businesses across Mozambique and the Southern Africa region.
The financing comprises $33.2 million from the African Development Fund and $10.4 million from its Climate Action Window, a dedicated fund supporting 37 low-income African countries with climate-resilient infrastructure. The Government of Mozambique is also contributing to the project.
“This project is a major step forward in Mozambique’s transition to a low-carbon energy future,” said Kevin Kariuki, the Bank Group’s Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth. “It will deliver affordable electricity, support local industry, and improve livelihoods.”
Mozambique’s national power utility, Electricidade de Moçambique, will implement the project in partnership with Central Eléctrica da Namaacha (CEN), a private sector-led development involving Globeleq Africa Limited and Source Energia.
The project includes constructing two new 43-kilometer, single-circuit, 66-kilovolt transmission lines, network upgrades, and equipment for stable power delivery.
Upon completion, it will support thousands of new electricity connections in rural and underserved communities, cut carbon dioxide emissions by over 71,000 tons annually, and bolster regional energy trade within the Southern African Power Pool.
“This investment strengthens Mozambique’s power system while accelerating access to clean energy for those who need it most,” said Wale Shonibare, Director of the Bank’s Energy Financial Solutions, Policy, and Regulations Department.
The project aligns with the African Development Bank’s “Light Up and Power Africa” strategic priority and Mozambique’s goal to achieve universal electrification by 2030, in line with the Mission 300 initiative.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Spain: TotalEnergies Launches Its Largest Solar Field In Europe
French multinational TotalEnergies has commissioned its largest solar power plant cluster near Seville, Spain.
The cluster comprises five solar projects with a total installed capacity of 263 MW, generating 515 GWh of renewable electricity annually.
This will power over 150,000 Spanish households and avoid 245,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year.
The electricity will be sold through long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) and on the wholesale market.
Declared a strategic interest by the Junta de Andalucía, the project involved 14 companies, mostly from Seville, creating 800 direct and indirect jobs.
“We thank the Spanish authorities for supporting this solar project, contributing to Spain’s ambition of 80% renewables by 2030,” stated Olivier Jouny, Senior Vice President Renewables at TotalEnergies.
“With 1,700 employees in Spain, we’re building a competitive Integrated Power portfolio, delivering clean firm power to our customers.”
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Portugal Explores Energy Partnership With Morocco Amid EU Grid Delays
Portugal is considering a new electricity interconnection with Morocco due to delays in planned energy projects with France, which have isolated the Iberian Peninsula from the European power grid.
Minister of Environment and Energy Maria da Graça Carvalho stated that Portugal is growing frustrated with stalled infrastructure projects connecting Portugal and Spain to central Europe via France.
“We’re asking for these projects to be sped up,” Carvalho said.
“If this doesn’t happen, we’re keeping the Morocco option open, despite the higher costs due to undersea cables.”
Portugal and Spain jointly warned the European Commission that the Iberian Peninsula is an “energy island,” requesting a meeting with French officials to establish a timeline for completing delayed electricity interconnections.
The urgency follows a widespread blackout in April affecting millions in Portugal and Spain, exposing the region’s energy fragility.
The lack of integration restricts renewable energy deployment and inflates electricity prices, undermining energy security and Europe’s resilience.
Portugal’s consideration of a Moroccan connection highlights North Africa’s growing energy potential and the EU’s willingness to explore alternative partnerships for energy diversification and grid resilience.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Spain, Portugal Ask EU To Push For Power Links With France After Outage
Spain and Portugal have asked the European Union to step in to push for more power interconnectors with France, after a massive power outage hit the Iberian Peninsula last month, a letter seen by Reuters showed.
Spain and Portugal have limited power linkages to the rest of Europe and have said France has held up new interconnection projects that they say could help prevent disruptions like the unprecedented power outage that hit most of the Iberian Peninsula.
Works to strengthen an existing interconnector between France and Spain are expected to wrap up this year, while a new underwater power line spanning the Bay of Biscay is set to be completed by 2028.
In the letter to EU energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen, sent on Wednesday and seen by Reuters, Spain and Portugal’s governments urged Brussels to step in to ensure new interconnection projects move ahead.
“A firm political and financial commitment is needed, at all levels, in order to ensure the swift and effective integration of the Iberian Peninsula into the EU energy system,” said the letter, signed by Spanish energy minister Sara Aagesen and Portuguese energy minister Maria da Graca Carvalho.
“Spain and Portugal propose a ministerial meeting during this year in which, together with France and the Commission, we can agree on a roadmap with specific milestones and steps to be taken,” the letter said.
A European Commission spokesperson confirmed it had received the letter and was in touch with the governments.
A spokesperson for France’s energy minister did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the letter.
French grid operator RTE has studied the feasibility of building two additional interconnections with Spain over the Pyrenees in its multi-annual planning document published earlier this year.
RTE’s planning report said it would expect the EU to contribute financing to any such upgrades, given the goal would be increased interconnection to Spain, “with the beneficiaries being located outside France.”
France produces most of its power from nuclear plants, while Iberia uses a bigger share of renewable sources, whose fluctuating generation increases the need for flexibility in the power grid.
Iberia lags below the EU’s target for countries to connect 15% of their electricity capacity to neighbouring countries by 2030 – with Iberia’s share stuck at just 3%.
Spain and Portugal have argued this is driving up prices, and hampering their power grids’ ability to respond to disruptions. Interconnectors can help stabilise energy grids by allowing power to flow between countries to respond quickly to supply and demand fluctuations.
“Accelerating the completion of electricity interconnections with the Iberian Peninsula must be placed among the highest priorities,” the letter said.
Power outages of the magnitude seen in Spain and Portugal last month are rare in Europe.
The blackout caused massive disruptions, grounding planes and forcing hospitals to suspend routine operations.
The EU is investigating its cause.
A spokesperson for Spain’s energy ministry and a spokesperson for Portugal’s energy ministry each confirmed their ministers signed the letter.
Source: Reuters.com
When The Cedi Gains Ground: Implications For Ghana’s Energy Sector
By Albert Neenyi Ayirebi-Acquah, FCCA, Energy Analyst
Introduction
An Overview of the Cedi’s Performance Since January 2, 2025
In recent weeks, the Ghanaian cedi has not only stabilized but begun to appreciate against the US dollar -a welcome trend not seen in a long time by market participants, analysts, and the public. The response has largely been positive, though questions remain about the durability of the trend, particularly given that some of the underlying drivers – such as external inflows – are beyond Ghana’s direct control.
That said, the broader macroeconomic outlook has improved, with growing consensus that this momentum can be sustained if economic managers remain disciplined. Key contributing factors include the prompt servicing of domestic debt (especially post-Domestic Debt Exchange Program (DDEP) bonds), strong reserve buffers, and a renewed focus on fiscal prudence.
While the appreciation has brought welcome relief across many sectors, it’s worth noting some quiet discontent among exporters, who are beginning to feel the squeeze of a stronger local currency on their margins.
Why the Exchange Rate Matters for the Energy Sector
This article focuses specifically on Ghana’s power sector, where the exchange rate plays an outsized role for several reasons:
3. Reduced Pressure on PURC to Increase Tariffs
With a weighted average GHS/USD rate of 15.6974 during PURC’s Q2 tariff-setting window, the current appreciation of the cedi currently at a spot rate of 12.89 at the time of writing this article significantly reduces the pressure to increase tariffs in the next quarterly review, while creating room to recover forex losses still sitting on ECG’s books.
4. Greater Fiscal Space for Government
Government obligations to settle dollar-denominated energy sector arrears become more affordable in cedi terms, freeing up fiscal resources for other priorities.
5. Reduced Translation Losses for State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs)
A stronger cedi reduces the impact of forex losses on the financial statements of SOEs like ECG, VRA, and GNPC—improving their bottom lines and audit profiles.
6. Improved Disposable Income for Consumers
Lower prices on imported goods and services—which account for an estimated 30–50%2 of Ghana’s CPI—improve consumers’ disposable income, making it easier for households to pay electricity bills on time and sustain consistent usage.
Cautionary Notes
Why the Exchange Rate Matters for the Energy Sector
This article focuses specifically on Ghana’s power sector, where the exchange rate plays an outsized role for several reasons:
- The sector relies heavily on capital-intensive investments, most of which are denominated in US dollars.
- These investments are structured to be recouped over medium- to long-term horizons.
- Project financing is predominantly sourced externally, with implications for foreign exchange exposure and profit repatriation.
- Critically, electricity tariffs are set in Ghana cedis, while a large share of sector expenses—such as fuel, equipment, and power purchase agreements (PPAs)—are USD-denominated.
- Lower Cost of Power Purchased by ECG
3. Reduced Pressure on PURC to Increase Tariffs
With a weighted average GHS/USD rate of 15.6974 during PURC’s Q2 tariff-setting window, the current appreciation of the cedi currently at a spot rate of 12.89 at the time of writing this article significantly reduces the pressure to increase tariffs in the next quarterly review, while creating room to recover forex losses still sitting on ECG’s books.
4. Greater Fiscal Space for Government
Government obligations to settle dollar-denominated energy sector arrears become more affordable in cedi terms, freeing up fiscal resources for other priorities.
5. Reduced Translation Losses for State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs)
A stronger cedi reduces the impact of forex losses on the financial statements of SOEs like ECG, VRA, and GNPC—improving their bottom lines and audit profiles.
6. Improved Disposable Income for Consumers
Lower prices on imported goods and services—which account for an estimated 30–50%2 of Ghana’s CPI—improve consumers’ disposable income, making it easier for households to pay electricity bills on time and sustain consistent usage.
Cautionary Notes
- Risk of Complacency
- Priorities Prompt Payment of Liabilities
Nigeria: KEDCO Advises Unions To Shun Attempt To Disrupt Services
Nigeria-based Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has announced the resolution of the recent industrial action initiated by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC).
As a result, normal services have been fully restored in KEDCO’s operational areas.
In a statement, KEDCO expressed concerns about the unions’ move to disrupt services as a means of pressing their demands, describing it as “unfortunate” despite ongoing efforts by management to engage in dialogue and address outstanding labor-related concerns.
The company acknowledged the existence of unremitted pension deductions that have accrued over the past 11 years.
Upon takeover in December 2023, KEDCO’s current core investor was outraged about how the pension liabilities were allowed to accrue to the tune of over ₦3 billion.
The current core investor took over a distressed DisCo that had previously been struggling financially and operationally, losing almost ₦3 billion monthly and only able to settle 59% of its market obligations.
This resulted in a slight increase in pension liabilities as the business was being stabilized. Kano DisCo is now remitting 100% of its market obligations and is the most improved DisCo in the NESI under the stable leadership of the current core investor, board, and management.
KEDCO commended the Kano State Government for its proactive and constructive intervention in resolving the recent strike. The Kano State Government, led by the Hon.
Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Engr. Gaddafi Sani Shehu, demonstrated laudable leadership by engaging with unions and KEDCO management to address all concerns toward an amicable resolution.
The company reiterates its commitment to fostering a stable, fair, and productive work environment.
KEDCO is actively engaging with all relevant stakeholders to implement long-term and sustainable solutions to address lingering labor-related issues and deliver value to staff and customers.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: NPA CEO And US Ambassador Strengthen Bilateral Ties
Ghana’s petroleum downstream regulator, National Petroleum Authority chief executive Godwin Kudzo Tameklo (Esq.), has paid a courtesy call on the United States of America Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Virginia Palmer.
Accompanying Mr. Tameklo were Deputy Chief Executives Dr. Sheila Addo and Dr. Dramani Bukari, along with Mr. Kodwo Abbiw Jackson, Director of Administration and Insurance, and Mrs. Genevieve Bissue, Head of Protocol and Logistics.
The visit aimed to strengthen collaboration between the NPA and the US Embassy and foster partnerships for the mutual benefit of Ghana and the United States.
During the meeting, Mr. Tameklo emphasized the importance of enhanced relations between Ghana and the USA, particularly in the downstream petroleum industry.
He cited Authentix, a US-based company providing fuel authentication solutions to the NPA, as a key example of successful business collaboration.
The fuel authentication program plays a crucial role in maintaining petroleum product integrity, preventing dilution and adulteration, and ensuring accurate tax revenue recovery.
Ambassador Virginia Palmer reaffirmed the US Embassy’s commitment to assisting Ghana in attracting American investments, strengthening the energy sector, and deepening bilateral cooperation.
The visit marked an important step toward enhancing strategic partnerships and reinforcing Ghana’s role in the global petroleum industry.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
He cited Authentix, a US-based company providing fuel authentication solutions to the NPA, as a key example of successful business collaboration.
The fuel authentication program plays a crucial role in maintaining petroleum product integrity, preventing dilution and adulteration, and ensuring accurate tax revenue recovery.
Ambassador Virginia Palmer reaffirmed the US Embassy’s commitment to assisting Ghana in attracting American investments, strengthening the energy sector, and deepening bilateral cooperation.
The visit marked an important step toward enhancing strategic partnerships and reinforcing Ghana’s role in the global petroleum industry.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Nigeria: China Hints At Establishing Electric Vehicle Factories In Nigeria
China has expressed interest in establishing electric vehicle factories and other manufacturing ventures in Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, said, as reported by the Nigerian News Agency.
The ambassador revealed this during a recent discussion with Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, emphasizing the need for greater collaboration between China and Nigeria to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
He expressed support for Nigeria’s local value-addition policy, noting that one of President Xi Jinping’s key priorities is promoting Africa’s industrialization.
Ambassador Dunhai stated that the leaders of Nigeria and China agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership aimed at creating new opportunities for cooperation.
He recalled that President Bola Tinubu and President Jinping held high-level talks during Tinubu’s state visit to China, pursuing that goal. “Chinese companies are already deeply involved in Nigeria’s mining sector, from exploration to processing,” the ambassador said.
“We aim to deepen this collaboration, especially in line with President Tinubu’s eight priority areas, notably economic diversification through solid minerals.”
Dr. Dele Alake noted that Nigeria has a large market and the potential to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels through electric vehicle production. He acknowledged the long-standing relations between Nigeria and China, stating that most Chinese firms operate within legal and regulatory frameworks.
However, he expressed concerns over the actions of a few operators, stating that legal actions are being taken to address such situations. “We have taken action against illegal operators, including some Chinese nationals. While isolated, such incidents undermine the good work of many compliant Chinese firms.”
“We need your cooperation in ensuring that such culprits are brought to justice,” the minister added.
He reiterated that Nigeria is open to business for serious investors, stating that investments in the nation’s mining industry remain focused on local value addition.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Iraq Seals Major Oil Deal With Chinese Company
Iraq’s government has signed a deal with Chinese Geo-Jade Petroleum to expand production at the Tuba oil field, build a refinery and two power plants.
Per an AFP report, the deal will also involve the construction of a petrochemicals facility and a fertilizer plant. The refinery that Geo-Jade Petroleum will build will have a capacity of 200,000 barrels daily.
One of the power plants will have a capacity of 650 MW and the other, a solar power facility, will have a capacity of 400 MW.
“These projects with Geo-Jade represent a big leap in the development of Iraq’s oil wealth and supporting of the national economy,” Iraq’s oil minister, Hayan Abdel Ghani, said, adding that the deal would create thousands of jobs.
Geo-Jade Petroleum already operates in Iraq – it is in charge of the Khana field, which is slated to begin expanded production in 2026.
Chinese companies as a whole have built a solid presence in OPC’s number-two, driven by Beijing’s strategy to expand supply availability through both domestic and international investments.
To date, more than a third of Iraq’s proven oil and gas reserves and as much as 66% of production are under the management of Chinese firms, Simon Watkins reported earlier this year.
The Iraqi government’s ambition to boost production significantly, to as much as 7 million bpd, Chinese companies are among the best placed to take advantage of the opportunity.
Currently, Iraq produces around 4 million barrels daily—above its OPEC+ production quota, which has created tensions with OPEC’s number-one, Saudi Arabia.
Chinese companies’ entry into Iraq’s oil and gas sector is a result of an agreement inked back in 2019 and dubbed “Oil for Reconstruction and Investment”, under which Chinese companies are granted entry into Iraq’s energy infrastructure sector as investors in return for oil supplies.
Source: Oilprice.com
Tanzania: Lazaro Twange Appointed New Tanesco MD
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has appointed Mr. Lazaro Jacob Twange as the new Managing Director of the Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (Tanesco).
Mr. Twange replaces Eng. Boniface Gissima Nyamo-Hanga, who died in a road accident in Mara Region last month.
Mr. Twange previously served as District Commissioner for Ubungo.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Power Outage Hits Obuasi, Other Towns After Fire Incident At GRIDCo Substation
Residents of Obuasi, a gold mining town in Ghana, and surrounding areas have been hit with a power outage following a fire incident at a power substation operated by Ghana Grid Company Limited on Wednesday night.
A statement issued by the power transmitter, GRIDCo, on Thursday, May 22, 2025, explained that the incident occurred at approximately 9:12 p.m., prompting an immediate shutdown of power from the station to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.
The fire was swiftly brought under control with the support of the firefighting team from AngloGold Ashanti.
GRIDCo’s team of engineers is currently conducting thorough checks to assess the integrity of the substation’s equipment before power can be safely restored to affected areas.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused by this unexpected incident,” the statement said. “We want to assure residents that every effort is being made to resolve the situation and restore electricity supply as quickly and safely as possible.”
GRIDCo urged residents of Obuasi and surrounding towns to remain patient as it works to complete its investigations and resume normal operations.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Energy Minister Charges New ECG Board To Develop Strategic Plan For Turnaround
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, has inaugurated the newly constituted governing board of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) with a call on them to put in place a strategic plan to help turn the fortunes of ECG around.
Minister Jinapor emphasized that the board should pursue a rigorous revenue mobilization drive to keep the system running, set a roadmap for preventing frequent power outages in ECG’s operational areas, and establish a strategic communication plan to reach out to consumers across its operational areas.
“The Electricity Company of Ghana is a pillar for the survival of our national economy. The board’s leadership is crucial in driving reforms that will enhance operational efficiency, reduce losses, and improve customer satisfaction,” Hon. Jinapor stressed.
The Minister pledged the Ministry’s continued support to the ECG Board in achieving its objectives and implementing government policies aimed at enhancing the energy sector.
The new ECG board is chaired by Ing. Dr. William Amuna, a former Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Grid Company Limited. Other members include Ing. Julius Kpekpena (Acting Managing Director of ECG), Lawyer Georgette Emefa Fugah, Nana Agyakoma Difie II (Mamponghemaa), Hon. Adams Abdul Salam, Dr. Simon Akorli, Hon. Alhassan Sulemana, Hon. Edem Agbana, and Hon. Queenstar Pokuah Sawyerr.
Speaking after the inauguration, Ing. Dr. William Amuna expressed gratitude to President H.E. John Dramani Mahama for the trust reposed in the board members and reiterated their commitment to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to benefit the people of Ghana.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that ECG meets its mandate of delivering reliable and affordable electricity services. We look forward to implementing strategies that will help achieve the 24-hour economy agenda of the government. Without stable, reliable, and efficient electricity supply, the 24-hour economy cannot be realized,” Dr. Amuna stated.
Dr. Amuna further stated that the board would focus its attention on the operational efficiency and financial viability of the Electricity Company of Ghana.
The inauguration of the new board is seen as a positive step towards addressing Ghana’s energy challenges and achieving the government’s vision of a stable and efficient electricity supply that supports the 24-hour economy.
Source:https://energynewsfrica.com