Ghana Gas CEO Ends 3-Day Western Region Tour

The Acting Chief Executive Officer of Ghana National Gas Company, Judith Adjobah Blay has embarked on a three-day working visit to the Western Region. The visit aimed to engage key stakeholders and assess the company’s operational sites. Ms. Blay and her team began by paying a courtesy call on the Western Regional House of Chiefs, where she introduced herself and reaffirmed Ghana Gas’ commitment to the region’s development. They also met with the Nzema Traditional Council and the Western Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson, to discuss areas of mutual interest. The delegation toured Ghana Gas’ key operational sites, including the Gas Processing Plant, Takoradi Distribution Station,Anokyi Mainline Compressor Station, Sekondi Regulatory and Metering Station, and Trauma Center. This visit provided an opportunity for the team to assess operations firsthand and engage with site personnel. The three-day tour concluded with a staff durbar, where Ms. Blay praised the employees for their dedication to managing the plant. She encouraged them to maintain their efforts and expressed her commitment to guiding the company toward greater achievements. Accompanying Ms. Blay were Ing. Dr. Robert Kofi Lartey, Deputy CEO; Mr. Richard Kirk Mensah, Head of Corporate Communications; and Miss Angela Carson, Acting General Manager, HR & IC.       Source:https://energynewsfrica.com

Uganda: Umeme Limited Officially Exits Electricity Business After 20 Years Of Meritorious Service To Uganda

Umeme Limited, the main power distributor in the Republic of Uganda, has officially handed over electricity distribution infrastructure to the government following the expiration of a 20 year-old concession on, March 31, 2025. Earlier this month, Ugandan Parliament approved $190 million loan for the government to payout Umeme Limited to enable it recover its investment for the past 20 years, and this portal understands the company received $118 million payout last Friday. The handing over ceremony which was held at the Umeme Lugogo office in the Industrial Area, Kampala, was attended by host dignitaries including the Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Umeme Managing Director, Selestino Babungi, and officials from the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company (UETCL). Henceforth, electricity distribution in Uganda will be undertaken by the state-owned Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) that initially managed electricity distribution before the Umeme concession began. Taking to social media platform X, Energy and Mineral Development Minister Ruth Nankabirwa wrote: “Today, I presided over the handover of @UmemeLtd Umeme Limited’s electricity distribution assets to Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL). This marks the end of Umeme’s 20-year concession and a significant step in Uganda’s second-generation energy reforms.” She added that UEDCLTD now assumes full responsibility for electricity distribution, aiming to enhance financial sustainability, expand access and improve reliability. It would maintain service continuity, with improvements to the network and services to ensure reliable electricity supply. In a public advisory, UEDCL has assured customers that all electricity services would remain uninterrupted throughout and beyond the transition. “Electricity vending and loading will continue normally via MTN, Airtel, banks, and other collection platforms,” the company said. Despite the handover, public concern remains high about the risk of disruptions to electricity supply as Uganda transitions from a private distributor to full government control. UEDCL has pledged continuity and stability as it assumes full operational control starting April 1, under ERA Licences No.ERA/LIC/DIS/024/231 and ERA/LIC/DIS/024/232. With the curtain finally closing on Umeme’s controversial but pivotal two-decade run, all eyes are now on UEDCL and the government to deliver reliable power and usher in a new era for Uganda’s electricity sector. Umeme’s 20-year concession in Uganda’s electricity distribution has been a mixed bag. On one hand, the company has made significant contributions to the country’s power sector, including expanding electricity access from less than 5% to over 25% of the population, reducing energy losses from 38% to below 15%, and investing over $800 million in infrastructure to improve power reliability.     Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Uganda Signs Deal With UAE’s Alpha MBM To Establish 60,000 Barrel Per Day Oil Refinery

Uganda has signed a final agreement with Alpha MBM Investments, a UAE-based company, to establish a 60,000 barrels per day oil refinery in Kabaale, Buseruka Sub-County, in Hoima District.” The deal was signed between Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and Alpha MBM Investments at the State House Entebbe, with President Yoweri Museveni in attendance. This $4 billion project is expected to be a game-changer for Uganda’s energy sector, reducing the country’s reliance on imported petroleum products and serving neighboring countries. The project will also include the construction of a 211 km multi-product pipeline to a storage terminal in Namwabula, Mpigi District, as well as a storage terminal for refined products in Namwabula. The refinery is expected to be constructed within three years and will process crude oil from Uganda’s Albertine Graben region. President Yoweri Museveni was overjoyed, beaming with smiles, as he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the UAE-based company for choosing to invest in Uganda “Today, I witnessed the signing of a historic oil refinery implementation agreement between Uganda and Alpha MBM Investments LLC, a company based in the UAE. This agreement will see the construction of a crude oil refinery in Hoima District, with a capacity of 60,000 barrels per day,” he added. “The oil refinery is not just about fuel but also about Uganda producing and exporting refined products instead of importing them,” said Museveni. ”We must stop exporting raw materials and instead add value to everything we produce,” President Museveni said during his address at the signing ceremony.
President Yoweri Museveni at the middle.
The agreement paves the way for the design, construction, and operation of the 60,000 barrels-per-day (bpd) refinery, marking a critical step in Uganda’s quest to unlock value from its petroleum resources. Once operational, the refinery will process Uganda’s crude oil into a range of petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, kerosene, jet fuel, and heavy fuel oils. It is expected to significantly reduce Uganda’s reliance on imported refined fuel, stabilize fuel prices, and boost national energy security. Uganda’s oil imports have shown significant growth over recent years. In 2020, the country imported mineral fuels and oils valued at approximately $976 million. By 2022, this figure had increased to about $1.6 billion, with the majority of these imports originating from Gulf countries and approximately 90% transiting through Kenya.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

US: Trump Threatens Russia With Further Oil Sanctions

US President Donald Trump has threatened secondary sanctions on Russia’s energy industry if Washington and Moscow fail to seal a ceasefire deal for Ukraine. “If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault — which it might not be — but if I think it was Russia’s fault, I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump told NBC in an interview. Trump also said he was “pissed off” with comments that Russia’s Vladimir Putin made about the legitimacy of Volodymyr Zelensky’s government and the suggestion that the Ukrainian leadership must change if a peace agreement is to be legitimate. Russia’s president has repeatedly argued that elections in Ukraine are key to the success of the peace-negotiations process. It seems President Trump’s idea for additional punishment of Russia’s energy industry is the same as the one adopted with regard to Venezuela. As Trump explained it to NBC, “That would be that if you buy oil from Russia, you can’t do business in the United States. There will be a 25% tariff on all oil, a 25- to 50-point tariff on all oil.” Such a step would almost certainly push oil prices considerably higher, given Russia’s weight as an oil exporter, and that would go against Trump’s promise for cheap energy. The 25% secondary tariffs on Venezuelan oil already had that effect on benchmarks. The tariff is activated for any trade with the U.S. of a country that imports Venezuelan crude. Immediately after Trump’s announcement of the tariffs, loadings of Venezuelan oil slowed, according to a Bloomberg report from the end of last week. This pushed Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate to a third consecutive gain, although this week trade began with a dip for both benchmarks.   Source: Oilprice.com

Ghana: ECG’s Budget Slashed By 50% Amid Financial Mismanagement

Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor has slashed the Electricity Company of Ghana’s (ECG) budget from GH₵500 million to GH₵250 million. This decision comes after reports of missing 1347 containers critical electrical equipment belonging to ECG at the Tema Port, which were caused by ECG’s financial mismanagement. Apparently, ECG was initially allocated GH₵935 million in 2023 for planned procurement, but they overspent by a whopping GH₵7.3 billion, mainly on excessive cable purchases. This led to revenue shortages, which in turn caused the missing containers at the port due to unpaid clearance fees. Jinapor emphasised that the reduced budget will help settle debts owed to power producers, which currently stand at over GH₵80 billion. He warned that if the energy sector’s financial issues aren’t addressed, it could collapse. The minister assured Parliament that steps are being taken to prevent further financial mismanagement and ensure ECG remains operational. This budget cut is part of broader efforts to stabilize the energy sector and promote financial discipline.     Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Zambia: Chisamba Solar Plant Nears Completion, Set For May 2025 Commissioning

Zambia’s Energy Minister, Makozo Chikote, is impressed with the progress made at the 100MW Chisamba Solar Plant, which is now 91% complete. During his inspection tour, Minister Chikote highlighted the project’s significance in Zambia’s transition to renewable energy, reducing dependence on hydropower, and enhancing energy security. The Chisamba Solar Plant is a major milestone in Zambia’s renewable energy journey, demonstrating the country’s commitment to clean energy and sustainability. The plant is expected to be commissioned by President Hakainde Hichilema on May 2025. Once operational, the plant will not only increase power supply but also create jobs and attract investment “This project is a clear demonstration of our commitment to clean energy and sustainability. It will not only enhance power supply but also create jobs and attract investment,” said Minister Chikote. He also took a moment to appreciate the dedication and hard work of the workers who made the project a success. “I want to commend the engineers, technicians, and laborers who put in tireless effort to bring this project to life. Your commitment and expertise are helping shape a brighter future for Zambia,” he said. The minister emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to support similar projects, ensuring a stable and reliable energy sector. He urged private sector players to invest in renewable energy, reaffirming Zambia’s goal of achieving energy self-sufficiency. Local officials and project developers echoed his sentiments, noting that the solar plant would significantly contribute to national grid stability and economic growth. Central province Minister Mwabashike Nkulukusa and Chisamba MP, Chushi Kasanda accompanied the minister.     Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: VRA’s Sophia Abena Tijani Elected GHIE President In Historic Win

Sophia Abena Tijani, a renowned female electrical engineer at the Volta River Authority (VRA), has made history by becoming the president-elect of the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GHIE). She secured 664 votes, accounting for 31.72% of the total 2,093 votes cast, narrowly beating her closest competitor, David Kwatia Nyante, by nine votes in a male-dominated election. The other contestants were Ing Michael Kwesi Levi Dedey, who pulled 470 votes, Ebenezer Kwesi Haizel, who pulled 256 votes and Daniel K Bainson, who pulled 48 votes. The elections was held as part of GHIE’s annual general meeting and conference which started on Tuesday March 25 and ended on Friday March 28,2025 with a banquet dinner ceremony. Ms Tijani will succeed Kwabena Bempong, becoming the first female GHIE President from the Volta River Authority. As a licensed Professional Electrical Engineer with over 22 years of experience in the electricity industry, Sophia Abena Tijani has made significant contributions to the energy sector. Her career journey includes working with Electricity Company of Ghana, Volta River Authority (Ghana), Mott MacDonald Inc. (USA), and USAID’s West Africa Energy Program. Tijani holds a Master’s Degree in Electrical Power Engineering from Texas A&M University, an MBA in Finance from Paris Graduate School of Management, and a BSc in Electrical/Electronics Engineering from KNUST. She is a Fellow of Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), a Senior Member of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and a Stanford-certified Advanced Project Management Professional. Profile of president-elect Sophia Abena Tijani (FGhIE) Sophia A. Tijani is a distinguished electrical engineer with over 22 years of expertise in the energy sector, contributing to reliable electricity supply across Africa and the USA. Her career spans key organisations, including ECG, VRA, Deloitte, and Mott McDonald’s Inc. (USA), showcasing her technical and strategic acumen. Her multifaceted experience covers substation protection and control design, equipment maintenance, business planning, financial and economic appraisal, contract management, public procurement and talent development. A passionate advocate for capacity building, she collaborates with regional bodies such as WAPP, ECREE, GIZ, and AfD to strengthen energy sector capabilities. A leader in engineering excellence, Sophia Tijani has held various roles in the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), including Vice President and National Councillor, and has served on governing boards like the Ghana Railway Development Authority and Ho Technical University. She is a Fellow of GhIE, a Senior Member of IEEE, a certified adult trainer, and a Renewable Energy Professional. She is currently the Manager, Employee Relations & Reward Management, Human Resources at the Volta River Authority. Her outstanding contributions to gender and energy have also earned her numerous awards locally and internationally. With a strong commitment to STEM advocacy, professional ethics and excellence, Tijani continues to drive impactful change in Ghana and beyond. Until she was elected president-elect, Sophia Abena Tijani was the vice president of GHIE.         Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: Nana Yaa Jantuah, Seven Others Inaugurated As New PURC Board

A former Director of the Public Relations and External Affairs at the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Nana Yaa Jantuah, and seven others have been sworn in as the new Board of PURC. Ms Yaa Jantuah resigned from the Commission in 2017. The new PURC board, which is chaired by Professor Thomas Akabzaa,, was inaugurated on Friday, March 28, 202,5, by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah. The other members of the board are Prof Ebenezer Bugri Anarfio, Bridgeworche Barichisu, Dr Edna Agyepong, Dr Kwabena Nuarko Otoo representing the Trades Union Congress, Dr Humphrey Ayim Darke representing the Association of Ghana Industries, and Dr Shafic Suleman, who will serve as the Secretary. The eight-member board has been tasked with overseeing and regulating public utilities in the country. Addressing the new board, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, called for transparency in the regulation of public utilities, urging the new board to uphold these principles as they take on their responsibilities. “Let me, on behalf of the President, thank you for agreeing to work hard for him. And as you all must be aware, this government is in a hurry, but at the same time, we have to make sure things are done meticulously. We were voted into power to take care of the people’s interest, and as much as possible, we need to have it at the back of our minds. “His Excellency is determined that the energy sector and all other security services discharge excellently, and so we encourage you as much as possible to pay attention and give your best so that the government will look good and the people will be satisfied,” he stated. Source:https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: COMAC Opposes Proposal To Introduce New Tax On Fuel To Fund Fire Service

The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) in Ghana has rejected a proposal by the Interior Ministry to introduce a 10-pesewa tax on petroleum products. The tax aims to support the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), but COMAC argues it is unsustainable and impractical. COMAC acknowledges the critical role of the GNFS but says the petroleum sector is already burdened with multiple levies and taxes, contributing to high fuel prices. These levies account for approximately 25% of the ex-pump price. “While we acknowledge the need to improve the operational efficiency of the GNFS, we strongly advocate for a proactive approach rather than reactive taxation to address fire safety concerns,” a statement signed by Dr. Riverson Oppong, Chief Executive Officer and Industry Coordinator, said. Dr. Oppong listed around 12 taxes and levies imposed on fuel including Energy Debt Recovery Levy, Road Fund Levy, Energy Fund Levy, Price Stabilization and Recovery Levy, Sanitation and Pollution Levy, Energy Sector Recovery Levy, Special Petroleum Tax, Primary Distribution Margin and BOST Margin. According to him, these levies and regulatory margins collectively account for approximately 25% of the ex-pump price, adding a significant cost burden to Ghanaian consumers. “While we acknowledge the need to improve the operational efficiency of the GNFS, we strongly advocate for a proactive approach rather than reactive taxation to address fire safety concerns. “The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies firmly opposes the introduction of any additional fuel levy and calls on the government to explore alternative financing strategies that do not impose further economic hardship,’’ Dr Oppong stated.                   Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Sweden: State Loans Proposed For New Nuclear Reactors

The Swedish government has proposed a new law regarding state support for nuclear power investments. In the bill – submitted to parliament on 27 March, 2025 – it proposes providing state loans to finance four new nuclear reactors as well as a contract-for-difference power price mechanism. “In the bill, the government proposes a new law on state support for investments in new nuclear power,” the government said. “The law regulates the basic conditions and forms of state support for companies for investments in new nuclear power reactors in Sweden.” It added: “Government loans may be provided for the construction and test operation of new nuclear power reactors, as well as for design and other preparatory measures for construction.” The loans – aimed at lowering the cost of financing new nuclear – will be limited to the equivalent of four large-scale reactors (about 5000 MWe of capacity). The government said that several project companies may be eligible and there is the possibility for other private actors and the state to take shares in project companies. “Two-way contracts for difference may be concluded for the routine operation of new nuclear power reactors. Support shall be subject to conditions regulated in agreements between the state and the company receiving support,” it added. These are aimed at reducing market risk. The bill contains different scenarios for future electricity prices. In a scenario with lower electricity prices, it is assumed that the strike price is around SEK0.02 (USD0.002) per kWh higher than the electricity price. The government noted that support may only be granted if the new reactors are located at the same location and have a total installed output of at least 300 MWe. “If there are special reasons, the government may decide to grant support even if the reactors have a total installed electrical output of less than 300 MW,” it said. The new law is proposed to enter into force on 1 August this year.  Vattenfall – which aims to have a new reactor in operation at its Ringhals site in the mid-2030s at the earliest – welcomed the government’s proposals for risk sharing for new nuclear power. “The state taking a clear role in financing is a basic prerequisite for it to be possible to invest in new nuclear power,” said Desirée Comstedt, the company’s head of new nuclear power. “The bill is therefore a crucial step on the path towards us being able to realise new nuclear power on the Värö peninsula near Ringhals. Nuclear power is not being built anywhere in the world without some form of government support. “The next step is for us to read the bill to review what an application should contain and prepare to submit our application as soon as possible. Ultimately, the levels of the parameters in the model will of course be an important factor, but these levels are set later in the process, after we have submitted an application.”       Source: World Nuclear News

Nigeria: Three Arrested For Vandalizing TCN Power Installations In Enugu State

Three individuals have been arrested in Nigeria for allegedly vandalizing power line installations belonging to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in Agbogugu, Enugu State. The suspects were apprehended through a collaborative effort between community members and law enforcement agents on Sunday, March 24, 2025. They were initially detained at the Agbogwugu police station in Ozalla, then transferred to the state’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and finally moved to prison after their first court appearance. According to a statement issued by TCN, the company is working closely with the police to ensure the vandals face justice. This incident underscores the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement in combating vandalism. TCN urged all host communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security operatives or the nearest TCN office. TCN emphasized that vandalism is a serious offense affecting everyone, undermining the nation’s efforts to provide a reliable and efficient transmission grid. The company called on all Nigerians to support their efforts in addressing the situation.             Source:https://energynewsfrica.com

Zambia: British Envoy Visits Zambia’s Ministry Of Energy

The newly appointed British High Commissioner to Zambia, Her Excellency Rabecca Terzeon, has praised Zambia’s ongoing energy sector reforms and commended the government’s plans to establish the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector. This key project aims to enhance regional energy trade and stability. During a courtesy call on the Minister of Energy, Hon. Makozo Chikote, MP, at the ministry’s headquarters in Lusaka, Terzeon acknowledged Zambia’s efforts to improve energy security, attract investment, and expand renewable energy sources despite existing challenges such as power deficits and infrastructure constraints. She noted that the planned interconnector with Tanzania would be instrumental in strengthening cross-border electricity supply, boosting economic growth, and enhancing energy reliability across Southern and East Africa. Minister Chikote emphasised the importance of Zambia engaging private sector investment to address energy challenges, particularly those caused by recent droughts that have affected hydroelectric power generation. He highlighted the critical role of both public and private partnerships in creating sustainable energy solutions and enhancing the resilience of Zambia’s energy sector. Minister Chikote welcomed the British envoy’s support and reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to modernizing the energy sector. He also discussed ongoing initiatives to expand hydro, solar, and other renewable energy sources while ensuring a stable and affordable power supply for the country. Minister Chikote further emphasized the importance of regional energy projects, such as the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector, in achieving long-term energy security. Both parties expressed their commitment to strengthen their relationship.               Source:https://energynewsfrica.com

Shell Quits Brazil Wind And Solar Projects

Shell has decided to scrap wind and solar power generation projects it had planned to build in Brazil, citing the unfavorable investment environment, per a Reuters report. “We are always exploring ways to create value from our power generation portfolio, including exiting activities that do not fit into our strategy or do not generate sufficient returns,” the supermajor said in a statement, days after declaring a pivot away from alternative energy and a return to oil and gas as priority business areas. Reuters noted in its report that wind and solar power projects in Brazil have suffered setbacks in the form of oversupply of energy, presumably from other sources, a challenging regulatory landscape, and weak growth in demand for those alternative energy sources. According to official data from the Brazilian state gazette, Shell had approached the country’s energy regulator with a request for it to revoke Shell’s rights to operate several utility-scale solar power plants in central and northeastern Brazil. Earlier this week, at its investor day, Shell said it would lower its capex range for 2025 to 2028 and it would invest $20-22 billion per year through 2028, down from a range of $22-25 billion per year announced in 2023. Last year, Shell’s cash capex was $21 billion. The supermajor also said it aimed to increase cost cuts from between $2 and $3 billion this year to $5-7 billion by the end of 2028, while boosting shareholder returns via share buybacks and dividends. Shell was one of the first European majors to pivot back to oil and gas in a 2023 strategy to continue investing in oil and gas production and selectively pour capital into alternative energy solutions, as these solutions underwhelmed in terms of investment returns. Since then, Shell has slowly but inexorably been shrinking its exposure to wind, solar, and the rest of the transition industries.   Source: Oilprice.com

Ghana: 8 Chinese Nationals, 1 Ghanaian Arrested During Search For Missing ECG Containers

Ghana’s national security has arrested eight Chinese nationals and a Ghanaian at a factory at Shai Hills, a suburb of Greater Accra, in the search for a missing containers containing electrical items belonging power distribution company, Electricity Company of Ghana. A National Intelligence Bureau operative, who briefed a section of Ghanaian journalists, revealed that the agency received intel which led them to the company. Upon arrival, they discovered that several Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) cables had been vandalized, cut into pieces, and melted into liquid form. The liquid metal was then molded into round aluminum bars, and some were powdered for export at high prices, according to the security officer. Ghana underwent a government transition on January 7, 2025, following the December 7, 2024, Presidential and Parliamentary Elections. During this transition, the outgoing government informed the incoming administration that ECG had procured electrical equipment loaded in 2,500 containers, which were stuck at the Tema Port. After assuming office, President John Dramani Mahama appointed John Abdulai Jinapor as the new Minister for Energy and Green Transition. During a recent visit to Tema Port, it was discovered that some containers were missing, prompting the Minister to set up a committee to investigate. The committee, chaired by Prof. Innocent Senyo Acquah, concluded its investigation and reported that 1,347 containers could not be accounted for. National security then launched a search for the missing containers.     Source: https://energynewsafrica.com