Tullow Ghana Limited Withdraws TEN Development Plan, Raises Questions Over GPP2 Project
Tullow Ghana Limited has withdrawn its draft TEN Amended Plan of Development (TAPOD) and Combined Gas Sales Agreement (CGSA) proposal for the Tweneboa, Enyenra, and Ntomme (TEN) field, citing changes in market conditions, inflationary pressures, and revised estimates of gas volumes.
In a letter to Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, dated May 29, 2025, Tullow stated, “While TEN gas volumes are still significant, further studies indicate that these are now smaller and/or riskier to develop.” This development has implications for the planned second gas processing plant, which relies on sufficient gas volumes.
According to Tullow, current estimates point to firm export volumes of 160 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d) from the Jubilee and TEN fields combined. The company emphasized the need for further investment, underpinned by an appropriate commercial framework, including an economic gas price and acceptable payment security.
“We remain committed to the TEN re-development priorities, including extending TEN economic life, maximizing resource recovery, and safeguarding the viability of gas supply to Ghana with an appropriate commercial framework,” the letter reads. Tullow plans to reassess and define future TEN investment, accounting for all factors, and will submit a revised long-term plan in Q3 2025.
The withdrawal of the plan raises questions about the investment needed to develop the TEN field further and potential implications for gas prices in Ghana. Industry experts believe this development poses a significant threat to the realization of the country’s plan to construct a second gas processing plant (GPP2).
According to a source familiar with the gas industry, it will be difficult to justify GPP2 with only a firm export flow of 160 mmscfd from both Jubilee and TEN. With the existing gas processing plant operated by Ghana National Gas Company having a capacity of 150 mmscfd, operational experts believe there won’t be much gas left for the proposed GPP2.
Last month, Minister for Energy and Green Transition John Abdulai Jinapor inaugurated a technical committee to fast-track the processes leading to the establishment of the second gas processing plant. The establishment of the second gas processing plant is expected to save the West African nation around $500 million annually.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Zimbabwe: ZETDC Converts Street And Tower Lights In Municipalities To Prepaid Meters
The Zimbabwean Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has announced the conversion of public street and tower lights in various municipalities, including Bulawayo and Chitungwiza, to prepaid meters.
This initiative is part of ZETDC’s ongoing efforts to enhance service delivery, improve efficiency, and ensure a sustainable supply of electricity for all Zimbabweans.
Prior to the installation, ZETDC engaged with councils since June 2024 and issued written reminders in May 2025, advising them of the final phase of the prepaid meter installation project.
The company reminded councils that upon installation, meters would be pre-loaded with limited units before registration.
Upon each installation, relevant documents are handed over to the respective City Council official on-site to facilitate processing for registration and subsequent token purchase.
According to ZETDC, the current disconnections are a direct result of the newly installed prepaid meters requiring the purchase of electricity tokens by local authorities.
ZETDC says it is committed to ensuring public safety and well-being.
The company is actively engaging with municipalities to facilitate meter registration and activation and also expedite token purchase for registered meters.
ZETDC urged municipalities to prioritize the necessary administrative and financial processes to acquire tokens without delay. “Swift action is crucial to alleviating public safety concerns,” ZETDC said.
ZETDC remains dedicated to providing reliable power to all customers and stakeholders.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: Economic Freedom Fighters File Suit To Challenge Proposed Fuel Levy Increase
The South Africa-based Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has filed a suit at the Western Cape High Court to challenge the proposed fuel levy increase.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced a general fuel levy increase of 15 cents per liter for diesel and 16 cents per liter for petrol when he tabled this year’s budget in Parliament for the third time last month.
The general fuel levy increase is expected to come into effect on June 4.
The EFF filed its papers last week, arguing that the implementation of the fuel levy increase will be economically harmful.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
IAEA Team Concludes Site And External Events Design Review For El Salvador’s First Nuclear Power Plant
An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts has concluded a six-day safety review of El Salvador’s site selection process for its first nuclear power plant (NPP).
The Central American country is embarking on a nuclear power program to diversify its energy mix and provide a clean and reliable source of energy to support economic development.
The Site and External Events Design Review Service (SEED) mission, which took place from May 26 to 31, reviewed El Salvador’s adherence to IAEA guidance on the site selection process.
The SEED mission was carried out at the request of the Government of El Salvador and hosted by the Organization for the Implementation of the Nuclear Energy Program in El Salvador (OIPEN) and the Executive Hydroelectric Commission of the Lempa River (CEL).
The SEED review team comprised three experts from Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as two IAEA staff members. They reviewed the site selection report, together with the siting process, siting criteria, and data collection process for siting activities.
The team visited and observed the candidate sites located in Chalatenango (about 40 kilometers northeast of the capital San Salvador) and San Vicente (about 70 kilometers east of San Salvador).
In addition to the SEED review mission, the IAEA provided a SEED Capacity Building Workshop to support site evaluation.
“We confirmed that CEL independently developed exclusion criteria for site screening and effectively narrowed down the areas of the country with the lowest external hazard risks. This can be considered a good practice for minimizing risks,” said mission team leader Kazuyuki Nagasawa, Senior Nuclear Safety Officer at the IAEA.
The team provided recommendations to improve the quality and optimize the site selection process, aiming to select the most favorable site.
OIPEN and CEL will continue to receive technical support from the IAEA as they advance from the site selection stage to the subsequent site characterization stage.
The final SEED mission report will be delivered to the Government of El Salvador within three months.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: GOIL Cuts Fuel Prices In Response To Cedi’s Appreciation
Ghana’s largest indigenous petroleum downstream oil marketing company, GOIL, has reduced its petrol and diesel prices effective June 2, 2025.
According to the price update, petrol (RON 91) is selling at Gh¢12.52 per liter, while petrol (RON 95) is sold at Gh¢14.34 per liter, and diesel is sold at Gh¢12.98 per liter.
During the last price review in May, GOIL sold petrol (RON 91) at Gh¢13.27 per liter, while petrol (RON 95) was sold at Gh¢15.27 per liter, and diesel was sold at Gh¢13.87 per liter. GOIL’s current fuel prices are lower than some of its competitors.
In Ghana, fuel prices are reviewed daily by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) based on fluctuations in key factors such as exchange rates, cost of refined petroleum products, and inflation. In contrast, fuel prices are reviewed monthly in other parts of Africa.
Since January 2025, Ghana’s currency, the cedi, has appreciated against foreign currencies, particularly the US dollar and pounds. As of last Friday, the interbank exchange rate for a dollar was Gh¢10.38.
On the international market, gasoline is sold at US$690.10 per metric ton, while gasoil is sold at US$617.13 per metric ton, and LPG is sold at US$464.93 per metric ton.
Crude oil prices have been relatively stable, with Brent selling at $64 per barrel and WTI sold at $60.03 per barrel as of Monday, May 30 2025.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Energy Minister Launches Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Programme To Electrify Off-Grid Communities
The Government of Ghana has officially launched a landmark renewable energy project aimed at significantly expanding electricity access in some of the country’s most underserved communities.
The event, held in Lala, Sene East District, Bono East Region, marked the beginning of the Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Programme (SREP), which will provide clean and sustainable electricity to over 70,000 people.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, emphasized the initiative’s importance in transforming rural lives and bridging the energy divide.
“As a Ministry, we are not just installing solar panels or building infrastructure; we are lighting up lives, empowering communities, and bridging the rural-urban energy divide,” he said.
The SREP initiative will involve constructing 35 mini-grids and installing 1,450 solar home systems across the Bono East, Oti, and Savannah regions. Additionally, 12,000 net-metered rooftop solar PV systems will be installed nationwide to support Ghana’s transition toward a greener energy mix.
Hon. Jinapor acknowledged the resilience of remote communities without electricity and called on leaders and residents to actively participate in the construction and management of the new infrastructure. He urged the contractor to engage local artisans during the project.
The Minister highlighted the broader vision of achieving universal electricity access by 2030, revealing that feasibility studies have been completed for 150 island and lakeside communities in the Afram Plains, with plans underway to begin construction of 150 new mini-grids.
“We are confident that by 2030, we will have over 200 mini-grids operational, delivering on our last-mile electrification target of 99.8%,” he declared.
The launch was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from the Swiss Embassy, the African Development Bank, officials from the Volta River Authority, Electricity Company of Ghana, and the Energy Commission.
Hon. Jinapor expressed gratitude to the Swiss Government and African Development Bank (AfDB) for their continuous support. The project is being implemented in partnership with the Climate Investment Fund, Swiss Government, and the African Development Bank.
The Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, Ing. Eunice Biritwum (Mrs.), pledged the Commission’s full support and commitment to the successful implementation of SREP.
The Chief Executive Officer of Volta River Authority (VRA), Ing. Edward Kenzo, reaffirmed VRA’s commitment to the long-term sustainability and efficient operation of the mini-grids.
Delivering a speech on behalf of the Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, the Deputy Head of Cooperation, Magdalena Wust, reiterated Switzerland’s commitment to partnering with Ghana to achieve access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Over 1,200 Electricians Sit For Energy Commission’s Electrical Wiring Professionals Examination
A total of 1,206 electrical wiring practitioners are sitting for the Energy Commission’s Certified Electrical Professional Examination for May/June 2025 across the country.
The exams are taking place in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, and Tamale for those who registered for the May/June examination.
The examination started over the weekend across all centers, with Accra’s taking place at the Accra Technical Training Centre (ATTC) on Saturday, May 31.
The Energy Commission organizes the exams three times a year. In an exclusive interview, Engineer Stephen N-ebe Yomoh, Assistant Manager at the Energy Commission of Ghana, explained that the examination aims to protect lives and property from avoidable fire outbreaks.
“The Technician Wiring Regulations Law LI 2008 was passed in 2011 to ensure safety in the country,” he said. The law mandates the Energy Commission to establish benchmarks for electrical wiring and installation standards.
Since 2013, the Energy Commission has issued over 17,000 certified certificates to electricians in Ghana. Engineer Yomoh expressed the commission’s plan to increase the number of women electricians by 5% in the foreseeable future, as the current female participation rate is disappointing.
Only 26 female candidates, representing 2% of the total number, are writing the examination this year. Engineer Yomoh emphasized the commission’s goal to certify over 10,000 electricians nationwide within the next five years.
To match current trends, the Energy Commission plans to review the syllabus for the examination soon. Engineer Yomoh encouraged prospective electrical wiring professionals and those practicing without certification to write the examination.
The President of the Certified Electrical Wiring Inspectors Ghana , Elder Appiagei-Kwame Tortu, cautioned illegal operators to regularize their operations by writing the examination.
He emphasized that certified electrical wiring professionals’ work is mostly safe due to inspections.
The Electrical Wiring 2011 LI 2008 mandates that only Certified Electrical Wiring Professionals (CEWPs) can undertake indoor electrical wiring projects under the supervision of the Energy Commission of Ghana. There are three areas of certification: domestic, commercial, and industrial facilities.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Only 26 female candidates, representing 2% of the total number, are writing the examination this year. Engineer Yomoh emphasized the commission’s goal to certify over 10,000 electricians nationwide within the next five years.
To match current trends, the Energy Commission plans to review the syllabus for the examination soon. Engineer Yomoh encouraged prospective electrical wiring professionals and those practicing without certification to write the examination.
The President of the Certified Electrical Wiring Inspectors Ghana , Elder Appiagei-Kwame Tortu, cautioned illegal operators to regularize their operations by writing the examination.
He emphasized that certified electrical wiring professionals’ work is mostly safe due to inspections.
The Electrical Wiring 2011 LI 2008 mandates that only Certified Electrical Wiring Professionals (CEWPs) can undertake indoor electrical wiring projects under the supervision of the Energy Commission of Ghana. There are three areas of certification: domestic, commercial, and industrial facilities.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com Thirteen Young Africans Win Russian “Atoms Empowering Africa” Video Competition
Russian state atomic corporation Rosatom has announced the selection of thirteen young talented Africans from six African countries for their creative exploration of nuclear technologies’ past, present, and future.
The winners, representing South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Namibia, are:
Makibi Angel, Ntuli Philasande, Chaba Koketso, Ibrahim Mohamed Mohsen, Farah Ashraf, Omar Ashraf, Samia Ossama, Ibrahim Mansor, Kiilu Immanuel Mwendwa, Tubula Ole Ntome Titus, Muhanzi Guy N’nahano, Abdoul Jansha, and Kezia Henkert.
The “Atoms Empowering Africa” competition, now in its eighth year, continues to inspire young Africans to engage with nuclear science and technology as drivers of the continent’s sustainable future.
This year’s competition invited participants to submit short videos reflecting on three creative themes: “The honour of the past,” “the inspiration of the present,” and “the dream of the future.”
A panel of international experts ensured a fair and equitable evaluation process based on four criteria: originality and novelty of the idea, artistic and conceptual creativity, relevance to the competition’s core themes, and overall production quality.
“The year’s participants truly impressed us with the depth of their ideas and the exceptional quality of their work,” noted Ryan Collyer, CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa.
The winners will travel to Russia, where they will visit iconic nuclear industry sites, including the Atom Pavilion at VDNKh in Moscow.
This experience aims to deepen their understanding of peaceful nuclear technologies while fostering cultural and educational connections.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Tanzania Targets 80% Usage Of Clean Cooking With National Awareness Campaign Launch On June 2
Tanzania has set an ambitious target of achieving 80% adoption of clean cooking practices by 2034.
To promote this goal, the Ministry of Energy is collaborating with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) to launch the National Clean Cooking Communication Strategy and National Clean Cooking Awareness Campaign on Monday, June 2, 2025.
The launch event, scheduled to take place at the PSSSF Hall in Dodoma, aims to rally Tanzanians to adopt clean cooking energy.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Hon. Dr. Doto Mashaka Biteko, will be the Guest of Honor.
According to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Engineer Felchesmi Mramba, the strategy focuses on increasing public awareness about the benefits of clean cooking energy, encouraging behavioral changes, promoting investment, and creating a supportive policy environment.
The campaign will utilize various communication methods, including national and international media, traditional leaders, social media, and training for government officials to reach out to various groups of urban and rural citizens, women and youth, health care providers, local government leaders, civil society organizations and the private sector.
The campaign strategy was prepared by the Ministry of Energy in collaboration with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), under the sponsorship of the European Union (EU), including a National Awareness and Education Campaign on the Use of Clean Cooking Energy.
The Ministry of Energy will also receive two vehicles to support the national campaign.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Africa Is New Nerve Centre for Energy – Says AETC Founder
The founder and president of the Africa Energy Technology Centre (AETC), Emilia Akumah, has expressed optimism that Africa will become a hub for global energy discussions and policies driving industry development.
She emphasized the need to revolutionize the energy technology landscape, innovation, and energy projects to attract investments.
Speaking at the 2025 AETC opening under the theme “Innovate, Invest, Implement: Revolutionizing Financing for Sustainable Energy Sector Growth in Africa,” Akumah noted that the conference offers unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, investment, and sponsorship to drive energy sector development and innovation.
“The conference aims to revolutionize the energy technology landscape, ensuring investments are profitable, socially responsible, and environmentally sustainable,” she stated.
Akumah emphasised the importance of innovation, diverse investments, and effective project implementation for Africa’s sustainable energy future.
She further stressed that embracing a culture of innovation, revolutionizing financial models, and focusing on practical project execution would enable Africa to lead the global energy landscape.
“Africa can lead the global energy landscape by ensuring access, affordability, and sustainable energy for all,” she emphasised.
In a separate address, Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), highlighted the need for approximately $2.5 billion to drive renewable energy initiatives, mitigate environmental degradation, and promote sustainable development.
He emphasised the importance of concerted efforts and rapid renewable energy deployment.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Zambia: Energy Minister Launches NEAT Project To Expand Rural Electrification By 2030
Zambian Minister for Energy Makozo Chikote launched the National Energy Advancement Transformation (NEAT) project in Itezhi Tezhi District, reaffirming the government’s commitment to accelerating access to reliable and sustainable energy in rural communities.
The NEAT project aims to expand rural electricity access through a strategic combination of grid extension and off-grid renewable energy solutions, aligning with the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and the country’s green growth agenda.
The project’s key objectives include increasing electricity access in rural areas, promoting clean and renewable energy technologies, improving economic opportunities, and supporting sustainable development.
Minister Chikote emphasized that rural electrification is a top priority, with the goal of connecting most rural households by 2030.
“No Zambian should be left behind in our journey towards energy equity,” he said, highlighting the reduced electricity connection fee from K4,800 to K300.
REA Board Chairperson Bruce Jaani praised the initiative’s transformative potential, expecting over 15,000 rural households to benefit from electricity access in 2024.
He encouraged communities to connect their homes to the grid and adopt off-grid solutions where necessary.
The Director of Power Generation, Ernest Banda, who represented ZESCO Managing Director Justin Loongo, reaffirmed ZESCO’s dedication to supporting the NEAT program.
“We are pleased to partner with the Rural Electrification Authority and the Ministry of Energy to actualize the NEAT project,” Mr. Banda stated.
“Together, we remain committed to making electricity accessible to all Zambians, regardless of location.”
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Chevron To Cut Nearly 800 Jobs In Texas Permian Basin By July 15
Chevron Corp., an American oil and gas firm, plans to lay off nearly 800 employees in the Permian Basin by July 15, 2025, according to a filing with the Texas Workforce Commission.
This region is the company’s largest oil-production operation globally. Most reductions will come from Chevron’s Midcontinent campus near Midland, Texas.
“Chevron is taking action to simplify our operating model, execute work faster and more effectively,” the company stated.
“This is a difficult decision, and we do not make it lightly.”
Chevron is undergoing a significant restructuring, aiming to reduce its global workforce by up to 20% (9,000 people) by the end of 2026.
CEO Mike Wirth aims to reduce structural costs by $3 billion, enhancing efficiency and resilience to low oil prices.
Despite the job cuts, Chevron’s Permian production is projected to reach 1 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boed) soon, accounting for nearly a third of the company’s global output. Wirth expects the operation to plateau in the latter half of the 2020s as the company focuses on reduced spending and higher free cash flow.
“We understand the impact this news may have on our employees, their families, and the communities where we operate,” Chevron said, adding that it will offer severance benefits and job seekers’ support to affected employees.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: TotalEnergies Sells Stake In Bonga Field To Shell For $510 Million
French multinational oil and gas firm TotalEnergies has announced the sale of its 12.5% non-operated interest in the OML 118 Production Sharing Contract (PSC) to Shell for $510 million.
The OML 118 PSC, operated by SNEPCo (55%), is a partnership between Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (20%), TotalEnergies EP Nigeria (12.5%), and Nigerian Agip Exploration (12.5%).
Located 120 km south of the Niger Delta, the block contains the Bonga field, which started production in 2005, and the Bonga North field, which began development in 2024.
The OML 118 PSC produces approximately 11,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) in TotalEnergies’ share.
The transaction is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals.
Commenting on the sale agreement, Nicolas Terraz, President of Exploration & Production at TotalEnergies, stated, “TotalEnergies continues to actively high-grade its upstream portfolio, focusing on assets with low technical costs and low emissions, and lowering its cash breakeven.”
Terraz added, “In Nigeria, the company is focusing on its operated gas and offshore oil assets, currently progressing the development of the Ubeta project to sustain gas supply to Nigeria LNG.”
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: ZX Lidars Deploys ZX TM Wind Lidar To Optimize Wind Farm Performance
ZX Lidars and Globeleq South Africa Management Services have announced the deployment of a ZX TM wind Lidar at the Klipheuwel Wind Farm in South Africa.
This installation aims to provide critical insights into complex wind conditions affecting turbine performance and maintenance.
The ZX TM wind Lidar will assess approaching wind flow patterns, helping to understand factors contributing to component degradation. Additionally, the technology will be used for power curve verification and yaw misalignment checks, supporting enhanced operational efficiency and asset longevity.
Chris Slinger, Senior Scientist at ZX Lidars, commented on the project: “Our technology delivers precise wind data in real-time, informing optimizations to yield improved performance, reduced component stress, and greater reliability. The data collected to date has been invaluable, and we look forward to working together with the team as the project progresses.”
Nico Lombard, Asset Manager at Globeleq South Africa Management Services, added: “The ZX TM wind Lidar has been operational on this complex site for several months, and we are delighted to have already identified some areas for improvement. The ZX TM helps analyze wind shear, turbulence intensity, and directional changes, providing a deeper understanding of wind behavior at the site. This information is crucial for optimizing turbine performance and minimizing mechanical stress.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com