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LATEST ARTICLES
UK: TotalEnergies Merges Its Upstream Business With NEO NEXT To Become Largest Independent Oil And Gas Producer In The UK
French multinational oil and gas company TotalEnergies has signed an agreement with NEO NEXT Energy Limited (NEO NEXT) to merge its upstream business with NEO NEXT, making it the leading shareholder in the expanded entity.
The new company will be named NEO NEXT+, with TotalEnergies holding a 47.5% stake.
Upon completion of the transaction, NEO NEXT+ will be jointly owned by TotalEnergies (47.5%), HitecVision (28.875%), and Repsol UK (23.625%).
The company will inherit a large and diverse asset portfolio, including NEO Energy’s and Repsol UK’s interests in the Elgin/Franklin complex and the Penguins field.
With TotalEnergies as its leading shareholder, NEO NEXT+ is set to become the largest independent oil and gas producer in the UK, with production expected to exceed 250,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2026.
The company will be well-positioned to maximize the value of its portfolio, deliver strong financial returns, and ensure long-term sustainability and resilience for its oil and gas operations.
“This transaction demonstrates TotalEnergies’ long-standing commitment to the UK oil and gas sector and its energy security. As the new largest shareholder of NEO NEXT+, we are excited to bring our recognized track record as a leading operator in the UK North Sea, where we have been present for more than 60 years.
TotalEnergies’ consistent focus on running low-cost and low-emissions operations will be instrumental in delivering material economies of scale within the new NEO NEXT+ portfolio, enhancing the company’s cash flow generation as soon as the deal closes,” said Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies.
Completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected in the first half of 2026.
Nigeria: Katsina Residents Hit Streets In Protest Over 6-Month Blackout
Residents of Katsina State in northern Nigeria took to the streets on Sunday to protest what they described as six months of complete darkness.
The protesters lamented that the prolonged outage has crippled daily life and deepened economic hardship.
They called for urgent action to restore power to Abuja Quarters, Barhim Layout, Sha’iskawa, and Tigirmis Quarters.
According to the residents, the blackout has plunged more than 5,000 households into severe hardship, worsening water shortages and heightening insecurity in the affected communities.
A representative of the residents, Usman Mohammad-Alqasim, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the long blackout has become intolerable for families struggling to cope.
“For about six months now, thousands of people in these communities have been cut off from the national grid without any clear explanation,” he said.
He attributed the outage to illegal structures built under a 33kV line, which the state government had ordered demolished before the exercise was halted midway.
“Some structures were removed, but work suddenly stopped after the intervention of the Batagarawa Council Chairman, Alhaji Yahaya Kawo,” he said.
Mohammad-Alqasim added that although the chairman informed residents that funds had been approved to relocate the line, no work has begun.
Instead, he claimed, houses originally marked for demolition now enjoy electricity, while the larger communities remain in darkness.
The Village Head of Barhim Layout, Malam Sirajo Aminu, said the blackout has worsened theft and insecurity in the affected areas. “If not for a few concerned individuals, the suffering would have been much worse. Many residents can barely access water,” he said.
Aminu urged the state government to restore electricity and provide essential infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and proper drainage systems. The residents vowed to continue pressing for swift intervention to end what they described as an avoidable and painful ordeal.
Council Chairman Yahaya Kawo confirmed he was aware of the situation and assured residents that efforts were underway to resolve the issue “this week.”
Ghana To Receive 3,600 Net Meters In December To Fast-Track SREP
Ghana’s Ministry of Energy and Green Transition is expected to take delivery of 3,600 net meters in December as the first batch of the 12,000 meters earmarked for the Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Programme (SREP).
Upon arrival, the meters will be distributed to the two power utility companies in the country—the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo).
Ing. Seth Mahu, Director for Renewable Energy and Green Transition at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, disclosed this to Energy News Africa during the recent launch of the SREP web portal in Accra.
The Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Programme (SREP) targets households, SMEs, public institutions, and industries nationwide.
According to Ing. Mahu, households stand to gain a $730 subsidy on solar PV installations, paid directly to installers to reduce the cost of systems between 2–5 kilowatts.
SMEs qualify for a $650 subsidy on installations strictly between 2–10 kilowatts to help lower business energy bills.
Public institutions—including 1,089 secondary schools, hospitals, and district assemblies—will also receive free meters, while industrial users with systems of up to 500 kilowatts will receive meters without additional incentives to enable grid-tied exports of excess power.
Ing. Mahu underscored the urgency and transparency of the process: “Once the meters arrive, they will be entered into the database, and we will identify customers who have applied for net metering and deliver the meters to enable their connection.”
He added, “This is a programme that Ghanaians have been waiting for; the industry has been waiting for. Today, it has been launched, and we expect that very soon, people will begin submitting their applications.”
Consumers, businesses, and institutions are encouraged to apply promptly via the user-friendly portal, where the media and civil society can monitor progress in real time.
He explained that subsequent batches will follow to complete the rollout, transforming applicants into prosumers who generate and consume grid energy while supporting Ghana’s 10% renewable energy target by 2030, positioning net metering as a model for Africa.
The initiative—backed by AfDB, CIF, SECO, and government funding—promises to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, create jobs in solar installation, and expand access to clean energy.
Senegal: Petrol, Diesel Prices Drop
The Government of Senegal has announced a reduction in the prices of automotive fuels (super gasoline and diesel) to ease the burden on transport operators and commuters.
Under the new pricing, petrol (super unleaded gasoline) is now sold at 920 FCFA per litre, down from 990 FCFA per litre, while diesel is sold at 680 FCFA per litre, down from 755 FCFA per litre.
The measure reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening household purchasing power, supporting economic operators, and promoting transparency in the pricing of petroleum products.
A statement jointly issued by the Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines and the Minister of Industry and Trade noted that the prices set are maximum rates.
Distributors are therefore authorized to offer lower prices, provided they comply with existing regulations.
The statement added that the relevant departments of the ministries concerned will monitor the proper implementation of these provisions across the national territory.
Ghana: COMAC Celebrates Double Win At 9th Ghana Energy Awards
The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) in the Republic of Ghana received double honours at the 9th Ghana Energy Awards, held recently at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra.
The Chamber was named Brand of the Year, a recognition of its consistent efforts in strengthening industry standards, driving meaningful advocacy, and supporting the growth of Ghana’s downstream petroleum industry.
Formerly known as the Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMC), COMAC’s transition into a chamber has enhanced its visibility and amplified its advocacy efforts.
On the same night, the Chief Executive Officer of COMAC, Dr. Riverson Oppong, was honoured with the Energy Advocate of the Year award.
This award acknowledges his leadership, commitment to policy development, and dedication to advancing a safer and more efficient industry for all stakeholders.
“These achievements reaffirm COMAC’s role as a trusted voice for OMCs and LPGMCs across the nation. We are grateful to our members and partners for their continued support as we work toward a more innovative and sustainable energy future,” the Chamber said.
Zambia: Chinese Firm Plans To Develop 900MW Solar Project To Address Power Crisis
China’s Green Shield Security Services Limited has announced plans to develop a 900MW solar power project with battery storage to support Zambia’s efforts to address the ongoing power crisis facing the country.
According to the company, work on the project will begin immediately once the Government grants formal approval.
The announcement was made during a meeting with the Minister of Energy, where the company sought guidance on suitable locations and available incentives for the solar plant.
The company expressed a strong commitment to fast-tracking the investment and aligning with Zambia’s energy development agenda.
Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote welcomed the delegation and assured them of the Government’s full support.
He emphasised that all energy projects remain a priority and that clearance processes would be expedited to ensure quick implementation.
The Minister highlighted the need for rapid project execution, teamwork, and minimal bureaucracy to attract and retain serious investors.
He encouraged Green Shield and other potential investors to work closely with the Ministry to expand Zambia’s energy capacity and drive economic growth.
Ghana: J.K Horgle Transport & Co Wins Energy Sector Operational Resilience Award
Ghana’s largest petroleum haulage company, J.K. Horgle Transport & Company Limited, has been honoured with the Energy Sector Operational Resilience Award at the 9th edition of the Ghana Energy Awards held at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra.
The recognition underscores the company’s outstanding performance and long-standing impact on petroleum logistics in Ghana and across West Africa.
Its strong culture of rigorous staff training, continuous monitoring, and performance-driven operations has positioned it as a benchmark for operational excellence in petroleum haulage.
From a humble beginning with about three heavy-duty trucks in the 1970s, the founder, Mr. Joseph Kwaku Horgle, has expanded the business to a fleet of more than 500 heavy-duty trucks.
Founded in the early 1970s and incorporated in 2001, J.K. Horgle Transport & Company Limited has grown from a national operation into an international business, transporting petroleum and allied products across West Africa for multinational and local oil marketing companies.
The company currently employs more than 600 staff and continues to invest heavily in well-trained and experienced drivers and support personnel.
Zambia: Gov’t Announces Electricity Connection Subsidies, Fees Cut To K300
The Government of Zambia has announced a new subsidy programme for electricity connections, effective December 22, 2025. Under the initiative, applicants for new electricity connections will now pay only K300, a significant reduction from the previous fee of K4,846.
Energy Minister Makozo Chikote made the announcement during the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) launch of the Accelerated Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) initiative in Lusaka.
According to the Minister, the 2026 application window for the subsidy targets 100,000 new electricity connections next year alone.
Mr Chikote also directed REA and ZESCO to ensure the programme is widely publicised, reaffirming the government’s commitment to achieving universal electricity access by 2030.
The US$200 million World Bank–funded ASCENT Zambia Programme aims to connect more than 1.6 million Zambians to electricity and clean cooking technologies over the next five years.
World Bank Country Manager Dr Achim Fock said the initiative brings together the World Bank Group, the African Development Bank, and other partners to support sub-Saharan African countries in providing electricity access to 300 million people.
Meanwhile, REA Acting Chief Executive Officer Alex Mumba commended the government for championing the policy and financing reforms that made the programme possible.
Tanzania: Speed Up Electricity Connection To Customers – TANESCO MD Tells Staff
Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) Executive Director, Mr. Lazaro Twange, has urged employees to accelerate electricity connections to customers in line with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to ensure that 1.7 million new customers are connected annually.
Mr. Twange made the call during a recent visit to the Lake Region, where he held a working session with staff from the Mara, Geita, and Kagera regions. He encouraged them to meet the targets set for each region, particularly in speeding up electricity connections to customers.
He also advised staff to maintain courteous communication when dealing with customers to strengthen collaboration and enhance TANESCO’s public image as a commercial entity.
“I congratulate you for the good work that continues to enhance the organisation’s image in customer service. But I urge you to remain responsible. Leaders, stand with your teams to ensure what is agreed upon is implemented on time. In this, we will be a bit strict; our goal is to ensure every customer is served within the stipulated period,” Mr. Twange emphasised.
For her part, the Director of Human Resources and Administration, Mrs. Margareth Mwandu, said TANESCO recognises and appreciates the contribution of its staff in achieving its goals and advancing its agenda. She reminded employees to avoid actions that could jeopardise their jobs.
“We are pleased to meet you. You are the face of our organisation because you interact with customers directly. Let me commend you for the work you are doing. As you are aware, the company has taken steps to address various challenges, including employee welfare. What we now ask of you is responsibility; the organisation depends on you in serving citizens,” Mrs. Mwandu said.
The working session aims to reinforce key responsibilities and ensure that the organisation’s targets are met.
Ghana: Energy Minister Pushes For Urgent Steps To Tackle Energy Poverty
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, has emphasised the urgent need for Africa to foster strong partnerships and take the lead in the global clean energy revolution.
“Let us continue to foster strong partnerships and champion an energy transition that empowers people, strengthens economies, and positions Africa as a global exemplar of clean energy leadership,” he said while addressing participants at the 3rd Renewable Energy Forum Africa (REFA 2025) in Accra, the capital of Ghana.
Minister Jinapor highlighted Africa’s vast solar potential—home to 60% of the world’s solar resources—yet more than 600 million people on the continent still lack access to energy.
“Africa holds 60% of the world’s solar potential, yet millions continue to face energy poverty. This must change,” Jinapor stressed.
“Africa must lead in clean energy. Without bold action, we will perpetuate inequality,” he added.
He outlined Ghana’s ambitious US$3.4 billion renewable energy plan, which targets 1,400 MW of clean power, 400 mini-grids, and e-mobility infrastructure.
Jinapor emphasised that addressing energy poverty and climate vulnerability requires collective effort, ambition, and determination.
“Let us champion an energy transition that empowers people, strengthens economies, and positions Africa as a global exemplar of clean energy leadership,” he urged.
The forum brought together investors, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore opportunities and promote investment in Africa’s energy transition.
Ghana’s ongoing effort —including Africa’s largest 16.8 MW rooftop solar system and a new 200 MW solar project—demonstrate its commitment to advancing clean energy.
Uganda: UEGCL Records 40% Revenue Growth In 2025
Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL) has recorded a 40% increase in revenue, reaching UGX 492 billion, strengthening its equity position to UGX 1.54 trillion, and delivering exceptional operational performance across all its power plants.
The company announced this during its 15th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
At the AGM, UEGCL presented its audited financial statements to its shareholders — the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED).
UEGCL Board Chairperson, Eng. Proscovia Njuki, highlighted the year as a transformational one for the company.
The AGM also showcased several key strategic milestones, including the commissioning of the 6.6 MW Nyagak III Small Hydropower Plant (SHPP), progress on Uganda’s first floating solar project on the Isimba reservoir, and continued advancements under the Nalubaale–Kiira Rehabilitation Program.
Congo: Eni Launches Second Phase Of Congo LNG Ahead Of Schedule
Italian oil and gas firm Eni has announced the start-up of Phase 2 of the Congo LNG project, exporting its first LNG cargo in early 2026 following the arrival of the Nguya FLNG floating liquefaction unit.
The project features three production platforms, the Scarabeo 5 gas treatment and compression unit, and the Nguya FLNG, bringing capacity to 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), equivalent to 4.5 billion cubic meters per year.
The second phase launched ahead of schedule, 35 months after Nguya FLNG construction began, setting a new industry benchmark for speed and efficiency. Eni attributes this to technological innovation, industrial planning, and local stakeholder engagement.
Much of the project was carried out in Congo, enhancing local workforce skills and strengthening the national industrial sector.
The Nguya FLNG employs advanced technologies to reduce its carbon footprint, processing gas with different compositions.
The Scarabeo 5, converted from a drilling rig, incorporates decarbonization solutions, exemplifying circular economy and industrial reuse.
Eni has operated in Congo for over 55 years, developing gas resources and supplying the Centrale Électrique du Congo, which provides 70% of the nation’s power.
The company is upgrading the transmission network and supporting energy transition initiatives like the agri-feedstock project, improving access to energy, water, healthcare, and economic diversification.
Ghana: ECG Vows To Pursue Customers For Unpaid Bills Even During Christmas
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced an intensive revenue mobilisation exercise for the entire month of December 2025 to recover outstanding electricity bill arrears from its customers, including during the Christmas holidays.
In a public notice dated Wednesday, December 3, 2025, the company explained that the initiative is aimed at “mopping up” all arrears in the system by the end of the year on December 31, 2025.
The power utility said the exercise will target all categories of customers who are in debt.
ECG advised customers who owe to use their regular payment channels—particularly the ECG Mobile App—to settle their bills promptly in order to avoid disconnection and enjoy uninterrupted power supply throughout the festive season.
The company emphasised that timely payment will help households and businesses participate fully in Christmas activities without the inconvenience of losing electricity.
ECG further indicated that revenue mobilisation teams will be deployed across its operational areas and will be identifiable by official staff identity cards.
The company strongly advised customers to insist on seeing ID cards before allowing anyone claiming to be from ECG onto their premises, in order to guard against imposters.
Ghanaian Workers Union Rejects New Electricity And Water Tariffs Set For January 1, 2026
Ghana’s Trades Union Congress (TUC), the umbrella body of labour unions in the West African nation, has expressed outrage over the 9.86% and 15.92% increases in electricity and water tariffs announced by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), which are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.
In a statement issued by its Secretary-General, Mr. Joshua Ansah, on Wednesday, December 3, the TUC said: “Workers cannot accept these increases unless the government comes back to the negotiating table to top up the wage increase for 2026.”
The union stated that it would vehemently protest the new tariffs unless the government reviewed the 9% wage adjustment for 2026, warning that failure to act could trigger nationwide mobilisation against the new tariffs.
The TUC stressed that it would reject the increases unless the government returned to the negotiating table, cautioning that any inaction could lead to a nationwide pushback:
“Anything short of that, the TUC will mobilise workers to resist the implementation of these insensitive increases in utility prices.”
Describing the hikes as a “New Year’s gift” from the government, the union lamented that the decision contradicts the recently approved 9% increase in the national minimum wage and base pay of workers.
The TUC also contended that the adjustments would wipe out the gains expected from the 2026 wage increment, noting that workers were already concerned about the insufficiency of the 9% wage increase amid unbearable living costs.
The union added that electricity tariffs rose by more than 18% in 2025 despite a 10% wage increase for the same period.
According to the TUC, the new hikes reflect “government’s insensitivity” to the economic hardships facing workers and ordinary Ghanaians, effectively cancelling out the 9% wage adjustment for 2026.
The union further announced plans to hold a press conference on Monday, December 8, 2025, to outline its next steps in response to what it described as “obnoxious” utility price increases.
The new electricity and water tariffs, expected to take effect on January 1, 2026, follow a comprehensive review by the PURC involving extensive public hearings, consultations, and stakeholder engagements on proposals submitted by utility companies.
The Commission said the adjustments were necessary to address the investment needs of utility providers, maintain industry competitiveness, and safeguard consumer interests, among other considerations.