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South Africa: Eskom Partners Energy Vault To Deploy Grid-Scale Gravity Energy Storage Systems
South Africa’s state-owned electricity utility Eskom has signed a Strategic Development Agreement with Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. to deploy a long-duration Gravity Energy Storage System (GESS) at its power stations.
The companies announced plans to deploy the first gravity storage system at the Hendrina Power Station in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, with the intention to license, co-develop, and collaborate on the deployment of up to 4GWh of long-duration energy storage across the 16 member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The partnership is expected to significantly advance regional efforts to transition away from coal while leveraging advanced material science technology for the economic re-use of waste coal ash within the energy storage medium.
The initiative is also aimed at improving grid reliability, creating jobs, and supporting local economic development.
Eskom said the first GESS plant will be built at its Hendrina Power Station in Mpumalanga, one of the utility’s oldest operating stations.
The system is expected to provide 25MW of capacity with four hours of storage, equivalent to 100MWh, and is designed to be fully scalable up to 4GW. The landmark agreement establishes a long-term partnership between the two companies to accelerate the decarbonization of Southern Africa’s power sector.
Under the terms of the agreement, Energy Vault will provide Eskom with its latest EVx 2.0™ GESS technology system and associated equipment, along with on-site engineering, project management, and localized training support.
The partnership intends to license, co-develop, and collaborate on the deployment of up to 4GWh of GESS storage, with significant potential across the 16-member SADC region by 2035.
Energy Vault’s EVx 2.0™ GESS platform incorporates major advancements over the previous EVx design, particularly in software orchestration, mechanical operation, energy efficiency, construction automation, and construction tooling.
These enhancements enable a system capable of scaling to multi-gigawatt energy storage capacity to support increasing renewable energy penetration.
The EVx 2.0 design also features improved material science technology for the economic re-use of ash from coal combustion as the storage medium in the blocks, which may weigh up to 25–30 tons each.
Commenting on the partnership, Robert Piconi said: “This landmark agreement with Eskom represents a transformational milestone for Energy Vault and for Africa’s energy future.
“By combining our breakthrough EVx 2.0 platform with Eskom’s extensive power generation, grid expertise, and regional reach, we are not only advancing long-duration storage at unprecedented scale but also pioneering a new model for sustainable industrial development.
“This partnership will create local jobs, establish resilient supply chains, and demonstrate how gravity energy storage can accelerate Africa’s transition from coal dependency to energy independence and security — while delivering reliable, affordable power to communities that need it most.”
Liberia: LEC, Thames Electricals Limited Sign $6 Million Deal To Establish Liberia’s First Electrical Manufacturing Plant
Dan Marokane emphasized that the collaboration directly supports Eskom’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) initiative, which focuses on achieving a sustainable and equitable transition away from coal while ensuring grid reliability, job creation, and local economic development.
He said Eskom will drive a just and inclusive energy transition by intensifying the repowering and repurposing of coal power stations while exploring clean coal technologies and solutions that use technology as a strategic enabler to improve efficiencies and lower electricity costs.
According to him, Eskom’s partnership with Energy Vault and its innovative gravity storage technology will play a pivotal role in achieving the utility’s Just Energy Transition goals.
Southern Africa is undergoing a significant transformation in its energy landscape, with governments and utilities across the SADC region working to expand access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity.
“Today, 56% of the SADC region’s population has access to electricity, up from just 36% a decade ago, reflecting the impact of coordinated regional efforts and investment in infrastructure. Coal remains the dominant source of power generation, contributing over 80% of South Africa’s electricity supply in 2024, but the region is actively diversifying its energy mix. Utility-scale energy storage technologies are set to play a key role in integrating renewables, strengthening national grid resilience, and improving grid reliability — while also unlocking new opportunities for industrial growth, job creation, and community development,” Marokane concluded.
India’s PM Modi Cuts Convoy Size By 50% To Save Fuel Amid West Asia Crisis
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reduced his convoy by 50% as part of wider austerity and fuel-saving measures amid the US-Iran war, ANI reported on Wednesday, citing sources.
The Special Protection Group (SPG), the elite unit responsible for the Prime Minister’s security, has been directed to reduce the size of PM Modi’s convoy without compromising mandatory security protocols.
Modi has also called for greater use of electric vehicles (EVs) in the convoy, while making it clear that no new vehicles should be purchased to avoid additional expenditure.
IEA Launches Tracker To Monitor Policy Responses To Energy Market Impacts Of Middle East Conflict
The downsizing of the Prime Minister’s convoy was implemented during his recent domestic visits.
Earlier this week, Modi made seven major appeals — described as austerity measures — aimed at cushioning India from the economic uncertainties arising from the prolonged West Asia war.
These included conserving petrol and diesel by using public transport and metro services, avoiding the purchase of gold for a year, and restricting foreign travel to conserve foreign exchange reserves.
Several BJP leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, backed Modi’s call to save fuel.
In a post on social media platform X, she wrote:“In internalizing this important appeal of Honourable Prime Minister ji, a decision has been taken to limit the number of vehicles for departmental work. I and all my Cabinet colleagues, all MLAs of the Bharatiya Janata Party, public representatives, officers of the Delhi government, and all departments will also use the minimum number of vehicles as required and prioritize carpooling and public transport.”
On May 12, the opposition Congress party in Madhya Pradesh criticized the BJP after some of its leaders, newly appointed to state corporations, arrived in large convoys despite Modi’s appeal to reduce fuel consumption.
The state government recently made political appointments to various corporations and boards.
https://energynewsafrica.com/tanzania-samia-cuts-convoy-orders-officials-to-follow-by-bus-due-to-rising-fuel-costs/
Saubhagya Singh Thakur, who was appointed chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Textbook Corporation, arrived in Bhopal from Ujjain on Monday with supporters to assume office.
Videos of his convoy, consisting of several vehicles, later went viral.
Similarly, Rakesh Singh Jadon, newly appointed Vice President of the Khadi Village Industries Board, also arrived with a large convoy from Vidisha.
State Congress President Jitu Patwari said: “PM Modi should first follow his own message and ensure that BJP leaders also follow it. Crores of rupees worth of petrol and diesel were spent on his roadshow yesterday. Forty chartered planes are being sent for BJP leaders and chief ministers to attend the swearing-in ceremony in Assam. Why is the Prime Minister’s message only for the public?”
He added that the war in West Asia has caused greater economic harm to India than to Iran and the United States, noting that the Indian rupee continues to weaken against the US dollar.
He blamed the Union government for the situation.
Liberia: LEC, Thames Electricals Limited Sign $6 Million Deal To Establish Liberia’s First Electrical Manufacturing Plant
Strategic agreement positions Liberia as an emerging manufacturing hub for transformers, conductors, switchgear, and smart meters, following bilateral discussions between the Presidents of Liberia and Kenya.
The Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) and Thames Electricals Limited, an international electrical engineering and manufacturing company based in Kenya, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish Liberia’s first major manufacturing and refurbishment facility for electrical infrastructure products.
The agreement, signed in Nairobi on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in the presence of the President of the Republic of Liberia, Mr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, is expected to mobilize funds for a multi-million-dollar private-sector investment.
The project is also expected to create hundreds of skilled Liberian jobs while reducing the country’s dependence on imported electrical equipment.
Mr. Mohammed M. Sherif, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Liberia Electricity Corporation, signed on behalf of LEC, while Mr. Nilesh Jasani, Chief Executive Officer of Thames Electricals Limited, signed on behalf of his company.
The MoU followed a bilateral meeting between His Excellency President Boakai and His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, during which the two Heads of State discussed the broader strategic partnership between Liberia and Kenya across multiple sectors, including the manufacturing of electrical materials and infrastructure.
The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi.
Kenya And France Sign 11 Deals On Energy, Trade And Infrastructure
The facility, to be developed by a dedicated Liberian special-purpose vehicle, will manufacture and refurbish electrical infrastructure products that support national grid expansion, including distribution transformers, overhead and underground conductors, switchgear, smart meters, and related ancillary equipment.
Indicative annual production volumes are expected to grow from US$4 million–US$6 million in Year 1 of operations to US$16 million–US$25 million by Year 5, positioning Liberia as a competitive source not only for domestic consumption but also for the wider ECOWAS, Mano River Union, and AfCFTA markets.
The project is directly aligned with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda under the leadership of President Boakai, the National Energy Compact under the World Bank–African Development Bank Mission 300 initiative, and the Liberia Electricity Corporation’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030.
The plan targets the expansion of generation capacity to 200 MW, growth of the customer base to more than 600,000 connections, and reduction of system losses to below 15 per cent by 2030.
Commenting on the agreement, President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., said:
“This agreement is more than a commercial transaction. It is a statement of confidence in Liberia’s future, a vote for Liberian workers and engineers, and a step forward in our drive to industrialize our economy and modernize our energy sector. We thank our brother nation Kenya and Thames Electricals for choosing Liberia as a partner in building African industrial capability.”
Mr. Mohammed M. Sherif, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Liberia Electricity Corporation, said: “For too long, Liberia has imported the very equipment that builds and maintains its national grid. With this partnership, that begins to change. We will manufacture our own transformers, conductors, and smart meters here in Liberia, by Liberians, for Liberia and for our region. This project supports every pillar of LEC’s Strategic Plan — lower losses, more connections, stronger collections, and a power sector that serves national development. We are deeply grateful to His Excellency the President for his leadership in making it possible.”
Mr. Nilesh Jasani, Chief Executive Officer of Thames Electricals Limited, added: “Thames Electricals is honoured to partner with the Liberia Electricity Corporation and the Government of Liberia on a project of this strategic significance. We see in Liberia a market of real opportunity, leadership of real ambition, and a partner of real capability. Our commitment is not only to invest capital, but also to transfer technology, build skills, and develop local supply chains — so that what we build together stands the test of time.”
Construction of the facility is expected to commence within months, with commercial operations targeted to begin by early 2027
QatarEnergy, TotalEnergies, ConocoPhillips Join Forces For Oil Exploration Offshore Syria
QatarEnergy has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with TotalEnergies, ConocoPhillips, and the Syrian Petroleum Company to cooperate in oil and gas exploration offshore the Syrian Arab Republic.
The agreement covers a technical review by the partners to evaluate the potential of Block 3, offshore Syria, and sets the framework for further technical and commercial discussions, the company said in a statement on Tuesday, May 12, 2016. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of QatarEnergy, was present during the signing at QatarEnergy’s headquarters. The event was attended by senior executives from QatarEnergy, TotalEnergies, ConocoPhillips, and the Syrian Petroleum Company. Commenting on the signing, H.E. Minister Al-Kaabi said:”This agreement reflects QatarEnergy’s continued international growth strategy and its efforts to explore upstream oil and gas business development opportunities in the region and globally.” He added: “We are pleased to partner with the Syrian Petroleum Company to explore potential opportunities that can support growth and prosperity for the people of the Syrian Arab Republic. We look forward to working closely with our international partners, TotalEnergies and ConocoPhillips, as well as other relevant stakeholders, to assess this opportunity.” Block 3 lies in the Levantine Basin in the eastern Mediterranean, offshore the Syrian city of Latakia, with water depths ranging from 100 to 1,700 meters.Ghana: NPA Announces 268 Fuel Stations For 24-Hour Operations In Four Regions
Ghana’s downstream petroleum regulator, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has announced the selection of 268 fuel stations across four regions, as well as eight depots and two refineries, for the pilot implementation of 24-hour operations in the downstream petroleum sector.
The Authority named the selected facilities as BOST Depots in Kumasi, Accra Plains Depot (APD) near Kpone Barrier, Tema Tank Farm, TFC, Vana Energy in Tema, Quantum Terminals in Tema, Ghanstock Depot in Takoradi, Zen Terminals in Takoradi, Tema Oil Refinery, and Sentuo Oil Refinery.
Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority, Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, disclosed this during the launch of the pilot programme in Accra on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
The selected fuel stations which will operate 24-hour are located in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, Western, and Northern regions.
According to the regulator, the phased approach will enable the Authority to test systems, refine operational models, and ensure that the transition is efficient, safe, and sustainable.
Central to this effort, he said, will be the deployment of modern technology for real-time monitoring and the introduction of a structured workforce system.
“Let me emphasize that safety and security will remain paramount. We will continue to work closely with institutions such as the National Security Secretariat, Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, and other relevant agencies to ensure that all participating facilities operate under the highest safety and security standards,” he said.
He further announced that the Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has pledged his support for the introduction of 24-hour operations in the downstream petroleum sector.
Edudzi Tameklo stated that operating a 24-hour petroleum sector requires top-notch security, hence the support from the Police.
“What it means is that you need to strengthen your security arrangements. IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno has fully pledged his support for the rollout of this initiative,” he said.
Godwin Edudzi Tameklo noted that the downstream petroleum sector remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy, fueling transportation, powering industries, supporting commerce, and underpinning nearly every aspect of modern life.
However, he added that, for many years, operations within this critical sector have largely been limited to specific working hours, resulting in inefficiencies in the supply chain and missed economic opportunities.
Ghana: Expert Proposes Fuel Tax To Fund Nuclear Power Development
“The vision that we are implementing today represents a bold and forward-looking response by H.E. John Dramani Mahama to these challenges. The goal is to stimulate productivity, enhance service delivery, and create sustainable employment opportunities,” he said.
“Let me emphasize that as we transition to 24-hour operations, safety and security will remain non-negotiable. The National Security Secretariat, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana National Fire Service, and the Ghana Ambulance Service will play critical roles in providing the necessary security and emergency services to ensure the safety of workers and infrastructure.”
Presidential Advisor on the government’s 24-Hour Economy initiative, Goosie Tanoh, also indicated that the rollout of the pilot programme in the downstream petroleum industry is expected to unlock productivity and support increased economic output.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Godwin Edudzi Tameklo noted that the downstream petroleum sector remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy, fueling transportation, powering industries, supporting commerce, and underpinning nearly every aspect of modern life.
However, he added that, for many years, operations within this critical sector have largely been limited to specific working hours, resulting in inefficiencies in the supply chain and missed economic opportunities.
Ghana: Expert Proposes Fuel Tax To Fund Nuclear Power Development
“The vision that we are implementing today represents a bold and forward-looking response by H.E. John Dramani Mahama to these challenges. The goal is to stimulate productivity, enhance service delivery, and create sustainable employment opportunities,” he said.
“Let me emphasize that as we transition to 24-hour operations, safety and security will remain non-negotiable. The National Security Secretariat, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana National Fire Service, and the Ghana Ambulance Service will play critical roles in providing the necessary security and emergency services to ensure the safety of workers and infrastructure.”
Presidential Advisor on the government’s 24-Hour Economy initiative, Goosie Tanoh, also indicated that the rollout of the pilot programme in the downstream petroleum industry is expected to unlock productivity and support increased economic output.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Kenya Courts Convict 13 People For Vandalising Power Infrastructure
Kenya Power has secured convictions against 13 individuals for vandalising the company’s electricity infrastructure, resulting in losses worth millions of shillings across several parts of the country.
The convictions were secured separately in three different courts in the East African nation.
A statement by the power firm on Monday, May 11, 2026, indicated that the court rulings occurred over a three-month period from March to May 2026. This highlights the severity of electricity vandalism under the Energy Act, 2019. More than 10 cases remain pending in Kenyan courts.
For instance, in Eldoret, the Chief Magistrate’s Court convicted three men on May 6 for vandalism and theft of energy equipment.
Ernest Kemboi and Amos Swahili were sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for each count, while Isaack Maiyo was fined Ksh 5 million or 10 years in default.
Two other accused, Victor Ndayaa and Juliah Mburu, are still before the court, with a mention set for May 25, 2026.
In Machakos County, Kithimani Law Court handed two men 10-year jail terms or a fine of Ksh 5 million each after convicting them of vandalizing a Kenya Power transformer worth more than Ksh 850,000.
The ruling found Stanley Mutia Nyamai, alias Stano, and Daniel Kamau Wambui, alias Hunter, guilty under Section 169 of the Energy Act for vandalism of energy installations and infrastructure.
Exhibits linked to the crime—including transformer laminations, coils, bolts, Kenya Power overalls, and approximately 140 litres of transformer oil—were found at the convicts’ premises.
In Vihiga County, Luanda Magistrates Court sentenced Martin Mutuku Mbiti and Joseph Imbaya Orubi to five years in prison each for vandalizing energy structures, contrary to Section 169(1)(b) of the Energy Act No.1 of 2019.
Nigeria: NISO Urges Gencos To Integrate Plants Into SCADA For Improved Grid Stability
Commenting on the court’s rulings, Kenya Power Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Eng. Joseph Siror, said: “These convictions send a strong message that vandalism has no place in our society.
It is a serious crime punishable by law. Vandalism affects essential services, communities, and businesses, and this is something we must stop. As a company, we will continue working with communities and law enforcement agencies to ensure a safe and reliable power supply to our customers.”
Kenya And France Sign 11 Deals On Energy, Trade And Infrastructure
“In carrying out this campaign, we also want to thank the communities working with us to create awareness on anti-vandalism. Together, let’s protect our installations because when we shine, everyone shines,” added Dr. Siror.
Additional convictions between March and April include that of Richard Mureithi, who was sentenced by Siakago Court to 10 years imprisonment or a fine of Ksh 5 million on the first count, and Ksh 2 million or 2 years imprisonment on the second count.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya And France Sign 11 Deals On Energy, Trade And Infrastructure
Kenya and France have signed 11 agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in energy, transport, digital infrastructure and trade.
Kenyan President William Ruto and his French counterpart witnessed the signing of the agreements at State House, Nairobi, following bilateral talks ahead of the Africa Forward Summit. Ruto said Kenya is also seeking to benefit from French expertise in nuclear energy as the country pursues its target of generating 10,000 megawatts of electricity. Egypt, APPO Discuss African Energy Integration, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline And African Energy Bank The President added that Kenya and France discussed improving air connectivity to support trade, tourism and investment. Emmanuel Macron said France remains committed to expanding investment and partnerships across Africa, as well as supporting reforms in the international financial system.Egypt, APPO Discuss African Energy Integration, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline And African Energy Bank
Egypt and the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) have agreed to deepen cooperation in oil and gas development, with a focus on African energy integration, the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, and the African Energy Bank.
Egypt’s Minister for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Eng. Karim Badawi, and the Secretary-General of APPO, Eng. Farid Ghezali, discussed ways to strengthen joint cooperation between Egypt and the organisation, and to support broader Egyptian-African integration in the fields of oil, gas, and energy.
During the meeting held in Cairo on Monday, May 11, 2026, Minister Badawi also reaffirmed Egypt’s full support for the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, as well as the participation of Egypt’s national oil companies (NOCs) in upcoming forums and training programmes.
Oil Tankers Go Dark To Exit The Strait Of Hormuz
The Minister proposed that APPO organise a ministerial meeting and a meeting of NOC CEOs in El Alamein, Egypt, on the sidelines of the Alamein Africa Forum, scheduled for June 25–27, following the annual Afreximbank meeting planned for June 21–24, 2026.Badawi highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing challenges facing Africa’s energy sector, particularly in mobilising financing for infrastructure projects.
He stressed that the continent has vast resources and significant opportunities that require deeper cooperation and knowledge sharing among member states.
The meeting reviewed the latest updates on the African Energy Bank, a flagship initiative of the organisation. The two sides exchanged views on the implementation steps for the bank’s launch and its future role in financing oil and gas projects across Africa.
Discussions also covered strengthening regional cooperation through training centres and capacity-building programmes, leveraging Egyptian expertise to support skills development and the transfer of technical know-how across Africa.
The Minister affirmed that Egypt has a strong base of national companies specialising in oil and gas infrastructure projects, including Enppi, Petrojet, IPR, and other Egyptian and international drilling companies, which have successfully executed major projects inside and outside Egypt.
On his part, Eng. Farid Ghezali expressed appreciation for Egypt’s role in supporting APPO’s activities, praising its advanced infrastructure and internationally recognised companies. He noted that the organisation looks forward to expanding cooperation with Egypt and other member countries, particularly in training and capacity building.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Global Coal Demand Jumps As Middle East Energy Crisis Deepens
Global coal shipments and imports surged in March and April as buyers scrambled for fuel amid massive disruptions to oil and gas supplies from the Middle East, Oilprice.com reported, citing a report by the Financial Times.
According to the report, estimates by analytics platform Kpler, cited by the Financial Times, show that coal demand has been accelerating in recent weeks, with global coal imports on track to reach their third-highest monthly level on record.
In the wake of what has been described as the worst oil and gas supply disruption in history, coal is back in high demand. Even countries and regions that previously believed coal use was in irreversible decline have increased imports.
For example, coal shipments to South Korea, Japan, and the European Union surged by 27% last month compared to the same period a year earlier, according to data released last week by BIMCO, the world’s largest shipowners’ association.
Asian importers and the European bloc are scrambling for alternatives to gas supplies from the Middle East, much of which is currently trapped behind the Strait of Hormuz or unavailable due to halted production in Qatar.
Qatar suspended LNG production as early as March 2, and two weeks later, the world’s largest LNG complex at Ras Laffan reportedly sustained damage from Iranian missile strikes.
“The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted LNG shipments out of the Persian Gulf and has contributed to an 8% year-on-year drop in global seaborne LNG shipments in April,” BIMCO said.
South Korea has delayed the retirement of coal-fired power plants amid the oil and gas shock caused by the Middle East conflict.
Europe, meanwhile, is losing competition with Asia for spot LNG supplies at a time when it needs to refill gas storage facilities ahead of next winter.
Analysts at Wood Mackenzie say energy security concerns are shifting policy responses, accelerating coal usage across key Asian and European markets, and delaying coal plant retirements.
Nigeria, Morocco Pledge To Advance Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project
- Nigeria and Morocco advance plans for the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project.
- African Atlantic Gas Pipeline expected to boost West Africa’s energy security
Oil Tankers Go Dark To Exit The Strait Of Hormuz
Three supertankers laden with crude oil successfully exited the Strait of Hormuz last week, carrying Iraqi and Emirati oil, Reuters has reported, citing data from Kpler and LSEG.
The vessels switched off their transponders to avoid detection.
One of the tankers is carrying Basrah Medium and heading towards Vietnam, the data showed.
Previously, the tanker made two unsuccessful attempts to exit the strait, Reuters noted in its report.
The other, which loaded Upper Zakum crude from ADNOC, has already offloaded its cargo in Fujairah—the Emirati port city just outside the Strait of Hormuz that earlier this month became the target of an Iranian attack.
https://energynewsafrica.com/oil-prices-surge-after-trump-rejects-iran-peace-proposal/
The third tanker, also carrying Iraqi crude, is in transit with the destination as of yet unclear, per the Reuters data.
Separately, Kpler reported earlier this month that there are 42 container ships still stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, while nine had successfully exited.
Two have been seized by the Iranian authorities.
Last week, an oil tanker that had passed through the Strait of Hormuz in mid-April arrived at a port in South Korea, shipping the first crude cargo to the country via Hormuz since the war began.
The Malta-flagged Odessa crude oil tanker arrived at Daesan on South Korea’s west coast laden with 1 million barrels of crude.
The Odessa is one of a handful of tankers that have managed to exit the Middle Eastern oil chokepoint despite Iran’s blockade.
Some of those who made it were allowed to do so by the Iranian authorities in exchange for payments.
Meanwhile, however, more than 40 India-bound vessels, nearly half of which carry energy products, are still trapped in the Persian Gulf, unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. India is especially vulnerable to the disruption in oil and gas flows out of the Persian Gulf due to its substantial dependence on imported energy.
Source: Oilprice.com
Oil Prices Surge After Trump Rejects Iran Peace Proposal
Oil prices surged in early Asian trade on Monday, May 11, after U.S. President Donald Trump unequivocally rejected Iran’s response to a U.S.-drafted peace proposal.
As of the time of writing, Brent crude was up 3.43%, trading at $104.80 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) had risen to $99.06 per barrel, up 3.65%.
The spike followed a social media post from Trump on Sunday evening in which he described Iran’s response to the proposal as “totally unacceptable.”
The President did not disclose details of Iran’s response, but he has repeatedly warned that if an agreement is not reached quickly, renewed military escalation could be the next step.
The Iranian proposal, submitted on Sunday morning, reportedly called for an immediate end to the war on all fronts, Iran’s management of the Strait of Hormuz, and an end to the U.S. blockade on Iranian exports.
U.S. allies in the region have made it clear that Iranian control of the Strait—or any attempt to impose a toll—would be entirely unacceptable.
In a social media post several hours before rejecting the deal, President Trump accused Iran of “playing games” with the U.S. by using delay tactics, suggesting that his patience with the peace talks may be wearing thin.
Markets will now be focusing on Trump’s visit to Beijing on Wednesday, where discussions are expected to include Iran and whether Beijing will use its influence to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil prices remain significantly below last week’s levels, when reports of a potential peace deal first emerged. While there is substantial upside risk if talks completely break down, hopes of Chinese intervention are likely to cap gains in the short term.
Ghana: Energy Minister Tours Power Projects In Ashanti Region
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has toured key electricity infrastructure projects in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, and other parts of the Ashanti Region as the government intensifies efforts to improve power reliability and strengthen energy supply across the middle belt.
The working visit focused on ongoing transmission and distribution upgrade projects being undertaken by the Ghana Grid Company Limited and the Electricity Company of Ghana to enhance the stability and efficiency of electricity delivery within the region.
During the inspection, the Minister assessed major upgrade works at the Anwomaso and Kumasi substations, where transformer replacement and expansion projects are underway. The projects are expected to significantly increase bulk power supply capacity and improve system reliability for households, businesses, and industries across the Ashanti Region and adjoining areas.
Speaking during the tour, Dr. Jinapor said the projects form part of the government’s broader agenda to modernise Ghana’s energy infrastructure and ensure a more resilient national electricity network capable of supporting industrial growth and economic transformation.
He disclosed that the government is pursuing plans to increase power generation capacity in the middle belt by approximately 1,000 megawatts through a number of strategic energy projects.
These include the 350MW AKSA Power Plant, the 110MW CENIT project, the 250MW AMERI Power Plant, and the 380MW ARVENSIS Energy Project.
According to the Minister, the additional generation capacity, combined with ongoing transmission and distribution upgrades, will help address growing electricity demand, improve supply reliability, and position the country for long-term energy security.
Dr. Jinapor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building an efficient, future-ready electricity system capable of driving investment, industrialisation, and socio-economic development across the country.
Tanzania: Gov’t Begins KSh270 Billion Transmission Project To Connect Kagera Region To The National Grid
Tanzania’s Minister for Energy, Hon. Deogratius Ndejembi, has laid the foundation stone for the construction of a 220-kilovolt power transmission line from Benaco to Kyaka, together with the Benaco substation project, which will connect the Kagera Region to the National Grid.
The project, estimated to cost KSh270 billion, (approximately US$103,059,000) is expected to end persistent power outages in districts across the region.
Minister Ndejembi laid the foundation stone on May 9, 2026, in Ngara District, Kagera Region, where he directed the contractor implementing the project to complete it within the 24 months stipulated in the contract.
“What we expect is that within 24 months, Kagera Region will be connected to the National Grid and the electricity challenges raised by the Member of Parliament for Ngara will become history for these citizens,” Ndejembi said.
Addressing residents, the Minister stated that the Benaco–Kyaka transmission line project aims to connect Kagera Region to the National Grid and strengthen the availability of reliable electricity at all times.
He explained that for many years, Kagera Region has depended on electricity imports from neighbouring countries.
Through this project, the region will now be directly connected to the National Grid, a move expected to enhance energy security and strengthen economic and social activities.
Minister Ndejembi also thanked President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for continuing to provide funding for the implementation of various energy projects.
He noted that the Ministry would continue to closely supervise the implementation of the projects to ensure citizens receive reliable electricity supply at all times.
In another development, the Minister directed the Managing Director of TANESCO to ensure that within one month, a higher-capacity transformer is secured and improvements are made to power transmission lines to ensure residents of Ngara District receive stable electricity while awaiting completion of the project.
“Residents of Ngara want reliable electricity without constant interruptions. Therefore, I direct the TANESCO Managing Director and your team to ensure we immediately secure a new high-capacity transformer to guarantee reliable power supply in Ngara District. I am giving you one month,” Ndejembi said.
He added that the project is expected to create jobs, attract investment, and promote agriculture, fishing, livestock farming, and industrial development in the Lake Zone, describing it as an important opportunity for residents of Kagera and neighbouring regions.
Minister Ndejembi also instructed TANESCO and the contractor to provide employment opportunities to residents in project areas within the districts of Ngara, Karagwe, and Missenyi so they can benefit economically and commercially from the project.
TANESCO Executive Director, Mr. Lazaro Twange, said the project would improve the reliability of electricity supply and stimulate economic activities in the Kagera Region.
“TANESCO has put in place plans to ensure that this project is completed on time and to the required standards,” Mr. Twange said.
Minister Ndejembi also thanked President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for continuing to provide funding for the implementation of various energy projects.
He noted that the Ministry would continue to closely supervise the implementation of the projects to ensure citizens receive reliable electricity supply at all times.
In another development, the Minister directed the Managing Director of TANESCO to ensure that within one month, a higher-capacity transformer is secured and improvements are made to power transmission lines to ensure residents of Ngara District receive stable electricity while awaiting completion of the project.
“Residents of Ngara want reliable electricity without constant interruptions. Therefore, I direct the TANESCO Managing Director and your team to ensure we immediately secure a new high-capacity transformer to guarantee reliable power supply in Ngara District. I am giving you one month,” Ndejembi said.
He added that the project is expected to create jobs, attract investment, and promote agriculture, fishing, livestock farming, and industrial development in the Lake Zone, describing it as an important opportunity for residents of Kagera and neighbouring regions.
Minister Ndejembi also instructed TANESCO and the contractor to provide employment opportunities to residents in project areas within the districts of Ngara, Karagwe, and Missenyi so they can benefit economically and commercially from the project.
TANESCO Executive Director, Mr. Lazaro Twange, said the project would improve the reliability of electricity supply and stimulate economic activities in the Kagera Region.
“TANESCO has put in place plans to ensure that this project is completed on time and to the required standards,” Mr. Twange said.