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LATEST ARTICLES
Ghana: President Mahama Will Remove Underperforming Energy Sector Leaders – Energy Minister
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has reminded heads of agencies under the Ministry and senior managers that President John Dramani Mahama will not spare any leader who fails to deliver on their mandate.
“Underperformance will not be tolerated. Heads of agencies and senior management who fail to meet agreed targets or deliver key projects will be removed,” Dr. Jinapor cautioned while addressing agency heads and staff at the Ministry’s performance review retreat in Takoradi, in the Western Region.
According to the Minister, President Mahama has made it clear that leadership roles in the public sector must be matched with tangible results.
He described public office as a privilege rather than an entitlement, stressing that it demands discipline, professionalism, and a strong sense of accountability.
Dr. Jinapor urged agency leaders to approach the retreat with seriousness and a renewed commitment to performance.
“This is not a threat; it is a call to seriousness, discipline, and results-oriented leadership,” he emphasised.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Minister challenged agencies to shift their focus from excessive planning to effective execution, urging them to adopt realistic and measurable strategies aligned with national development priorities.
“We must move from plans to execution, from excuses to solutions, and from fragmented efforts to unified action,” he said.
The performance review retreat, according to the Ministry, is aimed at assessing progress, identifying gaps, and strengthening coordination across the energy sector in support of Ghana’s broader economic and green transition agenda.
Uganda: UEDCL Seeks $50 Million Loan From Absa Bank To Expand Distribution Network
The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has signed a loan agreement with Absa Bank Uganda, securing a five-year $50 million facility to finance projects aimed at strengthening the country’s power distribution network.
The facility will enable UEDCL to expand its distribution footprint to more than 200,000 additional customers by 2026, directly improving electricity access, reliability, and affordability nationwide.
It will also support network upgrades and reinforcements to enhance system reliability and reduce technical losses, grid extensions to connect new households, the rollout of digital metering, and the integration of renewable and distributed generation.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Managing Director of Absa Bank Uganda, David Wandera, said reliable power distribution is foundational to Uganda’s industrialisation, competitiveness, and inclusive growth.
“This facility reflects Absa Bank Uganda’s long-term commitment to financing infrastructure that unlocks productivity and improves the quality of life for communities across the country. By partnering with UEDCL at this critical investment phase, we are supporting a more resilient, efficient, and future-ready power distribution network aligned with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and National Development Plan IV,” Wandera said.
UEDCL Managing Director, Paul Mwesigwa, noted that the financing would significantly improve the country’s electricity distribution system.
“This investment will enhance the reliability and efficiency of the power supply system, thereby reinforcing our role in supporting Uganda’s economic growth. We appreciate Absa Bank Uganda, as well as our shareholders—Hon. Dr. Canon Ruth Nankabirwa and Hon. Matia Kasaija—for granting UEDCL a no-objection to this loan, and we look forward to delivering projects aimed at enhancing the distribution network,” Mwesigwa said.
National Development Plan IV (NDP IV), which runs from the 2025/26 to 2029/30 financial years, prioritises power and energy investments to support industrialisation. Key targets include scaling electricity generation capacity to 15,420 MW by 2030, improving energy sufficiency, increasing utilisation, and promoting efficiency across the sector.
Reaffirming Absa’s commitment, Wandera said: “As a pan-African bank with deep experience in infrastructure and energy financing, Absa is committed to mobilising long-term capital that supports Africa’s development ambitions while maintaining strong risk discipline. This transaction demonstrates what is possible when financial institutions and public utilities work together with a shared focus on impact and sustainability.”
Somalia: African Development Fund Approves $23 Million To Boost Clean Energy Access In Bosaso
The African Development Fund has approved a grant package worth $23.36 million to provide clean and reliable electricity to the city of Bosaso in Somalia under the Rehabilitation and Expansion of Bosaso Power Grid and Strengthening of Energy Sector Institutions project.
The project will deliver solar home systems to households that have never had access to electricity, including internally displaced persons living in vulnerable conditions.
Somalia has one of the lowest electricity access rates in the world, with about half of the population living without power.
Those who are connected face extremely high electricity costs, as most power generation relies on diesel generators, which are expensive to operate and highly polluting.
Inadequate and unreliable electricity supply continues to disrupt daily life and constrain the growth of local businesses.
Government agencies also face challenges in managing the energy sector due to limited technical and financial capacity.
Bubacarr Sankareh, the African Development Bank Group’s Lead Operations Advisor for Somalia, welcomed the approval, saying: “This project will change lives in Bosaso for families and small businesses. It will make electricity cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable, and represents a major step toward a stronger and more resilient energy future for Somalia.”
The initiative is expected to reduce electricity costs for local residents and improve reliability for businesses. Markets, small shops, and service providers will benefit from stable and more affordable power supplies.
Households will gain improved access to lighting, refrigeration, and essential domestic services, while cleaner energy solutions will reduce pollution and enhance living conditions in densely populated neighborhoods.
The project will also create employment opportunities during the construction phase and generate long-term jobs in system operation and maintenance. In addition, it will strengthen public institutions through technical training and capacity-building initiatives, enabling Somalia to better plan, manage, and regulate its energy sector.
Uganda: Vitol Set To Provide $2 Billion Loan Facility For Uganda’s Refinery, Other Projects
Global commodity trading firm Vitol is set to provide the Ugandan government with a $2 billion loan facility to support the development of the country’s energy infrastructure projects, including the 60,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery, Reuters has reported, citing Ugandan officials.
The funding from Vitol will not only support the refinery project but will also be used to construct roads, develop a fuel storage terminal, and extend an oil pipeline to transport crude from western Uganda to the capital, Kampala.
Initially, the Ugandan government sought financing for the $4 billion refinery project on international financial markets.
After failing to secure funding, it turned to individual investors, including Emirati firm Alpha MBM Investments, which subsequently became a partner in the refinery project.
Funding for the refinery will comprise a mix of debt and equity at a ratio of 60:40, meaning 60 per cent of the financing will be debt, while 40 per cent will be equity, according to previous estimates by the Ugandan government.
Alpha MBM Investments will hold a 60 per cent stake in the refinery, with the remaining 40 per cent owned by the state-run Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC).
The loan facility from Vitol will have a seven-year tenor and attract an interest rate of 4.92 per cent, Junior Finance Minister Henry Musasizi said, as quoted by Reuters.
According to Musasizi, the arrangement “presents an opportunity to access non-traditional financing to implement projects and support the government in developing national infrastructure.”
Meanwhile, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project involves the construction of a 1,443-kilometre (897-mile) pipeline linking landlocked Uganda to the port of Tanga in Tanzania.
The pipeline is expected to transport crude oil from Uganda’s Lake Albert oilfields to international markets. It is designed to carry 216,000 barrels of crude per day, with a planned ramp-up capacity of up to 246,000 barrels per day, according to Ugandan authorities.
EACOP shareholders include France’s TotalEnergies, which holds a 62 per cent stake; the Uganda National Oil Company and Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation, each with 15 per cent; and China’s state-owned oil company CNOOC, which holds the remaining 8 per cent.
Tunisia: AMEA Power Commissions 120 MWp Solar PV Project In Kairouan
AMEA Power, one of the fastest-growing renewable energy companies in the North and Middle East region, has commissioned a 120 MWp solar PV plant in the Kairouan Governorate of Tunisia, marking a major milestone in the country’s transition to clean, reliable, and utility-scale energy.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy, Her Excellency Fatma Thabet Chiboub; the Chief Executive Officer of STEG, Faical Tarifa; the Governor of Kairouan, Dhakar Bargaoui; the Secretary of State for Energy Transition, Ouael Chouchene; and the Chairman of AMEA Power, Hussain Al Nowais.
With an installed capacity of 120 MWp, the solar plant is expected to generate approximately 222 GWh of clean electricity annually—enough to power about 43,000 households. The project will also help avoid an estimated 117,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year, contributing significantly to Tunisia’s climate commitments.
The project was financed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, alongside the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Speaking at the event, Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of AMEA Power, said: “The commissioning of this solar power plant marks an important milestone for Tunisia’s energy transition. As the first project under the concession regime to enter operation, and the first renewable energy facility connected to the 225 kV grid, it strengthens the country’s energy security by delivering clean and reliable electricity.
This achievement reflects AMEA Power’s unwavering commitment to supporting Tunisia’s long-term renewable energy development and contributing to a more sustainable future for generations to come.”
The commissioning follows the project’s groundbreaking ceremony in 2024 and reaffirms AMEA Power’s strong track record of delivering large-scale renewable energy projects on schedule and in line with the highest industry standards. With this milestone, AMEA Power reinforces its commitment to advancing reliable and sustainable energy projects across the region.
Ghana: Petrol, Diesel Prices Drop Significantly
Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in Ghana have reduced their pump prices for petrol and diesel in the second pricing window of December 2025, with some OMCs selling petrol below GH¢12 per litre.
As of Friday, December 19, 2025, some OMCs adjusted their prices, with petrol selling between GH¢11.35 and GH¢12.48 and diesel selling between GH¢12.45 and GH¢12.98 per litre.
The decrease in fuel prices is attributed to the continuous appreciation of the local currency, the cedi, against foreign currencies and the fall in refined petroleum product prices on the international market.
During the first pricing window, which began on December 16, 2025, petrol was sold between GH¢11.97 and GH¢12.62 per litre, while diesel was sold between GH¢12.74 and GH¢13.20 per litre.
The market leader, Star Oil Ghana, is selling petrol (Ron 91) at GH¢11.35 and GH¢13.97 (Ron 95), while diesel is sold at GH¢12.45 per litre.
Another market leader, GOIL PLC, is selling petrol (Ron 91) at GH¢11.99 and GH¢14.95 (Ron 95) per litre, while diesel is sold at GH¢12.94 per litre.
Petrosol Platinum Energy is selling petrol at GH¢12.48 per litre, while diesel is sold at GH¢12.98 per litre.
Totalenergies is selling petrol at GH¢12.50 per litre, while diesel is sold at GH¢12.98 per litre.
The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has projected a decline in petroleum product prices for the second pricing window of December 2025.
According to their outlook report, petrol prices are expected to fall by 1.64% to 3.89%, potentially bringing the average pump price to around GH¢12.90 per litre.
Diesel prices could see a steeper reduction of up to 4.59%, resulting in a litre selling at approximately GH¢13.20.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is also expected to decline by up to 2.16%, bringing prices close to GH¢14 per kilogram.
BP Appoints Meg O’Neill As New CEO As Murray Auchincloss Steps Down
BP has announced the appointment of Meg O’Neill as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 April 2026, making her the first woman to lead a major global oil company.
The appointment follows the resignation of Murray Auchincloss from his position as CEO and as a director of the Board, effective Thursday, 18 December.
Ms O’Neill, who currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Australian oil and gas firm Woodside Energy, is expected to continue BP’s recent strategic shift away from renewables, refocusing the company on its core oil and gas business.
Commenting on her appointment, Ms O’Neill said she looks forward to helping BP “do our part to meet the world’s energy needs.”
“BP plays a critical role in delivering energy to customers around the world. I am honoured to serve as the company’s next CEO. With an extraordinary portfolio of assets, BP has significant potential to re-establish market leadership and grow shareholder value. I look forward to working with the BP leadership team and colleagues worldwide to accelerate performance, advance safety, drive innovation and sustainability, and do our part to meet the world’s energy needs,” Ms O’Neill said.
BP also announced that Carol Howle, current Executive Vice President, Supply, Trading and Shipping, will serve as interim CEO until Ms O’Neill formally assumes office.
Mr Auchincloss will remain in an advisory role until December 2026 to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
Since her appointment as CEO of Woodside Energy in 2021, Ms O’Neill has overseen the company’s growth into the largest energy firm listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. Among her notable achievements, she led the transformative acquisition of BHP Petroleum International, creating a geographically diversified business with a portfolio of high-quality oil and gas assets.
Before joining Woodside Energy in 2018, Ms O’Neill spent 23 years at ExxonMobil, holding a range of technical, operational and senior leadership roles across multiple regions.
Albert Manifold, Chair of BP, welcomed the appointment, describing Ms O’Neill as the right leader for the company’s next phase.
“We are delighted to welcome Meg O’Neill to the BP team. Her proven track record of driving transformation, growth and disciplined capital allocation makes her the right leader for BP. Her relentless focus on business improvement and financial discipline gives us high confidence in her ability to shape this great company for its next phase of growth and pursue significant strategic and financial opportunities,” Mr Manifold said.
He added that the Board believes the leadership transition presents an opportunity to accelerate BP’s strategic vision.
“Following a comprehensive succession planning process, the Board believes this transition creates an opportunity to accelerate our strategic vision to become a simpler, leaner and more profitable company. While progress has been made in recent years, increased rigour and diligence are required to deliver the transformative changes needed to maximise shareholder value.”
In his remarks, Mr Auchincloss said the timing was right to hand over leadership.
“After more than three decades with BP, now is the right time to hand the reins to a new leader. When Albert became Chair, I expressed my openness to step down if an appropriate leader was identified who could accelerate delivery of BP’s strategy. I am confident BP is well positioned for significant growth, and I look forward to watching the company’s future progress and success under Meg’s leadership.”
Mr Manifold also paid tribute to Mr Auchincloss’s tenure.
“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Murray for his many contributions to BP and for his commitment to our people and our business. We wish him every success in his next chapter.”
He further acknowledged Ms Howle’s interim role, noting that her 25 years at BP provide deep institutional knowledge and will ensure strategic continuity until Ms O’Neill takes office.
The appointment of Ms O’Neill follows a global search process overseen by a Board search committee and supported by an independent recruitment firm, as part of BP’s long-term succession planning.
Ghana: Energy News Africa Founder Michael Creg Afful Earns MSc In Energy Economics From GIMPA
The Executive Director of Energy News Africa Limited, one of Africa’s leading energy sector news platforms, Mr Michael Creg Afful, has graduated from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) with a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Energy Economics.
The degree was conferred during GIMPA’s 25th Congregation on Friday, December 19, 2025, held under the theme “From Heritage to Creative Futures: Reimagining Development through Creative Education and Enterprise.”
The colourful and memorable graduation ceremony was marked by joy and celebration as Mr Afful achieved his long-held ambition of earning a postgraduate degree from the premier institution, widely regarded as a Centre of Excellence.
Mr Afful began his professional journey in 2006 as a freelance contributor to the letters column of the state-owned Daily Graphic. His passion for writing influenced his decision to pursue formal training in journalism in 2007 at the then School of Professional Studies.
In 2018, he enrolled at the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB), formerly the African University College of Communications (AUCC), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies, with a specialisation in Strategic Communication.
Prior to his enrolment at AUCB, Mr Afful had developed a strong interest in energy reporting, which later led to the founding of Energy News Africa Limited.
Through the platform, he has contributed to shaping Africa’s energy sector narrative by publishing accurate, credible, and timely energy news across the continent and beyond.
Despite having no formal background in energy or related disciplines, Mr Afful, driven by ambition and professional curiosity, enrolled at GIMPA in 2023 to pursue an MSc in Energy Economics, with the aim of deepening his expertise and broadening his understanding of the energy sector.
Mr Afful has authored several articles addressing critical issues in the energy sector.
His most recent publication, “Why Road Accidents Are Deadlier Than Nuclear Power Plants,” has attracted significant attention for its insightful analysis.
Aside from reporting on energy, Michael is also the Head Pastor of ICGC Freedom Temple in Gbetsile, near Michel Camp, in the Kpone Katamanso Municipality.
Mr Afful began his professional journey in 2006 as a freelance contributor to the letters column of the state-owned Daily Graphic. His passion for writing influenced his decision to pursue formal training in journalism in 2007 at the then School of Professional Studies.
In 2018, he enrolled at the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB), formerly the African University College of Communications (AUCC), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies, with a specialisation in Strategic Communication.
Prior to his enrolment at AUCB, Mr Afful had developed a strong interest in energy reporting, which later led to the founding of Energy News Africa Limited.
Through the platform, he has contributed to shaping Africa’s energy sector narrative by publishing accurate, credible, and timely energy news across the continent and beyond.
Despite having no formal background in energy or related disciplines, Mr Afful, driven by ambition and professional curiosity, enrolled at GIMPA in 2023 to pursue an MSc in Energy Economics, with the aim of deepening his expertise and broadening his understanding of the energy sector.
Mr Afful has authored several articles addressing critical issues in the energy sector.
His most recent publication, “Why Road Accidents Are Deadlier Than Nuclear Power Plants,” has attracted significant attention for its insightful analysis.
Aside from reporting on energy, Michael is also the Head Pastor of ICGC Freedom Temple in Gbetsile, near Michel Camp, in the Kpone Katamanso Municipality.
Nigeria: Tinubu Appoints Dr. Musiliu Olalekan Oseni As NERC Chairman
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has appointed Dr. Musiliu Olalekan Oseni as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), alongside six other commissioners, the Presidency announced on Thursday.
The appointment follows media speculation last week that Dr Oseni was being considered for the position after the expiration of the tenure of Engr Sanusi Garba.
Dr Oseni, who holds a PhD, began his service at NERC as a Commissioner in January 2017 and was subsequently appointed Vice Chairman of the Commission.
His appointment as Chairman takes effect from December 1, 2025, and will run until the completion of his ten-year tenure at the Commission, in accordance with the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2023.
President Tinubu also appointed six other commissioners in line with the Electricity Act, 2023.
In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the president named Dr Yusuf Ali as Vice Chairman of NERC, while five others were appointed as commissioners.
They are Mr Nathan Rogers Shatti, Mr Dafe Akpeneye, Mrs Aisha Mahmud Kanti Bello, Dr Chidi Ike, and Dr Fouad Animashaun.
President Tinubu charged the newly appointed board members to deepen and consolidate the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s power sector, in strict alignment with the letter and spirit of the Electricity Act, 2023.
Ghana: ECG MD Named Energy Sector Recovery Programme Champion Of The Year 2025
The Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ing. Julius Kwame Kpekpena, has been adjudged the Energy Sector Recovery Programme Champion of the Year by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition.
The award was in recognition of Ing. Kpekpena’s unwavering commitment to driving financial and operational turnaround within the energy sector, particularly at ECG.
The award acknowledges his strategic direction, discipline, and accountability, which have helped restore confidence and renewed momentum in the implementation of the ESRP agenda.
According to the citation, under Ing. Kpekpena’s leadership, ECG has significantly strengthened its participation in the Cash Waterfall Mechanism (CWM) through improved transparency, accurate monthly declarations, and the timely remittance of collections.
These measures have resulted in notable increases in revenue collections, enhanced liquidity across the energy value chain, and a more stable financial position for the sector.
The citation further highlights Ing. Kpekpena’s emphasis on operational integrity, which has ensured ECG’s continued reliability as a key revenue allocator within the sector — an achievement widely acknowledged by stakeholders.
“For your visionary leadership, relentless pursuit of operational excellence, and decisive contributions to a strengthened financial architecture of the energy sector, you are deservedly honoured as the Energy Sector Recovery Programme Champion of the Year, 2025,” the citation stated.
The award was signed by the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor (MP), and the ESRP Coordinator, Dr. Ishmael Ackah, and presented with profound appreciation and admiration.
The recognition places Ing. Kpekpena among key national figures championing reforms to ensure sustainability, transparency, and long-term stability in Ghana’s energy sector.
“For your visionary leadership, relentless pursuit of operational excellence, and decisive contributions to a strengthened financial architecture of the energy sector, you are deservedly honoured as the Energy Sector Recovery Programme Champion of the Year, 2025,” the citation stated.
The award was signed by the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor (MP), and the ESRP Coordinator, Dr. Ishmael Ackah, and presented with profound appreciation and admiration.
The recognition places Ing. Kpekpena among key national figures championing reforms to ensure sustainability, transparency, and long-term stability in Ghana’s energy sector.
The Gambia: GNPC’s Exploration Director, Cany Jobe, Wins Industry Pioneer Woman Award For Leadership In Gas
The Director of Exploration and Production at the Gambian National Petroleum Corporation, Cany Jobe, has been honored with the Industry Pioneer Woman Award for her leadership, technical expertise, contribution to Africa’s upstream sector, and commitment to frontier basin development, collaboration, and opportunities for women in the energy sector.
Her service to the sector has not gone unrecognized in the continent, in West Africa, and at home in The Gambia.
Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, and Conakry (MSGBC Basin) – has seen significant natural gas and oil discoveries in recent years, particularly offshore from Mauritania and Senegal, and is expected to drive regional economic growth) hosted the Oil, Gas and Power Conference in Dakar, Senegal on December 8-10, 2025.
The MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 Conference closed its first day on December 9 with a gala dinner and awards ceremony, celebrating a transformative year for the region.
The evening honored leaders and companies shaping West Africa’s evolving energy landscape, as Senegal, Mauritania, and the entire MSGBC basin accelerate investments in hydrocarbons, renewable energy, and green hydrogen.
Among the awardees was Cany Jobe, affectionately called The Gambia’s queen of the petroleum sector.
“MSGBC, we are here,” said H.E. Birame Souleye DIOP, Minister of Ministère de l’Energie, du Pétrole et des Mines – MEPM, adding, “What we are talking about tonight could shape the future of Senegal. We are making history.”
The conference & exhibition aims to unite the MSGBC region through energy cooperation, supporting cross-border collaboration and shared development strategies to drive sustainable growth and long-term economic integration across the Basin.
GORÉE GEV Senegal received the Excellence in Local Content Award for its role in building national capacity.
The company collaborates with MODEC, Woodside Energy, and Subsea7 on the Sangomar oil and Greater Tortue Ahmeyim gas projects, supporting the creation of skilled jobs, skills transfer, and national autonomy.
The Ministry of Energy of Guinea-Conakry received the Renewable Energy Pioneer Award.
The country is establishing itself as a regional leader in the sector thanks to projects such as Souapiti (450 MW) and Amaria (300 MW), the 84 MW CleanPower Generation project, and several programs aimed at universal electrification.
For four years, MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power has established itself as the premier platform for industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers in the MSGBC region.
Each edition has played a crucial role in determining the region’s energy future, driving investment, and advancing project development.
By connecting governments, energy companies, global operators, and financiers, MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power facilitates strategic partnerships and regional cooperation.
Global Coal Demand Plateaus And May Decline Slightly By 2030, Says IEA
A new International Energy Agency (IEA) market report reveals increasing competition from other power sources, with developments in China’s electricity sector remaining key to coal’s prospects.
Global coal demand is forecast to edge down through the end of this decade as competition intensifies with other power sources, including renewables, natural gas, and nuclear, according to the 2025 edition of the IEA’s annual market report.
Coal 2025 explores current market dynamics and provides forecasts through 2030 for demand, supply, and trade at the global and regional levels. It also examines key trends in investment, costs, and pricing.
The report finds that global coal demand is on course to rise by 0.5% in 2025, reaching a record 8.85 billion tonnes. In several major markets, consumption patterns diverged from recent trends.
In India, an early and intense monsoon season resulted in a decline in annual coal use for only the third time in five decades.
In the United States, higher natural gas prices and policy measures that slowed coal plant retirements lifted coal consumption, which had been on a downward trajectory for the previous 15 years.
After two years of double-digit declines, coal demand in the European Union shrank only modestly.
Meanwhile, in China, coal use remained broadly unchanged from its 2024 level. By 2030, global coal demand is expected to tick lower, returning to the same level as in 2023.
This is largely driven by shifts in the power sector, which accounts for two-thirds of total coal consumption today.
With renewable capacity surging, nuclear expanding steadily, and a huge wave of liquefied natural gas coming to market, coal-fired power generation is forecast to decline from 2026 onward. Coal demand from industry is expected to remain more resilient.
In China, which currently accounts for more than half of global coal use, demand is expected to fall slightly by the end of the decade.
“Despite uncharacteristic trends in several key coal markets in 2025, our forecast for the coming years has not changed substantially from a year ago: we expect global coal demand to plateau before edging down by 2030,” said IEA Director of Energy Markets and Security Keisuke Sadamori.
The largest absolute increase in coal consumption to 2030 is expected to take place in India, where demand is set to rise by 3% per year on average, leading to an overall increase of over 200 million tonnes.
Southeast Asia is forecast to see the fastest growth, with demand increasing by over 4% per year to 2030.
Nigeria: Two Top Petroleum Regulators Resign Amid Damning Claims By Aliko Dangote
Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory sector has been rocked by the resignation of two top officials, coming just days after Africa’s largest petroleum refinery founder, Aliko Dangote, made damning allegations against the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Following the allegations, Dangote submitted a formal petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), seeking an investigation into the Chief Executive Officer of the NMDPRA, Mr Farouk Ahmed, over alleged corruption.
Barely a day after the petition, the Nigerian Presidency, in a statement released by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, announced the resignation of the chief executives of the NMDPRA and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
The statement did not assign specific reasons for their resignation, except to note that both officials were appointed in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari to lead the two regulatory agencies established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
However, the statement revealed that President Tinubu has nominated Madam Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan as Chief Executive Officer of the NUPRC and Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as Chief Executive Officer of the NMDPRA.
The President has written to the Senate, requesting expedited confirmation of the nominees.
Both nominees are seasoned professionals in the oil and gas industry.
Madam Eyesan, a graduate of Economics from the University of Benin, spent nearly 33 years with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its subsidiaries.
She retired as Executive Vice President, Upstream (2023–2024), and previously served as Group General Manager, Corporate Planning and Strategy at NNPC from 2019 to 2023.
Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, born in 1957 in Gombe State, graduated from Ahmadu Bello University in 1981 with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering.
He was announced on Tuesday as an independent non-executive director at Seplat Energy.
His previous roles include Managing Director of Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company and the Nigerian Gas Company, as well as Chair of the Boards of the West African Gas Pipeline Company, Nigeria LNG subsidiaries, and NNPC Retail.
He also served as Group Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, Gas and Power Directorate, where he provided strategic leadership for major gas projects and policy frameworks, including the Gas Master Plan, the Gas Network Code, and key contributions to the Petroleum Industry Act.
Engineer Mohammed played a pivotal role in delivering major projects such as the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline Expansion, the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, and Nigeria LNG Train projects.
It remains unclear whether Mr Farouk Ahmed will respond to the allegations levelled against him following his resignation.
Togo: Nangbeto Hydro Dam Resumes Operations After CFA25.5bn Upgrade
The rehabilitated Nangbeto hydroelectric dam, which supplies electricity to Togo and Benin, has resumed operations following its official inauguration last week.
The hydroelectric power dam was rehabilitated at a cost of CFA25.5 billion (€39 million).
The rehabilitation project, which began in 2019, was financed by Germany through its development bank, KfW.
The works included the design, supply, installation and commissioning of upgraded and new equipment, notably turbines, alternators, power transformers, spillway gates, the tailrace and the spillway.
Mechanical and electrical installations were also modernised, along with high-voltage protection systems, lifting equipment, control systems, and water treatment and drinking water facilities.
Officials said the upgrade would strengthen the reliability of electricity supply in both countries.
“The rehabilitation of Nangbeto marks a major step in securing our shared energy production,” Kamirou Chabi Sika, Director -General of Electricity Community of Benin(CEB) said, adding that the upgraded facility would improve performance, resilience and availability to meet rising demand.
Robert Eklo, deputy Minister for Energy of Togo described the dam as a symbol of bilateral cooperation and a key driver of energy stability.
“This rehabilitation strengthens our national capacity and supports our ambition of universal access to electricity,” he said.
With an installed capacity of 65 megawatts, Nangbeto has been one of the main hydroelectric plants supplying Togo and Benin for nearly four decades.
The rehabilitation comes as Togo pursues several initiatives aimed at achieving universal electricity access by 2030.
“The rehabilitation of Nangbeto marks a major step in securing our shared energy production,” Kamirou Chabi Sika, Director -General of Electricity Community of Benin(CEB) said, adding that the upgraded facility would improve performance, resilience and availability to meet rising demand.
Robert Eklo, deputy Minister for Energy of Togo described the dam as a symbol of bilateral cooperation and a key driver of energy stability.
“This rehabilitation strengthens our national capacity and supports our ambition of universal access to electricity,” he said.
With an installed capacity of 65 megawatts, Nangbeto has been one of the main hydroelectric plants supplying Togo and Benin for nearly four decades.
The rehabilitation comes as Togo pursues several initiatives aimed at achieving universal electricity access by 2030.