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LATEST ARTICLES
Nigeria: Escravos–Lagos Pipeline Fully Restored After Explosion – NNPC
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has announced the successful restoration of the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System, a critical piece of energy infrastructure in Warri, Delta State, following an unexpected explosion on December 10, 2025.
According to the company, emergency response protocols were immediately activated after the incident, with coordinated containment measures deployed.
Multidisciplinary teams worked round the clock to repair the damaged section, conduct pressure testing, and safely recommission the pipeline.
“Today, the pipeline is fully operational, reaffirming our resilience and commitment to energy security,” NNPC Ltd. said in a statement issued on Monday.
The company noted that the swift restoration was made possible through the unwavering support of host communities, the guidance of regulators, the vigilance of security agencies, and the dedication of its partners and staff.
“Together, we turned a challenging moment into a success story, restoring operations in record time while upholding the highest standards of safety and environmental stewardship,” the statement added.
NNPC Ltd. further reaffirmed its commitment to environmental protection, community safety, and the integrity and reliability of its assets as it moves forward.
Ghana: Okada Bill Creates New Pathway For Electric Mobility – Chamber Of Clean Energy
The Ghana Chamber of Clean Energy (GCCE) has welcomed the passage of the Road Traffic Amendment Bill, 2025, describing it as a significant policy development in Ghana’s transport sector and a strategic opportunity to accelerate the deployment and local manufacturing of two- and three-wheel electric motorcycles in the country.
The Bill, popularly referred to as the Okada Bill, amends the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683) to, among other things, legalise the commercial use of motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles, while also introducing strengthened road safety provisions.
Parliament passed the legislation under a Certificate of Urgency, citing the need to regulate a transport segment that has expanded rapidly across the country.
In a press statement, Mr. Seth Owusu-Mante, Founder and Executive Director of GCCE, said the legalisation of commercial motorcycles and light vehicles formally recognises a mode of transport that plays a vital role in urban mobility, informal logistics and delivery services, last-mile connectivity, and employment creation, particularly in Ghana’s cities and peri-urban areas.
The Chamber noted that the move provides an opportunity to introduce structure, enforce safety standards, and support long-term planning in a sector that has largely operated informally.
From a clean energy perspective, GCCE said the Bill creates a strategic opportunity to accelerate the deployment and local manufacturing of electric mobility solutions, particularly within the two- and three-wheeler segment.
The Chamber observed that commercial motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles account for a growing share of vehicle kilometres travelled in Ghana’s urban centres and are predominantly powered by internal combustion engines, contributing to urban air pollution, public health challenges, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and noise pollution.
Mr. Owusu-Mante emphasised that the formal recognition of the commercial motorcycle sector under law provides an important policy lever to shape its future development.
Rather than remaining emissions-intensive, the sector can now be guided toward cleaner, safer, and more efficient technologies through targeted standards, policy incentives, and effective enforcement mechanisms.
GCCE further highlighted that effective implementation of the Bill—particularly with the targeted deployment of electric motorcycles—could unlock broader benefits, including reduced urban air pollution and associated public health risks.
It could also lower operating costs for riders through reduced fuel and maintenance expenses, while creating new jobs across assembly, maintenance, battery services, and charging infrastructure.
The Chamber added that the development of a local electric mobility value chain could position Ghana as a regional hub for the manufacturing and export of electric two- and three-wheelers and related components to other African markets, in line with the country’s broader energy transition and economic development goals.
GCCE said it will study the Road Traffic Amendment Bill, 2025, in detail as part of its ongoing policy and regulatory review process.
The Chamber also expressed its readiness to work closely with its members, government, Parliament, regulators, metropolitan and municipal authorities, transport unions, manufacturers, financiers, and development partners to support the accelerated manufacturing, deployment, and scaling of electric motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles in a safe, environmentally responsible, and economically inclusive manner that supports job creation and Ghana’s economic growth.
Togolese Gov’t Overhauls Tax Framework For Nigeria–Ghana Gas Pipeline
The Government of Togo has revised the tax regime governing the West African Gas Pipeline, a key source of gas supply for the country.
According to local reports, the changes, enacted on December 24, extend the tax exemption for the pipeline operator, West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo), by five years, bringing the total exemption period to 10 years.
Under the new framework, WAPCo’s corporate tax rate has been reduced to 30 percent from 35 percent, aligning it with rates in other countries participating in the regional project.
The law allows Togo to increase the rate if necessary, but caps it at 35 percent.
The National Assembly approved the amendments to the pipeline’s legal and fiscal framework during a plenary session.
Deputy Energy Minister Messan Eklo presented the bill to lawmakers.
Eklo said the changes were designed to ease WAPCo’s financial constraints, which have limited its investment capacity, and to reflect shifts in operating conditions.
These include the opening of a second gas entry point at Takoradi in Ghana and an increase in the number of operators in the sector.
The amendments also grant the West African Gas Pipeline Authority (WAGPA) regulatory oversight of gas shippers, in line with the network code.
The 678-kilometre pipeline—most of it offshore in the Gulf of Guinea—transports natural gas from Nigeria to Benin, Togo and Ghana. Operations began following a treaty signed by the four countries in January 2003. The previous legal framework dated back to December 2004.
Tanzania: TPDC Launches Second Phase Of Eyasi–Wembere Oil Exploration
The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) has officially launched the second phase of the Eyasi–Wembere oil and gas exploration project at Endeshi Village in Karatu District, Arusha Region.
This phase involves the acquisition of two-dimensional (2D) seismic data around Lake Eyasi, with a total of 914 kilometres of seismic lines expected to be surveyed.
Unlike the first phase, which relied on a fleet of advanced vehicles that generated vibrations with reflected signals collected for analysis, the second phase will employ explosives in the lake as the seismic source.
During a recent field visit organised by the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA), the Eyasi–Wembere Oil and Gas Exploration Project Manager, Mr Sindi Maduhu, told local media that the sound waves produced would be captured using 2D seismic technology for further analysis.
PURA is closely involved in the project to ensure all activities comply with the National Energy Policy of 2015, the Petroleum Act of 2015 and its accompanying regulations, while also ensuring that local communities are fully engaged.
Mr Maduhu, who is also TPDC’s geophysicist, said the project contractor, Africa Geophysical Services (AGS), is preparing 15-metre-deep holes in which explosives will be placed ahead of controlled detonations in Lake Eyasi to generate seismic vibrations.
So far, he said, 490 kilometres of seismic lines have been covered, with TPDC targeting a total of 779 kilometres by April next year out of the planned 914 kilometres.
The remaining 139 kilometres will be covered the following year.
“As you can see, we are currently digging holes in Lake Eyasi where explosives will be placed and later detonated to produce the required seismic signals, which will then be analysed to guide the next stages of exploration,” he said.
The geophysicist added that seismic data collected during both the first and second phases will be processed and critically analysed to determine the exact location of the exploration well.
As part of preparations to acquire geological information, Mr Vincent Evance, AGS Project Manager, said the contractor was assembling boats to facilitate movement within the lake during the installation of explosives.
He noted that AGS has recruited a large number of local residents to participate in various project activities.
Karatu, where Lake Eyasi is located, is among the areas covered by the project. Other areas include Ngorongoro (Arusha), Meatu (Simiyu), Kishapu (Shinyanga), Igunga (Tabora), and Iramba and Mkalama (Singida).
Ghana: Selection Of Transaction Advisor Does Not Mean ECG Divestiture – Energy Ministry Tells PUWU
Ghana’s Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has responded to concerns raised by the Public Utilities Workers’ Union (PUWU), the umbrella body for power sector workers, regarding the planned appointment of a transaction advisor for Private Sector Participation (PSP) in the country’s power distribution services.
In a statement issued by the Ministry’s Spokesperson and Head of Communication, Richmond Rockson Esq., the Ministry stated unequivocally that the Government of Ghana does not intend to, and will not, sell the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
He maintained that Cabinet approval for Private Sector Participation in the power distribution sector does not amount to a sale or divestiture of ECG.
According to him, the initiative involves the strategic deployment of private sector expertise through multiple concession arrangements aimed at supporting and improving specific operational areas of ECG.
Members of PUWU have hoisted red flags across all operational offices of the Electricity Company of Ghana in protest against the government’s plan to involve the private sector in ECG’s operations.
The union argues that the PSP is unnecessary, citing significant improvements in ECG’s revenue collection and noting that the company is on track in meeting the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) agreed upon with the Ministry.
However, Richmond Rockson noted that while the Ministry acknowledges significant improvements in ECG’s overall performance since January 2025, critical challenges still persist.
“These challenges continue to threaten the financial sustainability of ECG and the stability of the power sector if not adequately addressed,” he stated.
He added that the Ministry, under the leadership of the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, MP, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to PUWU and to broad stakeholder engagement.
According to him, the Ministry has maintained open and constructive dialogue with PUWU and will continue to engage the union to address concerns and resolve outstanding issues.
He called for calm and restraint as engagements continue in good faith.
“The selection of a transaction advisor is a technical and procedural step to properly structure the PSP framework and does not in any way constitute or imply an outright sale of ECG.
“Government remains committed to protecting the interests of workers, strengthening ECG, and ensuring a reliable, efficient, and sustainable power sector for all Ghanaians.”
Nigeria: NISO Confirms Restoration Of Power Supply After National Grid Collapse
Power supply has been restored across Africa’s most populous nation following the collapse of Nigeria’s national electricity grid on Monday afternoon, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has confirmed.
The incident occurred at exactly 2:01 p.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, disrupting electricity supply across several parts of the country.
Power generation had peaked at about 4,800 megawatts earlier in the day before plunging to 139 megawatts by 3:00 p.m., according to data obtained by our correspondent.
In a statement signed by its management on Monday night, NISO said the disturbance triggered the tripping of multiple power generation units and critical 330-kilovolt transmission lines, worsening the already fragile state of the national grid.
“The Nigerian Independent System Operator wishes to inform the general public and relevant stakeholders that the national grid experienced a system disturbance at 14:01 hours on Monday, 29 December 2025, which led to a partial collapse,” the statement said.
“Preliminary reports indicate that the disturbance involved the tripping of several generating units and critical 330kV transmission lines, resulting in a widespread impact on electricity supply across parts of the country.”
The latest grid incident comes against the backdrop of gas supply challenges following the vandalisation of the Escravos–Lagos gas pipeline on December 10, 2025, which significantly reduced gas availability to thermal power plants.
The pipeline damage led to widespread power shortages, forcing several generation companies to cut output and exposing long-standing structural weaknesses in the national grid. NISO noted that the gas constraints further weakened the system, making it more vulnerable to disturbances.
“This has further contributed to the fragility and weakness of the national grid,” the operator said.
Despite the disruption, NISO disclosed that the Delta generation complex successfully isolated itself from the national grid and continued operations in island mode at the 132kV sub-transmission voltage level. This intervention ensured uninterrupted power supply to Oghara, Amukpe, Benin, and Efunrun 132kV substations.
“A total generation of 114 megawatts was delivered from four units at the Delta Thermal Power Station,” NISO stated.
The system operator added that it promptly activated emergency response measures in line with established operational procedures, using its dispatch and monitoring tools at the National Control Centre in Osogbo.
NISO confirmed that electricity supply has now been fully restored nationwide, with system stability normalised after hours of coordinated recovery efforts.
“Supply has been fully restored to all parts of the country, and system stability has been normalised,” the statement said.
The operator also disclosed that investigations are ongoing to determine the precise cause and sequence of events that led to the partial collapse, assuring Nigerians that corrective measures would be implemented to prevent a recurrence.
“Investigations into the cause and sequence of events leading to the system disturbance are currently ongoing. Appropriate measures shall be put in place to forestall future recurrence of such major system incidents,” NISO assured.
Angola Produces 25,000 Barrels Of Oil, 50m Cubic Feet Of Gas From N’dola South Block
Angola has begun oil and gas production from the N’dola South Project, delivering approximately 25,000 barrels of oil per day and 50 million cubic feet of gas.
Production commenced on December 24, 2025, according to the Angolan Ministry of Energy.
The project integrates 12 wells and is jointly operated by the National Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANPG), Cabinda Gulf Oil Company Limited (CABGOC)—a subsidiary of Chevron in Angola and operator of Block 0—and other partners within the contractor group.
The declaration of “first oil” marks the start of production destined for the Malongo Terminal in Cabinda, while the associated gas will be supplied to the Angola LNG plant.
According to official documents, a significant portion of the project’s metal structures was manufactured locally, specifically in the provinces of Cuanza Sul and Cabinda. The platform consists of a jacket weighing about 1,100 tonnes and standing 73 metres high, built in Port Amboim, as well as upper structures weighing approximately 600 tonnes, manufactured in Malembo and assembled in Malongo, Cabinda Province.
The investment also includes a 15-kilometre production pipeline connecting the platform to the Mafumeira complex, which receives and processes production from N’dola South.
Speaking on the milestone, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of ANPG said the first oil from the N’dola South Project represents another successful step in the sector’s investment programme by partners who have shown confidence in Angola.
Paulino Jerónimo added that the achievement reflects significant progress in local content development, noting that the project’s main structure was manufactured domestically by Angolan professionals in compliance with international quality and environmental standards.
Meanwhile, Chevron’s General Manager for Southern Africa, Frank Cassulo, said the project demonstrates CABGOC’s commitment to promoting local content in Angola and efficiently developing resources in Block 0. He added that the construction phase generated more than 800 jobs for Angolans.
Block 0 is operated by Cabinda Gulf Oil Company Limited (CABGOC) and includes partners Sonangol E.P., with a 41% stake, TotalEnergies with 10%, and Azule Energy with 9.8%.
Turkey Secures $9bn Funding From Russia For Akkuyu Nuclear Plant
Turkey has received $9 billion in new financing from Russia for the construction of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, said Alparslan Bayraktar, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
Russia’s Rosatom is building Turkey’s first nuclear power station in the Mediterranean province of Mersin under a $20 billion agreement signed in 2010.
The plant was originally scheduled to begin operations this year but has faced delays.
Bayraktar said the newly secured financing is expected to be deployed mainly in 2026 and 2027, with $4–5 billion anticipated to be used in 2026 as part of foreign funding inflows.
According to a local report citing Reuters, the plant has been delayed after Germany’s Siemens Energy withheld key parts, prompting Russia’s Rosatom, the builder and owner, to buy them in China.
Beyond Akkuyu, the minister said Turkey is holding discussions with South Korea, China, Russia, and the United States regarding potential nuclear projects in the Sinop province and the Thrace region, stressing that Ankara is seeking the most competitive proposals.
Bayraktar also highlighted Turkey’s broader energy diversification plans, noting ongoing talks with Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power over a 5,000-megawatt solar energy package.
He said an agreement for the first phase, covering 2,000 megawatts (MW), is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026, with projects planned in Sivas and the Taşeli region.
In addition, Turkey is in discussions with another Gulf-based company on a combined solar and energy storage project, which could involve investments of between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, Bayraktar said, without disclosing further details.
Nigeria’s Power Grid Collapses Days To End Of 2025
Nigeria’s national electricity grid collapsed on Monday afternoon, disrupting power supply across Africa’s most populous nation.
The Nigeria Independent System Operator (NISO) confirmed this on X formerly Twitter.
The collapse occurred around 3:00 p.m. local time, according to local media reports.
Data from electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) showed that only the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company and the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company received power at the time, recording allocations of 30 megawatts (MW) and 20 MW respectively.
All other operators—including Benin, Eko, Enugu, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Yola DisCos—were allocated zero megawatts.
Nationwide electricity distribution fell to just 50 MW, far below normal operating levels, leaving homes, businesses, and critical services without adequate power.
The Nigerian National Grid (NNG) reported that efforts to restore the grid were ongoing at the time of filing this report.
With only 50 MW supplied nationwide, the collapse ranks among the most severe power disruptions in recent years.
The near-total blackout affected not only households but also businesses and public infrastructure that depend on a stable electricity supply.
As of the time of reporting, no official explanation had been provided by the Transmission Company of Nigeria or the Federal Ministry of Power, leaving the cause of the collapse and the expected restoration timeline unclear.
Prior to this incident, the country had already been shedding load due to supply constraints.
Ghana: ECG Workers Hoist Red Flags To Protest Gov’t Plan To Appoint Transaction Advisor For PSP
Workers in Ghana’s power sector, under the aegis of the Public Utilities Workers Union (PUWU), have begun a nationwide protest by hoisting red flags to oppose the government’s plan to appoint a transaction advisor, following the official launch of the Guiding Framework for Private Sector Participation (PSP) in the electricity distribution sector.
The workers say the move could threaten the future of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and have warned of further industrial action if the government fails to suspend the intended appointment.
According to PUWU, private sector participation in the electricity distribution sector is unnecessary, arguing that ECG is on track to meet key performance indicators agreed between the company and the Minister of Energy, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, during a recent meeting.
Red flags now adorn ECG offices across the country as part of the protest.
Addressing the media on Monday, PUWU General Secretary Timothy Nyame said workers remain committed to the effective functioning of ECG but insist that the appointment of a transaction advisor must be suspended.
He warned that agitation could escalate if the government ignores their concerns.
Deputy Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Dr. Kwabena Nyarko Otoo, also cautioned that the move could disrupt industrial peace and urged the government to reconsider its decision.
The TUC maintains its long-standing opposition to the privatization of state-owned utilities.
There are also questions over whether the proposed appointment of the transaction advisor is linked to Ghana’s programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
For now, workers say the red-flag protest will continue until their concerns are addressed.
He warned that agitation could escalate if the government ignores their concerns.
Deputy Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Dr. Kwabena Nyarko Otoo, also cautioned that the move could disrupt industrial peace and urged the government to reconsider its decision.
The TUC maintains its long-standing opposition to the privatization of state-owned utilities.
There are also questions over whether the proposed appointment of the transaction advisor is linked to Ghana’s programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
For now, workers say the red-flag protest will continue until their concerns are addressed. Ghana: ECG Restores Services For MMS-Compliant Meters
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has restored services for its MMS-compliant meters following the resolution of a technical challenge that affected electricity credit purchases a few days ago.
Customers can now purchase electricity credits via the ECG Power App, the short code 226#, and approved third-party vendors.
ECG expressed appreciation to customers for their patience and cooperation during the disruption.
Texas Launches $350 Million Nuclear Energy Initiative
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has congratulated the Texas Legislature for passing House Bill 14, saying it will help revolutionize Texas’ energy sector and cement the state’s role in leading a nuclear power renaissance in the United States.
“Texas is the energy capital of the world, and this legislation will position Texas at the forefront of America’s nuclear renaissance,” said Governor Abbott. “By creating the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office and investing $350 million–the largest national commitment–we will jumpstart next-generation nuclear development and deployment.
“This initiative will also strengthen Texas’ nuclear manufacturing capacity, rebuild a domestic fuel cycle supply chain, and train the future nuclear workforce. I look forward to signing it into law.”
The U.S. nuclear power sector is seeing renewed momentum as electricity demand rises, particularly from data centers, alongside policy support for carbon-free generation and growing interest in long-duration, firm power.
Large technology companies are increasingly positioning themselves around nuclear energy through long-term power contracts, development partnerships, and early-stage investments, marking a shift from decades of limited new nuclear deployment.
Microsoft has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with Constellation Energy tied to the company’s nuclear generation fleet, as Constellation evaluates the future of assets including the Three Mile Island site in Pennsylvania. Separately, Microsoft is backing nuclear fusion development through its partnership with Helion Energy.
Alphabet has partnered with nuclear startup Kairos Power to support the development of small modular reactor technology, with the aim of sourcing power from future reactors expected to come online in the 2030s. Google has also invested in fusion developer TAE Technologies and early-stage fission company Elemental Power.
Meta Platforms has also signed a 20-year agreement with Constellation Energy for electricity from an existing nuclear reactor in Illinois and has issued a request for proposals seeking 1–4 gigawatts of new nuclear capacity in the United States.
Meanwhile, TerraPower, founded and backed by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, is developing a sodium-cooled fast reactor, with a demonstration project underway in Wyoming.
Oklo, backed by OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, is developing small-scale nuclear reactors aimed at supplying power to data centers, with the company targeting initial deployment later this decade, subject to regulatory approval.
South Africa: Severe Weather Hampers Power Restoration Across South Africa – Eskom
South Africa’s power utility, Eskom, has reported that severe weather conditions have disrupted its electricity networks nationwide, slowing power restoration efforts.
According to Eskom, the adverse weather has led to a sharp increase in faults across its supply areas countrywide.
While major disruptions in the Eastern Cape have largely been resolved, the KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and Free State provinces remain severely affected, the utility said in a statement issued on Sunday.
Eskom explained that its teams are on the ground repairing damaged infrastructure to restore supply to affected communities, including Tzaneen and Mashashane in Limpopo.
The utility noted that the prevailing conditions are placing significant strain on response times, particularly in areas where access is restricted due to flooding, damaged infrastructure, or unsafe terrain.
Despite these challenges, Eskom said its teams are working around the clock to restore electricity supply safely and as quickly as possible.
“We sincerely appreciate the patience and understanding of our customers during this holiday period,” Eskom said.
“For safety reasons, customers are reminded to always treat electrical networks as live, even when supply appears to be off.”


