VAALCO Energy is strengthening its footprint in Africa with a 70% acquisition of the offshore CI-705 block in Côte d’Ivoire. The deal, finalized on March 3, 2025, expands the company’s West African portfolio, following its 2024 purchase of the offshore Baobab field. The CI-705 block, located 70 km west of the CI-40 block, lies in the Tano Basin, a region with recent significant oil and gas discoveries. Positioned 60 km from Eni’s Calao discovery, the
Russia, which has secured energy agreements with more than a dozen African nations, is now in discussions with Nigeria on a potential nuclear partnership. Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, disclosed this during an interview with Sputnik on the sidelines of the 38th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa. Tuggar revealed that Africa’s largest oil producer is exploring a nuclear energy partnership with Russia, alongside discussions on other key sectors. “There are many opportunities
South Africa is seeking new allies for its nuclear power expansion, with Russia and Iran emerging as potential partners. This move, hinted at by a senior government minister, could strain relations with the United States and complicate efforts to renew a key energy agreement. Currently home to Africa’s only nuclear power plant, Koeberg, South Africa aims to add 2,500 megawatts of nuclear capacity to address persistent power shortages and advance its transition to cleaner energy.
Sasol, an integrated energy and chemical company, has signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with diamond company De Beers and global mining giant Anglo American to launch a renewable diesel pilot project in South Africa. The initiative aims to evaluate the commercial and technical viability of producing renewable diesel. The project will use Solaris and Moringa crops to produce vegetable oil, which will then serve as feedstock for Sasol’s existing facilities, designed to produce low-cost
The European Union (EU) will commission a 1,400 kV power transmission project in 2025, linking the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Angola. Known as the Boucle de l’Amitié Énergétique, this initiative aims to address chronic electricity shortages, enhance regional energy security, and support economic development. Electricity access in the Republic of Congo remains limited, with only 68% of urban areas and 12% of rural areas connected to the grid. The
Global nuclear power generation is projected to hit record levels by 2025, driven by rising electricity demand, new projects, and technological advancements, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) report The Path to a New Era for Nuclear Energy. The report outlines the sector’s significant opportunities while highlighting its challenges. Nuclear power currently provides nearly 10% of global electricity, making it the second-largest source of low-emission electricity after hydropower. As global electricity demand is expected
A widespread power outage has left 11 provinces in Angola without electricity following an interruption in the North and Central Interconnected System. The blackout, which occurred on the afternoon of Monday, January 6, 2025, affected areas including Luanda, Bengo, Benguela, Huambo, and Bie, among others. According to a statement from the National Electricity Transmission Network (RNT), the outage disrupted electricity supply to more than 10 provinces. “At 2:42 pm, there was an interruption in the
Tunisia has signed contracts for four photovoltaic projects totaling 500 MW, marking the first phase of its 1.7 GW renewable energy tender. These projects, set to be operational by 2027, aim to generate 1 TWh annually, contributing approximately 5% to the nation’s electricity supply. The successful bids include three 100 MW projects by Qair International, Scatec, and Voltalia, located in El Ksar (Gafsa), Mezzouna (Sidi Bouzid), and Menzel Habib (Gabes). Additionally, Qair International secured a
Ghana is set to enhance its energy grid with the launch of a strategic 20 MW solar project, aimed at strengthening national energy capacity and supporting the country’s energy transition goals. Led by Denmark-based Renergy Solar, the initiative is part of a larger 40 MW solar project aimed at expanding Ghana’s clean energy footprint and reducing carbon emissions. Renergy Solar has completed the necessary network and environmental impact assessments, with local regulators currently reviewing the
The Republic of Congo is progressing with its electricity sector reforms by selecting a bidder to oversee the national distribution and commercialization of electricity. After a two-year competitive bidding process, the preferred candidate has been identified. While the company’s identity has not yet been revealed, the Council of Ministers has authorized continued negotiations with the chosen bidder. These talks will focus on finalizing the scope and terms of the concession agreement, with the goal of
