Madkour Group to Invest $200 Million in Mauritania’s Natural Gas Power Plant

Madkour Group, a leading Egyptian engineering and infrastructure powerhouse, is poised to transform Mauritania’s energy landscape with a significant investment in a state-of-the-art natural gas power plant. Valued at over $200 million, this ambitious project will play a crucial role in addressing Mauritania’s energy challenges and driving economic growth. The plant, with a projected capacity of 160-180 MW, will leverage the country’s natural gas reserves to provide a reliable and sustainable source of energy for industries, households, and businesses. By reducing reliance on less sustainable energy sources, this project will contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for Mauritania. This project is strategically important for Mauritania, as it will not only address current energy deficits but also attract further investment in key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. By improving energy access and reliability, the project will create a more conducive environment for economic growth and development. Madkour Group, with its extensive experience in engineering, procurement, and construction across Africa and the Middle East, is well-positioned to execute this project successfully. The company brings a strong track record of delivering high-quality infrastructure projects that contribute to sustainable development across the continent. This project underscores Madkour Group’s commitment…

Chevron Remains Committed to Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa

Despite market challenges, Chevron continues to see significant potential in sub-Saharan Africa. While many companies are exiting onshore and shallow offshore operations in Nigeria, Chevron remains committed to the region, focusing on gas production and strategic partnerships. Energy Intelligence Finance recently highlighted Chevron’s strategy to transition output to gas in the region, emphasizing its long-term commitment to the African market. Chevron played a pivotal role in the development of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), a vital infrastructure project that supplies natural gas to Benin, Togo, and Ghana, fostering economic development across the region. The WAGP currently supplies approximately 170 million cubic feet per day of Nigerian gas, demonstrating the company’s commitment to regional energy security. Jim Swartz, Nigeria/Mid-Africa Managing Director, emphasized Chevron’s continued exploration of growth opportunities in the region, stating, “We’ve been able to successfully navigate working in the region for quite a while. We see a lot of resource potential, and there are a lot of things that haven’t been fully developed.” Chevron is actively pursuing new projects through strategic partnerships in Africa. Key initiatives include Angola LNG Limited, a 5.2-million-ton-per-year project, and Project Panther, a joint venture with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company. Project Panther, an…

€28 Million Solar Project to Boost Energy Access in Chad

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has announced a significant investment in Chad’s clean energy future. The Board of Directors approved €28 million in funding to construct solar power plants in Gassi and Lamadji, contributing to the Desert to Power program and increasing energy access across Africa.   This €41 million project will be a collaborative effort. The AfDB’s contribution includes a €20 million direct support package, combining a loan and a grant from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa. Additionally, €8 million in financial guarantees will be split between the African Development Fund and the Green Climate Fund. The solar plants, each with a capacity of 15-megawatt peak, are expected to generate 61 gigawatt-hours of clean energy annually. This will not only address Chad’s energy deficit but also contribute to a 20% increase in the country’s overall power supply.   “The Gassi and Lamadji solar project is a landmark development,” said Kevin Kariuki, Vice President of the Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth complex at the AfDB. “It underscores Chad’s commitment to renewable energy and the Bank’s dedication to supporting clean energy projects across Africa.”   Beyond increased energy access, the project boasts several additional benefits. It will pave…

GEF Approves $106 Million in Climate Adaptation Funding for Developing Countries

Representatives of Global Environment Facility (GEF) member states have approved $106.21 million in funding for climate adaptation projects in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This funding will support 11 projects across 20 countries, addressing critical climate challenges such as food security, water scarcity, and disaster risk. Initiatives range from upscaling nature-based solutions to building resilient infrastructure and improving early warning systems. The funding comes from the LDCF and the SCCF, two specialized climate funds managed by the GEF. This announcement follows a renewed global commitment to climate adaptation financing, with governments agreeing to triple annual outflows from multilateral funds, including these, by 2030. Several countries, including Belgium, Germany, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, have recently increased their contributions to the LDCF and SCCF, demonstrating a growing international commitment to supporting climate action in vulnerable nations. “In these countries, climate-induced disasters threaten not only lives, but livelihoods, and development progress,” said Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, GEF CEO and Chairperson. “I am grateful that the international community continues to see the value in these funds and to share our trust in their ability to meet the adaptation needs of the world’s most climate-vulnerable populations.” With this latest round…

University of Nottingham Leads Project to Power Kenyan Schools with Renewable Energy

The University of Nottingham is at the forefront of a groundbreaking project to transform schools in Kenya into sustainable energy hubs. The African SCENe (Sustainable Community Energy Networks) project, funded by the UK Government’s Ayrton Fund, aims to provide reliable and affordable energy to underserved communities. By leveraging renewable energy technologies, the project will empower schools to generate their own electricity, reducing reliance on traditional, often unreliable, energy sources. This will not only improve the quality of education but also benefit the wider community. The project team, led by Professor Lucelia Rodrigues, has worked closely with communities in Nairobi to develop a sustainable business model for these energy hubs. By integrating energy generation, storage, and distribution systems, the project aims to create resilient and self-sufficient communities. The African SCENe project is part of the UK government’s broader commitment to supporting clean energy innovation and addressing global energy challenges. By investing in research and development, the UK government aims to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future. “I am delighted we have been awarded Ayrton Fund to put the results of our feasibility study into practice. African SCENe addresses 13 Sustainable Development Goals and has the potential to significantly improve lives…

Shell Advances Bonga North Project, Boosting Nigeria’s Oil Production

Shell plc has announced a significant milestone in its Nigerian operations with the final investment decision for the Bonga North deep-water project. This project, a subsea tie-back to the existing Bonga Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility, is expected to enhance production and contribute to Nigeria’s energy output. The Bonga North development will involve the drilling and commissioning of 16 wells, including eight production wells and eight water injection wells. By optimizing the extraction process and increasing production capacity, the project aims to unlock additional value from the Bonga field. To accommodate the increased production, Shell will implement modifications to the Bonga Main FPSO and install new subsea infrastructure. This investment will ensure the efficient handling and transportation of the additional oil and gas produced from Bonga North. The Bonga North project is estimated to recover over 300 million barrels of oil equivalent and reach peak production of 110,000 barrels of oil per day. This development aligns with Shell’s strategy to maintain stable liquid production levels and generate sustainable cash flow for the company. Zoë Yujnovich, Integrated Gas and Upstream Director at Shell, emphasized the importance of the Bonga North project in supporting Shell’s long-term growth and its commitment…

Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam: A Double-Edged Sword

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a colossal engineering feat, has stirred significant regional tensions. The massive dam, situated on the Blue Nile River in Ethiopia, is poised to transform the country’s energy landscape and economic prospects. Upon completion, the GERD will become Africa’s largest hydroelectric power plant, generating electricity for millions of Ethiopians. The project is expected to boost the country’s industrial development and improve the quality of life for its citizens. However, the dam has also sparked controversy among downstream nations, particularly Egypt, which heavily relies on the Nile River for its water supply. Egypt fears that the dam could significantly reduce the flow of water to its territory, impacting its agriculture and economy. Despite these tensions, Ethiopia remains committed to the project, emphasizing its potential to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development. The country has sought to reassure its neighbors that the dam will be operated responsibly and will not negatively impact their water security. As the construction of the GERD nears completion, the international community continues to closely monitor the situation and encourage dialogue between the involved parties. The resolution of these water disputes will have far-reaching implications for the region’s stability and sustainable development.

University of Bournemouth Research Shapes Sierra Leone’s Disaster Management Policy

A groundbreaking collaboration between Bournemouth University’s Disaster Management Centre and the Sierra Leone government has led to the development of a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for disaster management. The AFRICAB project, spearheaded by Professor Lee Miles, has played a crucial role in shaping this new SOP, which was recently approved by the Sierra Leone Cabinet. The SOP will guide the country’s response to disasters, ensuring a more coordinated, effective, and resilient approach. As Professor Lee Miles, Professor of Crisis and Disaster Management and Deputy Dean of the Business School, who led the AFRICAB research, explains, “The new SOP represents a significant step toward strengthening the NDMA’s disaster management capabilities and enhancing national resilience against emergencies and major incidents in this highly disaster-prone West African country. This work has major implications for the health and wellbeing of the population.” The SOP builds upon the recommendations outlined in the 2021 AFRICAB project report, which identified key areas for improvement in Sierra Leone’s disaster management system. The UK Cabinet Office has recognized AFRICAB as an exemplary model of international best practice in African disaster management. Sinneh Mansaray, Director of Relief and Response at the NDMA, emphasized the importance of the collaboration with…

Imperial College London Leads Major Climate Project in Africa

Imperial College London is spearheading a new £6 million project aimed at bolstering the climate change resilience of African cities. Funded by Wellcome, the project will focus on four cities in Ghana and Rwanda, gathering critical data on temperature, water quality, and sanitation to assess the impact of climate change on public health and infrastructure. The research team will collaborate with local stakeholders to develop strategies that mitigate the effects of climate change, such as extreme heat, floods, and droughts. By analyzing the data collected, researchers will identify vulnerable populations and propose solutions to protect them from the adverse impacts of climate change. Professor Majid Ezzati, Academic Director of Imperial Global Ghana, emphasized the importance of this project: “Climate change will significantly impact African cities, affecting public health, infrastructure, and livelihoods. This project aims to provide evidence-based solutions to build resilient and sustainable urban environments.” The project will also focus on raising awareness about the dangers of asbestos, a widespread issue in African infrastructure. By understanding the risks associated with asbestos exposure, the project aims to promote safer demolition and construction practices. This groundbreaking initiative demonstrates the commitment of Imperial College London to addressing global challenges. By working closely with…

Botswana Diamonds Secures Environmental Approval for Thorny River Project

Botswana Diamonds PLC has received a significant milestone with the granting of environmental authorization for one of its two mining permit applications for the Thorny River project in Limpopo, South Africa. The approval, issued by the South African Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, brings the company closer to resuming mining operations at the project. The company expects to receive the full mining permit within the next six weeks, pending the completion of additional community consultations. The Thorny River project, located 6 kilometers from the Marsfontein diamond mine, encompasses a kimberlite blow on a dyke system. Botswana Diamonds submitted mining permit applications for the project in late 2022, following extensive exploration activities including ground geophysics, drilling, and bulk sampling. Botswana Diamonds chairman John Teeling said: “We are delighted to see that this authorisation has come through and we anticipate that the mining permit will soon be granted.  The Thorny River project is well placed to restart and expand mining operations when prices recover.”