Newsletters Thursday...
Philip Costa
Climate Home News
Of all climate topics, the role of gas in Africa is among the most divisive.
Chloé Farand's eye-opening report from Ghana adds to this debate by showing how ruinously expensive it can be to import shipped gas.
The heavily-indebted nation is planning a 17-year agreement with Shell to ship gas in through a new UK and German-backed terminal.
Critics describe this deal as a rope hanging around Ghana's neck and ask why the government hasn't learned its lessons from a previous bad gas deal.
That "take or pay contract" was signed when Ghana was suffering power cuts in the mid-2010s. It has since pushed up electricity prices and left many Ghanaians now choosing between power and food.
It also caused an over-supply of gas which dampened enthusiasm for renewables and for capturing the gas which oil companies burn as a waste product.
And it's not just Ghana whose economy has been damaged by dependence on fossil fuel imports. Just ask Sri Lankans. Or Europeans last winter.
This week's news
- Court says renewable firms can seize Spain’s property after subsidy cuts
- Gas lock-in: Debt-laden Ghana gambles on LNG imports
- UK government bets on ‘pragmatic’ climate inaction ahead of election
- Amazon governments set sights on narco-deforestation
- Deep-sea mining ban draws closer despite China’s opposition
- Brazil seeks European trade advantages in return for Amazon protection
...and comment
Brits like me have tended to look on smugly as the climate culture war dominates elections in places like the US, Australia and Brazil.
We've tended to have a relative cross-party consensus, at least rhetorically, across the main parties - helped by a legally-binding net zero target and the climate change committee.
But, after a surprise election victory in suburban London was credited to anti-air pollution measures, the Conservative government has decided it can save itself from electoral annihilation by making climate action an issue in next year's election.
By cutting climate finance and backing oil and gas production and polluting vehicles, they're seeking to contrast their "pragmatic" climate action with the opposition Labour Party's scary, expensive, radical policies.
But pollsters told Climate Home that this could backfire as "British voters remain one of the most pro-climate in the Western world”.
The real risk is that it scares the Labour Party - whose current leader's principles are notoriously flexible - into dropping their promise to stop issuing oil and gas licenses.
That would be a shame. Since the launch of the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance two and a half years ago, the handful of countries committing to stop pumping oil has not grown.
As a decent-sized oil and gas producer, the UK joining would be a huge boost to the agenda and with it the hopes of keeping global warming to 1.5C.
To ensure they have credible climate transition action plans, non-state actors must align their policy advocacy with their environmental targets. In a joint blog post, the We Mean Business Coalition and Race to Zero share four recently created resources to help companies in their responsible policy advocacy.
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From our sponsors
- SME Climate Hub drives accountability with new reporting tool - We Mean Business Coalition
- Sustainable fishing offers lifeline to communities hit by climate crisis - Adaptation Fund
- Australia can leverage efficiency and electrification to power a net-zero future - Signifty
- Disaster risk reduction needs to sit at the heart of climate adaptation - Adaptation Fund
- Scaling up clean energy — the greatest growth proposition of the 21st century - We Mean Business Coalition
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Click on the image to read this article. Africa is home to critical minerals required for the energy transition, including copper, cobalt, nickel, lithium and graphite. Image credit: Orion Minerals
Download ESI Africa Issue 1-2023
Over 30 articles are available to you, including one exploring whether bigger wind turbines are better (page 34) and another unpacking the South African energy skills roadmap (page 72).
Nigeria: E-mobility company to ramp up e-motorcycle production
A Nigerian e-mobility company has raised $31 million to expand the assembly of electric two- and three-wheelers.
East Africa: High economic growth projected, but climate finance lacking
East Africa will register the highest regional economic performance on the continent in 2023 and 2024, according to a newly released AfDB report.
Eskom: Grid allocation rules necessary
Eskom has reiterated that the Interim Grid Capacity Allocation Rules are necessary, given the urgent need for the connection of new generation capacity.
Webinar: Unpacking the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM)
Join Gaylor Montmasson-Clair, facilitator of the SAREM, as he unpacks the vision, key objectives and pillars of the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM) and answers your burning questions.
South Africa: Tender for maintenance of hydrogen production plant
Eskom invites tenders for the maintenance of a hydrogen production plant and supply of spares at Camden Power Station. DEADLINE: 7 August 2023
Call for applicants: Mini-grids grant programme in Nigeria
Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency is inviting applications for grants to its nationwide Africa Mini-grids Programme. DEADLINE: 10 August 2023
Evdokiya Polakovskaya From Rosatom on market Developments
Evdokiya Polakovskaya spoke with ESI Africa on industry opportunities and the role the private sector can play in Africa's energy transition.
Find out all about the choice upcoming events in the energy industry
24 August 2023 | WEBINAR: Unpacking the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan
Join Gaylor Montmasson-Clair as he unpacks the vision, key objectives and pillars of the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan.
20-21 September 2023 | Southern African Energy Efficiency Confederation (SAEEC) | Johannesburg, Gauteng
Come and explore energy efficiency in sustainability and development goals.
1-3 October 2023 | Smarter Mobility Africa Summit | CSIR, Tshwane, South Africa
Join us as Smarter Mobility Africa summit returns to a full scale physical event during African Mobility Month and October Transport Month.
3-5 October 2023 | Windaba | CTICC, Cape Town
Register to attend Africa's premier wind energy conference and exhibition.
4-6 October 2023 | ESG Africa Conference | Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
Secure your seat at this 2023 ESG conference under the theme, ‘Sustainable Future Through Leadership’.
24-26 October 2023 | Africa PPP Summit | Casablanca, Morocco
Attend the longest-running infrastructure investment strategic summit.
24-27 October 2023 | CIGRE Southern Africa | CSIR, Pretoria
Attend this regional biennial discussion forum and exhibition.
14-15 November 2023 | Conscious Brands & Circular Economy Summit | CSIR, Tshwane, South Africa
Register to attend a summit that promotes the adoption of circular economy practices within Africa’s business landscape.
Do you know of a friend or colleague that will enjoy this content?
VUKA Group, Ground Floor, Ebden House, Belmont Park, Rondebosch, Western Cape 7700, South Africa
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Ed’s note: We need women in industry to achieve energy, climate goals
August is an exciting month for us. It’s a time to celebrate and recognise the profound impact of women in driving sustainable development across all sectors.
Women in the industry have been the silent force, actively participating in managing, conserving and using our precious natural resources, even in the face of significant barriers to access and control.
The energy transition and green economy present many possibilities for women to improve their access to technical and managerial jobs. However, to achieve this, those in a position of power, regardless of gender, must aid women through skills development, inclusive policies and leadership opportunities.
SA: Russian company and Necsa to cooperate on nuclear fuel production
The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) and Russia’s TVEL have signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate in the manufacturing of nuclear fuel and its components.
Nigeria: UK investment to unlock sustainable infrastructure development
Sustainable infrastructure development in Nigeria has received financial backing designed to unlock local currency funding into the sector.
Ghana: Wastewater facilities commissioned and upgraded
Progress in the water sector sees Ghana's recent commission of a wastewater facility and treatment plant, and rehabilitation and expansion of a sewerage plant.
Deadline extended for comments on SA Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM)
The DMRE invites and encourages stakeholders to attend virtual townhall meetings to review and provide comments on the draft masterplan document.
West Africa forecasted to bounce back from slow economic growth
West Africa experienced slower economic growth over the past year, but is forecasted to bounce back in 2023 and 2024.
Southern Africa: Climate change investment opportunities abound
The Southern Africa region has seen a slowdown in economic growth over the past year as its largest economy, South Africa, confronts multiple challenges.
Lee Tebogo from Actom on Market Developments
Lee Tebogo spoke with ESI Africa on industry opportunities and the role the private sector can play in Africa's energy transition.
CLICK HERE for the full listing of upcoming industry events
24 August 2023 | WEBINAR: Unpacking the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan
Join Gaylor Montmasson-Clair as he unpacks the vision, key objectives and pillars of the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan.
20-21 September 2023 | Southern African Energy Efficiency Confederation (SAEEC) | Johannesburg, Gauteng
Come and explore energy efficiency in sustainability and development goals.
1-3 October 2023 | Smarter Mobility Africa Summit | CSIR, Tshwane, South Africa
Join us as Smarter Mobility Africa summit returns to a full scale physical event during African Mobility Month and October Transport Month.
3-5 October 2023 | Windaba | CTICC, Cape Town
Register to attend Africa's premier wind energy conference and exhibition.
4-6 October 2023 | ESG Africa Conference | Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
Secure your seat at this 2023 ESG conference under the theme: Sustainable Future Through Leadership.
24-26 October 2023 | Africa PPP Summit | Casablanca, Morocco
Attend the longest-running infrastructure investment strategic summit.
24-27 October 2023 | CIGRE Southern Africa | CSIR, Pretoria
Attend this regional biennial discussion forum and exhibition.
14-15 November 2023 | Conscious Brands & Circular Economy Summit | CSIR, Tshwane, South Africa
Register to attend a summit that promotes the adoption of circular economy practices within Africa’s business landscape.
Do you know of a friend or colleague that will enjoy this content?
VUKA Group, Ground Floor, Ebden House, Belmont Park, Rondebosch, Western Cape 7700, South Africa
Nicolette <nico...@esi-africa.com> Unsubscribe
Click on this image to read the full story. Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, and GDC Managing Director and CEO Paul Ngugi admire the successful discharge of GDC’s largest geothermal well at Paka Hills, Baringo County. Image Credit: Geothermal Development Company (GDC)
World Bank looks to help roll out 1,000 mini-grids in Nigeria
World Bank President Ajay Banga joined Ahmad Salihijo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria on a visit to Petti in Abuja.
SA: Municipality counts on renewable energy to counter loadshedding
Mossel Bay municipality in South Africa has embarked on an infrastructure roadmap that includes the use of renewable energy sources to offset loadshedding.
Ghana: Green corporate loan to fund 100MW solar plant
Absa Ghana is financing a pioneering solar plant for the Bui Power Authority, further strengthening the country’s energy capacity and advancing its commitment to sustainable development.
Mining: Zest WEG to power up Kipushi’s New Dawn in the DRC
As part of the refurbishment of the historic Kipushi Zinc-Copper Mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zest WEG will be supplying a range of electrical and energy solutions.
Malawi: Consultancy services needed for climate risk management
The Government of Malawi seeks consultancy services to undertake capacity building in disaster risk management and climate risk modelling. DEADLINE: 18 August 2023
Namibia: Tender for the installation of LED street lighting
The Roads Authority of Namibia invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the procurement of an LED street lighting system. DEADLINE: 5 October 2023
Kwabena Osei Sarpong from Rife International on market developments
Kwabena Osei Sarpong spoke with ESI Africa on industry opportunities and the role the private sector can play in Africa's energy transition.
Find out all about the choice upcoming events in the energy industry
24 August 2023 | WEBINAR: Unpacking the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan
Join Gaylor Montmasson-Clair as he unpacks the vision, key objectives and pillars of the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan.
20-21 September 2023 | Southern African Energy Efficiency Confederation (SAEEC) | Johannesburg, Gauteng
Come and explore energy efficiency in sustainability and development goals.
1-3 October 2023 | Smarter Mobility Africa Summit | CSIR, Tshwane, South Africa
Join us as Smarter Mobility Africa summit returns to a full-scale physical event during African Mobility Month and October Transport Month.
3-5 October 2023 | Windaba | CTICC, Cape Town
Register to attend Africa's premier wind energy conference and exhibition.
4-6 October 2023 | ESG Africa Conference | Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
Secure your seat at this 2023 ESG conference under the theme, ‘Sustainable Future Through Leadership’.
24-26 October 2023 | Africa PPP Summit | Casablanca, Morocco
Attend the longest-running infra-investment strategic summit.
24-27 October 2023 | CIGRE Southern Africa | CSIR, Pretoria
Attend this regional biennial discussion forum and exhibition.
14-15 November 2023 | Conscious Brands & Circular Economy Summit | CSIR, Tshwane, South Africa
Register to attend a summit that promotes the adoption of circular economy practices within Africa’s business landscape.
Do you know of a friend or colleague that will enjoy this content?
VUKA Group, Ground Floor, Ebden House, Belmont Park, Rondebosch, Western Cape 7700, South Africa