In addition to producing the flagship fortnightly African Energy, AE’s team of experienced analysts also produce briefings and reports on a range of topics and issues that affect the region. Our expertise can be tapped by anyone and delivered in a range of formats. For more information contact Nick Carn. nick@africa-energy.com
New 2010 report & seminar
Libya’s Energy Future: Industry and Political risk outlook was launched at a Chatham House seminar in London on 20 July.
Based on African Energy’s unparalleled track record in following Libya’s energy story and careful, originally sourced reporting from Libya and global markets, this updated and enlarged special report analyses the major issues and the financial and political trends influencing development of Libya's energy industries. Read more
A detailed guide to electrification in Africa
A 400-page study published in Paris by Karthala, L’Electricité au Coeur des Défis Africains (available in French only) includes an overview of the continental electricity supply industry and examples of generation, transmission and distribution projects. A chapter on decentralised rural electrification is followed by another on the establishment of decentralised services companies.
The book draws on articles and materials from a number of experts and sources, including African Energy.
Order a copy now, priced €36 / £30 plus postage and packing. Email: nick@africa-energy.com
AfricaHardball is an executive dialogue that brings together policy-makers, industry leaders and analysts to discuss the key political issues affecting the African energy industry in frank and open terms.
The last AfricaHardball roundtable was held on 29 June, prior to the start of EnergyNet Ltd’s annual Africa Energy Forum (AEF), in Basel. Read more
On the page below you will find a selection of articles from the African Energy archive. All items preceded by a padlock symbol require a subscription.
The World Bank board has approved financing of $700,000 to the National Treasury to fund the design of a regulatory framework for independent power projects. Issue 191, 23 July 2010. more
South Africa eyes new offshore tight gas field as region’s power demand drives upstream activity
Companies and their advisers are sounding bullish about the prospects for gas fields offshore South Africa, while Namibia is waiting to see if anything will come of Gazprom’s stated intention to develop the Kudu field to supply power to both countries. The latest instalment of African Energy’s West coast upstream update sees an upturn in activity in the south Issue 189, 25 June 2010.more
BHP Billiton revises Mozal contract, SA talks go on
BHP Billiton has signed an amended power supply contract with Eskom Holdings covering payments for the Mozal aluminium smelter, in a deal that removes a link to commodity pricing that hit the South African utility’s balance sheet last year. Issue 188, 11 June 2010.more
Vulture circles Snel’s World Cup deal
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) states have fallen in behind Eskom Holding’s efforts to make sure South Africa does not suffer the global embarrassment of a major electricity shortfall during the 11 June-11 July Fifa World Cup Issue 186, 14 May 2010.more
Shanduka-Aggreko JV to power World Cup
Shanduka Energy and temporary power supplier Aggreko have formed a joint venture to supply rental power for broadcasting the Fifa World Cup tournament in June and July. Issue 185, 30 April 2010. more
Doubts remain as World Bank approves $3.75bn loan
The World Bank Group (WBG) on 8 April approved a controversial $3.75bn loan package for state utility Eskom Holdings, despite concerted opposition from environmental groups which persuaded several western governments – including the United States, United Kingdom and the Netherlands – to abstain from voting. Other WBG executive board members, including India, China and Saudi Arabia, approved the project by consensus – which meant it eventually passed without a vote. Issue 184, 16 April 2010.more
South Africa promotes unbundling, diversified energy mix, 12 years after White Paper
The Zuma administration is promising wide-ranging reform to bring private investment into generation and radically overhaul the distribution sector. Jon Marks asks whether South Africa’s government can really change how Eskom operates and implement a reform programme that is acceptable to a dizzying variety of political and consumer lobbies, while meeting the demands of potential investors and financiers Issue 182, 12 March 2010.more
Government confronted by limits of Eskom’s financial demands
Following the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa)’s ruling on tariff increases over the next three years, the African National Congress government and Eskom have said they will explore “various scenarios” to fund the construction of new generation plants. Nersa on 24 February announced a tariff increase of 24.8% in 2010/11, 25.1% in 2011/12 and 25.9% in 2012/13 – which was less than the 35% annual increase Eskom had requested (AE 181/28). Issue 182, 12 March 2010.more
IPSA agrees interim funding, debt standstill
Hobbled in its efforts to develop independent power projects (IPPs) in South Africa by the authorities’ reluctance to progress projects and the cancellation of a major smelter scheme at Coega, IPSA Group – driven by its chief executive, British power sector entrepreneur Peter Earl – has raised funding to keep its operations going and has agreed a new standstill arrangement with its major creditors (AE 173/9). Issue 182, 12 March 2010.more
GE South Africa Technologies (Gesat) has announced an agreement to provide Transnet with ten medium-speed, diesel-powered generators for a new multi-product pipeline being built between Durban and Johannesburg. Issue 191, 23 July 2010. more
South Africa eyes new offshore tight gas field as region’s power demand drives upstream activity
Companies and their advisers are sounding bullish about the prospects for gas fields offshore South Africa, while Namibia is waiting to see if anything will come of Gazprom’s stated intention to develop the Kudu field to supply power to both countries. The latest instalment of African Energy’s West coast upstream update sees an upturn in activity in the south Issue 189, 25 June 2010.more
Newcomer in Karoo Basin
The Petroleum Agency of South Africa (Pasa) has accepted an application from Sunset Energy subsidiary Bundu Gas and Oil Exploration for the Cranemere area of 1.04m acres in the Karoo Basin. Issue 188, 11 June 2010.more
PetroSA defends refinery plans
The board of PetroSA has approved the next stage of development of the Coega refinery project, despite suggestions from BP that it might turn out to be an expensive white elephant. KBR has completed a feasibility study for the project and the PetroSA board has said it can proceed to the front-end engineering design phase (AE 165/20). Issue 182, 12 March 2010.more
BP to pull out of southern Africa downstream
BP has announced plans to sell its marketing business in Namibia, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia and Botswana following a strategic review. The review of BP’s refining and marketing businesses in southern Africa showed that the company should focus on countries which offered the greatest synergies with its supply portfolio, namely Mozambique and South Africa. Issue 182, 12 March 2010.more
South African gas plans pick up as rules of play become clearer
Uncertainty over the regulatory framework has slowed oil and gas exploration for several years, but with new legislation in place the pace is finally picking up, writes Thalia Griffiths, recently in Johannesburg Issue 181, 26 February 2010.more
The World Bank Group (WBG) on 8 April approved a controversial $3.75bn loan package for state utility Eskom Holdings, despite concerted opposition from environmental groups which persuaded several western governments – including the United States, United Kingdom and the Netherlands – to abstain from voting. Other WBG executive board members, including India, China and Saudi Arabia, approved the project by consensus – which meant it eventually passed without a vote. Issue 184, 16 April 2010.more
South Africa promotes unbundling, diversified energy mix, 12 years after White Paper
The Zuma administration is promising wide-ranging reform to bring private investment into generation and radically overhaul the distribution sector. Jon Marks asks whether South Africa’s government can really change how Eskom operates and implement a reform programme that is acceptable to a dizzying variety of political and consumer lobbies, while meeting the demands of potential investors and financiers Issue 182, 12 March 2010.more
Government confronted by limits of Eskom’s financial demands
Following the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa)’s ruling on tariff increases over the next three years, the African National Congress government and Eskom have said they will explore “various scenarios” to fund the construction of new generation plants. Nersa on 24 February announced a tariff increase of 24.8% in 2010/11, 25.1% in 2011/12 and 25.9% in 2012/13 – which was less than the 35% annual increase Eskom had requested (AE 181/28). Issue 182, 12 March 2010.more
Lack of urgency on South African power policy
There are plans to keep the lights on for the World Cup, but a lack of detail on long-term plans, suggests Eskom and the government have failed to learn the lessons of the 2008 supply crisis, writes Thalia Griffiths Issue 181, 26 February 2010.more
Huge divides remain over South African political and electric power
For a short period on 22-24 February, Durban’s International Convention Centre became the focal point for the policy divides that are becoming ever more public as South Africa settles uneasily into Jacob Zuma’s presidency. Issue 181, 26 February 2010.more
South African gas plans pick up as rules of play become clearer
Uncertainty over the regulatory framework has slowed oil and gas exploration for several years, but with new legislation in place the pace is finally picking up, writes Thalia Griffiths, recently in Johannesburg Issue 181, 26 February 2010.more
Nersa ruling to clarify Eskom’s finances
An imminent decision on the future funding of the state-owned power utility may force it to revisit other capital expenditure and funding agendas, writes Kevin Godier Issue 180, 5 February 2010.more
Market awaits Eskom funding model
The short-term future of many of southern Africa’s power markets depends on Eskom’s investment plans. The parastatal’s eagerly anticipated funding model is expected within weeks, writes Kevin Godier Issue 171, 2 October 2009.more
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