Hydropower projects on the move in Southern Africa; new gas JV to ignite Egypt opportunity; and women leaders in the energy spotlight

A brace of Southern African countries is gearing up to expand hydropower generation with projects in Malawi and Zimbabwe set to deliver additional capacity.

In early Q1 2023, Malawi’s national utility, Electricity Generation Company (EGENCO) invited bids from EPC companies for the extension of the Wovwe Hydropower Station from 4.36MW to 8.86MW.

The turnkey EPC project scope includes construction of a run-of-river hydro station with capacity to meet approximately half of the Northern Region’s estimated 20MW hydropower demand upon completion.?

Meanwhile, Zimbabwean media has reported that the US$14.5 million Lake Mutirikwi hydropower project is finally nearing completion, with a tentative commissioning date of April 2024.

Dual-financed by Danish renewable energy investment company, Frontier Energy, and locally by Old Mutual Life Assurance Company, the 5MW plant is scheduled to be connected to the national grid.

According to Africa focused global energy investment platform Energy Capital & Power, the continent’s current 38.8 GW hydropower capacity, which accounts for 17 per cent of total electricity generation, is expected to increase by more than 23 per cent by 2040.

Energy & Utilities’ newly launched Women in Energy series featured two female leaders in their field in February: Laila Al Hadhrami , Executive Director, Oman IT Society (OTIS) and Smart Sustainable Cities Advisor; and Dr Suzan Shahin , Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center lead at Umm Al Quwain University (UAQU), UAE.

Hadhrami shared key insights on ways in which Oman can responsibly leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and took a deeper dive into sustainability opportunities for global cities.

She believes that Oman's path towards an AI-powered future hinges on tackling crucial awareness challenges with knowledge bridging paramount. “One such initiative driving this vision is the OITS Ambassadors program, which aims to create a smart community of practice,” she said.

UAQU professor Dr Shahin talked about how entrepreneurs can help address? environmental challenges. “[They] play a critical role by bringing innovative solutions to market, driving economic growth in sustainable directions, and challenging traditional business models. Entrepreneurs also have the agility to adapt quickly to changing environmental needs and can often bridge the gap between scientific research and practical, scalable solutions.”

UAE headquartered sustainable energy solutions company Fuelre4m has launched re4mx , a new fossil fuel-reforming nanobiotechnology product range targeting heavily hydrocarbon-reliant industries.

Developed to improve fossil fuel consumption by making it more efficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly, when added to a liquid fossil fuel re4mx breaks down impurities and complex hydrocarbons that often remain non-combusted in conventional engines.?

According to?Rob Mortimer,?Managing Director, Fuelre4m, the product, which comes in five different solutions matched for use with specific fossil fuels, can demonstrate “significant fuel savings above 15 per cent, as well as reducing emissions on fuel burnt by 40-80 per cent.”

The company is currently working with more than 20 clients across different industry sectors, with the power generation sector a primary target for solution deployment following successful completion of testing of African grid power solutions on MAN multi megawatt generator engines, as well as technology concept proof in direct burn steam power generators.

The under-development 60MWp SolNam plant in southern Namibia ticked another box this month with receipt of its generation licence.

Targeting a financial close in 2024, it is one of several clean energy plants in the pipeline for the Solarcentury Africa and SolNam Energy project alliance. Solarcentury's second merchant project in Namibia, the plant’s primary focus is on meeting domestic power requirements.

This latest phase marks another milestone for Solarcentury as it eyes full unconditional membership of the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP). This is set to be granted once commercial operation of its first Namibia project, the 20MWp Gerus solar plant, goes live. According to the company, construction of the plant will commence in the coming months.?

The company aims to be a leading power trader in Southern Africa by leveraging its experience as a solar PV developer, track record of energy trading expertise, and capital deployment capabilities as part of parent company group BB Energy.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and bp announced plans to launch an Egypt joint venture (JV) whereby bp will transfer existing concession interests with ADNOC committing funding for future growth opportunities.

The new JV also includes bp exploration agreements in Egypt, with the overall goal of cultivating a ‘highly competitive’ gas portfolio and is expected to complete in H2 2024.

JV assets will include the Shorouk concession, containing the super-giant Zohr gas field; North Damietta, home to the deepwater Atoll field; and North El Burg block, location of the undeveloped Satis field.

In a meeting with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, held on the sidelines of February’s Egypt Energy Show (EGYPEES 2024 [CM1]?, bp CEO Murray Auchincloss confirmed company plans to inject up to US$1.5 billion in exploration activities in the country in the coming years. This has the potential to power further investments valued at close to US$5 billion.

Middle East Energy , the region's most anticipated energy event is all set to be back with its 49th edition, running from the 16th to the 18th of April 2024 at Dubai World Trade Centre.

The flagship energy event of the year will be the epicenter of opportunities for energy professionals from all over the world! And keeping in line with COP28, Middle East Energy 2024 will be bigger, better, and more focused on sectors that will cater to your energy needs.

This year Middle East Energy advocates how renewable energy, energy storage and digitalization are key to optimizing the region’s power ecosystem and ensuring self-sufficiency. Register now!