Rio Tinto Approves $1,9bn Bauxite Mine

Rio Tinto has given a go-ahead to a $1,9 billion project to build an Australian bauxite mine, defying a deepening commodities downturn. The investment is the largest that Rio has approved for more than two years, a period when global miners have slammed the brakes on spending following a surge in capital expenditure when they tried to take advantage of rising commodity prices.   The wave of mining investment that peaked in 2012 has left many parts of the industry struggling.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 30th November 2015

Kilimanjaro Airport Upgrade to Double Its Capacity

The upgrade of Tanzania's second largest airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, is underway. It is expected to give KIA the capacity to handle more aircraft and passengers.   The makeover, which started last week, will see all runways, apron, taxiways and passenger lounges modernised.   Project engineer Mathew Ndossi said that the $39.7 million expansion works, set to be completed in May 2017, will enable the airport to handle 1.2 million passengers, up from 600,000.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 30th November 2015

Japan Pledges to Finance Hurghada Solar Power Plant

Egypt's Ambassador to Japan Ismail Khairat said that Japan pledged to finance a solar power plant in Hurghada at a cost of $100 million.   In a statement, the foreign ministry said that the agreement was reached during the recent visit paid by Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry to Japan.   That cooperation, the first of its kind between Egypt and Japan in this field, opens new horizons for taking advantage of the advanced Japanese technology in the renewable energy sector.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 30th November 2015

R144 Million Transformer Installed in Acornhoek

Eskom has installed a R144 million transformer in Arconhoek in a bid to ensure reliable power supply to the communities in rural Bushbuckridge local municipality, Mpumalanga.   Eskom spokesperson, Khulu Phasiwe said the commissioning of a new transformer at the Acornhoek substation is part of the power utility's continuing drive to upgrade its electricity infrastructure.   "The commissioning of this transformer forms part of Phase 1 of the transformation upgrade and.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 30th November 2015

Transcorp Ughelli Power Limited Becomes Transcorp Power Limited

Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (Transcorp) yesterday announced the successful merger of its two power subsidiaries Transcorp Ughelli Power Ltd and Ughelli Power Plc. The merged companies are now a single entity called Transcorp Power Limited.   This is a significant milestone in the corporate history of Transcorp.   The merger was designed to harmonize the management and operations of Transcorp's power business for greater efficiency. Greater operational.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 30th November 2015

Paris Power Firm Comes Up With U.S.$2 Million Deal for Tanzania

Dar es Salaam — Energy Access Ventures (EAV), a Paris-based investment firm that backs entrepreneurial companies that bring access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa, has announced its inaugural $2 million investment in Off-Grid Electric (OGE) which has offices in San Francisco, California (USA) and Arusha in Tanzania.   OGE generates solar power and then distributes the electricity to rural households that are mostly far from the main grid.   EAV's $2 million.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 30th November 2015

Africa Inks Three Gold & Mineral Prospection Agreements

The Sudanese ministry of mining Sunday signed three agreements with national and foreign firms for the prospection of gold and other minerals in the Northern state, the states of South Kordofan and the Red Sea. The first agreement was signed with the Italian Kobe International to prospect in the locality of Dalgo in the Northern State. The second agreement was signed with Bizil company to prospect in South Kordofan while the third agreement was signed with Kur company to prospect.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 30th November 2015

Oil Firm Wants Tanzania Favours

The government has been asked to consider reviewing the current Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) system to make exploration and related activities within awarded licences more realistic.  “We understand that the nation needs tax revenues, but I think it is counterproductive to tax operations if by taxing them, they are delayed or made more expensive.Tthe returns from operations will dwarf any revenues that the country may make from the current tax regime and it is.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 30th November 2015

UK’s Energy Africa to boost solar power in Africa

 Nigerian vice-president Yemi Osinbanjo has signed an agreement with the UK government to increase the deployment of solar energy to the West African country’s rural communities solar succo pixabayThe campaign intends to accelerate the development of Africa’s emerging solar market, working with African governments, investors, businesses, NGOs, think tanks, and other donors.  The signing follows the launch of the UK’s Energy Africa access campaign in.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 30th November 2015

Investment decision on Africa’s Kudu power project mid-2016

 A final investment decision is expected mid-2016 on Namibia’s Kudu gas-to-power project, which is expected to boost electricity security in the southwest African country power namibia DavidSeibold flickrOnce the power plant is built, it is expected to provide Namibia with 400MW of power.  According to a senior official, the project, where costs have doubled to around US$2.3bn, will transfer gas from the offshore Kudu field to a floating production system, before.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 30th November 2015

JCB Power Products acquires UK diesel genset producer

 JCB Power Products has acquired the business and assets of diesel generator producer Broadcrown Ltd JCBpowerJCB Power Products offers a range of more than 200 generators ranging from eight to 3,300 kVA.  The acquisition was to strengthen and extend the range of generators it has to offer, said the company. The new business is expected to function under the name JCB Broadcrown and products here on will be marketed as Broadcrown. The business will offer a full portfolio of.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 30th November 2015

East Africa and CIF to spend US$50mn on clean energy projects

 Rwanda, along with Climate Investment Funds (CIF), will work to provide access to electricity to around 70 per cent of its population by 2018 solarpanel bartspeelman flickrRwanda hopes to tap into a range of clean energy sources in order to supply power to its residents.  The country is hoping to achieve this by tapping into a host of renewable energy sources, and bring up the access Rwandans have to electricity by 23 per cent from last year. This initiative is expected.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 30th November 2015