Chris Infotainment

Pakistan's Leadership in the Energy Transition Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari has highlighted Pakistan's significant role in the region by implementing rapid reforms in the energy sector and promoting clean and renewable energy. His remarks were made during the Second Asia Energy Transition Summit, which was held via Zoom on Saturday at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). The summit was organized jointly by the Pakistan Renewable Energy Coalition LUMS and the Alliance for Climate Justice and Clean Energy. Global Shifts in Energy and Economic Dynamics Awais Leghari emphasized that global energy diplomacy and economic dynamics are evolving rapidly, profoundly affecting developing countries—particularly those in Asia. He referenced reports from the International Energy Agency and the United Nations, stating that the world is currently at a critical turning point in energy and climate governance. This shift underscor...

Record-Breaking Electricity Demand in Kenya Kenya has witnessed a significant surge in electricity demand, with the peak demand reaching an unprecedented 2,418.77 Megawatts (MW) in November. This marks the fifth time this year that the country has set a new record for electricity consumption. The rising demand has raised concerns about the nation’s ability to meet its energy needs without resorting to power rationing. Peter Njenga, Managing Director of KenGen, revealed that the peak demand was recorded last month, surpassing the previous high of 2,411.98 MW set in October. This increase highlights the growing challenge faced by Kenya in maintaining a balance between supply and demand. Rising Consumption and Pressure on Local Production The increasing demand is driven by a combination of factors, including industrial activity and a rise in household connections. As more people connect to the grid, the pressure on local electricity generation intensifies. Despite efforts to boost pro...

Thailand's Transition to Clean Energy: A Major Investment by Egat The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) is making a significant move towards clean energy, with plans to allocate a substantial portion of its budget to support the country’s shift toward sustainable power generation. This initiative includes investments in both clean power generation and electricity transmission projects. Newly appointed Egat governor Narin Phoawanich has not revealed the exact amount of the budget allocated for these new projects. However, he did mention that some details are available. One of the key projects involves a 50-billion-baht investment to construct three new floating solar farms. These solar farms will be built at the Bhumibol dam in Tak province, as well as the Srinagarind and Vajiralongkorn dams in Kanchanaburi. The combined capacity of these facilities is expected to reach 1,638 megawatts. In addition to the floating solar farms, Egat plans to build three more pump...

Zambia's Electricity Generation Capacity Surges in 2024 Zambia's national installed electricity generation capacity has seen a significant increase, rising from 3,811.32 MW in 2023 to 3,871.32 MW in 2024. This growth was largely attributed to the expansion of solar power plants, particularly the Kitwe solar plants operated by the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC). These plants increased their capacity from 34 MW in 2023 to 94 MW in 2024. This development marks a positive shift for Zambia, especially when compared to 2022, when the country's installed power generation capacity stood at 3,493 MW according to Zesco. However, despite this progress, the current actual generation figures are still far below the national demand, leading to a widening power deficit and frequent load-shedding. According to official data from the Ministry of Energy, as of November 2025, the average power generation was 1,339 MW against an average demand of 2,450 MW. This results in a substantial...

The Significance of Sustainable Industrialisation in Kenya This year’s Africa Industrialisation Day, observed on November 20, focuses on the themes of Sustainable Industrialisation, Regional Integration, and Innovation. For Kenya, this day presents an opportunity to reflect on how the strategic implementation of sustainable practices can drive sustainable industrial growth. At a critical juncture, sustainable industrialisation is no longer just an aspiration—it is essential for maintaining global competitiveness. A crucial factor in achieving industrial growth is the development of sustainable energy infrastructure. According to the Energy and Petroleum Statistics Report for the Financial Year ending June 30, 2025, issued by the Energy & Petroleum Regulation Authority (Epra), renewable power accounted for 80.17% of total power generated that year. This breakdown includes: Geothermal energy at 39.51% Hydropower at 24.21% Wind power at 13.18% Utility-scale solar installations ...

The Lee Jae-myung Government Launches First Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand The Lee Jae-myung administration has officially begun work on establishing its first Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand (Basic Plan) since taking office. This plan is a government-level mid- to long-term comprehensive strategy aimed at ensuring stable electricity supply and demand. The current administration has outlined a policy to restructure the power mix toward carbon-free energy, emphasizing the expansion of renewable energy and the phase-out of coal power. Businesses are concerned that the reduced role of existing base power sources—such as nuclear, gas, and coal—could undermine the stability of electricity supply amid surging demand in the artificial intelligence (AI) era. Another point of interest is whether the plan to build two new nuclear reactors, finalized under the previous administration, will be maintained. Experts have warned, “Political justifications should not overri...

Overview of the Clean Energy Project A significant clean energy project is currently underway in Andhra Pradesh, India. This initiative is being developed by ReNew Energy Global Plc and has received substantial financial backing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The project aims to integrate a vast amount of renewable energy capacity, making it one of the largest in the region. Key Details of the Project The project is designed to incorporate 837 megawatts of peak wind and solar power. This impressive capacity is complemented by a 415-megawatt-per-hour battery energy storage system. Together, these components are expected to deliver 300 MW of peak power. This combination ensures that the project can provide consistent and reliable energy, even when wind and solar resources are not at their maximum. In addition to its technical specifications, the project is also anticipated to generate approximately 1,641 GWh of clean energy annually. This output will contribute significantly...

A Vision for Nigeria's Energy Future Augustine Ekechi, an engineer, entrepreneur, and sustainability advocate, has set out on a mission to redefine Nigeria’s energy future. His vision is centered around innovation, clean technology, and local empowerment. For Ekechi, the next big leap for Nigeria doesn’t lie beneath the ground but in how the nation harnesses its people, science, and creativity to power the continent. In an interview, Ekechi described what he calls a “value-based energy ecosystem.” He envisions Nigeria evolving into a regional hub for clean, integrated, and technology-driven energy systems. This would not only meet domestic demand sustainably but also allow the export of renewable energy solutions to other parts of Africa. Balancing Traditional and Renewable Energy According to Ekechi, achieving this transformation starts with balance—finding harmony between Nigeria’s traditional energy sources and emerging renewables. He emphasizes that Nigeria must move beyond...

Introduction to the Geregu Power Plant Maintenance The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has initiated a four-week routine maintenance program at its 430-megawatt Geregu Power Plant, located in Kogi State. This scheduled inspection, managed by the plant's Original Equipment Manufacturer, Siemens Energy, began this week and is expected to last approximately a month. According to a statement issued by the company’s Head of Corporate Communications and External Relations, Emmanuel Ojor, the exercise is part of ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency and sustain optimal generation levels. The maintenance activities were recently assessed on-site by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Jennifer Adighije. Enhancing Performance and Reliability During her on-the-spot assessment of the maintenance activities, Adighije highlighted that the inspection would significantly enhance the plant’s performance and reliability once completed. She emphasized...

Strategic Energy Investments Boost Zimbabwe's Mining Sector Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe (PLZ) has initiated the construction of a 70-megawatt power station, marking a strategic move to enhance local power supply. This initiative is aimed at supporting PLZ, a subsidiary of China's Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Limited, which is one of the world's largest producers of lithium-ion battery materials and a new cobalt materials producer. The investment in a solar power facility is designed to reduce reliance on the national grid, which is facing increasing demand from the rapidly expanding economy, domestic users, and the mining sector. By focusing on renewable energy, PLZ is taking a step toward greater energy independence and sustainability. PLZ is involved in lithium processing and aims to shift from exporting raw concentrates to adding value through higher-quality products. The company is constructing a lithium sulphate plant to process raw lithium concentrates into higher-value sa...

Overview of the Ammonia Power Plant Project A significant step has been taken in the development of a low-carbon ammonia power plant on Jurong Island, Singapore. This initiative is being led by a consortium headed by Keppel Ltd., which has been selected to move forward with the next phase of the project. The goal is to create a sustainable ammonia solution that can be used for both power generation and bunkering. Consortium Appointed for the Next Phase The appointment of the Keppel-led consortium comes as a result of the Energy Market Authority (EMA) and Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s (MPA) Request for Proposal (RFP) process. This marks an important milestone in the project's timeline, as it allows the consortium to proceed with further studies and planning. The consortium includes key partners such as Sumitomo Corporation and Advario. Together, they have already completed a comprehensive preliminary front-end engineering and design (pre-FEED) study. This initial p...

Recognition of Leadership in Sustainability Energy Absolute Public Company Limited (EA) has once again demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by receiving two prestigious awards at the T-VER Awards: A Decade of Commitment to Greenhouse Gas Reduction. These accolades highlight EA's ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental responsibility both within Thailand and on a global scale. The T-VER Awards, organized by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (Public Organization) - TGO, celebrate outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability. EA was honored with the Outstanding Continuous Certification Project Award and the Carbon Credit Recognition Project Award 2025. These awards not only reflect the company’s adherence to ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles but also emphasize its vital role in supporting Thailand’s transition toward a sustainable, low-carbon society. The Carbon Credit Recognition Project Award 20...

Global Hydrogen Demand and the Role of Fossil Fuels The global demand for hydrogen reached 100 million tonnes in 2024, marking a 2% increase from the previous year. This growth aligns with the broader trend of rising energy demand worldwide. However, the majority of this hydrogen was still produced using fossil fuels, without adequate measures to capture the associated emissions. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the continued reliance on fossil fuels for hydrogen production is driven by cost considerations. In many regions, producing hydrogen from natural gas remains the most economical option. This affordability has been further reinforced by recent declines in natural gas prices. At the same time, the cost of electrolysers—key components in producing low-emissions hydrogen—has increased due to inflation and slower-than-expected technological deployment. Despite these challenges, the IEA highlights that the cost gap between fossil fuel-based and low-emissions hyd...

Enhancing Food Security Through Innovation Nigeria is taking a significant step forward in its efforts to enhance food security by embracing innovative agricultural technologies. The National Economic Council (NEC) has given the green light to solar-powered irrigation pumps developed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI). This decision marks a pivotal move towards a more sustainable and efficient farming system, especially in preparation for the 2025 dry season. The NASENI solar irrigation pump is designed as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional petrol-powered pumps. It aims to support the nation's broader food security strategy by boosting agricultural productivity, reducing operational costs, and ultimately improving the incomes and livelihoods of farmers across Nigeria. At its 152nd meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the NEC officially endorsed the use of the solar irrigation pump. The council also decided to formally i...

The Case for Process Intensification in Nigeria’s Energy Sector Femi Olorunnaiye, a Senior Process Engineer at Fluor Corporation in Houston, Texas, has emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to adopt process intensification in its petrochemical and gas processing industries. With over a decade of experience in energy, petrochemicals, and manufacturing sectors across the globe, Olorunnaiye believes that this technology is no longer just a futuristic concept but a critical step toward improving efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability. “Process intensification is not an option to debate; it is the way forward if we are serious about efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainability,” Olorunnaiye stated. He highlighted the importance of achieving more output with less energy, reduced emissions, and improved reliability. “This means less energy, less footprint, less emissions, while delivering more output, more safety, and more reliability.” Olorunnaiye pointed out that tradit...

Expansion of SK On in the U.S. Energy Storage Market SK On has made a significant breakthrough by securing a large-scale Energy Storage System (ESS) project in the United States. This marks the company’s first major contract for ESS batteries since its launch in 2021, signaling a strategic shift towards expanding its presence in the American market. On the 4th, SK On announced that it had signed an agreement to supply a 1GWh-scale ESS with Flatiron Energy Development, a renewable energy company based in Colorado. ESS systems are crucial for managing the intermittent nature of solar and wind power, which generate electricity unpredictably. Under this deal, SK On will provide container-type ESS products equipped with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for a Massachusetts-based project set to commence in 2026. In addition to this, SK On has gained the right to priority negotiations for a 6.2GWh-scale ESS project that Flatiron is developing across multiple states, including Massachu...

The Rise of Energy Independence in Modern Homes As the global shift toward sustainable energy accelerates, achieving energy independence at home is becoming a crucial goal for many homeowners. Solar energy systems are no longer just a luxury but a necessity, driven by the need for financial savings, reliable power supply, and environmental responsibility. Among the innovative solutions available, the EcoFlow OCEAN Pro stands out as a powerful, AI-driven home power system that not only utilizes renewable energy but also optimizes electricity consumption to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Why Solar Power Is Gaining Popularity According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average American household consumed approximately 10,500 kWh of energy in 2023. With the increasing adoption of electric vehicles and other high-energy-consuming devices, this figure is expected to rise. Additionally, utility costs have surged significantly over the past three years, with...

Embracing a Circular Economy for Sustainable Urban Growth Pakistan is rich in human potential and talent. If this available talent is harnessed effectively, the country could transform into one of the fastest-growing economies in the world within the next decade or two. With the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reporting that Pakistan has the highest rate of urbanization in South Asia, and the UN Population Division estimating that half of the population will live in cities by 2025, it becomes imperative to adopt a more sustainable approach to resource management in urban areas. A circular economy model offers a promising solution. This approach focuses on sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling materials and products to maximize their utility while minimizing waste. By implementing such strategies, cities can become more resilient, efficient, and self-sufficient, especially in terms of renewable energy generation. Harnessing Wind Energy from Urb...

Strengthening Partnerships for a Sustainable Energy Future The Association of VRA Technician Engineers (AVRATE) recently held its Biennial National Delegates Congress 2025, focusing on the theme “Securing a Sustainable Future: VRA and AVRATE in Partnership.” This two-day event brought together a diverse group of participants, including members from the Volta River Authority (VRA), the National Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), industry experts, and key stakeholders in Ghana’s power sector. The congress aimed to address critical issues related to energy sustainability, capacity building, and strategic partnerships. On the first day of the congress, Mr. Richard Yamoah, the AVRATE National Chairman and Chief Technician Engineer at VRA, delivered an opening statement emphasizing the association's commitment to strengthening collaboration with VRA and NEDCo. He highlighted the importance of sustainable employment, viable operations, and the role of AVRATE in major national ene...

A Major Step Forward in Sustainable Energy Atnesystems Energy, in partnership with Metrol Fittings Limited, has successfully completed the installation of a 250-kilowatt-hour solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the Lagos State Multipurpose Agent Complex. This initiative, spearheaded by Tanwa Iwayemi, aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency across the eight-story building. Iwayemi highlighted that each floor of the complex is equipped with its own PV and battery system, which allows for future scalability. “This project represents a significant milestone in achieving smarter and more sustainable infrastructure for the Lagos State government,” she stated. The solar solution not only provides clean and stable power but also ensures that critical security and communication systems operate without interruption, maintaining high service standards. The project was not without its challenges. The building’s structure and open terrace roof posed significant ...