Energy

Kuwait is to broaden its energy production, launching the first step in an extensive renewable energy programme intended to ease reliance on hydrocarbons while at the same time building awareness of the commercial and investment opportunities offered by solar energy.

Four years after Nigeria passed the Nigerian Content executive act (NCA) in April 2010, new government figures seem to indicate that it has helped stimulate a jump in activity by domestic firms in the country’s hydrocarbons sector.

Jordan’s high energy import bills and the frequent power cuts resulting from shortfalls in supplies from Egypt may soon become less of a problem as a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) import facility at the port of Aqaba is set to come on-line by the end of the year.

President Jacob Zuma has announced a shake-up of the South African energy sector after signalling the government will push ahead with both nuclear energy generation and shale gas exploration, although revised electricity demand projections suggest consumption will nonetheless be slower than expected in the years until 2025.

Kuwait is becoming increasingly concerned over the threat posed by cyber attacks against its strategic oil and gas industry, along with other sectors of the economy, with greater training of staff and improved technology seen as vital front-line defences to ensure cyber security.

Long the country’s Achilles heel, the electricity sector in Nigeria took another step forward in late May, when an increase in end-user tariffs was announced. Though the rise in prices prompted concern from consumers, the change will help to attract fresh capital from private investors who require at least cost-recovery levels for production and distribution.