Norway on Thursday, April 10, 2025, unveiled its Climate White Paper alongside a draft of new, yet supposedly insufficient, climate targets. The White Paper outlines key proposals for Norway’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Norway
According to environment watchdog, 350.org, an in-depth analysis exposes “substantial flaws within the country’s climate and energy strategy”. The group has tagged the document “a masked commitment to fossil fuel expansion”.
It lists key elements and shortfalls of Norway’s new climate target to include:
The headline target of a 70-75% emissions reduction by 2035 falls short of Norway’s fair share (at least 80% by 2035) and hinges on the use of international flexibility mechanisms, rather than a fully domestic approach (pages 9, 25, 26, 135)
Norway has once again opted not to set a climate neutrality target for 2050, instead aiming for a 90-95% emissions reduction by mid-century (Pages 25, 135)
Despite advice from the climate committee, Norway is resisting calls for a clear plan to phase out oil and gas production, signaling an intention to extend fossil fuel extraction contrary to scientific recommendations for a hard end date in line with 1.5°C warming (page 115)
While Norway indicates that renewable energy will expand – albeit with a controversial emphasis on bioenergy – it fails to commit to a specific renewable energy target for 2035.
Andreas Sieber, Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns, said:“As one of the wealthiest nations, Norway should be leading the way in phasing out fossil fuels. Yet, as the global oil market stagnates, it clings to a dying economic model, refusing to diversify and ignoring its moral duty to act.
“This is not just bad economics; it is a betrayal of future generations. Norway presents itself as a climate leader, but this new climate white paper is essentially a masked commitment to fossil fuels. Norway needs to go beyond rhetoric and deliver a truly transformative climate plan – one that phases out fossil fuels, embraces a just energy transition, and meets the urgency of the climate crisis.”
President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has pledged significant investment in Cross River State’s health and agriculture sectors.
L-R: Deputy Governor of Cross River, Mr Peter Odey; Gov. Bassey Otu; President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina; and his wife, at the state banquet organised in their honour in Calabar
Adesina made this commitment on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, during a state banquet held in his honour by the Cross River State Government, in connection with the launch of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) project.
He stated that the AfDB would support Gov. Bassey Otu’s efforts to revitalise primary healthcare centres and strengthen the state’s health insurance initiative.
Adesina also encouraged the adoption of a sustainable, franchise-based business model for healthcare delivery to enhance accessibility and improve quality of care nationwide.
Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about the SAPZ project, describing it as a “game-changer” for Cross River’s economy.
“We will help ensure that primary healthcare centres are not only revitalised but also digitally connected to allow seamless access and portability of health records,” he said.
Adesina also lauded the governor’s collaboration with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) on the Bakassi Deep Seaport project, noting that it positioned Cross River to become a key logistics and industrial processing hub.
In his remarks, Otu reiterated his administration’s commitment to achieving economic independence and reducing overdependence on federal allocations.
He identified three strategic development pillars, security, food security, and energy security as essential to unlocking sustainable growth in the state.
The governor also highlighted plans to integrate Cross River into regional economic corridors with Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, while boosting agricultural productivity through large-scale cultivation of cocoa, cassava, and other key crops.
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and Ceva Santé Animale (Ceva) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an Animal Health Innovation Hub for Africa at ILRI’s Nairobi campus. This strategic collaboration aims to enhance animal health and livestock productivity across the continent by fostering innovation, research, and capacity-building and demonstrates ILRI’s interest in working with the private sector.
Cattle rearing in Kenya
Poor animal health in Africa has significant impact on livelihoods, food security and climate emissions. It is estimated that the continent loses $9 billion a year from poor animal health, equivalent to 6 per cent of the total value of the livestock sector in Africa.
Animal diseases cause substantial mortality and morbidity, leading to significant economic losses especially for pastoral and smallholder farmers and communities who rely on livestock for their livelihoods. Diseased animals are less productive, resulting in lower yields of meat, milk, and other livestock products which also leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions relative to the animal’s productivity.
The Innovation Hub will serve as a platform for pioneering advancements in animal health with a focus on:
Development of vaccines for Africa: Supporting research and innovation to develop vaccines tailored to Africa’s livestock needs.
Deployment of data monitoring systems and gathering of animal health data: Establishing comprehensive systems to track and analyse animal health trends across the region.
Technical transfer within Africa: Facilitating knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen local expertise in animal health.
Creation of real-time market research information: Enabling informed decision-making through up-to-date market insights and intelligence.
Expansion of the animal health ecosystem: Attracting startups and animal health service companies to drive further innovation and investment in the sector.
The Hub will bring together scientists from the north to work with scientists from across Africa combining experience in the animal health industry with research expertise from ILRI.
Appolinaire Djikeng, director general of ILRI, highlighted the importance of the collaboration and said: “This partnership with Ceva underscores our shared commitment to improving livestock health and productivity in Africa by bringing research solutions to the market. Leveraging ILRI’s research expertise and links to local level partners and Ceva’s global experience in animal health, we aim to create sustainable solutions that will benefit farmers and communities across the African continent.”
Marc Prikazsky, chairman and CEO of Ceva Santé Animale, added: “Innovation is at the core of Ceva’s mission, and Africa represents a key priority for our efforts to improve animal health. Through this Innovation Hub, we will work closely with ILRI and other stakeholders to ensure that scientific advancements translate into real-world impact for African farmers.”
The establishment of the Innovation Hub is expected to foster a robust ecosystem of innovation, drawing in researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to collaboratively address the continent’s most pressing animal health challenges.
The Federal Government, UNESCO and other partners have committed towards supporting groundwater management for water security.
Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation
The commitment came at a two-day validation and capacity building workshop organised by UNESCO.
Groundwater is water that is found beneath the surface of the earth in conditions of 100 per cent saturation.
Groundwater can be found in aquifers. An aquifer is a body of water-saturated sediment or rock in which water can move readily.
The event, which held in Abuja on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, was in collaboration with the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI), Kaduna, and the Regional Centre for Integrated River Basin Management (RC-IRBM).
The workshop focused on the sub-project “Improving Groundwater Governance towards Achieving Sustainable Water Security for Human Settlements in Nigeria.”
The sub-project is being implemented within the framework of the UNESCO Korean Fund-in-Trust (K-FIT) funded project titled “Water Security for Human Settlements in Developing Countries under Climate Change.”
It aims at improving knowledge-based management and governance of groundwater resources to support Nigeria in achieving sustainable water security for human settlements and build resilience to the impacts of climate change.
Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, said that sustainable water solutions at the local, regional and global levels required creativity, new scientific knowledge, discoveries and innovation.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Richard Pheelangwah, Utsev said the workshop would strengthen the capacity of groundwater experts on the tools developed by UNESCO.
“The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation will support any effort aimed at delivering insight into modern approaches for sustainably managing our vast groundwater resources, for increased water access and coverage,” he said.
He urged that recommendations from the workshop should align with national priorities in terms of sustainable water security, adaptable to climate change for human settlement in Nigeria and groundwater quality.
Mr. Albert Mendy, Head of UNESCO Abuja Office, re-echoed the crucial role groundwater played as a natural resource in supporting ecosystems, agriculture, livelihoods and the wellbeing of human communities.
Represented by Dr Enang Moma, Head of Science Sector, Mendy recalled that UN World Water Development report for 2022 revealed that groundwater made up 99 per cent of the world’s liquid freshwater.
“Most rural and urban human settlements in Africa and indeed in Nigeria are dependent on groundwater because it is locally available, drought resilient and has quality requiring minimal treatment.
“It is therefore crucial to prioritise the effective management of this valuable water resource through enhanced groundwater governance,” he said.
He said the event was setting Nigeria on the path of achieving sustainable water security and the Sustainable Development Goal number six which focused on ensuring the availability, sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
The official said that the implementation of the project started in the last quarter of 2023.
Dr Idowu Lateef, Secretary-General, Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO (NatCom-UNESCO), said effective water governance recognised the value of aquifer systems aimed at achieving the sustainable provision of fresh water.
Represented by Ms. Frances Ezejiofor, an official of the organisation, he said the impact was obvious with about 40 per cent of water for irrigated agriculture with one-third of the water required for industry coming from groundwater resources.
“Despite this impressive path, groundwater remains invisible and less permanent with the worsening parts of climate change.
“We need to recognise that groundwater will be a catalyst for economic and social development in Nigeria,” Lateef said.
As Earth Month unfolds, The Green Connection and Natural Justice are speaking out against yet another push to expand fossil fuel development – despite mounting evidence that such projects accelerate climate change and destroy ecosystems.
Mossel Bay, South Africa
On Friday, April 4, 2025, the organisations officially objected to an application for exploratory oil and gas surveys in Blocks 9 and 11B/12B of the Outeniqua Basin, located south of South Africa, raising concerns over environmental damage, community impacts, and economic sustainability.
Notably, TotalEnergies EP South Africa (TotalEnergies) has already abandoned the project, yet Main Street 1549 (Pty) Ltd – a largely unknown player in the oil and gas space – is now taking over the project.
But, at what cost to South Africans? demand the activists.
The Green Connection’s Strategic Lead, Liziwe McDaid, says that she questions the move. She says, “If a global giant like TotalEnergies deems the project too costly and risky, on what basis should South Africans believe that Main Street is up to the task? If TotalEnergies, with all its resources, has pulled out, we have to ask, is this project even viable and are previous concerns now being ignored?
“But more importantly, why does government continue to make decisions which appear to prioritise short term profits over longer term economic sustainability. When will we finally prioritise good governance in order to prioritise justice in the just transition to sustainable energy?”
The Mossel Bay coast is home to one of the world’s fastest ocean currents, making it highly vulnerable to oil spills. Beyond the technical difficulties, the real threat lies in what happens if something goes wrong. A spill here could devastate South Africa’s marine biodiversity, disrupt fisheries, and harm coastal tourism – industries that sustain thousands of livelihoods from Mossel Bay to Cape Town and all the way up the West Coast.
“The government and corporations claim this project will create jobs, but the truth is these projects create only a handful of highly specialised jobs while displacing thousands of sustainable, long-term livelihoods. And let’s not forget, even if oil is discovered, first extraction would likely only happen in 2035. By then, global markets will likely have moved away from fossil fuels, and South Africa will be left with stranded assets,” McDaid explains. “This isn’t just about the environment; it’s about the livelihoods of thousands of small-scale fishers, tourism operators, and coastal businesses who rely on clean and healthy oceans. A spill could wipe out entire industries.”
Senior Legal Fellow at Natural Justice, Rantsho Moraka, warns, “The government cannot claim to support climate action while simultaneously approving fossil fuel projects that could harm South Africans in the long run. Climate disasters are worsening – floods, droughts, and storms are already displacing people and threatening food security. Our government must start making decisions that align with long-term sustainability and people’s constitutional rights. Yet, the government continues to entertain fossil fuel projects that threaten the very communities that they are under a constitutional obligation to protect and support.”
The group states: “The world’s leaders are being compelled by climate science and international law to urgently divest from fossil fuels. Oil and gas wells will eventually dry up – then what happens to the workers, communities, and infrastructure dependent on them? Instead of leaving people stranded in an uncertain future, South Africa should invest now in a just energy transition – one that ensures job and food security, economic resilience, and energy access for all.”
The Green Connection’s Warren Blouw says, “With a Government of National Unity, we had hoped for the opportunity for some kind of leadership reset, where new decision-makers break free from past fossil fuel dependency. We urgently need decision-makers who see the value – for all citizens – of a sustainable, just, and economically sound energy strategy, and are willing to commit to it.
“This means ensuring that Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are thorough, transparent, and align with constitutional rights – including the rights of future generations to a safe and liveable planet. Even if our government ignores the global trend, the world is moving away from fossil fuels. Soon, there will be no market left for South African oil and gas.”
“The science is clear: to combat climate change, we must stop all new fossil fuel projects. South Africa cannot afford another year of outdated, short-sighted energy decisions because these have resulted in disruptive loadshedding and unaffordable, inaccessible electricity. As we enter the second quarter of 2025, we must ask: are we repeating the same mistakes or are we shifting toward real solutions?” says Blouw.
“A just transition is not just an environmental issue – it is an economic and social justice imperative,” McDaid emphasises. “If we act now, we can build a future where more South Africans have secure jobs in sustainable sectors, building resilient communities that live in harmony with the Earth, using our shared resources in responsible ways. For this we need a government that prioritises people over profit.”
The Green Connection says, “South Africa stands at a crossroads – continue down the path of short-term fossil fuel profits that only benefit a few or embrace a just, people-centred energy transition that secures long-term sustainability. We call on leaders, especially in this moment of political change, to reject harmful offshore drilling and prioritise a future powered by clean energy. Because the real question is not just who is pushing these projects, but why are they still on the table?”
Affected small-scale fishers from Mossel Bay and up the West Coast are also concerned.
Chairperson of Greater Kwa-Nonqaba Development Forum (GKwaDF), Bongani Swartbooi, says, “Public participation should be inclusive and transparent. The rushed and selective approach taken by SLR undermines the very essence of community engagement. The Draft Scoping Report cannot be accepted under these conditions – it must be redone with genuine input from all affected communities.
“It is unacceptable that only certain communities were prioritised in this process. True public participation means ensuring that all voices are heard, not just those that are convenient. The Greater Kwa-Nonqaba Development Forum stands firm in demanding a fair and inclusive approach.”
Small-scale fisher from Mossel Bay, Osborn Jansen, says, “Our ocean is our livelihood, culture, and heritage. The way we see it is, oil and gas companies are coming here to destroy our natural habitats, with no consideration of those who live and depend on it.”
Ernest Titus of Lamberts Bay Small-Scale Fishers says, “What is disheartening is that these big oil and gas companies are not doing all this oil and gas exploration, in their own oceans, they just want to destroy ours – for profit”
George Johnson of West Coast Guriqua San Counsel Head of Fisheries says, “Our ocean is our livelihood and cultural inheritance. To us, it more than just water – it sustains us spiritually but also economically. These oil and gas companies want to put that all at risk. We say “No!” to all of this, because we all know that there are other alternative sources they can explore. We call on all our young people to stand up and protect our ocean, because once it is gone it will be gone forever. We need a more ethical and inclusive public participation and approach to all this.”
Andries Booysen of Kleinbegin Fishing Co-op in Elandsbaai says, “The sea is our source of sustenance, it has been in our past, is in our present and should also be protected so it can be in our future too. We do not want all this oil and gas in our coastal towns and oceans.”
The Federal Government and China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, signed a contract agreement worth $328.8 million aimed at improving power supply across the country.
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, with officials of China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) during the contract signing ceremony in Abuja
The contract covers Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing for the implementation of transmission lines under Phase 1 of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI).
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, said the new deal is more than just the exchange of documents but “it is a tangible demonstration of the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to deliver on our promise of a stable and reliable power supply for all Nigerians.”
He added that the Federal Government is determined to break down the barriers that have hindered progress in the past and build a power sector that is fit for the 21st century and beyond.
Adelabu stated; “I commend the dedicated teams at the FGN Power Company and CMEC for their tireless efforts in bringing this crucial contract to fruition. I urge them to maintain this momentum and work diligently to ensure the successful execution of this project.
“To the Nigerian people, I say this: we understand the challenges you have faced with power supply, and we are working tirelessly to address them. Today’s event is a testament to our commitment to deliver tangible improvements. We ask for your continued patience and support as we embark on this transformative journey.”
The project involves rehabilitation and construction of 330kV and 132kV transmission lines, 7 brownfield and 10 greenfield lines, totaling 544 kilometers with a load capacity of 7,140 megawatts.
These vital infrastructure projects will serve as the arteries to carry increased power generated through mid-stream transmission (being rehabilitated by Siemens) directly to homes, businesses, and industries powering our economy
While Siemens will be bringing advanced technology to generation and transmission networks, CMEC will complement this with expertise in distribution line construction and rehabilitation.
The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has inaugurated a Service Charter in its commitment to deliver quality and affordable housing to Nigerians.
The inauguration of the Service Charter
The charter was inaugurated by Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Abuja.
Dangiwa said that it was a bold statement of the ministry’s collective commitment to excellence, transparency, responsiveness and accountability in the discharge of duties to Nigerians.
The document outlines the ministry’s vision, mission, and deliverables in providing quality and affordable housing, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
“As we all know, the civil service is the engine that drives the machinery of governance headed by our Permanent Secretary.
“No matter how bold or visionary government’s policies and programmes may be, their success or failure ultimately rests on the shoulders of the civil servants who are tasked with the implementation.
“When the civil service is competent, efficient and forward-thinking it becomes an invaluable asset, guiding political leaders and ensuring the continuity and success of government’s policies.
“A weak, unmotivated and inefficient civil service becomes a drag on progress, frustrating implementation and slowing down reforms and undermining the best intentions of government,” he said.
Dangiwa said that the service charter outlined the standards of service that every department, unit and staff of the ministry should uphold.
According to him, it also gives citizens a clear picture of what they should expect from the ministry and how to hold it accountable to those expectations.
He urged members of staff to recommit themselves to giving their best in service and upholding the values of discipline, diligence and patriotism that define the Nigerian civil service.
The minister encouraged them to become enablers of change and not obstacles to progress.
“Let us embrace this charter, not just as a document, but as a culture.
“Let it guide our daily operations, shape our interactions with citizens and shareholders and inspire us to build a ministry that we can all be proud of,” he said
The minister said that the ministry would dedicate a special day during the SERVICOM week to recognise outstanding staff, customers, contractors, and consultants of the ministry.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Shuiab Belgore, said that the ministry was working to change the narrative of the housing sector.
According to Belgore, to make this happen, the ministry innovated some reforms to drive internal productivity and created a reward system for best staff of the month and the overall best for the year.
“That way, the members of staff will give their best in effective service delivery to the nation.
“I guarantee to Nigerians that the service we will provide will be exemplary,” he said
Also speaking, Mrs. Nnenna Akajemeli, National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer, SERVICOM, presiding office, said that the inauguration of the service charter marked a significant step toward service improvement in the ministry.
Akajemeli said that its implementation would determine how well the ministry is positioned to really improve on the services provided to stakeholders.
She said that SERVICOM was an initiative of the Federal Government conceived to promote effective and efficient service delivery in the civil service.
“The concept was initiated by the government to ensure customer satisfaction and manage the performance and expectation gap between government and citizens.
“A service charter, therefore, is a document that describes the service experience that can be expected from the ministry to coordinate all matters concerning lands, housing and urban development,” she said.
Akajemeli further described the service charter as an operational and performance enhancement tool that enshrined the trust between service providers and service takers containing realistic and measurable standards in specific key service of the ministry.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery says it has begun exporting refined petroleum products to many African, European, American and Asian markets.
Dangote Refinery
The Deputy Regional Director, South East, Dangote Cement, Mr. Ayirioritse Okerentie, made the disclosure at the ongoing 36th Enugu International Trade Fair on Dangote Special Day.
The regional director listed the products to include aviation fuel and naphtha, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and automotive gas oil.
Okerentie said the theme for the fair, “Developing Nigeria Industrial Sector/SMEs for Economic Advancement & Global Recognition”, resonated with the Dangote Industries Ltd.
He said the industry created millions of both direct and indirect employments for people of diverse skills such as administrators, accountants, engineers, technicians, marketing and sales among other.
Okerentie explained that Dangote Petrochemical Complex had kicked off the production of polypropylene, a major raw material used in textile, plastic, furniture and pharmaceutical sectors.
“Our intervention in road construction, through partnerships with both federal and state governments, is well documented.
“Dangote Group has actively participated in road construction and rehabilitation projects aimed at improving transport conditions. We reconstructed the Obajana-Kabba road as well as the Apapa-Oshodi-Oworonshoki expressway in Lagos.
“We are reconstructing the Ibeju-Lekki Expressway using concrete. Concrete roads are more durable than the normal asphalt roads, with an estimated lifespan of 100 years.
“Dangote cement operations in over 10 African countries, the group has facilitated the export of cement from Nigeria to other African markets.
“It is on record that Dangote Cement enabled Nigeria to attain self-sufficiency in local production of cement. Nigeria is not only a leading producer of cement, but our export capacity has helped reduced pressure on foreign exchange.
“Dangote Sugar is a leading brand that has made a remarkable impact on the Nigerian sugar sector.
”The company is committed to ensure that Nigeria ends the importation of raw sugar into the country by actively intensifying its execution of the Sugar Backward Integration.
“Similarly, to support government in Food Security, we are also investing in the agricultural sector. These agricultural products will soon be in the market. Dangote salt is refined from the finest quality sea-salts,” he said.
He explained that the expectations were that through this Trade Fair, they would be able to expand awareness for their innovative products, generate sales, get prospective buyers, improve the image of their brands.
In a welcome address, the President Enugu Chamber of Commerce Industry Mining and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Mr. Odeiga Jideonwu, applauded Dangote Industries for being a major sponsor of the fair for the past four years.
The president represented by the first Deputy President, Mr. Eric Chime, said that recent investment of Dangote into oil and gas industry had taken the company to another level, especially in regulating the prices of petroleum products in Nigeria.
ECCIMA called on the Federal Government to give the Company all the needed support to continue to bring smiles on the faces of Nigerians.
The South African Cabinet has approved the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM) for implementation, targeting energy security and broader industrial growth. The plan seeks to address challenges associated with local capacity, infrastructure and investment by providing a roadmap for developing renewable energy and battery storage technologies. For investors, the plan identifies a clear pathway to advancing power projects as South African electricity demand is expected to rise two-fold by 2040.
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa
The upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 – taking place September 29 to October 3, 2025, – will examine the impact the SAREM will have on the country’s energy mix. Uniting African government and policymakers with energy operators and investors, the event seeks to drive investment in African energy, in alignment with broader goals of making energy poverty history.
South Africa targets ambitious growth across its renewable energy market, striving to strengthen grid resilience through large-scale investments in generation and transmission infrastructure. Led by policies such as the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) – revised in 2023 – the country envisages 29.5 GW of new capacity by 2030. Of this, 14.4 GW will be derived from wind while 6 GW comes from solar. The latest procurement round of the IRP targets 6.8 GW of renewable energy, 3 GW of natural gas and 1.5 GW of coal.
To realise these goals, the SAREM aims to leverage rising demand for renewable energy and storage technologies, with a focus on solar, wind, lithium-ion battery and vanadium-based battery technologies to drive industrial development in South Africa.
The masterplan is anchored on four primary areas: supporting local demand for renewable energy and storage by unlocking system readiness; driving industrial development by building renewable energy and battery storage value chains; fostering inclusive development by driving transformation of the industry; and building local capabilities in terms of skills and technological innovation.
The SAREM is expected to fuel the already-growing South African renewable energy market. According to the African Energy Chamber’s State of African Energy 2025 Outlook, South Africa – alongside Egypt – is expected to continue leading Africa’s power generation in 2025. The continent has over 500 GW of renewable energy capacity in concept phase, 80% of which are in the North African region and South Africa. South Africa is also one of several countries leading in nuclear-based power generation.
The SAREM will support growth by facilitating partnerships across the value chain, implementing targeted training programs while addressing challenges associated with regulatory barriers. While the SAREM provides significant benefits to the renewable energy landscape, Cabinet has directed that additional work be done on the masterplan to incentivise investors to fund projects. This includes the development of green hydrogen to meet international obligations of 5% blended fuel in aviation and maritime sectors by 2030.
During AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, a multi-track programme will explore how policies such as the SAREM will shape Africa’s energy landscape. A dedicated Energy Transition stage will investigate Africa’s strategic approach to driving a just transition, tackling key topics including Energy Security in Africa; Driving Local Value; Scaling-up Renewable Energy; and many more.
A Powering Africa stage will address fundamental challenges and opportunities surrounding Africa’s electricity market. For South Africa, panel discussions on Bridging the Electricity Gap; Energy Efficiency; Strengthening Public and Private Sector Collaboration; Energy Diversification, and more, will identify opportunities for investors and project developers. Meanwhile, an Invest in African Energies: Country Spotlight on South Africa will examine the country’s energy landscape, including the advancement of oil and gas projects and the implementation of utility-scale renewable energy projects.
From green hydrogen adoption to battery storage solutions to solar, wind and natural gas, the spotlight will explore the role an integrated energy mix will have on the country’s energy future.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed executive orders on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, that aim to boost coal production in his latest action that runs counter to global efforts to curb carbon emissions.
President Donald Trump holds a signed an executive order during an event in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Washington, as from left Environmental Protection Agency director Lee Zeldin, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and White House staff secretary Will Scharf watch. Photo credit: AP/Evan Vucc)
Coal-burning plants generate less than 20% of U.S. electricity, a drop from 50% in 2000, according to the Energy Information Administration, as fracking and other drilling techniques have hiked production of natural gas. Growth in solar and wind power has also cut coal use.
“We’re bringing back an industry that was abandoned,” Trump said at the White House, standing in front of about three dozen mostly male coal miners wearing hard hats.
“We’re going to put the miners back to work,” Trump said about a workforce that has sunk to about 40,000 from 70,000 10 years ago.
Trump, a Republican, campaigned on a promise to increase U.S. energy output and has sought to roll back energy and environmental regulations since taking office on January 20.
U.S. electricity demand is rising for the first time in two decades on growth in power-hungry data centres for artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and cryptocurrencies.
The orders include efforts to save coal plants that were likely to be retired, including by unlocking authorities in the 1950 Defense Production Act to boost coal production.
They also direct Energy Secretary Chris Wright to determine whether coal used in steel production is a “critical mineral.” Allowing that classification, typically reserved for minerals needed for high-tech defense systems, for metallurgical coal could set the table for use of emergency powers to raise production.
Another order, opens new tab asked the U.S. Attorney General to identify state climate laws that are an obstacle to developing energy resources like coal, and try to stop them from being enforced.
After Trump signed the orders, Wright’s department made $200 billion in financing available for its loan programmes office including for new coal technologies.
In a reaction to the development, environment watchdog, 350.org, condemned Trump’s action, describing the executive orders on coal as “reckless”.
The group tagged the initiative as “a dangerous fantasy that endangers us all”.
Anne Jellema, Executive Director, 350.org, said: “President Trump’s latest attempt to force-feed coal to the US is a dangerous fantasy that endangers our health, our economy, and our future. Let’s be clear: there is no such thing as ‘clean coal.’ There is only coal – one of the dirtiest fossil fuels driving climate breakdown, harming communities, and polluting the air we all breathe. No executive order can change the science, the economics, or the reality on the ground: coal is dying, and renewable energy must be the future.
“Trump’s use of the Defense Production Act to ‘turbocharge’ coal is an abuse of power. It’s a handout to polluters dressed up as patriotism. It ignores the fact that while only 41,000 people work in coal, nearly 280,000 Americans already work in solar. Instead of doubling down on the past, we should invest in good, unionised jobs in clean energy, prioritising the workers and communities most impacted by the shift.
“At a time when we face record wildfires, floods, and rising climate migration, we need bold action, not cynical handouts to polluters.”
