Energy

Sogara set to bolster refining capacity in Gabon (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Technip Energies has been awarded two front-end engineering design (FEED) contracts by Société Gabonaise de Raffinage (Sogara) for its refinery in Port-Gentil, Gabon

The FEED scope covers both the revamp and the expansion of the existing refinery.

"We are pleased to have been entrusted by Sogara with these two contracts, which reflect our recognised expertise in both brownfield optimisation and complex greenfield project development,” said Loïc Chapuis, president project delivery & services at Technip Energies.

The first contract covers the FEED for debottlenecking Sogara’s existing refinery.

It targets key process units and includes a new kerosene sweetening unit and four new storage facilities.

Technip Energies will ensure full process integration across existing and new units.

The second contract covers the FEED for a new, modularised hydrocracker complex designed to significantly expand refining capacity.

The scope also includes various infrastructure works, including a new marine jetty and offloading facility.

Chapuis said that Technip Energies will leverage its engineering and integration know-how into the projects, including its proprietary Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) technology for hydrogen production.

“The new hydrocracker complex demonstrates our ability to combine engineering excellence, technology integration, and our proprietary SMR hydrogen technology to deliver integrated, high-impact solutions,” Chapuis added.

Both projects are designed to meet Africa 5 fuel quality standards – the continent’s most stringent specifications for sulphur content in transportation fuels – supporting a meaningful reduction in sulphur emissions and improved air quality for local communities.

They will also support Gabon’s economic development and local employment.

“This award reinforces our commitment to modernising refining infrastructure across Africa and creating lasting value for our clients and local communities,” said Chapuis.

Read more:

Power and telecom firms join Mission 300 initiative

Renewable capacity hits record global expansion levels

Hybrid power: energy security for mines in Africa

Phelan selects Honeywell technology for South Africa eSAF. (Image source: Honeywell)

Phelan Green, through its clean fuels division Phelan eFuels, has selected process technology from Honeywell for its planned electro-sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) facility in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape, South Africa

The project will utilise Honeywell UOP’s Fischer Tropsch (FT) Unicracking technology, which converts FT liquids and waxes derived from CO₂ into eSAF that meets aviation industry standards. The technology is designed to enable efficient and scalable production of low-carbon fuels.

“We selected Honeywell’s Fischer Tropsch Unicracking process technology because it provides a proven, bankable pathway to produce sustainable aviation fuel at scale,” said chairman Paschal Phelan.

“This project is a major milestone for Phelan Green and for South Africa’s emerging eFuels economy, and demonstrates our commitment to industrial development, job creation and innovative energy projects that are at the cutting edge of emission reduction.”

The planned facility is a central component of the Phelan Green Hydrogen Project, a R47bn (approximately US$2.5bn) private investment that has been officially recognised by the South African government as a nationally strategic green industrial initiative. Once operational, it is expected to rank among the world’s first commercial-scale eSAF plants, supplying more than 140,000 tonnes of fuel to markets in the EU and the UK.

“Honeywell’s technologies are designed to enable scalable, efficient and flexible production of low-carbon fuels,” said Rajesh Gattupalli, president of Honeywell UOP.

“In this case, our Fischer Tropsch Unicracking process technology will help support Phelan eFuels’ goal to encourage commercial scale sustainable aviation fuel production in South Africa.”

Construction of the Saldanha Bay facility is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. The development is expected to generate thousands of jobs across its various phases, while strengthening South Africa’s position as a future export hub for next-generation aviation fuels.

Vodacom Group highlighted renewable energy pathways and policy reforms to decarbonise Africa’s ICT sector and support sustainable growth

As climate pressures intensify and energy demand continues to rise, Africa faces the dual challenge of reducing carbon emissions while expanding access to reliable and affordable power that supports development, job creation and digital inclusion

However, many sectors, including telecommunications, healthcare, mining, logistics and manufacturing, remain heavily dependent on carbon-intensive and expensive diesel generators due to weak grid infrastructure and inconsistent electricity supply.

Addressing this issue at scale will require stronger multi-sector collaboration, coordinated efforts between public and private stakeholders, and reforms within energy systems to unlock investment in renewable and decentralised solutions.

Against this backdrop, Vodacom Group has released a new white paper titled Decarbonising Africa’s ICT Sector. The report offers insights into one of the continent’s fastest-growing industries, where expanding digital and network infrastructure is driving increased energy demand while the sector works to balance decarbonisation with ongoing economic and social development.

“Decarbonisation in Africa cannot be approached in isolation or through a single-sector lens,” said Ayman Essam, chief officer: external affairs at Vodacom Group. “While we have set an ambition to work towards net-zero emissions, progress depends on systemic change across the energy ecosystem. This includes policies that enable private sector participation, new financing models, and partnerships that can scale renewable energy solutions beyond individual organisations.”

The research highlights that although Africa is highly vulnerable to climate change, it continues to face significant energy-related challenges that hinder decarbonisation. Weak grid systems, financially constrained utilities, complex regulatory frameworks and unreliable power supply all contribute to the slow uptake of renewable energy. As a result, many industries, including telecommunications, continue to rely on diesel-powered generation to sustain operations.

To overcome these barriers, the white paper outlines several practical pathways to accelerate decarbonisation across the ICT sector. These include reforms to encourage greater private sector participation in energy markets, the adoption of renewable procurement models such as power purchase agreements, and the expansion of decentralised solutions like mini-grids to support remote network infrastructure.

Vodacom’s own progress demonstrates that meaningful emissions reductions are achievable even in energy-constrained environments. In the past financial year, the company matched 100% of its purchased grid electricity with renewable sources, reducing scope 2 market-based emissions to nearly zero across most of its operations. Since FY2020, it has cut scope 1 and 2 market-based greenhouse gas emissions by 77%, largely through improved energy efficiency and renewable procurement. Continued network optimisation has also enhanced efficiency, lowering the energy required to carry increasing data volumes from 1.55 MWh per terabyte in FY2020 to 0.36 MWh per terabyte in FY2025. Currently, 61% of Vodacom’s total scope 1 and 2 energy consumption is derived from renewable sources, including onsite generation, power purchase agreements and renewable energy certificates.

While mobile network operators are significant energy consumers, the report underscores their critical role in enabling Africa’s digital and economic growth, making their participation in the low-carbon transition both complex and essential.

Developed with technical support from the Carbon Trust, the research is based on sector analysis, case studies and interviews with stakeholders across the ICT and energy value chains, including utilities, technology providers, financial institutions and regulators.

“By sharing insights and identifying pathways forward, the report aims to support more coordinated action across the industry and take up the significant opportunity for Africa to build a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable digital economy,” concluded Essam.