Kepco cancels investment in South African coal energy plant

South Korea’s State-owned power utility Kepco will either cancel its investment in coal-driven South African independent power producer Thabametsi, or transition the project to gas. A statement issued on Friday by the South Africa desk of the Global Strategic Communications Council (GSCC), an international network in the field of climate and energy, said Kepco announced on Thursday night it would no longer invest in overseas coal projects, a move which would also impact the Sual 2 venture in the Philippines.
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Scatec Solar advances growth strategy through hydropower developer acquisition

European photovoltaic (PV) company Scatec Solar will be acquiring 100% of the shares in hydropower developer and independent power producer (IPP) SN Power from Norwegian investment fund Norfund for just over $1.1-million. The acquisition forms an important part of Scatec’s broadened growth strategy, with an ambition to become a global large-scale player in solar, hydro, wind and storage solutions, and an integrator of high-value infrastructure solutions.  Scatec and SN Power have a unique and complementary portfolio of assets, geographical footprint and capabilities, and will together hold a large project pipeline across solar, hydro, wind and storage, the companies noted in an October 16 statement.
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Electricity regulations amended to allow municipalities to develop or buy power

Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe has gazetted amendments to the electricity regulations for new electricity generation capacity, opening the way for “municipalities in good financial standing to develop their own power generation projects”.  The Gazette notice amends the Electricity Regulations on New Generation Capacity in terms of Section 35(4) of the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA), of 2006, and has been published a day after President Cyril Ramaphosa released government’s Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, which lists the rapid expansion of energy generation capacity as a top priority.
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Recognition of LPG benefits in energy mix growing

For many years, the benefits of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for South Africa “have been largely, frustratingly, moot”, according to a statement from industry association LPG South Africa (LPGSA). The doubt surrounding LPG’s benefits stems from an historically inconsistent and unreliable supply of LPG in South Africa, but LPGSA says LPG availability in South Africa is on the rise.
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Natural gas to play important role in the energy future

Energy solutions company GE expects gas power to play an increasingly important role in the medium- to long-term future of the country’s energy mix as government continues to pursue decarbonisation through balancing the demands between a coal-fired past and a renewables future. GE Gas Power regional executive Nosizwe Dlengezele says major recent gas discoveries will provide supply in the long term, while local and regional gas resources, including liquified natural gas (LNG), will provide fuel options in the short term. 
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Gap analysis needed to guide gas-to-power industry growth

With the potential of gas as an alternative energy source in South Africa an encouraging prospect, South African Oil and Gas Alliance (Saoga) CEO Adrian Strydom says the gas-to-power industry needs to conduct an accurate gap analysis, and engage in upskilling and capacity building to ensure that South Africa is on par with world-class standards. South Africa’s National Development Plan regards natural gas as a viable alternative to coal. It further emphasises liquid natural gas (LNG) import facilities and exploration for domestic gas as infrastructure priorities. 
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Gas-powered solutions offer lower upfront cost

In a capital-constrained Covid-19-affected market, gas-fired generators offer the advantage of a relatively low upfront capital cost, compared with coal- or diesel-fired alternatives, says energy solutions company GE Gas Power Sub-Saharan Africa  executive Nosizwe Dlengezele. She adds that it is also easier and cheaper to upgrade older gas-fired assets.
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Pump energy efficiency, maintenance critical to address water scarcity

Although not many realise it, South Africa is an arid country and there is a pressing need to address water scarcity, which is why pump manufacturer Grundfos places such emphasis on energy efficiency and addressing water leakages in pumping systems, says team leader Andrew Brunette. He laments that, owing to leakages in piping, damages or even illegal connections, about 30% of pumped water from treatment plants to communities is lost.
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