Globeleq-Sturdee consortium selected as preferred bidder for eSwatini solar PV projects

Independent power generation company Globeleq and renewable energy independent power producer (IPP) Sturdee Energy Southern Africa have been awarded preferred bidder status for two 15 MW projects in the first tranche eSwatini’s procurement programme for new renewable generation capacity. Globeleq says it welcomes the opportunity to support the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority strategy to increase domestic power generation and reduce reliance on imported power.
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Independent study confirms passive cooling benefits

State-owned energy research organisation the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) on April 22 said the results of an independent study of two sites in KwaZulu-Natal have confirmed the benefits of passive cooling, also called cool surfaces. This has further motivated SANEDI to continue promoting cool surfaces as an energy-efficient alternative to mechanical heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
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WHO warns Africa not to let its guard down amid pandemic

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti has encouraged African countries to sustain Covid-19 prevention measures and urged countries not to let their guards down as the world races to vaccinate their populations. Moeti said on Thursday that despite the challenges and stories circulating about the vaccine, people must have confidence in the WHO guidance.
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Nedbank makes pioneering ‘zero fossil-fuel exposure by 2045’ pledge

South Africa’s Nedbank Group released an ambitious new energy policy on April 22, containing a commitment to reduce its exposure to all fossil fuels to zero by 2045, as well as a pledge to halt all new thermal coal-mine financing by January 1, 2025. Simultaneously, Nedbank said it would scale up its renewable-energy commitments, announcing a target for R2-billion-worth of embedded-generation financing by 2022, in addition to the R50-billion limits already committed to South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme, which resumed this month following a seven-year interruption.
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Exxaro climate change specialist appointed vice-chair of industry task team

Diversified miner Exxaro Resources has elected the group’s climate change specialist Dr Lerato Khumalo as vice-chairperson for the Industry Task Team on Climate Change (ITTCC). The voluntary, nonprofit association comprises several local energy-intensive companies across different business sectors, including the likes of Exxaro, Sasol and Anglo American, which will collaborate to reduce South Africa’s carbon footprint.
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