Eskom warns of ongoing injections unless solution is found to ‘unsustainable’ debt

State-owned power utility Eskom’s debt burden remains “unsustainable” despite an R81.9-billion reduction in its gross debt to R401.8-billion in the year to March 31, 2021, during which the entity remained a going concern only because of a R56-billion government injection. The utility reported a slightly improved loss of R18.9-billion (R20.7-billion) for the year but also indicated that it would continue to require taxpayer support for the foreseeable future, with government having already injected the R31.7-billion pledged for the 2022 financial year.
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DBSA expects strong demand for $200m embedded-generation scheme amid regulatory reform tail wind

The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) is optimistic that there will be a significant uptake of its $200-million Embedded Generation Investment Programme (EGIP) in light of recent regulatory changes exempting sub-100 MW facilities from licensing and enabling distributed plants to both wheel electricity and sell to multiple customers. Funded in equal parts by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the DBSA, an official call for proposals for participation in the scheme was launched on August 4, with a closing date of September 30.
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Trina Solar expanding its presence in East, Central Africa

Global photovoltaic (PV) and smart energy solutions provider Trina Solar has appointed Solinc East Africa, in Kenya, as an official distributor to supply its products and solutions in East Africa. This forms part of Trina Solar’s commitment to further increasing its footprint and presence in Africa to cater to the rapidly growing demand for solar energy, the company says. 
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Eskom considers R106bn in wind and solar investment by 2030

Eskom Holdings, which supplies almost all South Africa’s electricity from coal-fired power plants, is considering spending R106-billion on wind and solar energy by 2030. The investment plan, which Eskom could carry out by itself or in partnerships, is the most detailed demonstration yet of the utility’s ambition to move away from coal by taking advantage of the nation’s abundant wind and solar resources.
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SANEDI joins EnergyDRIVE road trip

The South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) has announced that it will board the renewable energy educational road trip, the EnergyDRIVE, as a partner in this year’s campaign. Industry organisation the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA), in partnership with the Durban University of Technology (DUT), are the organisers of the EnergyDRIVE.
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Wesley-Ciskei wind energy farm supplying electricity to the grid

The 34.5 MW Wesley-Ciskei wind energy farm (WEF), in the Eastern Cape, achieved its commercial operations date this month, reports renewable energy developer and operator EDF Renewables. After successfully completing the final Grid Code Compliance tests, the project has reached commercial operations and is supplying electricity into the grid, says EDF Renewables project manager Carl Wlotzka.
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Irena guides Botswana govt on its immense renewable energy potential

A new report published by the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) has confirmed that Botswana has considerable opportunity to enhance its domestic energy security and increase access to modern energy services.

The agency says the country’s significant wind and solar resources, as well as abundant biomass residues, can be effectively harnessed for power generation, should policy, regulation and investment be aligned with that goal.

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Steep electricity tariffs cause outcry in Western Cape legislature

Opposition parties in the Western Cape legislature have attacked the City of Cape Town’s electricity hike and questioned whether relief to residents will be widened. GOOD general-secretary Brett Herron accused Local Government and Environment MEC Anton Bredell of being a “messenger for the City”.
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As Mpumalanga towns plot future beyond coal, workers express pain over mine closures

The Steve Tshwete local municipality, in Mpumalanga, which is at the epicentre of South Africa’s coal industry, is revising its Local Economic Development (LED) strategy to take account of the anticipated closure of coal mines and power stations and create the framework for a more diversified economy. LED department assistant director Michael Nkosi reports that the council recognises the need to decouple the municipality from its current reliance on coal, as well as the risk that the mining towns that fall within its borders could become ghost towns should it fail to broaden its economic scope.
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The importance of organisational culture in supporting women

Project developer G7 Renewable Energies head of development Karen de Bruyn has spoken about the importance of organisational culture in supporting careers for women in previously male dominated sectors.
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