South Africa’s just energy transition hinges on integrated policy approach

As the world’s largest economies are decarbonising, deregulating, decentralising and digitalising their energy sectors, it is imperative that South Africa, as a trading partner of these countries, also embraces this revolution to avoid hampering competitiveness and economic growth. An untransformed energy sector and resultant deindustrialisation will lead to persistently unsolved poverty, inequality and unemployment, which are systemic threats to society, says State-owned power utility Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter.
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Exhibition provides exposure opportunity for company

German materials handling equipment manufacturer Jungheinrich aims to use the KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Tech Expo (KITE) to break into the local market, increase its exposure in the region and build brand awareness. Durban has a price-sensitive market, and Jungheinrich is still busy establishing themselves in the region. Jungheinrich doubled their order intake in 2021 compared to the previous year, says Jungheinrich sales head Chad Short.
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Ramaphosa gives social partners 100 days to finalise ‘new consensus’ for reigniting …

President Cyril Ramaphosa signalled his intention to reignite the underperforming Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) through a “comprehensive social compact” that he said labour, business and government would negotiate in the coming 100 days. Delivering his State of the Nation Address at the Cape Town City Hall, owing to the extensive damage caused to the Parliamentary buildings in January as a result of a fire that was deliberately lit, Ramaphosa said a “new consensus” was needed to address the immediate crisis facing the country, as well as to create conditions for long lasting stability and development.
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Earth & Wire to build 1 300 MW transmission substation in Eastern Cape

Independent electricity retailer Earth & Wire has secured land and servitudes, executed the environmental studies and received environmental approval to build a 1 300 MW transmission substation close to Somerset East, in the Eastern Cape. It plans to start construction on the substation later this year, using a self-build option to ensure the energy from the generation assets can be evacuated to off-takers without facing delays in grid connection, the company says.
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DBSA calls for applications for Green Fund financing

Development finance institution the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) has announced the availability of funding towards green economy development projects and programmes under the Green Fund. The Green Fund has been set up to contribute towards a range of goals in transitioning to a greener economy, including the financing of projects and programmes that reduce the impact on climate change, the institution says.
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South Africa equipped on all fronts to ramp up wind turbine manufacture, rollout – Nordex

The South African Renewable Energy Master Plan’s emerging actions discussion document represents a significant opportunity to create new jobs and contribute to South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) through yearly production across the value chain, says renewable energy developer Nordex Energy South Africa.

Through implementing the plan, the country’s GDP is expected to receive up to a R182-billion a year boost, while the employment of 39 000 people would be required to deliver 2 600 MW of new renewable energy capacity a year by 2030.

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Global Energy Association receiving more nominations from developing countries

Energy research and projects organisation the Global Energy Association has seen a sharp rise in the number of countries represented by candidates for the yearly Global Energy Prize. The association hopes to expand its international representation, as developing countries are playing an increasingly significant role in world energy, says president Sergey Brilev.
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DMRE moves to appoint service provider to design nuclear procurement framework

South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) is seeking to appoint a service provider to develop a framework for the procurement of 2 500 MW of new nuclear capacity. The department has published a terms of reference document for such a service provider and a compulsory briefing session will be held virtually on February 16 for potential bidders. The actual tender will close on February 25.
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DMRE supports Necsa RFI for new research reactor

South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has issued a statement supporting the release of a Request for Information (RFI) by the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) for a new multipurpose nuclear research reactor (MPR). The Department noted that the project, to replace the existing SAFARI-1 research reactor, had been approved by the Cabinet last September. SAFARI-1 is located at Necsa’s complex at Pelindaba, west of Pretoria. “The DMRE believes that this project will ensure South Africa remains amongst the top four global radioisotopes producers as well ensuring continuation of research and development on nuclear technology,” affirmed the Department in its statement. “This places Necsa on path to provide much needed radioactive isotopes for medical and industrial applications, execution of research through beam lines, bolster massive infrastructure development and create thousands of sustainable jobs which are essential for our economy.”
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Botswana aims to build its biggest renewable power plant yet

Botswana said its seeking companies to build and operate a 200 MW concentrated solar power plant, its biggest clean energy project to date. In an announcement on Tuesday, the Energy Ministry issued an invitation for companies to pre-qualify for the program, which would involve financing its construction and completing the project by 2027. The state-owned Botswana Power Corporation will buy the electricity produced.
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