Curtailment framework submitted to Nersa as new deadline is set for restart of IPP procurement

Eskom has confirmed that it has delivered a curtailment framework, as well as its proposed Gated Generator Connection Process (GGCP) to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) for approval. However, it is not yet clear whether either will be approved ahead of the restart of public procurement for new independent power producer (IPP) capacity. Minerals Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe reported this week that Bid Window Seven (BW7) of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme would be launched “within two weeks”, along with an inaugural gas-to-power bidding round and a second battery storage bid window.
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South Africa warns others not to go from electricity to darkness

One of the architects of South Africa’s groundbreaking deal with rich nations to move more quickly away from coal sounded a note of caution to other countries considering similar agreements. Environment Minister Barbara Creecy urged developing nations to make sure energy security and jobs are prioritised in any arrangement.
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COP 28 to host fossil fuels debate

This year’s Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, referred to globally as COP 28 and being held from November 30 to December 12 in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will look to address environmental issues, including decarbonisation targets and the “abolishment of fossil fuels”, by 2050. The US Environmental Protection Agency reports that fossil fuels are responsible for about 73% of all greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions globally.
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Financial backing boosts decarbonisation initiative

Financial institution Standard Bank announced last month it had finalised an agreement to support global carbon project developer The African Stove Company (TASC) with funding for what is believed to be the first carbon credit project of its kind in South Africa. The carbon credit project has been designed to combat climate change and simultaneously drive positive social outcomes in rural areas.
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Mantashe says special Cabinet meeting will consider IRP update after Ministers request time to …

Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe confirmed that an update of the Integrated Resource Plan, which he has previously dubbed ‘IRP2023’, had served before Cabinet on November 29, but that his Ministerial colleagues had requested more deliberation time before approving the document for public consultation. Speaking in Pretoria at a briefing held to announce the identities of four battery storage preferred bidders, as well as to sign agreements opening the way for a hybrid solar/battery project, Mantashe also stated the IRP would be considered at a special Cabinet meeting scheduled for the coming week.
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Four utility-scale battery projects worth R10bn selected following inaugural public tender

The South African government has selected preferred bidders for the development of four utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in the Northern Cape, with a combined investment value of R10-billion. The four BESS installations will have a combine capacity of 360 MW/1 440 MWh, with three using lithium-ion battery technology, and one being a lithium-iron-phosphate solution.
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Stanlib launches country’s first dedicated energy transition asset investment fund

Specialist investment manager Stanlib has launched the Khanyisa Energy Transition Fund (KETF) to spark investment in energy transition assets.

Khanyisa, meaning “to illuminate”, is a range of funds created by Stanlib to advance economic and social benefits across the country, with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in mind.

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Access to water, logistics infrastructure major hurdles to hydrogen economy

One of the challenges standing in the way of South Africa becoming a world-class green hydrogen producer is that South Africa is a water-scarce country, and that enormous volumes of water are needed to produce hydrogen, law firm Bowmans associate Marga Jordaan has said. “[We] need to take into account sustainable water use for communities, which is also a constitutional right, and to weigh that up with the economic growth in respect of the export and production of hydrogen,” Jordaan said at a seminar at Bowmans’ offices in Sandton on November 29.
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75 MW Umoyilanga hybrid project reaches financial close under much-delayed risk-mitigation round

The Umoyilanga hybrid renewables-battery project, which will supply 75 MW of dispatchable electricity daily from 05:00 to 21:30 when built, has officially achieved commercial and financial close and is expected to begin commercial operation in March 2025. The project is being developed by EDF Renewables and Perpetua Holdings, with financial backing from Nedbank, Rand Merchant Bank and the Development Bank of Southern Arica.
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Night loadshedding drops to Stage 5

Eskom announced a marginal drop in loadshedding on Thursday due to improved generation recovery and emergency reserves.  Stage 3 loadshedding kicked in at 10:00, and will continue until 16:00, when Stage 4 will resume. However, Stage 5 loadshedding will be implemented from 20:00 until 05:00 on Friday, instead of the previous Stage 6. 
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