Archive for year: 2023

The integration of smart technology can ensure reliability and efficiency of the country’s electricity grid.  A smart grid system will be able to effectively manage challenges associated with current electricity distribution systems such as maintenance and breakdowns. The life span of electricity distribution networks has significantly been reduced, owing to a lack of investment in grid infrastructure, a lack of maintenance and a reactive approach to infrastructure asset management.

Energy storage, and how it can be integrated into the energy distribution mix and contribute to electricity stability in South Africa, needs to be considered as a short-term solution, says solar energy equipment supplier ZRW Mechanika MD Kamalluddien Parker. South Africa needs to consider mitigating short-term risks  while meeting medium- and long-term challenges to establish a just energy transition that benefits its citizens.

Amid a likely proposal that Eskom be allowed to extend the life of certain coal power stations beyond the decommissioning dates outlined in the Integrated Resource Plan, the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC), which is chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa, reaffirmed its support for the broader reforms under way in the energy sector, as well as the Energy Action Plan (EAP). In a statement issued following a meeting that took place in Johannesburg on Thursday, the commission expressed particular support for the creation of an independent transmission company, as well as the lifting of the cap on embedded generation, and moves to incentivise rooftop solar generation.

The Energy & Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSETA), together with the Department of Higher Education and Training and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on April 19 launched a renewable energy skills development programme for 100 women. The Electrical Engineering Renewable Energy Specialisation Skills Development Programme is seeing 100 artisans in electrical engineering being upskilled in renewable energy, over a six-month period.

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) has submitted written comments to the National Treasury on its proposal to exempt State-owned utility Eskom from disclosing irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure in its yearly financial statements for 2022/23 and the following two years. A Government Gazette notice granting the exemption from the relevant section of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and Treasury regulation was published on March 31; however, following public outcry, it was withdrawn on April 6 and replaced by a call for comments on a proposed exemption.