Marokane to officially report for duty as Eskom CEO on March 1

Eskom has announced that Dan Marokane – who was named group CEO on December 8, almost a full year after André de Ruyter formally resigned – will assume office on March 1, 2024. Previously, Eskom indicated that Marokane would join the organisation no later than March 31, 2024, so as to allow him time to finalise his existing responsibilities.
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Reliable electricity must be prioritised over transition

The sheer urgency of addressing energy insecurity in Africa demands that a reliable grid is prioritised first and other energy concerns, such as transitioning to renewable-energy sources, second, says energy advocacy group African Energy Chamber executive chairperson NJ Ayuk. Ayuk critiques western leaders that often urge African nations to make a rapid transition from fossil fuels to renewable-energy sources, stating “they seem to think that African nations can switch to renewable-power sources fairly easily, as if a good energy infrastructure was already in place”.
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Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill essential to resolving energy crisis

The Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill will accelerate South Africa’s shift towards a decentralised, modern, and low-carbon energy system, says industry association Energy Council of South Africa CEO James Mackay. This shift will enable vital reforms that will help end loadshedding as well as accelerate the Just Energy Transition – which has the potential to unlock economic growth and job creation, he elaborates.   The Energy Council of South Africa addressed the Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Energy regarding the critical importance of passing the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill, in December last year.
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Manufacturer poised to support Transmission Development Plan

Electromechanical equipment manufacturer ACTOM High Voltage Equipment, a division of the ACTOM Group, is preparing to participate in State-owned electricity utility Eskom’s Transmission Development Plan (TDP). South Africa’s electricity landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the introduction of new generation capacity from independent power producers (IPPs), including the planned integration of renewable energy sources, according to ACTOM High Voltage.
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Loadshedding could increase in 2024

Loadshedding is expected to continue in 2024, possibly at even higher levels than those of 2023, says tertiary institute Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies (CRSES) chief engineer Monique le Roux. State-owned power utility Eskom struggled to improve its energy availability factor (EAF) throughout 2023, with the EAF reaching only the same levels as those achieved towards the end of 2022.
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Hydrogen implementation remains limited

Following global trends, discussions in South Africa on hydrogen, its production and use have gained momentum, although actual implementation remains limited, says power technology provider Cummins Africa and Middle East hydrogen and fuel cell business director Alan Zhao. Aligned with other countries, South Africa has been exploring hydrogen as a potential solution for power generation and mobility applications.
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