Mainstream Renewable reaches financial close on 50 MW solar PV plant

Wind and solar energy company Mainstream Renewable Power has reached financial close on its 50 MW Ilikwa solar PV plant. Construction of the plant, located in the Free State, has already started and it is expected to reach commercial operation in early 2026.
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Low-emission hydrogen project approvals double, but demand and cost uncertainties weigh

A new International Energy Agency (IEA) report shows that the number of low-emission hydrogen projects to have advanced to a final investment decision (FID) stage doubled over the last 12 months, representing yearly production of 3.4-million tonnes. These FIDs are split between green-hydrogen electrolysis projects, with a combined yearly capacity of 1.9-million tonnes, and fossil-fuel hydrogen with carbon capture, utilisation and storage, with a combined capacity of 1.5-million tonnes.
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Community engagement key for renewable energy projects

Consulting and involving the communities living at and around renewable energy projects was essential, agreed the participants in a panel discussion on the first day of the Windaba 2024 conference, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. But it was not necessarily easy. Community participation in these projects was a key component of social justice, emphasised Presidential Climate Commission project manager Lindiwe Johnson. Procedural justice and inclusion were key principles in South Africa. Such democratic approaches empowered individuals. Engaging communities increased the transparency of projects, because community members received explanations of budgeting processes and priorities. This, in turn, helped create accountability for decision-makers. It also started the process of communities buying-in to the projects.
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