NTCSA unbundling secures lender consent, Ramokgopa confirms

Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa reports that Eskom’s eight “lender groups” have given their consent to the establishment of the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) as a separate subsidiary under Eskom Holdings. Bondholder consent was one of several key approvals required ahead of the operationalisation of the NTCSA, officially scheduled for April 1, alongside the appointment of an independent board and licensing approvals from the regulator.
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Draft IRP 2023 falls short on every aspect, says Just Share

As government considers the public comments made on the draft Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2023 up to March 23, shareholder activism organisation Just Share has called for a remodel of the policy, with “updated data and correct assumptions”.
The organisation says the draft IRP does not comply with a single one of the aims of an IRP.
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Zambia, Zimbabwe to retender $5bn Batoka hydropower plant

Zambia and Zimbabwe are retendering a $5-billion project to build a hydropower plant they previously awarded to General Electric Co. and Power Construction Corp. of China, and expect to select new bidders by September next year, an official said. The Zambezi River Authority — a joint venture between the countries that maintains the Kariba Dam complex — expects to receive bids from potential developers by April 2025 and select bidders five months after that, ZRA Chief Executive Officer Munyaradzi Munodawafa said by email.
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Companies unveil Kelvin power station carbon capture pilot project

The 600 MW coal-fired Kelvin power station, in Isando, Ekurhuleni, has installed a 300 m3/h flue gas emissions capturing pilot project, which removes carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides to make sulphuric acid, ammonium sulphate and ammonium bicarbonate (ABC) crystals. These are industrial products, which can be used as industry inputs and to make fertiliser. Specialist industrial and agricultural chemicals company Omnia has developed a marketable fertiliser formulation using converted inorganic salts from the plant, which it demonstrated at the site on March 20.
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Company leverages offering, expertise to ‘redefine’ S Africa’s energy industry

As South Africa’s energy sector continues to grapple with climate change and an increasing demand for electricity, electromechanical equipment manufacturer ACTOM is making significant strides in redefining the industry through its production of transformers, high-voltage equipment, switchgear and control systems, according to CEO Mervyn Naidoo. The company’s offerings – such as the complete build of substations on an engineering, procurement and construction basis, alongside the operation and maintenance of plants and all associated components – underscore its commitment to excellence and reliability.
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Mixed generation necessary for ‘seamless’ energy transition

The energy transition – in South Africa, Africa, and globally – entails an appropriate mix of energy generation sources, including gas, hydrogen power and renewables, in order to achieve the goals of energy security, decarbonisation and emission reduction, says energy technology company GE Vernova. Through its mission to contribute to accelerating the path to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy, the company is making headway in helping businesses achieve net-zero goals using gas, hydrogen and alternative renewable resources for power generation.
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R600m financing facility to support S Africa’s renewables landscape

Financial services firm Standard Bank and China National Building Materials International (CNBM) have concluded a R600-million sustainable finance solution. The strategic financial package, comprising a R500-million invoice financing facility and a R100-million working capital facility, is set to enable more South Africans to access affordable solar energy solutions, says Standard Bank China segment head for South Africa and core markets Lydia Zhang.
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Businesses could enable environment-friendly future – consultants

Global professional services firm BDO South Africa asserts that the imperative for businesses to expedite their environmental commitments remains crucial to promoting sustainable growth. The firm identifies carbon emissions, energy use and landfill waste as major contributors to the climate crisis, and is concerned that the crisis may have a significant effect on the agriculture sector, with extreme weather patterns and extended periods of drought affecting soil fertility.  
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Independent power producer body rejects an IRP that ‘plans to fail’

The South African Independent Power Producer Association (SAIPPA) has added its voice to a growing chorus of opposition to the draft Integrated Resource Plan 2023 (IRP 2023), the comment deadline for which is on March 23. In its formal comment on the draft, SAIPPA argues that the document is seriously flawed and inadequate to meet the energy challenges of South Africa.
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The NUM expresses opposition to changes in the Electricity Regulation Act

Labour union the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has expressed its opposition to the changes in the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA). “This is a way to destroy Eskom and hand it over to the private companies the same way South African Airways and Transnet were destroyed,” the union avers in a statement.
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