South African energy company Aqora has rebranded to become Afrivolt, says MD Deshan Naidoo. The firm’s goal, however, remains the same – opening a lithium-ion cell gigafactory in South Africa, able to produce anodes, cathodes and lithium-ion batteries for stationary storage applications and, in the medium term, for electric vehicles (EVs). Procuring and processing the minerals and metals needed for the factory within Africa has become more of a longer-term plan, adds Naidoo, with cell …
Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa reports that government plans to establish an independent transmission project office, located either at the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) or the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), to procure new transmission capacity using a build, operate and transfer (BOT) model. He used his latest briefing on the Energy Action Plan to again emphasise the importance of expanding the country’s electricity networks to help end loadshedding, which has been undermining the growth and development of the economy for some 14 years.
In what is believed to be the biggest such project implemented, so far, at a major South African golf club, a solar power and battery microgrid has been commissioned at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club. The project was the fruit of collaboration between the club, Solarise Africa, Hooray Power and Caracal Engineering. “Selecting Solarise Africa as our energy partner was a strategic decision driven by their expert approach, proven success, and innovative power purchase [PPA] model that relieved us of the capital burden associated with outright purchase and future technology requirements,” explained golf club CEO Christopher Bentley. “With our solar system now operational, generating around 400 MWh of energy per year, we anticipate substantial savings on our monthly energy bills, coupled with the assurance of a constant energy supply. This venture not only secures our financial interests but also aligns seamlessly with our commitment to environmental sustainability.”
Global energy solutions provider Aggreko has acquired the South African and UK-based businesses of RenEnergy group, a business known for its innovative commercial and industrial solar energy generation and storage solutions. This strategic investment comes amid a greater drive for businesses, governments and individuals to transition to a greener, cleaner world. Hence, both companies are committed to being at the forefront of this transformation.
Solar installation company Impower has launched a flagship solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) facility at Coral Beach Residential Estate, in the Eastern Cape. Prior to the installation, the estate’s power supply depended on a busy commercial line, which was often vandalised by copper thieves. This resulted in frequent and extended power outages, in addition to the regular loadshedding.
Energy solutions company KS Energy is targeting financial closure this year for the first phase of a small-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply chain in partnership with a Tanzanian gas producer, with first gas offtake expected in early 2026. The capital expenditure for the liquefication plant will be less than $90-million.
State-owned development financier the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) is gearing up to play a role in the public procurement of 7 615 MW of new electricity generation and storage capacity, including by facilitating participation for black-owned entities and communities. The DBSA has, to date, invested R12.4-billion into various projects procured since the launch of the country’s first independent power producer (IPP) auctions in 2011 and will now seek to participate in the three bidding rounds launched in December for 5 000 MW of renewable energy, 2 000 MW of gas to power (GtP) and 615 MW/2 460 MWh of battery storage.
Green and renewable hydrogen producer and supplier Lhyfe and renewable energy developer Source Galileo have entered into an agreement to jointly develop commercial-scale green and renewable hydrogen production units in the UK and Ireland, with plans under way for multiple units. The companies are collaborating to establish green hydrogen production units in the UK, which will be similar to Lhyfe’s recently inaugurated facility in Occitanie, in southern France.
The rapid pace at which South Africa is building renewable energy, driven by private sector investment, is viewed as positive in the global context, such as at the recently held World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) yearly Davos meeting, said business organisation Business Leadership South Africa CEO Busi Mavuso. There is opportunity for South Africa amid the global context beset by risks, but the momentum must continue, particularly the next steps to reform the electricity sector, including the establishment of an independent grid operator, she emphasised in her latest weekly newsletter, published on January 22.
Velaphi Ntuli has returned as the general manager of Koeberg nuclear power station after he was suspended in June 2021 over performance issues – allegations of which he has since been cleared. At the time of his suspension, Koeberg’s Unit 1 had not returned to service in May 2021 as scheduled.
INDUSTRY NEWS
WHERE TO FIND US
Address
9 Yellow Street
Botshabelo Industrial Area
Botshabelo, Free State
Call / Email Us
Tel: +27 (0) 51 534 1651
Email: info@transfix.co.za
