Another dispute may be looming between Eskom and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa). This one, over the regulator’s decision to approve ArcelorMittal South Africa’s (AMSA’s) applications for six-year negotiated pricing agreements (NPAs) for its Newcastle and Vanderbijlpark operations. In a statement, Nersa noted that Eskom had rejected the applications made by AMSA in September and October last year on the basis that the utility did not agree that they met the criteria for such tariff relief.
State-owned power utility Eskom has identified a set of roles it could and should operate in to support the transition of the electricity environment to include more sustainably-generated electricity. Specifically, Eskom chairperson Dr Mteto Nyati, during a briefing on September 5, said that utility would participate in the renewable energy generation space and aimed to “be assertive, as this is a space we feel we should be able to occupy”.
State-owned power utility Eskom forecasts no loadshedding during the summer from September 1, to March 31, 2026, as supply and demand interventions have added about 4 000 MW of extra capacity to meet expected demand this summer. The ongoing recovery and structural improvements in Eskom’s generation fleet was owing to the focused implementation of its Generation Recovery Plan by its workforce, said Eskom officials and Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa during a briefing on September 5.
Although the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) faces a series of significant obstacles – such as insufficient transmission infrastructure; drought conditions affecting hydropower plants; theft and vandalism; high technical and non-technical losses; funding gaps; and a 4 200 MW generation shortfall across interconnected member States – South Africa’s Deputy Electricity and Energy Minister Samantha Jane Graham-Maré has said these are surmountable with the right kind of cooperation and funding. “These are not small issues. They affect our economies, our communities and our ability for our industries to grow. But here’s the good news: these challenges are not insurmountable. Think about it this way: if every country tries to build everything on its own, we spend more and we waste more.
Standard Bank and the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) have officially launched the Centre of Excellence for Hydrogen Energy, on VUT’s campus in Vanderbijlpark. The partners aim to advance research, innovation and sustainable practices in South Africa’s hydrogen energy sector, particularly green hydrogen, which is generated from renewable energy and produces zero carbon emissions.
Engineering News editor Terence Creamer discusses the reaction to a R54-billion behind-closed-doors settlement agreement between the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) and power utility Eskom, which will result in Eskom’s electricity tariffs increasing by more than initially approved by Nersa.
The solar energy market is surging in South Africa – particularly in the commercial and industrial sectors – as businesses seek cost-effective, sustainable solutions to manage rising electricity costs. For this reason, solar power has become an increasingly attractive investment. While loadshedding has eased in recent months, energy costs remain high, prompting companies operating in agriculture, engineering, and manufacturing to turn to rooftop solar to manage long-term operational expenses.
The growing trade of solar power by independent power producers (IPPs) is playing a pivotal role in South Africa’s rapidly deregulating electricity market. By diversifying the energy mix and increasing competition for the State-owned power utility, solar trading is setting the stage for a cleaner, more cost-efficient grid. “Trade in solar energy has laid the groundwork for a more open and competitive electricity market, shifting away from a single-buyer model towards a dynamic, multi-actor environment that supports competitive pricing,” says Enerweb CEO Santego Govender, whose company specialises in digital solutions for energy markets.
Innovations in solar energy, such as off-grid energy solutions company Blockpower’s Blackbox, an energy management system (EMS), allow for energy savings and cost-efficiency, as well as system longevity for households, businesses and heavy-duty industries, says Blockpower engineering head Timothy Mahlangu. An EMS offers several benefits, including optimising surplus solar energy through intelligent hot-water control solutions and managing high inrush consumption by staggering equipment startup. This is particularly appropriate for South African households and hospitality industries, as it helps ease the load on the national grid, which is frequently unable to keep up with increasing demand and ensure the timely provision of electricity.
Solar energy solutions company GoSolr is giving schools and small- and medium-sized businesses access to subscription-based solar power, thereby reducing their reliance on the national grid for power supply. GoSolr CEO Andrew Middleton says that it is important for South Africa to increase the percentage of solar-based generation in its energy mix, as this will ensure that businesses can avert the negative effects of increased tariffs and the unreliability and carbon emissions associated with supply from State-owned power utility Eskom.
INDUSTRY NEWS
- Nersa’s approval of AMSA applications may spark fresh dispute with EskomSeptember 8, 2025 - 3:04 pm
- Eskom identifies role for itself in future electricity ecosystemSeptember 8, 2025 - 1:04 pm
- No loadshedding foreseen this summer, as Eskom generation recovery plan boosts its performanceSeptember 5, 2025 - 5:04 pm
WHERE TO FIND US
Address
9 Yellow Street
Botshabelo Industrial Area
Botshabelo, Free State
Call / Email Us
Tel: +27 (0) 61 956 6772
Email: info@transfix.co.za
