Aspirant IPP advancing 1 GW flexible gas-engine project in Mpumalanga

Aspirant independent power producer (IPP) FlexED is developing a 1 000 MW gas-engine project in Mpumalanga to provide the flexible generation and ancillary services that will be required as the share of variable renewable-energy generation in South Africa’s electricity system rises. Known as Khanyazwe Flexpower, the project is being developed near Malalane, in Mpumalanga, in close proximity to the National Transmission Company South Africa’s (NTCSA’s) Khanyazwe substation and with confirmed access to the Rompco gas pipeline from Mozambique to South Africa.
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Advanced protection for hazardous electrical environments

Critical for use near utilities’ generators and substations as well as industrial electrical panels and switch rooms, Dromex arc workwear forms an important part of industrial equipment and services supplier BMG’s tool and equipment division’s comprehensive personal protective equipment (PPE) range. BMG tools and equipment division business unit manager Andrew Johns advises customers to ensure that chosen workwear and PPE offers adequate protection for specific applications as every environment poses different safety challenges; correct product selection is crucial.
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Hybrid energy solutions boost power reliability

Despite reduced loadshedding, power reliability concerns in South Africa persist. Consequently, solar solutions company Blockpower seeks to address the need for reliable, sustainable power through its hybrid solutions, incorporating solar and advanced battery storage, among other sources. “The demand for standby power solutions, such as generators and battery storage, has significantly increased in recent years owing to ongoing power shortages and loadshedding in South Africa,” explains Blockpower project head Martin van Zyl.
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Engine dealer expands generator range

As South Africa’s demand for reliable and cost-effective power solutions continues to grow, diesel engine dealer YC Diesel has identified the need for a factory-supported supplier that provides “high-quality generators while ensuring strong after-sales support and reliable warranties”. The company now offers a comprehensive range of generators – from 20 kVA units to 1.2 MW – with larger models available for industrial applications.
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Landmark initiative will facilitate greener future

In a move that bridges mining, energy and sustainability, blue ammonia producer Suiso and public research institute the Council for Geoscience (CGS) have entered a collaboration to research South Africa’s subsurface potential. The initiative will augment the assessment of the underground carbon storage capacity being undertaken by the CGS, enhance the search for sustainable critical minerals and lay the foundation for a greener energy future.
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AI set to drive future electricity demand – IEA

AI has the potential to considerably impact the energy sector in the coming decade, driving a surge in electricity demand from data centres around the world, the International Energy Agency’s (IEA’s) ‘Energy and AI’ report posits. It projects that electricity demand from data centres worldwide is set to more than double by 2030 to an estimated 945 TWh.
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1 MW solar plant to power Darling Green Country Estate, Swartland municipality

Sustainable Power Solutions (SPS) has, in partnership with Darling Green Country Estate and TouchPoint Energy, commissioned a 1 MW solar plant in Darling, in the Swartland municipality. The plant, which came onstream in March, supplies clean, sustainable energy to the newly developed Darling Green Country Estate, and is powered by the recently established green energy provider, Darling Green Utility.
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South Africa urged to define the role of gas in its economy, future energy mix

South Africa should focus its efforts on defining the role of gas in its economy over the next ten years and then implement projects on that basis as a stepping stone that will provide greater clarity on the role of gas in the economy up to 2050, energy sector advocacy organisation, Energy Council of South Africa CEO James Mackay says. “To project what our energy mix will look like in 2050 requires a crystal ball. As the Energy Council, we have said that we should focus on the next ten years. Once we get through this and, as part of the energy transition, we will be well positioned for 2050,” he said during the ‘Gas: Unpacking the gas projects, policies and infrastructure needed to avoid the supply crunch’ webinar hosted by Creamer Media on April 9.
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B20 task forces aiming to finalise policy recommendations for G20 by September

The eight B20 South Africa task forces set up to make business-led policy proposals for consideration at the G20 Summit in November aim to finalise their recommendations by September. The B20 is the official G20 dialogue forum for the global business community and is being convened by South Africa in 2025 under the leadership of Business Unity South Africa.
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R132bn of private renewables to be built in South Africa by 2030 – report

A new Green Cape report is forecasting that 6 GW of new private solar PV and 3.5 GW of new private wind capacity will be installed in South Africa by 2030, involving total investments of R132-billion. This, despite serious grid constraints and uncertainty over the future of public procurement, which led the authors to exclude from their estimate any new capacity arising from government’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) over the period.
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