AECI mulling future of historic Modderfontein site after difficult few months

Explosives and chemicals group AECI is expecting an operational recovery at its iconic Modderfontein plant in the second half of 2025, following a difficult first few months to the year when output was affected by a disruption to the supply of electricity and a key input material. However, the long-term outlook for the site, which has been a feature of the South African industrial landscape for more than a century, is uncertain.
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TNPA issues RFP for Port of Ngqura terminal operator

State-owned Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the appointment of a terminal operator to fund, design, develop, construct, operate, maintain and transfer a liquid bulk terminal at the Port of Ngqura, for a concession period of 25 years. The RFP is a key step in the relocation of the tank farm from the Port of Port Elizabeth to the Port of Ngqura, in line with approved port development plans.
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Big 153 MW/612 MWh Red Sands battery storage project achieves commercial close

The 153 MW/ 612 MWh Red Sands battery energy storage system (BESS) project in the Northern Cape has advanced to commercial close, following the signing of project agreements with the Department of Electricity and Energy and the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA). The project is being developed by Globeleq in partnership with African Rainbow Energy, and was selected as a preferred bidder in 2024 under South Africa’s inaugural BESS bidding round for 513 MW/ 2 952 MWh across five substation sites selected in the same province by the NTCSA.
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Opinion: Demystifying small-scale embedded generation compliance

In this opinion article, Professor Vally Padayachee outlines a proposed pathway for ensuring the safe and affordable adoption of small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) systems, such as rooftop solar. The article outlines the challenges associated with widespread SSEG adoption, including inconsistent policies, high compliance costs, unclear standards, and safety concerns. However, Padayachee also provides a “position paper on a proposed standardised, harmonised, and affordability driven …
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Consultants key to building climate-ready infrastructure

As Africa faces growing climate threats – from droughts and floods to rising temperatures – the continent’s infrastructure must become more resilient. Consulting engineering company Alpenglow Consulting says consulting firms are now critical actors in designing projects that not only withstand these challenges but also help communities adapt and thrive. Innovative design, data-driven climate modelling and collaboration with financiers and governments are the means through which consulting firms are embedding climate resilience at every stage of infrastructure development, says Alpenglow Consulting consultant Mbamwabi Chilembo.
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Reserve clears invasive species, aids biomass production

Black wattle trees, an invasive species, outcompete native plant species, thereby reducing biodiversity and significantly impacting on water resources, which is why Eastern-Cape-based wildlife reserve Lalibela approached the Coega Biomass Centre (CBC) for a mutually-beneficial solution. Black wattle, Acacia mearnsii, is an invasive species that arrived in South Africa from Australasia. A single adult tree can absorb up to 40 ℓ/d of underground water, and the plants spread rapidly. According to the National Environmental Management Biodiversity and the Alien and Invasive Species Regulations, landowners are legally required to manage these species.
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World Bank, IAEA formalise partnership to collaborate on nuclear energy for development

The World Bank Group and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have agreed to collaborate on supporting the safe, secure and responsible use of nuclear energy in developing countries. The partnership agreement, signed by World Bank Group president Ajay Banga and IAEA director-general Rafael Mariano Grossi, formalises multiple engagements between the two institutions over the last year, and marks the World Bank Group’s first concrete step to reengage with nuclear power in decades.
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South Africa to impose chrome ore export controls and approves power incentive in bid to arrest …

Cabinet has approved export controls and an electricity incentive for South Africa’s ferrochrome industry after receiving an update on the socioeconomic impact of the continued decline of the industry. At its meeting on Wednesday, Cabinet gave the Department of Electricity and Energy the go-ahead to finalise a government-industry agreement for an electricity tariff realignment in support of the ferrochrome sector.
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Ramokgopa again rebuffs conflict-of-interest allegations in battery storage tender

Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has again rebuffed allegations of a conflict of interest in the selection of independent power producer (IPP) Mulilo as a preferred bidder during the recent public procurement of battery energy storage systems (BESS) at pre-selected substation sites. Besides defending the integrity of the BESS procurement process overseen by the IPP Office during a nearly four-hour meeting of the Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy on June 26, the Minister also responded to questions posed by members of Parliament from the uMkhonto weSizwe Party and Economic Freedom Fighters during a plenary session in the National Assembly later that afternoon.
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Statistical review highlights scale of energy transition challenge as emissions continue to rise

Global emissions from energy grew 1% to a record 40.8 Gt of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) in 2024 as total energy demand rose 2% to a new high of 592 exajoules (EJ), the latest ‘Statistical Review of World Energy’ shows. Produced for the second time by the Energy Institute, in collaboration with Kearney and KPMG, the review marked its seventy-fourth edition, having been produced until 2023 by energy group BP.
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