UK selects Rolls-Royce for its SMR programme as part of its nuclear expansion policy

The UK government announced on Tuesday that Rolls-Royce SMR, a subsidiary of the UK-based global power and propulsion systems group Rolls-Royce, has been selected as the preferred bidder for the country’s small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) programme. The UK SMR programme was being implemented by Great British Energy – Nuclear (previously Great British Nuclear), a State-owned company, and would receive State funding of more than £2.5-billion over the next four years. “Great British Energy – Nuclear has run a rigorous competition and will now work with the preferred bidder Rolls-Royce SMR to build the country’s first-ever [SMRs] – creating thousands of jobs and growing our regional economies while strengthening our energy security,” highlighted UK Energy and Net-Zero Secretary (Cabinet Minister) Ed Miliband.
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Vodacom reaches 100% renewable electricity goal

Telecommunications giant Vodacom Group has reached a major decarbonisation milestone – 100% of its purchased electricity is now from renewable sources. The group has several on-site renewable power installations, procures electricity through renewable power purchase agreements (PPAs) and purchases renewable energy certificates (RECs).
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South Africa wins $1.5bn World Bank infrastructure loan

The World Bank has approved a $1.5-billion loan to support structural reforms aimed at boosting South Africa’s infrastructure. The Washington-based lender said in a statement the operation will address the nation’s challenges of low growth and high unemployment by easing constraints in its energy and freight transport sectors.
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Mulilo emerges as battery-storage force, participating in 65% of projects awarded

South African independent power producer (IPP) Mulilo has emerged as a leading battery storage project sponsor following three public procurement bidding rounds. It is participating in 12 of the 18 projects awarded, which together have a capacity of 1 134 MWh/4 536 MWh, representing a market share of 65%. The Cape Town-based IPP has taken the lead in nine of the projects in the North West, Free State and Gauteng provinces, and is partnering with EDF in three Northern Cape projects that are currently under construction and have a capacity of 257 MW/1 028 MWh.
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