Trump ends US initiative to boost electricity access in Africa

A US initiative to increase electricity supply in Africa has been dismantled by the Trump administration after more than a decade of work, according to people familiar with the matter. Almost all of Power Africa’s programs have been listed for termination and the majority of its staff fired, said the people who asked not to be identified as they aren’t authorized to speak to the media. Some remaining programs, particularly those aimed at connecting projects with US companies, may be retained under other US agencies, they said.
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Loadshedding suspended following recovery of generation capacity

Power utility Eskom suspended loadshedding at 05:00 on February 26, following the recovery of generation capacity and the replenishment of emergency reserves. “We maintain our guidance that loadshedding is largely behind us due to structural improvements in the generation fleet. Our focus remains on eliminating loadshedding as a structural constraint on the economy.
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G20 energy work group set to meet amid divergence over just energy transition

The G20 Energy Transition Work Group will have its inaugural meeting this week to discuss the energy priorities that South Africa is seeking to place on the international agenda during its G20 presidency. Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has confirmed that the meeting will take place virtually on February 27 and 28 and will be attended by senior officials from all G20 countries, including a senior official from the US Department of Energy.
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Capetonians reach R55m earnings mark in Cash for Power programme

Cape Town businesses and households have broken through the R55-million earnings mark since the start of the city’s Cash for Power programme in 2022/23, until January 31 this year. Cape Town is the first metro to buy excess solar PV power from small-scale generators, with more than 1 840 small-scale power sellers now participating.
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Futuregrowth agrees to R300m funding for Decentral Energy’s projects

South African energy solutions provider Decentral Energy has secured a R300-million funding commitment from specialist investment company Futuregrowth Asset Management.‍ The funding will enable Decentral Energy to accelerate the expansion of its integrated energy asset portfolio and to continue delivering sustainable energy to customers in the retail, tourism, agriculture, residential and commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors across the country.‍
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Loadshedding downgraded to Stage 2

Power utility Eskom downgraded loadshedding to Stage 2 from 05:00 on Tuesday, from Stage 4 on Monday. This followed the successful recovery of eight out of ten generation units and the restoration of 3 808 MW from units that tripped over the weekend.
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Northam finalises PPA for wheeled wind energy

Platinum group metal (PGM) producer Northam has finalised a power purchase agreement (PPA) with an independent power producer (IPP) to supply wheeled electricity from the 140 MW Karreebosch Wind Farm, on the border of the Northern Cape and the Western Cape, to provide energy to its PGM operations in Limpopo and the North West. This is the second significant renewable-energy deal for Northam, following the finalisation of a PPA in respect of an 80 MW solar power plant to service its Zondereinde mine, as announced in October 2024.
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PCC discussion reveals opposing views on nuclear power, despite it being ‘necessary’ for …

International and local associations, as well as various energy experts, agree that achieving net zero in the 44 countries that have committed thereto will be virtually impossible without including nuclear power in the energy mix. Nuclear is widely recognised as a key energy source in the transition to a sustainable and low-carbon future; failing which, countries, including South Africa, risk falling short on their climate goals.
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Necsa secures approval for detailed design phase for multipurpose reactor

State-owned South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) has secured approval, as well as R1.2-billion in funding, from government for the second phase of its multipurpose reactor, which entails doing the detailed design, Necsa Nuclear Operations and Advanced Manufacturing group executive Ayanda Myoli has told journalists. The approval and funding indicated a high level of confidence from government that it was a viable project for the country and Necsa, he said in a media briefing on February 17.
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NOA Group gearing up to supply wheeled electricity after securing trading licence

The trading arm of private energy company NOA is gearing up to supply wheeled renewable electricity to multiple customers in South Africa following the National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s (Nersa’s) recent approval of its trading licence. NOA Group CEO Karel Cornelissen says the licence enables NOA Trading to aggregate energy from the company’s own renewables generators and other independent power producers and supply it to Eskom- or municipal-connected customers across the country.
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