World Bank sets terms for Africa to win $40bn in power finance

The World Bank and African Development Bank (AfDB) laid out the terms African nations will need to meet to win $40-billion in finance to tackle the continent’s electricity crisis. The two multilateral lenders are backing a program called Mission 300 that aims to bring electricity to 300-million Africans by 2030 with a pledge of $30-billion in finance, on top of which they expect $10-billion from private institutions.
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Affordable solutions key to overcoming rising tariffs, ensuring resilience

With local businesses and households consistently struggling with energy-related challenges, including rising electricity tariffs that are exerting financial pressure across the board, financial institution Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking executive head for energy, infrastructure and mining Deerosh Maharaj says urgent attention and innovative solutions are needed to ensure resilience and growth in the shifting energy landscape. Higher tariffs erode disposable income, limiting spending power and creating broader economic ripple effects, with the indirect consequences equally concerning, particularly the risk of job losses as businesses struggle to maintain profitability under rising operational costs.
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Potential PBMR project renewal crucial for S Africa’s energy security

Sustainable energy solutions provider Blue Pointer Energy has expressed strong support for the renewed call to revive the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) project, following statements by Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. The initiative represents a crucial step towards fortifying South Africa’s energy security and diversifying its energy portfolio, which is essential to addressing the ongoing energy crisis.
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Fiscal constraints, coal dependency hamper energy transition

South Africa’s renewable-energy ambitions face significant challenges as fiscal constraints, a persistent reliance on coal, and gaps in technological and workforce readiness slow progress, says electromechanical equipment manufacturer Actom group business development executive Mamiki Matlawa. Speaking on the energy outlook for 2025 and beyond, she emphasised that South Africa’s transition to cleaner energy hinges on innovative engineering, expanded international collaboration and a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of a growing renewables sector.
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HV battery storage to become essential

High-voltage battery storage systems are becoming an essential component of South Africa’s renewable-energy strategy, either as standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) or integrated with solar installations, says energy equipment and solutions provider Revov. Addressing local challenges with bespoke solutions and robust support enables the company to “pave the way for a more sustainable and energy-secure future” through continued innovation and supportive government policies, says co-founder and MD Lance Dickerson.
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Energy conference advances collaboration, innovation and inclusion

Leading energy conference and exhibition, the Africa Energy Indaba – being hosted from March 4 to 6, 2025, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre – is set to unite global and African leaders to address the continent’s energy challenges and opportunities, fostering dialogue and collaboration for sustainable growth. A key highlight of the 2025 Indaba is the Women in Energy Forum. Scheduled for March 5, this initiative underscores the vital role of gender diversity and inclusion in shaping Africa’s energy future.
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Opinion: The Just Energy Transition is just taking too long

In this article, financial services provider DG Capital’s Imraan Mukadam and Shaun Nel write that the need to gear all levers across government, especially through dedicated incentives towards the right projects, to support the just transition to renewables has never been more urgent.
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IEA report points to revival in nuclear interest

A new International Energy Agency (IEA) report argues that nuclear capacity could double to 870 GW by 2050 in light of renewed interest in the building of new nuclear plants, including small modular reactors (SMRs), as well as in extending the lifetimes of existing power stations. Nevertheless, the technology’s share of global electricity generation is still expected to remain below 10%, in light of expectations that even stronger electricity demand growth over the period will be met primarily by renewable energy.
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Coaltech, Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency partner to advance JET initiatives

Johannesburg-based research institute Coaltech has signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency (MGCA) to support research and innovative solutions towards Just Energy Transition (JET) work in the province.

The organisations seek to unlock green economy opportunities, as well as to address the socioeconomic and environmental challenges associated with South Africa’s coal mining sector – including remediating and repurposing of land.

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Photon Energy to build 250 MW solar, thermal storage plant in KZN

European renewable-energy company Photon Energy has successfully secured 1 200 ha of land for a 250 MW concentrated solar PV plant with 150 MW (1.8 GWh or 12 hours) of thermal hydro storage to be built in Winterton, KwaZulu-Natal, and has received favourable grid connection terms, thereby ensuring it can fully integrate its capacity into the grid. “This project represents a significant milestone for Photon Energy as we expand our footprint into South Africa,” says group CEO Georg Hotar.
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