Floating LNG becoming a credible solution

Floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) is rapidly emerging as a cornerstone of Africa’s gas development strategy, as the continent prepares for a sharp rise in demand and seeks faster, more resilient pathways to market, says energy advocacy group African Energy Chamber (AEC). According to the AEC’s ‘State of African Energy 2026 Outlook’, Africa’s natural gas demand is projected to increase by 60% by 2050, underscoring the urgency of bringing new supply online, efficiently and at scale.
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Firm warns against motor replacement procrastination

Electric motors consume nearly half of the world’s electricity, according to the International Energy Agency, states WEG’s Electric Motor LV&HV executive Fanie Steyn. Therefore, improving motor efficiency will produce enormous cost savings and energy gains, which is why numerous countries, including South Africa, have established Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) regulations.
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Gap between education, industry demands being bridged

The wind industry in South Africa will generate up to 35 700 new jobs by 2030, paving the way for new careers in wind, says national skilling initiative Just Energy Transition Skilling for Employment Programme (JET SEP). To support this demand for specialised workforce, crane rental and heavy lifting services provider Sarens is operating a technical training centre in South Africa, specialising in onshore wind energy, renewable-energy construction and heavy lifting operations, with a strong focus on safety and technical excellence aligned with Global Wind Organisation (GWO) standards.
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Great progress made on operational stability – utility

Although challenges remain on the path to long-term sustainability and energy security, the 2025 financial year showed meaningful progress in restoring operational stability and financial resilience, says State-owned power utility Eskom. It tells Engineering News that its strategy going forward builds on these gains with a stronger focus on operational recovery, financial discipline and positioning Eskom for a liberalised, decarbonising and customer-driven energy market.
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PBMR reignition represents renewed commitment to energy security

The demothballing of South Africa’s second nuclear energy solution, the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) at the Pelindaba site, in the North West province, was formally announced by Energy and Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa in November last year. This represents a renewed commitment to energy security and diversification, positioning South Africa as a leader in small modular reactor (SMR) technology. “Although the project will still be referred to as the PBMR, the actual original PBMR design will not be reactivated,” says nuclear physicist and Stratek Global chairperson Dr Kelvin Kemm.
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Smaller municipalities to benefit from smart energy management tech

As South Africa’s electricity market transformation creates new opportunities for smart energy management and cost optimisation, smaller municipalities are finding themselves at a disadvantage compared to well-resourced metros, says specialised energy and water management solutions developer Utility Consulting Services (UTCS).  In an effort to tackle this inequality UTCS is making advanced digital energy platforms accessible to rural and under-resourced municipalities that previously lacked the means to participate fully in the new energy economy.
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Wholesale market bodes well for energy stability

Maturing policy frameworks, improving battery storage solutions economics, private-sector investment and the introduction of the wholesale energy market creates a powerful foundation for long-term stability in the South African energy sector, says solar asset management company Sustainable Power Solutions (SPS) chief growth and marketing officer Anja Visagie. SPS is excited to continue supporting the energy transition and the realisation of this market through technically robust, commercially viable renewable-energy solutions for businesses across sub-Saharan Africa.
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Industry should leverage insight to boost investment, activity

International investment opportunities for nuclear energy development are available, but South Africa must prepare and equip its industry to capitalise on these opportunities by learning from the mistakes and success of others, and embracing the knowledge base of global nuclear executives, says strategic consulting firm Izibani Consultancy founder Dr Yves Guenon. Speaking in the wake of the 2025 World Nuclear Exhibition, held in November in Paris, in France, he notes that the event was attended by many South African C-Suite executives and local representatives – from small companies in niche markets to medium- and large-sized corporates from South Africa.
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