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L2D bolstering solar capacity across its asset portfolio

Real estate investment trust Liberty Two Degrees (L2D) is continuing to roll out solar energy capacity across its asset portfolio. To achieve its Scope 1 and 2 net-zero emissions target by 2030, the company says it continues to make considerable strides in implementing portfolio-wide energy management improvements, while also increasing solar capacity through the installation of additional solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.

Climate commission identifies areas to address in electricity recommendations

At a National Colloquium held on April 14, the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) identified several key points, some facets of contention and further areas of consideration with regard to its newly released draft recommendations to government on national electricity planning, as South Africa reviews its Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). Following discussions during the colloquium, the PCC reiterated that the country was in the midst of a global energy transition that held major implications for the South African economy, jobs and people’s welfare.

AfDB, AFD extend $300m in funding to Tanzania’s Kakono hydroelectric plant

The government of Tanzania, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the French Development Agency (AFD) have signed agreements for two development project loans worth $300-million to finance the construction of the 87.8 MW Kakono hydropower plant in Tanzania.

Located in the Kagera region, in the northern part of Tanzania, the hydroelectric project also received a grant of €36-million from the European Union (EU).

Investment in expanding economic activity most important – BLSA

Business lobby organisation Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) CEO Busi Mavuso says much of the investment commitments made during the South Africa Investment Conference are effectively replacement investments, such as companies building their own electricity plants because they can no longer rely on State-owned Eskom to produce it. “Such investments do not expand the capacity of the economy, but merely protect the existing capacity. Investment is not a good in and of itself. It is good for what it creates, including economic activity and to enable citizens to live better lives,” she states in her weekly newsletter.

Colloquium fleshes out JET issues

As South Africa progresses on its just energy transition (JET) journey, there are several areas on which stakeholders have agreed, while others require further debate, consideration and acknowledgement. This was indicated by Fisheries, Forestry and the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy, summing up a panel discussion during the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) National Colloquium on long-term electricity planning and the just transition, held on April 14.

Bheki Nxumalo appointed Eskom generation head

State-owned power utility Eskom has appointed Bheki Nxumalo group executive for generation, with immediate effect. He will report directly to the Eskom Group acting CE Calib Cassim. Nxumalo’s career in the energy sector spans over 20 years from junior to senior management and executive levels. He is an all-round business leader comfortable in governance, people and technical aspects of the role, the utility said in a statement.

LNG has multiple benefits as a transition fuel – CEO

Liquified natural gas (LNG) used in a generator enables individuals and enterprises to not only save costs but also reduce their carbon-emission contributions. Helium and natural gas producer Renergen CEO Stefano Marani says natural gas produces an inordinately smaller carbon footprint than that of diesel, oil or petrol.

UPS systems necessary for businesses – company

Downtime can be costly for any business, especially for growing ones that need to be operational around the clock. Power management company Eaton’s uninterruptable power supply (UPS) systems are renowned for reliability, with a proven track record of providing UPS to critical systems. With Eaton UPS systems, businesses can be confident that their systems will remain up and running even during power outages.

Consortium signs agreements for S Africa solar projects

Leading renewable energy company Mainstream and its consortium Ikamva will be advancing six solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in South Africa – with a combined capacity of 450 MW. This has been secured in Round 5 of South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) towards financial close now that key implementation and 20-year power purchase agreements (PPAs) are in place.