Author Archive for: Engineering News

In what is believed to be the biggest such project implemented, so far, at a major South African golf club, a solar power and battery microgrid has been commissioned at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club. The project was the fruit of collaboration between the club, Solarise Africa, Hooray Power and Caracal Engineering. “Selecting Solarise Africa as our energy partner was a strategic decision driven by their expert approach, proven success, and innovative power purchase [PPA] model that relieved us of the capital burden associated with outright purchase and future technology requirements,” explained golf club CEO Christopher Bentley. “With our solar system now operational, generating around 400 MWh of energy per year, we anticipate substantial savings on our monthly energy bills, coupled with the assurance of a constant energy supply. This venture not only secures our financial interests but also aligns seamlessly with our commitment to environmental sustainability.”

Solar installation company Impower has launched a flagship solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) facility at Coral Beach Residential Estate, in the Eastern Cape. Prior to the installation, the estate’s power supply depended on a busy commercial line, which was often vandalised by copper thieves. This resulted in frequent and extended power outages, in addition to the regular loadshedding.

State-owned development financier the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) is gearing up to play a role in the public procurement of 7 615 MW of new electricity generation and storage capacity, including by facilitating participation for black-owned entities and communities. The DBSA has, to date, invested R12.4-billion into various projects procured since the launch of the country’s first independent power producer (IPP) auctions in 2011 and will now seek to participate in the three bidding rounds launched in December for 5 000 MW of renewable energy, 2 000 MW of gas to power (GtP) and 615 MW/2 460 MWh of battery storage.

The rapid pace at which South Africa is building renewable energy, driven by private sector investment, is viewed as positive in the global context, such as at the recently held World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) yearly Davos meeting, said business organisation Business Leadership South Africa CEO Busi Mavuso. There is opportunity for South Africa amid the global context beset by risks, but the momentum must continue, particularly the next steps to reform the electricity sector, including the establishment of an independent grid operator, she emphasised in her latest weekly newsletter, published on January 22.

Eskom has announced that Dan Marokane – who was named group CEO on December 8, almost a full year after André de Ruyter formally resigned – will assume office on March 1, 2024. Previously, Eskom indicated that Marokane would join the organisation no later than March 31, 2024, so as to allow him time to finalise his existing responsibilities.