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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.
January 17, 2025 by

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.
January 17, 2025 by

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.
January 17, 2025 by

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.
January 17, 2025 by

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.
January 16, 2025 by

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.

January 14, 2025 by

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.
January 14, 2025 by

Mediclinic to roll out microgrids at its hospitals

Healthcare provider Mediclinic has solar PV panels installed at 28 of its sites across the country and is gearing up to roll out a national project aimed at installing microgrids that integrate battery systems with on-site renewable energy.  The company aims to be carbon neutral by 2030. In 2021, Mediclinic started working towards this goal by measuring, analysing and then reducing its reliance on fossil fuel energy supplies.
January 13, 2025 by

Eskom’s hard-won recovery tested by cities owing billions

A turnaround in the finances of South Africa’s Eskom Holdings has won praise from investors but they are keeping their eyes on one issue — the company’s struggle to recoup about R95-billion in unpaid electricity bills from cities and towns across the country. It’s a debt pile that continues to mount as municipalities themselves fall behind in collecting revenue from customers. With 95.4-billion owed as of November, the arrears could jeopardise Eskom’s plans to spin off its distribution unit, a move that it says is key to boosting efficiency and securing investment.
January 13, 2025 by