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IFC seeks $300m to fund electricity mini-grids in Africa

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is setting up an entity aimed at lowering the cost of mini grids in Africa, to accelerate plans to connect 300-million Africans to electricity by 2030. The vehicle targets a first financial close of approximately $300-million before the end of 2025, with a long-term capitalisation goal of $1-billion, according to Andrew Herscowitz, the CEO of the so-called Mission 300 Accelerator.
September 9, 2025 by

Ethiopia launches massive hydropower dam against bitter Egyptian opposition

Ethiopia officially inaugurates Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam on Tuesday, a project that will provide energy to millions of Ethiopians while deepening a rift with downstream Egypt that has unsettled the region. Ethiopia, the continent’s second most populous nation with a population of 120 million, sees the $5-billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on a tributary of the River Nile as central to its ambitions for economic development.
September 9, 2025 by

Nersa’s approval of AMSA applications may spark fresh dispute with Eskom

Another dispute may be looming between Eskom and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa). This one, over the regulator’s decision to approve ArcelorMittal South Africa’s (AMSA’s) applications for six-year negotiated pricing agreements (NPAs) for its Newcastle and Vanderbijlpark operations. In a statement, Nersa noted that Eskom had rejected the applications made by AMSA in September and October last year on the basis that the utility did not agree that they met the criteria for such tariff relief.
September 8, 2025 by

Eskom identifies role for itself in future electricity ecosystem

State-owned power utility Eskom has identified a set of roles it could and should operate in to support the transition of the electricity environment to include more sustainably-generated electricity. Specifically, Eskom chairperson Dr Mteto Nyati, during a briefing on September 5, said that utility would participate in the renewable energy generation space and aimed to “be assertive, as this is a space we feel we should be able to occupy”.
September 8, 2025 by

No loadshedding foreseen this summer, as Eskom generation recovery plan boosts its performance

State-owned power utility Eskom forecasts no loadshedding during the summer from September 1, to March 31, 2026, as supply and demand interventions have added about 4 000 MW of extra capacity to meet expected demand this summer. The ongoing recovery and structural improvements in Eskom’s generation fleet was owing to the focused implementation of its Generation Recovery Plan by its workforce, said Eskom officials and Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa during a briefing on September 5.
September 5, 2025 by

4 200 MW SAPP deficit underscores urgency of regional power integration – Graham-Maré

Although the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) faces a series of significant obstacles – such as insufficient transmission infrastructure; drought conditions affecting hydropower plants; theft and vandalism; high technical and non-technical losses; funding gaps; and a 4 200 MW generation shortfall across interconnected member States – South Africa’s Deputy Electricity and Energy Minister Samantha Jane Graham-Maré has said these are surmountable with the right kind of cooperation and funding. “These are not small issues. They affect our economies, our communities and our ability for our industries to grow. But here’s the good news: these challenges are not insurmountable. Think about it this way: if every country tries to build everything on its own, we spend more and we waste more.
September 5, 2025 by

VUT, Standard Bank to devise practical green hydrogen solutions through new research centre

Standard Bank and the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) have officially launched the Centre of Excellence for Hydrogen Energy, on VUT’s campus in Vanderbijlpark. The partners aim to advance research, innovation and sustainable practices in South Africa’s hydrogen energy sector, particularly green hydrogen, which is generated from renewable energy and produces zero carbon emissions.
September 5, 2025 by

Electricity tariffs in the spotlight again

Engineering News editor Terence Creamer discusses the reaction to a R54-billion behind-closed-doors settlement agreement between the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) and power utility Eskom, which will result in Eskom’s electricity tariffs increasing by more than initially approved by Nersa.
September 5, 2025 by

Solar panel lifting product simplifies solar system installation

The solar energy market is surging in South Africa – particularly in the commercial and industrial sectors – as businesses seek cost-effective, sustainable solutions to manage rising electricity costs. For this reason, solar power has become an increasingly attractive investment. While loadshedding has eased in recent months, energy costs remain high, prompting companies operating in agriculture, engineering, and manufacturing to turn to rooftop solar to manage long-term operational expenses.
September 5, 2025 by

Solar trade bolsters supply, promotes cost-efficiency

The growing trade of solar power by independent power producers (IPPs) is playing a pivotal role in South Africa’s rapidly deregulating electricity market. By diversifying the energy mix and increasing competition for the State-owned power utility, solar trading is setting the stage for a cleaner, more cost-efficient grid. “Trade in solar energy has laid the groundwork for a more open and competitive electricity market, shifting away from a single-buyer model towards a dynamic, multi-actor environment that supports competitive pricing,” says Enerweb CEO Santego Govender, whose company specialises in digital solutions for energy markets.
September 5, 2025 by