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Publication of Eskom’s 36% tariff submission by Nersa heralds formal start of consultation …

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has formally published Eskom’s much-anticipated and much-criticised allowable revenue application for the coming three years ahead of what is likely to be a vigorous and potentially hostile public consultation phase. The documents have been published on the Nersa website following an assessment of its compliance with the methodology and approval to do so during a special Electricity Subcommittee meeting held on September 23.
September 24, 2024 by

Next round of NDC’s critical test for meeting renewables-tripling goal – IEA

The next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) will be a critical test for the implementation of the COP28 pledge, made by nearly 200 countries in the United Arab Emirates last year, of tripling renewables and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. This finding is contained in a new International Energy Agency (IEA) report, titled ‘From Taking Stock to Taking Action: How to implement the COP28 energy goals’, which was released this week during the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
September 24, 2024 by

Sasol and Eskom to explore demand anchors for LNG as part of effort to avert ‘gas cliff’

Eskom and Sasol have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly explore the potential to introduce liquified natural gas (LNG) to replace natural gas imports from southern Mozambique, which are currently set to decline sharply from 2027. The MoU was signed by Eskom CEO Dan Marokane and Sasol CEO Simon Baloyi at a ceremony held at Eskom’s Megawatt Park, which was attended by Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.
September 20, 2024 by

A $90bn World Bank plan to electrify Africa gets under way

A plan to bring electricity to 300-million Africans by 2030, backed by an initial pledge of $30-billion from the World Bank and the African Development Bank, has begun to be implemented with an assessment of the first potential beneficiaries.

Some of the world’s most prominent climate organizations — the Rockefeller Foundation, Global Alliance for People and Planet and Sustainable Energy For All — on Friday announced the formation of a technical assistance facility to examine projects and help secure funding for those that qualify for the program known as Mission 300. The aim is to ultimately raise $90-billion or more from a range of sources.

September 20, 2024 by

Ramokgopa seeks to strike ‘delicate balance’ on Eskom tariffs, labelling mooted hikes …

Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has labelled a mooted increase in Eskom’s electricity tariff of 36% “untenable” and “unaffordable” and has promised to work on an outcome that seeks to strike a “delicate balance” between the needs of consumers and Eskom’s financial sustainability. In his speech during a special Parliamentary debate, the Minister also reaffirmed the need to transition the Eskom tariff toward cost-reflectivity, highlighting the burden on taxpayers should the utility’s finances not be stabilised.
September 19, 2024 by

AfriForum continues fighting Nersa’s latest appeal in municipal tariff matter

Civil rights organisation AfriForum says the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has applied to the Supreme Court of Appeal in the case related to its implementation of tariff hikes for at least 100 municipalities.

The organisation has been challenging the regulator’s implementation of what it deems to be unlawful and invalid tariff hikes. AfriForum says in its latest statement it will oppose this application in the interest of power consumers across the country.

September 19, 2024 by

IBM develops two new models for energy sector forecasting

Information technology company IBM has developed two new interactive models for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) GeoHub, namely the artificial intelligence (AI) model Electricity Access Forecasting, and the statistical geospatial model Clean Energy Equity Index. The new models will be made available for free to the general public through the UNDP GeoHub dashboards, thereby helping users access data and insights to interpret complex clean energy challenges and opportunities, the organisations say.
September 19, 2024 by

RMB funded renewables projects worth R50bn last year and is gearing up for private grid prospects

Corporate and investment bank RMB reports that it financed renewable-energy investments worth R50-billion over the past year and is expecting ongoing high levels of renewables funding this year, while positioning itself to also finance private grid projects in future. Infrastructure sector solutions head Judy Kobus reports that the bank’s funding has supported projects with a combined capacity of 2 400 MW, which were implemented on the back of both public and private procurement initiatives in South Africa.
September 19, 2024 by

Kwikot launches smart geyser powered by solar PV and grid power

Commercial and industrial geyser and boiler manufacturer Kwikot on September 18 launched its new Elon Smart Water heating system – a smart geyser system that uses solar PV-generated electricity and/or grid power. The Elon solution was developed by electricity technology startup company PowerOptimal in partnership with Kwikot and specialist electronics manufacturer Microtronix, which served as the manufacturing partner that developed the prototype and manufactures the systems.
September 19, 2024 by