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Trina Solar expanding its presence in East, Central Africa

Global photovoltaic (PV) and smart energy solutions provider Trina Solar has appointed Solinc East Africa, in Kenya, as an official distributor to supply its products and solutions in East Africa. This forms part of Trina Solar’s commitment to further increasing its footprint and presence in Africa to cater to the rapidly growing demand for solar energy, the company says. 
August 31, 2021 by

Eskom considers R106bn in wind and solar investment by 2030

Eskom Holdings, which supplies almost all South Africa’s electricity from coal-fired power plants, is considering spending R106-billion on wind and solar energy by 2030. The investment plan, which Eskom could carry out by itself or in partnerships, is the most detailed demonstration yet of the utility’s ambition to move away from coal by taking advantage of the nation’s abundant wind and solar resources.
August 31, 2021 by

SANEDI joins EnergyDRIVE road trip

The South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) has announced that it will board the renewable energy educational road trip, the EnergyDRIVE, as a partner in this year’s campaign. Industry organisation the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA), in partnership with the Durban University of Technology (DUT), are the organisers of the EnergyDRIVE.
August 30, 2021 by

Wesley-Ciskei wind energy farm supplying electricity to the grid

The 34.5 MW Wesley-Ciskei wind energy farm (WEF), in the Eastern Cape, achieved its commercial operations date this month, reports renewable energy developer and operator EDF Renewables. After successfully completing the final Grid Code Compliance tests, the project has reached commercial operations and is supplying electricity into the grid, says EDF Renewables project manager Carl Wlotzka.
August 27, 2021 by

Irena guides Botswana govt on its immense renewable energy potential

A new report published by the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) has confirmed that Botswana has considerable opportunity to enhance its domestic energy security and increase access to modern energy services.

The agency says the country’s significant wind and solar resources, as well as abundant biomass residues, can be effectively harnessed for power generation, should policy, regulation and investment be aligned with that goal.

August 27, 2021 by

As Mpumalanga towns plot future beyond coal, workers express pain over mine closures

The Steve Tshwete local municipality, in Mpumalanga, which is at the epicentre of South Africa’s coal industry, is revising its Local Economic Development (LED) strategy to take account of the anticipated closure of coal mines and power stations and create the framework for a more diversified economy. LED department assistant director Michael Nkosi reports that the council recognises the need to decouple the municipality from its current reliance on coal, as well as the risk that the mining towns that fall within its borders could become ghost towns should it fail to broaden its economic scope.
August 27, 2021 by

Hydrogen a suitable greener alternative

South Africa’s Gas Act defines “gas” as natural gas (CH4) and hydrogen (H2). Hydrogen will, in the future, be a suitable substitute for natural gas to support decarbonisation, says South African Oil and Gas Alliance (SAOGA) Gas Economy Leadership Group chairperson Craig Morkel. However, the development of the hydrogen industry first requires that a gas market be developed.
August 27, 2021 by

LNG opportunities abound

The anticipated decline of Mozambique’s Pande & Temane gasfields creates a need for new sources of natural gas for the local industry, says engineering services consulting firm WSP regional director Martin Mkhabela. “The quickest and most cost-effective option to fill the gap is through the importation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) through the Port of Richards Bay, utilising the gas-to-power programme as an anchor,” says Mkhabela.
August 27, 2021 by