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Tlou to start Lesedi Phase 1, receives EIS approval for Boomslang

Southern African energy development company Tlou Energy said that, following a recent capital raising, it has the necessary funds in place to start construction on the transmission line for its Lesedi project. It added that the Botswana Department of Environmental Affairs had approved the environmental-impact statement (EIS) for its Boomslang project, which is adjacent to the Lesedi power project.
April 26, 2021 by

Ramaphosa emphasises need for action to address climate change challenges

In the ramp-up to the next international climate conference, to be held in Scotland in November, President Cyril Ramaphosa has shared the sentiments of the international community in that the world needs to “dramatically scale up its efforts, raise its level of ambition and support developing countries with the means to implement climate actions”. While the cascading effect of climate change is “vital”, it does not affect only weather patterns, Ramaphosa says in his weekly letter to the nation, noting that it affects “nearly every aspect of our lives, from the food that is eaten, the water that is drunk, even impacting where people live”.
April 26, 2021 by

Largest Egypt solar project Kom Ombo receives $114m funding

Energy generation and desalination company Acwa Power has secured a $114-million financing package for the construction of the largest private solar power plant in Egypt. The Kom Ombo plant will contribute to the Egyptian government’s target to generate 42% of the country’s electricity from renewable energy sources by 2035, while delivering one of the lowest generation tariffs on the continent.
April 23, 2021 by

Proposed regulation lifting ‘embedded generation’ licence-exemption cap to 10 MW released …

Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe has released, for public comment, an amendment to the Electricity Regulation Act, proposing an increase in the licensing-exemption threshold for embedded power generation plants from 1 MW to 10 MW. The Gazette notice, which was published on April 23, follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s February State of the Nation announcement that Schedule 2 of the Electricity Regulation Act would be amended to increase the licensing threshold for embedded generators.
April 23, 2021 by

Concerns about RMIPPPP

Creamer Media’s Chanel de Bruyn speaks to Engineering News Editor Terence Creamer about concerns raised about the architecture of the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (RMIPPPP) and the powership projects that have been selected as preferred bidders under the RMIPPPP.  
April 23, 2021 by

Significant gas supply opportunity for company

Power generation, while remaining South Africa’s largest barrier to economic growth, provides piped natural gas supplier Egoli Gas with a significant opportunity to provide more piped natural gas for the local industry, says Egoli Gas MD Vishal Pooran. “We are all aware of the current challenges regarding the inconsistent electricity supply from power utilities.  Government has already licensed and granted approval on embedded generation of up to 10 MW without having to obtain Ministerial approval.”
April 23, 2021 by

Low price could boost LNG development

A decrease in oil demand and, consequently, in prices last year because of Covid-19 also resulted in lower prices for liquefied natural gas (LNG). Business research consultancy Birguid associate researcher Patience Panashe argues that LNG buyers can take advantage of this to import LNG into South Africa at lower prices. “Inexpensive oil could have a dampening effect on all energy prices. LNG is a buyer’s market currently, especially with a glut of LNG on the market.”
April 23, 2021 by

Globeleq-Sturdee consortium selected as preferred bidder for eSwatini solar PV projects

Independent power generation company Globeleq and renewable energy independent power producer (IPP) Sturdee Energy Southern Africa have been awarded preferred bidder status for two 15 MW projects in the first tranche eSwatini’s procurement programme for new renewable generation capacity. Globeleq says it welcomes the opportunity to support the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority strategy to increase domestic power generation and reduce reliance on imported power.
April 22, 2021 by

Independent study confirms passive cooling benefits

State-owned energy research organisation the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) on April 22 said the results of an independent study of two sites in KwaZulu-Natal have confirmed the benefits of passive cooling, also called cool surfaces. This has further motivated SANEDI to continue promoting cool surfaces as an energy-efficient alternative to mechanical heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
April 22, 2021 by

WHO warns Africa not to let its guard down amid pandemic

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti has encouraged African countries to sustain Covid-19 prevention measures and urged countries not to let their guards down as the world races to vaccinate their populations. Moeti said on Thursday that despite the challenges and stories circulating about the vaccine, people must have confidence in the WHO guidance.
April 22, 2021 by