Energy transition, policy in the spotlight
Amid rising fuel prices and dropping temperatures in South Africa, Engineering News editor Terence Creamer joins me to discuss what issues these developments raise for the energy transition and policy.
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Digital substation commissioned
ACTOM, a provider of power transmission and distribution solutions, has successfully commissioned Sekelduin 132/66/33 kV substation near Swakponmund, marking a significant milestone in the continent’s energy infrastructure development. The project, officially opened by NamPower, Namibia’s power utility, is Africa’s first fully digital substation, showcasing the country’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge technology to enhance grid reliability and support future energy demands.
New technology nearing pilot-plant stage
To advance its locally developed carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) technology, South African company EPCM Global Engineering is progressing to the next stage of development through a comprehensive pilot plant programme aimed at attracting investment from State-owned and private sector partners. The company seeks to address major emissions challenges with solutions capable of delivering lasting impact.
BESS solutions become financially viable
The clear and accelerating pivot from solar-only to hybrid energy solutions across sub-Saharan Africa is owed to cost-effective battery energy storage systems (BESS) making hybrid solutions financially viable, notes commercial energy company RenEnergy. As diesel prices soar, grids falter under increased strain and electricity tariffs escalate, the solution for much of the commercial and industrial sectors in sub-Saharan Africa is a shift to hybrid systems.
Eskom to interrupt bulk electricity supply to one North West municipality from May 8
Power utility Eskom has confirmed that it will proceed with the interruption of bulk electricity supply to the Mamusa local municipality, in the North West, from May 8, after the municipality failed to reach an agreement with the State-owned entity to settle its outstanding debt. The utility in March notified various municipalities across the country of its intention to interrupt bulk electricity supply for several hours a day owing to the debt owed to Eskom by the municipalities for more than 18 months.
Eskom reports progress in dialogue with some municipalities struggling to settle debt
State-owned power utility Eskom says notable progress has been achieved as a result of the ongoing dialogue since March with 14 municipalities that have not settled their accounts for bulk electricity supply for at least the past 18 months. The municipalities were selected because they had also not met the conditions of the National Treasury municipal debt relief programme, or they posed a significant financial risk to Eskom.
Japan offers energy loan, ammonia technology to South Africa
Japan plans to fast-track talks with South Africa on a yen-denominated energy loan, while promoting its technology to blend ammonia with coal to reduce carbon emissions in a country that still generates most of its electricity from one of the dirtiest fossil fuels. The loan would be used by South Africa to extend its own energy transition aims, Japanese diplomatic officials said, asking not to be identified in line with government practice, during a visit by its Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. The size of the loan was not specified.
Opinion: Equitable Fossil Fuel Transitions matter for inclusive development
In this opinion article written jointly by Harald Winkler and Andrew Marquard, the case is made for Equitable Fossil Fuel Transitions, whereby equity and justice are structurally integrated into the transition away from fossil fuels.
SAPVIA urges strategic approach to localisation from solar boom
There are gaps in South Africa’s ability to effectively localise manufacturing and fully capture the economic benefits of the energy transition that is being driven by rapid solar PV expansion, rising electricity tariffs and private sector investment, says industry organisation the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA). This rapid growth in demand presents opportunities for local manufacturing of certain components, but local manufacturing participation in the solar value chain remains limited. Most high-value components, such as PV modules, inverters and trackers and lithium-ion batteries, are still imported.
Discovery Green inks 10yr PPA to supply Afrox’s Kuilsrivier ASU with renewable energy
Industrial gases and welding products company Afrox has signed a ten-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with renewable energy trading company Discovery Green to supply renewable energy to Afrox’s Kuilsriver air separation unit (ASU), in Cape Town. Discovery Green will provide the ASU with about 28 GWh/y of renewable electricity under the agreement, starting in April 2028, from a diversified portfolio of wind and solar assets across the Western Cape, Mpumalanga and the Free State.
