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Immediate introduction of new tariff methodology ‘not feasible’

State-owned electricity utility Eskom says it is “not feasible” for the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) to make a revenue determination, for implementation on April 1 2022, on the basis of a new methodology that has yet to be consulted or finalised. On September 24, Nersa published a consultation paper on a possible new price determination methodology in which it states that the “current revenue-based methodology has fallen short in providing stable prices”.
September 27, 2021 by

Nuclear corporation highlights benefits to South Africa of Multipurpose Reactor project

The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) has highlighted the importance to the country, and indeed the wider world, of the now-authorsied programme to construct a new Multipurpose Reactor (MPR). It did so in its statement, issued on Sunday, welcoming the Cabinet’s decision to approve the acquisition and construction of an MPR. The MPR will be located at Necsa’s complex at Pelindaba, west of Pretoria, and will replace the State-owned entity’s current 20 MW SAFARI-1 research reactor, which first became operational in 1965. “Cabinet approval of [the] SAFARI-1 replacement is a major milestone for South Africa, the continent and the whole world,” affirmed Necsa Group CE Loyiso Tyabashe.
September 27, 2021 by

Risks linked to South Africa’s more ambitious decarbonisation pledge not yet ‘adequately …

Minerals Council South Africa has signalled its support for South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon economy, but is concerned that the immediate risks associated with the country’s more ambitious decarbonisation targets are not being adequately addressed. CEO Roger Baxter told participants to a virtual Presidential Climate Commission dialogue on the just transition on Thursday that systemic policy interventions, and other support, were required to drive a “risk-managed decarbonisation journey for South Africa”.
September 23, 2021 by

China bailing on overseas coal should be a boon for renewables

If China puts the same financial heft behind green energy in emerging nations as it has in developing fossil fuels projects overseas, it’ll be a step change for global investment in renewables.

President Xi Jinping told the United Nations General Assembly this week that China will accelerate support to developing nations to install low-carbon energy sources as the nation also halts the building of new coal power overseas.

September 23, 2021 by

AIMM says six more solar PV projects reach commercial operation

Six more solar photovoltaic (PV) projects situated in the Northern Cape and North West provinces have reached commercial operation, infrastructure equity investment management company African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM) reported on Wednesday.

These projects include the 50 MW De Wildt solar project, the 68 MW Bokamoso solar project, the 75 MW Zeerust solar project and the 75 MW Waterloo solar project in the North West, as well as the 55 MW Boikanyo and the 75 MW Malta A Bokone projects in the Northern Cape.

September 22, 2021 by

Exxaro, Cennergi developing 70 MW solar project in Lephalale

Diversified miner Exxaro Resources’ renewable energy subsidiary, Cennergi, will develop the 70 MW Lephalale solar project to supply the Grootegeluk coal mine, near Lephalale, Limpopo. The group announced on Wednesday that Exxaro Coal and Cennergi had concluded a term sheet, setting out material terms upon which a long-term power purchase agreement would be concluded.
September 22, 2021 by

Sasol triples 2030 decarbonisation target, makes net-zero by 2050 pledge

Chemicals and energy group Sasol has announced a material acceleration of its decarbonisation plans, confirming that it will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% by 2030 rather than by the much-criticised 10% level to which it initially committed. CEO Fleetwood Grobler has also pledged that the group will transition to net-zero emissions by 2050 and has confirmed that Sasol will not invest in any new coal reserves.
September 22, 2021 by

Importance of sustainable energy underlined

In dealing with its current energy crisis, South Africa must ensure that it shores up reliable short- and long-term supply options that adhere to sustainable energy objectives.    This was indicated by speakers on the first day of the 11th yearly Sustainability Summit on September 21, during the Sustainable Energy Seminar in partnership with DND Energy.
September 22, 2021 by

China to stop building new coal-fired power projects abroad

China plans to stop building new coal-fired power plants abroad, President Xi Jinping said at a virtual United Nations General Assembly meeting on Tuesday.

The announcement came a year after Xi surprised world leaders by pledging to make China carbon-neutral by 2060 after reaching peak emissions by the end of the decade. He has come under pressure to back up that promise with concrete short-term goals ahead of global climate talks, known as COP26, to be held in Glasgow, Scotland, in November.

September 22, 2021 by