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Mantashe confirms consultations with nuclear power vendors and replacement of SAFARI

Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe has informed the 64th session of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), via a video recording, that South Africa had started consultations with nuclear power reactor vendors, to obtain information about costs, schedules and possible ownership models. This was in line with the country’s Integrated Resource Plan 2019-2030 and the result of a Request for Information (RfI) issued in June. This RfI was based on an assumption of programme for 2 500 MW of nuclear power. He reaffirmed that nuclear would retain a “vital role” in the country’s energy mix. He pointed out that there was a “bigger role” for nuclear in transitioning South Africa from high carbon-emission energy sources to low carbon-emission ones, while simultaneously expanding the country’s energy supply. “We need to contest the space in the energy debate, for nuclear as a clean energy technology,” he said. “Scientific evidence is available to support our position.”
September 22, 2020 by

SAPVIA, SAWEA partner to assist local renewables project developers

Renewable energy lobby organisations the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) and the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) have joined forces with the Independent Power Producer Office, REEFSA and the Black Energy Professionals Association to launch of the Developing Developers Programme.

The programme, which consists of a seven-part series of workshops, aims to drive change, enhance the local skills base and ensure South Africa reaps the full benefits of a decarbonised economy.

September 21, 2020 by

Nuclear organisations stage public demonstration

Six organisations representing professionals in the country’s nuclear sector jointly staged a public demonstration in Pretoria on Saturday in support of nuclear technology and the expansion of the South African nuclear sector. The demonstration was carried out in full compliance with anti-Covid-19 safety protocols, including physical distancing, frequent use of sanitiser and the wearing of masks. The organisations concerned were Nehawu Nuclear Energy Workers (Nnewo), the Nuclear Industry Association of South Africa, the South African Vest Group, the South African Young Nuclear Professionals Society, the Southern African Radiation Protection Association, and Women in Nuclear of South Africa. The slogan for the demonstration was “Stand up for nuclear!”
September 21, 2020 by

Bokamoso Solar starts commercial operations

Bokamoso Solar, situated near Leeudoringstad, in the North West province, has started commercial operations. The 67.9 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant and several others currently under construction are expected to have put the North West on the map as a player in the renewable energy sector, not only in terms of delivering additional power to the country’s national grid, but also benefitting the rural communities through impactful economic development programmes.
September 18, 2020 by

Nersa to learn next week if tariff-raising Eskom judgment can be appealed

High Court Judge Fayeeza Kathree-Setiloane will decide next week whether to grant the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) leave to appeal her July 28 judgment, which found the regulator’s decision to deduct a R69-billion equity injection into Eskom from its allowable revenue for the period 2019/20 to 2021/22 to be illegal. Kathree-Setiloane also ruled that the full amount be added back over the coming three years and that the first R23-billion be added during the 2021/22 financial year.
September 18, 2020 by

Cameroon seeking to build $3bn dam to export electricity

Cameroon will build a $3-billion hydropower plant as part of an ambitious plan to make the central African nation an exporter of electricity by 2035. The 810 MW Grand Eweng project on the Sanaga river, a joint venture between the government and the US-based energy company Hydromine, is the fifth hydro-project on the river.
September 18, 2020 by

Prosumers can change energy sector

Modernising the current energy infrastructure in South Africa will dramatically change the energy utility business model, says diversified power management company Eaton electrical sector Africa MD Seydou Kane. “Modernising the current energy infrastructure, gives industrial and private energy consumers access to technology that allows them to produce, store and distribute energy.”
September 18, 2020 by