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Sasol unveils first carbon-offset deal as its seeks yet more projects

Energy and chemicals group Sasol reports that it has secured more than 100 000 carbon credits in a transaction concluded under the South African Carbon Offset Administration System (COAS), set up to facilitate the listing, transfer and retirement of such credits to offset carbon tax liabilities. In a statement the JSE-listed company said the transaction had been concluded with Bethlehem Hydro, a South African independent power producer (IPP), and that it was among the first concluded under COAS, which was launched earlier this year.
November 2, 2020 by

IPP Office extends bid deadline for R40bn risk-mitigation programme

South Africa’s Independent Power Producer (IPP) Office has confirmed an extension to the bid submission deadline, to December 22, for the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (RMIPPPP), under which government aims to procure some 2 000 MW of dispatchable generation capacity for operation by mid-2022. The original bid submission deadline was November 24.
November 2, 2020 by

Fresh moves under way to address debt albatross at lossmaking Eskom

Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan said on Friday that a “second round” of work is being initiated in an effort to find a solution to Eskom’s unsustainable debt burden in line with the recent social compact between government, community, labour and business to “mobilise funding to address Eskom’s financial crisis in a sustainable manner”. Speaking virtually during the release of Eskom’s delayed financial results for the year to March 31, 2020, he said the “first round” had already taken place early in 2020, and ahead of the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, during which various options had been examined.
October 30, 2020 by

Globeleq appoints new COO

African independent power producer Globeleq has appointed Gionata Visconti COO, effective early in January next year.

He will be responsible for all aspects of the company’s operations and provide support for in-country governance work and asset management.

October 30, 2020 by

Nersa permitted to grant above 1 MW licences without Ministerial approval

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has been granted permission to process licence applications for self-generation facilities of above 1 MW, even if they are not in compliance with the Integrated Resource Plan 2019 (IRP 2019).

This approval, which was granted by Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe, means that prospective applicants are no longer required to obtain Ministerial approval for deviation from the IRP 2019 before applying to Nersa for a licence.

October 30, 2020 by

Nersa to hold public hearings on Eskom’s MYPD 3 RCA applications

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) will hold virtual public hearings on State-owned power utility Eskom’s third Multi-Year Price Determination (MYPD3) Regulatory Clearing Account (RCA) Year 2 (2014/15), Year 3 (2015/16) and Year 4 (2016/17) applications, Eskom’s supplementary application and the implementation plan for the liquidation of the 2018/19 RCA balance. The hearings will be held on November 5 on Microsoft Teams.
October 30, 2020 by

Norway’s Nel, Statkraft agree to produce green hydrogen for steelworks

Norwegian hydrogen producer Nel and utility Statkraft have agreed to build a plant to deliver green hydrogen to a steelworks in northern Norway, replacing fossil fuel, the companies said on Friday. A letter of intent signed by the two firms covers the delivery of an alkaline electrolyser plant with 40 MW to 50 MW capacity in the industrial town of Mo i Rana, which will use renewable electricity supplied by Statkraft to generate hydrogen.
October 30, 2020 by

Global renewables group expanding into South Africa

International renewable energy development company GreenYellow is expanding its presence into South Africa, and provides not only proven renewable energy systems, but also technical advice and financing to catalyse the adoption of these energy sources by commercial and industrial companies, says GreenYellow South Africa sales director Michael Ilias. The company has signed an energy efficiency contract for 5 stores for a large retailer, and is working on a solar power purchase agreement multibuilding rollout for another large retailer.
October 30, 2020 by

R1bn Richards Bay mounded LPG storage facility commissioned

The R1-billion mounded liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage facility, in Richards Bay, owned by South African independent bulk liquid and gas storage operator Bidvest Tank Terminals and independent LPG specialist and traders Petredec, has been commissioned. The 22 600 t storage facility is the region’s largest pressurised LPG import terminal, guaranteeing year-round availability of LPG to South Africa and neighbouring countries. 
October 29, 2020 by