Entries by

Laser tech key to developing economy

It is vital that South Africa has an in-depth understanding of the impact photonics-based technologies will have on its economic development, as they underpin the communication systems and sensors needed to drive the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The country also needs to ensure that it can develop, engineer and incorporate new photonics-based technologies into its economy and people’s daily lives, says Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) National Laser Centre (NLC) research implementation manager Hardus Greyling.
August 28, 2020 by

Regional developments expected to ignite South Africa’s gas economy

There has long been discussions about the development of a gas economy having the potential to help transform the South African landscape and, despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, about gas emerging as a game changer both in terms of its role in the country’s energy transition and the new opportunities it presents. These opportunities for South Africa are likely to arise directly from the megascale liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects that are starting to take shape in northern Mozambique, as well as various other projects in and around the country.
August 28, 2020 by

M&R holds on to shrinking South African unit amid hopes of infrastructure-led recovery

JSE-listed engineering and construction group Murray & Roberts (M&R) is “holding on” to its South African-aligned business unit that focuses on power, industrial and water despite the fact that its contribution to the group’s R54.2-billion order book has slumped to less than one percent, or only R400-million. By contrast, M&R’s energy, resources and infrastructure platform, which is headquartered in Australia, but also has global activities, reported a record order book of R34.4-billion at the end of June, which helped lift M&R’s overall order book to its highest level in 15 years.
August 27, 2020 by

Old Mutual fund urges South Africa to focus on power

A $1.9-billion infrastructure fund owned by Old Mutual said South Africa should start with power as it embarks on an R2.3-trillion drive to lure private investment into infrastructure over the next decade. Electricity is South Africa’s most urgent need and the country has experience of approving renewable energy projects with a prior program attracting R209-billion of private investment, Vuyo Ntoi, co-managing director of African Infrastructure Investment Managers.
August 27, 2020 by

Kibo advancing PPA discussions for Mozambique projects

A grid impact assessment and integration study for multi-asset energy company Kibo Energy’s Benga power plant project (BPPP), in Mozambique, has been completed and submitted to power utility Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM). This forms part of the definitive feasibility study optimisation and financial model integration for the BPPP, the company report.
August 26, 2020 by

Projects developed in renewables zones, gas and grid corridors ‘not exempt’ from …

The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) has dismissed suggestions that renewable-energy projects developed within the designated Renewable Energy Development Zones (REDZs), including the three new zones being proposed, will be exempt from all environmental authorisation processes. In July, the department called for public comment on the creation of new REDZs in Emalahleni, Klerksdorp and Beaufort West, in addition to the eight existing REDZs in Overberg, Komsberg, Cookhouse, Stormberg, Kimberley, Vryburg, Upington and Springbok.
August 26, 2020 by

Etion Create selected as one of the preferred suppliers in the UK-based Sofia offshore wind …

Advanced electronics equipment original design manufacturer Etion Create has secured a contract to supply its VF360 OpenVPX boards for the core computing units (CCU’s) installed in the one of the world’s largest offshore wind farm projects. The Sofia offshore wind farm, 100% owned by German utility RWE, is being constructed 200 km off the UK coast in the North Sea area known as the Dogger Bank.
August 26, 2020 by