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Western Cape could start exporting renewable power by 2032

The Western Cape government says it remains on track to reach its target of generating 5 700 MW of its own energy by 2035, and could even become a net exporter of renewable energy by 2032. Premier Alan Winde this week provided an update on the progress his government had made in building up the province’s energy and water security capabilities.
March 14, 2025 by

Africa’s solar capacity grows, but falls well short of potential – council

Nonprofit trade body Global Solar Council (GSC) finds in its latest market report that Africa’s solar installations are set to soar over the next four years, with 23 GW projected to be installed. With solar installations on the continent poised to grow by 42% this year, GSC says the region is “on the verge of a solar breakthrough”; however, more solar capacity is often held back by high capital costs and insufficient financing.
March 14, 2025 by

Innovative fuel alternatives benefit multiple industries

As part of its long-term “Shape Tomorrow” strategy, petroleum company MOL Group has successfully produced and tested a diesel fuel containing hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at its Slovnaft refinery in Bratislava, Slovakia. The biodiesel HVO is produced using the oil in cashew nut shells, which is combined with crude oil to produce the biocomponent.
March 14, 2025 by

Graham-Maré expects Cabinet to adopt long-awaited industrialisation masterplan for renewables …

Electricity and Energy Deputy Minister Samantha Graham-Maré reports that the long-awaited South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM) is currently wending its way through the Cabinet Committee process and has expressed optimism that it should be adopted “within the month”. Speaking during a EE Business Intelligence Webinar, Graham-Maré acknowledged that the approval process had been awaited for more than two years and said she was adamant that it now needed to be signed off.
March 13, 2025 by

Big Red Rocket wind farm to supply green electricity to Richards Bay Minerals achieves …

Renewable energy independent power producer (IPP) Red Rocket has reached financial close on the first 242-MW phase of the Overberg Wind Farm, being built near Swellendam in the Western Cape. The project, which is expected to begin commercial operations in early 2027, will deliver an estimated 750 GWh yearly of wheeled electricity to the Rio Tinto Group’s Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) under a 20-year power purchase agreement.
March 13, 2025 by

EIB reviews financing for $760m hydro project over DRC war

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is holding off on decisions to finance the $760-million Ruzizi III hydropower plant in Central Africa, due to fighting between Rwandan-backed rebels and the Democratic Republic of Congo, a spokesperson said. Europe is ramping up pressure on the adversaries following January’s blitzkrieg by Congolese rebels that saw them overrun the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu, attacks condemned by African leaders and Western countries.
March 13, 2025 by

NUM worried about ‘possible bloodbath of job losses’ on multiple fronts

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is worried about a “possible bloodbath of job losses” across multiple sectors, including steel, transportation, ferrochrome and mining, on the back of concerns about the 2025 Budget, problems faced by steel producer ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) and State-owned logistics company Transnet, along with an underwhelming performance in the mining sector. At the NUM national executive committee (NEC) meeting, held on February 27 and 28, the various issues were discussed, ranging from reflections on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent State of the Nation Address to concerns about the South African National Defence Force – something which is arguably outside of the NUM’s purview.
March 12, 2025 by