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Event to highlight key African projects

The upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy 2024 conference will focus on critical industry issues and investment opportunities in Africa’s energy sector, including discussion on key energy projects and Africa’s burgeoning green hydrogen industry. The conference will be held from November 4 to 8 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in Cape Town.
June 28, 2024 by

System converts LPG to hydrogen

Hydrogen-focused startup HYENA has successfully developed a process to convert liquid petroleum gas (LPG) into clean electricity using its innovative POWER POD system at its new development facility in Cape Town.   “We’re revolutionising clean energy by converting LPG into electricity with our innovative POWER POD system,” says HYENA CEO Niels Luchters.
June 28, 2024 by

Government interventions key for hydrogen development

Green hydrogen is hailed as critical for a low-carbon energy future, with Africa well-positioned to be a key player in this sector. However, realising the continent’s potential requires African governments’ intervention to derisk and encourage investments, according to global law firm A&O Shearman. The A&O Shearman team, comprising Africa group head and partner Tim Scales, energy and infrastructure partner Antoine Haddad, energy and infrastructure partner and project finance specialist Alessandra Pardini, London-based projects, energy, natural resources and infrastructure partner Troy Edwards and Johannesburg-based projects, energy, natural resources and infrastructure partner Alexandra Clüver, state that notable projects in Morocco, which could capture up to 10% of the global market, and initiatives in Mauritania, Djibouti, Namibia and South Africa, showcase Africa’s potential as a future global hub for green hydrogen production.
June 28, 2024 by

First phase of 1 GW SunCentral solar farm breaks ground

Independent power producer SolarAfrica Energy has officially broken ground on its first utility-scale solar farm in the Northern Cape. Known as SunCentral, Phase 1 of this project will total about 342 MW in generation capacity, with Phases 2 and 3 to raise the capacity to 1 GW, making it one of the largest projects of its kind in the country.
June 27, 2024 by

Legislative certainty amid government shuffle crucial for continued renewable-energy investment

A clear and certain legislative framework is critical for enabling sustainability and green energy investments in South Africa going forward, especially given the changes taking place in government following unprecedented outcome of the May 29 elections, Absa Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) environmental, social and governance head Msizi Khoza has said. Speaking at a media roundtable event at the Absa headquarters, in Sandton, on June 26, he emphasised the well-documented transformative effect of clear and consistent legislation on the renewable energy sector.
June 26, 2024 by

Eskom reports arrest of copper cable thief at Matla

State-owned power utility Eskom has apprehended a suspected copper cable thief at the Matla power station after security officers discovered the individual during routine search duties.

The incident, which took place on June 23, was reported to the Kriel police station, with the suspect now facing charges of theft and unlawful possession of about R4 000 worth of copper cable.

June 26, 2024 by

‘Second wave’ of Operation Vulindlela set to prioritise ‘green and digital’ growth

The ‘second wave’ of government’s Operation Vulindlela initiative is poised to be widened to include additional structural reforms to those that have been pursued to date in electricity, freight logistics, telecoms, water and skills with the goal of stimulating higher levels of economic growth over the coming five years. Established jointly by the Presidency and the National Treasury in October 2020 to accelerate priority structural reforms to overcome problems identified as “binding constraints” to economic performance, Operation Vulindlela is expected to continue as a flagship programme under the government of national unity.
June 25, 2024 by

435 kW solar, battery system ensures Nabaoom Plastic can produce, reduce backlog

Clean energy developer Blue Energy Africa has built a hybrid 435 kW solar and battery storage system for planting bags producer Naboom Plastic, in Mookgophong, Limpopo. The system provides the producer with energy security and operational resilience, as well as saving 80% to 90% on its previous electricity use from the grid. The implementation of the system has allowed Naboom Plastic to start clearing a 60 t production backlog caused by loadshedding. It also benefits the livelihoods of the company’s 64 employees and their families. 
June 25, 2024 by

Cape Town nears completion of prepaid meter upgrade ahead of deadline

The City of Cape Town is nearing the successful completion of an electricity meter upgrade programme across the city ahead of the December deadline, when the current prepaid electricity metering software for all prepaid meters will expire.

All municipalities across the country have been mandated to undertake prepaid electricity meter software upgrades by December or customers will be unable to recharge their units through their meters.

June 25, 2024 by

South Africa risks losing billions pledged for climate finance

South Africa is risking a $9.3-billion climate finance pact by delaying the closing of a number of coal-fired power plants, a panel appointed by the country’s environment minister said. In an agreement known as the Just Energy Transition Partnership, South Africa won the bulk of the pledges from some of the world’s richest nations in loans, grants and guarantees in 2021. They offered to help the country reduce its dependence on coal for power generation on condition it phased out a number of its older plants using the dirtiest fuel.
June 25, 2024 by