Author Archive for: Engineering News

Eskom has appointed Exxaro’s Rivoningo Mnisi as its new group executive for renewables in line with the coal-dominant utility’s stated goal of becoming a “significant player” in the renewable energy sector. Group CEO Dan Marokane said in a statement that Mnisi would focus on the work already in progress for an executable initial pipeline of at least 2 GW of clean energy projects by 2026.

South Africa’s renewable-energy ambitions face significant challenges as fiscal constraints, a persistent reliance on coal, and gaps in technological and workforce readiness slow progress, says electromechanical equipment manufacturer Actom group business development executive Mamiki Matlawa. Speaking on the energy outlook for 2025 and beyond, she emphasised that South Africa’s transition to cleaner energy hinges on innovative engineering, expanded international collaboration and a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of a growing renewables sector.

With local businesses and households consistently struggling with energy-related challenges, including rising electricity tariffs that are exerting financial pressure across the board, financial institution Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking executive head for energy, infrastructure and mining Deerosh Maharaj says urgent attention and innovative solutions are needed to ensure resilience and growth in the shifting energy landscape. Higher tariffs erode disposable income, limiting spending power and creating broader economic ripple effects, with the indirect consequences equally concerning, particularly the risk of job losses as businesses struggle to maintain profitability under rising operational costs.

High-voltage battery storage systems are becoming an essential component of South Africa’s renewable-energy strategy, either as standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) or integrated with solar installations, says energy equipment and solutions provider Revov. Addressing local challenges with bespoke solutions and robust support enables the company to “pave the way for a more sustainable and energy-secure future” through continued innovation and supportive government policies, says co-founder and MD Lance Dickerson.

A new International Energy Agency (IEA) report argues that nuclear capacity could double to 870 GW by 2050 in light of renewed interest in the building of new nuclear plants, including small modular reactors (SMRs), as well as in extending the lifetimes of existing power stations. Nevertheless, the technology’s share of global electricity generation is still expected to remain below 10%, in light of expectations that even stronger electricity demand growth over the period will be met primarily by renewable energy.