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Ebrahim Rasool appointed DBSA chair

Former Western Cape Premier Ebrahim Rasool has been appointed the new chairperson of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). His appointment was announced during a post-Cabinet briefing held by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on Monday.

BMW South Africa energy innovation advances Tshwane community’s prospects

Automotive manufacturer BMW South Africa has unveiled a successful solar and battery energy storage pilot project at the Ntshe-Peu Primary School, in Shoshanguve, which incorporates batteries from the automakers X3 plug-in hybrid model vehicles.

The PowerUp pilot project was initiated to use the automotive batteries to provide renewable and high-quality second-life energy storage solutions for schools, as educational activities are often disrupted by loadshedding.

Nigeria unplugs from dirty generators in sudden solar gamble

Generators are everywhere in Lagos, used by almost everyone in the Nigerian megacity to counteract crippling power outages. Those living in upscale gated communities or working at big companies turn to massive, soundproof diesel generators when the electricity grid inevitably fails. There are the smaller, noisier petrol versions for those who can’t afford to maintain a diesel rig. And at the bottom of the generator hierarchy, found in countless shops and homes, are legions of less capable machines known in Nigerian Pidgin as “I-pass-my-neighbor generators.” The derisive name mocks those who can’t afford even a generator that puts out just enough juice to run fans, turn on lights and charge phones.

Seventh renewables round delayed to December, Ramokgopa confirms

Electricity Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa reports that the next public procurement round for renewable energy, known as Bid Window Seven (BW7), has been delayed until December. Delivering a briefing on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan amid a resumption of loadshedding, Ramokgopa attributed the postponement directly to the delay in updating the draft Integrated Resource Plan, which he said was now at an “advanced stage” and should be published before the end of November.

Sasol defends disclosure of potential decarbonisation shortcomings as responsible corporate …

Energy and chemicals company Sasol has taken exception to nonprofit organisation Just Share accusing it of shirking its responsibility to meet its previously stated goal of reducing its greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions by 30% by 2030, claiming that the disclosure of risks is simply part of being a responsible corporate citizen. “It is misdirected to view disclosure of these risk factors as Sasol conceding to not meeting targets. It is consequently also misleading to report it as such. We remain committed to our reduction targets and are progressing all reasonable available avenues to unlock related barriers in this regard,” Sasol said in a statement on November 3.

Speakers outline considerations for unbundled tariffs, wheeling framework

As the unbundling of State-owned utility Eskom gains momentum, both internally and through legislative processes, the unbundling of tariffs is equally important, and there are number of considerations for this, speakers averred during the South African Independent Power Producers Association’s ‘Tariff and Wheeling’ webinar on November 2. Independent energy consultant and former Eskom pricing manager Hendrik Barnard emphasised that unbundled and transparent tariffs would be a cornerstone for the future market and that it was crucial for independent power producers (IPPs) to be able to understand how and where to play in the market.

Company brings battery products to Africa

Following three successful exhibitions in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, energy storage battery products producer Hinen has introduced its products to the African continent in 2023. The Hinen Company was afforded the opportunity to raise brand awareness and generate interest among consumers, small businesses and other industry players. It showcased its latest products, including a backup power solution tailored for the African market, at the aforementioned exhibitions, earlier this year.

Panel stresses need for supply chain diversification

As Russia continues to wage war in Ukraine, it has shone a spotlight on supply chains and the sourcing of materials. Speaking during a panel hosted by British newspaper Financial Times during its Energy Transition Summit, on November 1, Ukrainian energy holding company DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko pointed out that, because many international contractors have left the country owing to the conflict, local companies and government have had to learn how to transport goods safely from ports and how to install infrastructure even in such circumstances.

Globeleq’s Cuamba solar, battery plant in Mozambique begins operations

Independent power company Globeleq and its project partners, energy developer Source Energia and Mozambican national power utility Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM), have received formal notification from EDM (the offtaker) that commercial operations at the 19 MW Cuamba solar photovoltaic (PV) and 7 MWh energy storage plant began on September 12. In September, Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi, Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Carlos Zacarias and other guests officially inaugurated the Cuamba solar plant, which is Mozambique’s very first combined utility-scale solar and energy storage plant.

Eskom says its coal pollution kills 330 South Africans a year

State power utility Eskom Holdings said pollution from its coal-fired plants that supply more than 80% of the country’s power kills about 330 people a year. The figure, which Eskom drew from its own research, contrasts with a number of independent reports that put the figure at between 650 and 2 000 people a year. Environmentalists are protesting over plans by Eskom and the government to possibly slow down the pace of planned closures to alleviate power outages that are crippling the economy.