Ramokgopa to showcase South Africa’s energy investment prospects at Davos

Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa reports that South Africa’s energy market reforms and investment opportunities will be showcased at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this week. In a statement, the Minister said that the energy delegation would share the reforms that have taken shape in the electricity sector to end loadshedding and which have modernised the electricity market in a way that encourages private sector participation and competition.
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Nordex appoints Robert Timmers as MD for South Africa

Onshore wind energy company Nordex Group has appointed Robert Timmers as the new MD for Nordex Energy South Africa (NESA). He returns to South Africa after successfully leading Nordex Australia as MD and overseeing the supply and commissioning of a 1 GW wind farm project, which is the largest wind farm in the Southern Hemisphere.
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Association unpacks vast solar, storage advancements in Africa

Rwanda-based Africa Solar Industry Association (Afsia) notes in its latest ‘Africa Solar Outlook’ report that between 400 GW and 600 GW of solar capacity was installed, globally, in 2024, marking a 44% year-on-year increase and a new record year for solar installations.

Afsia projects there to be 2 000 GW of installed solar across the world.

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Eskom appoints renewables executive as it targets initial 2 GW by 2026

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.
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World Bank sets terms for Africa to win $40bn in power finance

The World Bank and African Development Bank (AfDB) laid out the terms African nations will need to meet to win $40-billion in finance to tackle the continent’s electricity crisis. The two multilateral lenders are backing a program called Mission 300 that aims to bring electricity to 300-million Africans by 2030 with a pledge of $30-billion in finance, on top of which they expect $10-billion from private institutions.
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Fiscal constraints, coal dependency hamper energy transition

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.
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Potential PBMR project renewal crucial for S Africa’s energy security

Sustainable energy solutions provider Blue Pointer Energy has expressed strong support for the renewed call to revive the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) project, following statements by Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. The initiative represents a crucial step towards fortifying South Africa’s energy security and diversifying its energy portfolio, which is essential to addressing the ongoing energy crisis.
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Affordable solutions key to overcoming rising tariffs, ensuring resilience

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.
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Energy conference advances collaboration, innovation and inclusion

Leading energy conference and exhibition, the Africa Energy Indaba – being hosted from March 4 to 6, 2025, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre – is set to unite global and African leaders to address the continent’s energy challenges and opportunities, fostering dialogue and collaboration for sustainable growth. A key highlight of the 2025 Indaba is the Women in Energy Forum. Scheduled for March 5, this initiative underscores the vital role of gender diversity and inclusion in shaping Africa’s energy future.
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HV battery storage to become essential

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.
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