President Cyril Ramaphosa has left the door open to excluding a section in the Electricity Regulation Amendment (ERA) Act that could negatively affect the revenues municipalities raise from electricity sales when the legislation is officially implemented. Ramaphosa signed the ERA on August 20, with a clause stating that the Act would come into operation “on a date determined by the President”.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has confirmed that its stands ready to support South Africa’s efforts to facilitate private sector participation in the expansion of the country’s electricity grid. IFC Africa VP Sérgio Pimenta told Engineering News during his recent visit to South Africa that the World Bank Group agency had already been providing advice to government on possible models for deploying independent transmission projects to help address grid-related backlogs.
The South African government aims to Gazette an update to the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) for electricity before the end of the 2024 calendar year and finalise South Africa’s inaugural Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) by the second quarter of the 2025/26 fiscal year. The timelines were provided during a meeting of the Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy on August 23, which was briefed by Electricity and Energy Deputy Minister Samantha Graham-Marê, as well as officials from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE).
As Eskom works to electrify its vehicle fleet and decarbonise its operations, the State-owned power utility is piloting electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at its Academy of Learning, in Midrand.
This marks a milestone in Eskom Distribution’s commitment to supporting the growth of the e-mobility sector in South Africa and decarbonising its operations.
Engineering News editor Terence Creamer discusses the findings of the latest South African Renewable Energy Grid Survey; how the survey results will be used; and the mixed picture that has emerged for wind and solar projects following the latest public procurement round.
While South Africa is experiencing a significant period during which there is no loadshedding, more time is needed before State-owned electricity utility Eskom can confidently declare an end to loadshedding, says Eskom primary energy GM Dan Mashigo. Speaking at the 2024 Coal and Energy Transition Day, held at The Country Club, in Johannesburg, on July 23, Mashigo noted the progress made thus far, with a 7% to 8% year-on-year improvement from last year.
State-owned electricity utility Eskom announced in July that the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) had extended the licence for Koeberg nuclear power station Unit 1, in the Western Cape, until 2044. This extension highlights Koeberg’s vital role in providing reliable baseload power while meeting stringent international safety standards. Eskom has operated Koeberg safely for 40 years, investing significantly in safety improvements and extensive maintenance.
State-owned electricity utility Eskom is focusing on reducing coal intensity and expanding renewable energy as part of its commitment to a sustainable future. This shift in strategy prioritises maintaining plant health over simply “keeping the lights on at all costs” – a practice that has proven ineffective, according to Eskom primary energy GM Dan Mashigo.
South Africa’s energy market is undergoing various changes, including the unbundling of State-owned power utility Eskom, as well as licence exemptions for independent power producers (IPPs). The latter has eased access for new projects, but has also affected grid access and publicly procured generation, says IPP Globeleq general counsel Marlise Schmidt. “Eskom, with its historical monopoly over generation, transmission and distribution in South Africa, has faced numerous difficulties, including financial challenges, ageing infrastructure and issues related to governance.”
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni reports that the Cabinet committee set up to consider interventions to moderate fuel price increases is likely to turn its attention to electricity tariffs amid growing fears of another steep hike in 2025. Responding to questions posed during a post-Cabinet briefing, Ntshavheni said Cabinet was aware of growing anxiety over impending applications to the regulator that could, if approved, result in increases of between 36% and 44% next year.
INDUSTRY NEWS
WHERE TO FIND US
Address
9 Yellow Street
Botshabelo Industrial Area
Botshabelo, Free State
Call / Email Us
Tel: +27 (0) 51 534 1651
Email: info@transfix.co.za
