Relaxation of PFMA rules empowers Eskom to engage directly with OEMs, maintenance suppliers

State-owned utility Eskom says the National Treasury’s relaxation of some procurement and supply chain management rules and processes contained in the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) will assist it in speeding up critical and urgent procurement. The amendment, which is outlined in an instruction note that became effective in April,  will also empower it to engage directly with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and maintenance suppliers.
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Stage 2 load-shedding on Friday night as over 16 000 MW lost to breakdowns

Stage 2 load-shedding will be implemented for the fifth time this week, running from 17:00 to 22:00 on Friday, Eskom said in a statement. Several generating units are expected to return to service starting on Friday afternoon and through the weekend, however.
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Eskom reiterates support for BW5 of the REIPPPP

State-owned power utility Eskom has acknowledged and welcomed the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s (DMRE’s) extension of the commercial close timelines for the 25 preferred bidders announced under the Renewable Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) Bid Window 5 (BW5), with all projects expected to sign project agreements by no later than the end of September. Eskom’s Grid Access Unit (GAU) has also reiterated its support for the REIPPPP and has also made some clarifications regarding the REIPPPP BW5, as well as the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (RMIPPPP) and the non-DMRE electricity generation projects.
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InfraCo Africa provides $15m loan to Bboxx to ramp up clean energy access in Africa

Infrastructure investment mobilisation organisation InfraCo Africa will provide $15-million by way of convertible loan notes to decentralised solar-powered systems company Bboxx to enable it to accelerate its provision of clean energy solutions to millions of people in existing and new markets across sub-Saharan Africa. To date, Bboxx has successfully delivered clean energy solutions for more than 2.5-million people globally, with substantial operations in countries including Rwanda, Kenya, Togo, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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Efficient trucks added to fleet

Heavy lifting and rigging specialist Lovemore Bros added four new trucks from global truck manufacturer Volvo to its heavy lifting and materials handling fleet. Lovemore Bros heavy rigging manager Shane Hawyes says the benefit of the acquisition is threefold.
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Project launched to fast-track energy, water transition

The South African Industry Adaption (SAIA) project was launched last month to accelerate South African industry’s energy and water transition to a decarbonised, green and inclusive economy, as well as a vibrant job market. SAIA is a collaboration between the governments of South Africa and Flanders, in Belgium, and the United Nations Industrial Development Corporation (Unido).
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Tracker technology increases PV efficacy

The Genius Tracker from solar energy equipment supplier GameChange Solar can increase a solar photovoltaic (PV) installation’s harnessing efficacy by up to 25% as opposed to a static tracking system. The single axis tracker can be installed on slopes of about 7%, “but it could be designed to accommodate a slope of up to 15% if requested to do so by the client”, adds GameChange Solar Southern Africa regional director Russ Bowden.
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Two installations prove company’s mettle

Industrial boiler manufacturer Steam Generation has successfully completed two projects in Africa that highlight its ability to improve energy efficiency and management for clients. “We commissioned a steam generation plant for a notable brewery in Accra, Ghana, in January, which entailed industrial equipment supplier CERTUSS steam generators that enable the brewery to manage demand fluctuations during its brewing process without interruption,” Steam Generation commercial director Nathi Hlophe tells Engineering News.
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Battery installation bolsters solar plant efficacy

Renewable-energy turnkey provider African Clean Energy Solutions (ACES) Renewables is installing two 540 kWh hybrid lithium-ion batteries at a business park near the Eastgate shopping centre, in Gauteng, to ensure energy efficiency amid load-shedding disruptions. The project, which includes the supply and installation of the two batteries, is a knock-on to an initial project for the client in 2021, which entailed the installation of a 200 kWp photovoltaic (PV) solar plant with all ancillaries and connections.
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Necsa starts process to replace venerable Safari-1 reactor

The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) has, with the approval of Cabinet, started the process that should result in it acquiring a new nuclear research reactor, to replace its current Safari-1 research reactor. The new reactor, dubbed the multipurpose reactor (MPR), would, like Safari-1, be located at Necsa’s complex at Pelindaba, west of Pretoria. “The socioeconomic needs of South Africa require a new multipurpose research reactor,” affirms Necsa Group CEO Loyiso Tyabashe. “It will strengthen scientific research in the country and increase scientific knowledge. Also, it will allow us to not only maintain, but to increase, our production of radioisotopes, especially for medicine. Consequently, it will ensure that South Africa keeps its position as one of the world’s top four medical radioisotope producers. It will maintain high-skill jobs and high-technology expertise in the country.”
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