Sasol confirms refinements being made to emissions reduction pathway

Energy and chemicals group Sasol has reiterated that its target to reduce its greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions by 30% by 2030 remains in place, but has also confirmed that it is refining its “pathways” towards meeting that goal. In a note to shareholders, the JSE-listed group indicated that these refinements might involve “shifts in feedstock, energy and products to support our pathway towards being more sustainable”.
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Germany seeks clarity on South Africa’s coal-closure slowdown

Germany’s climate envoy said her country is seeking clarity on South Africa’s plans to slow down the closure of its coal-fired power plants and alter the terms of a landmark climate-finance pact. The European nation is a founding member of the $9.3-billion agreement, known as the Just Energy Transition Partnership, under which some of the world’s richest nations will give South Africa loans and grants on condition it cuts dependence on coal.
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Responsibilities for SOEs moved to their respective Ministries

Engineering News editor Terence Creamer discusses the implications of moving that State-owned enterprises that previously fell under the Department of Public Enterprises to new departments.
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Marokane says ‘holistic’ conversation needed on tariff rules and other regulatory gaps

Eskom CEO Dan Marokane says the State-owned company is eager to participate in a “holistic conversation” about the gap that has emerged between the changes under way in the electricity sector and the rules governing the industry, including those related to the way tariffs are set. In an exclusive interview with Engineering News, Marokane expressed optimism in Eskom’s ability to bring an end to the devastating era of loadshedding, and indicated that the recent period of operational stability had helped to restore morale, slash diesel costs and provide the board and executives with time and space to begin focusing on the future strategy for the unbundled entities.
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Gas-to-industry project launched in Cameroon

Independent oil and gas company Perenco Cameroon launched Perenco Group’s first gas-to-industry supply project in Central Africa, in July this year. The project involves the delivery of gas from the Bipaga Gas Processing Centre, located in Cameroon and operated by Perenco Cameroon, to the ceramic manufacturer Keda Ceramics’ manufacturing plant.
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Pipeline enhancement to facilitate LNG distribution

Johannesburg gas supplier Egoli Gas aims to develop the capacity to receive liquefied natural gas (LNG) into its pipeline network, with plans to expand access to other major metropolitan areas (metros), positioning Egoli Gas at the forefront of natural gas distribution in South Africa, says recently appointed Egoli Gas MD Mncedisi Mlilo. “When LNG  is introduced into the energy mix in South Africa, we are looking forward to expanding our reticulation infrastructure to other metros and underserviced areas, beyond the greater Johannesburg Metro,” he says.
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Switchgear manufacturer unveils cutting-edge products at Electra Mining

Energy equipment and solutions provider CHINT Global will showcase its latest advancements in smart energy solutions at this year’s Electra Mining Africa conference, to be held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre from September 2 to 6. On September 4, the company will launch new product ranges, including the CJX1-22K vacuum contactors, the NM8N high-voltage series moulded case circuit breaker and the NM8NDC range of direct current (dc) switchgear.
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IDC optimistic of industrial investment recovery following fall in disbursements to R15.9bn

South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is optimistic of converting the rise in business confidence that has accompanied the recent easing in loadshedding and visible efforts to address freight logistics bottlenecks into higher levels of investment this year, following a decline in disbursement during its 2024 financial year. The development finance institution disbursed R15.9-billion in the financial year to March 31, 2024, representing an 11% decline when compared with the R17.8-billion disbursed in the previous year.
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SPS commissions R135m solar project at Aqunion abalone farm

Sustainable Power Solutions (SPS) has started to test and commission a R135-million solar PV and battery solution project for abalone farmer Aqunion, a subsidiary of the Sea Harvest Group. Construction of the solar system began in November last year.
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Presidency transfers legislation as part of steps to split mineral resources, energy portfolios

President Cyril Ramaphosa has transferred legislation previously administered by the Mineral Resources and Energy Minister to Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe and Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa respectively. This follows the announcement earlier this year that the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) would be split into the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) and the Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE).
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