Africa’s most-industrialised economy will probably shrink by 8%

Slow reforms and the return of rolling power cuts in South Africa could threaten the recovery of an economy that probably bottomed in the second quarter. Africa’s most-industrialized economy will probably shrink by 8% in 2020, according to the median estimate of 29 economists in a Bloomberg survey that was published on Friday. That’s worse than the 7.5% contraction projected a month ago.
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Global wind body urges South Africa to explore ‘excellent’ offshore wind potential

The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) says that, while South Africa has strong onshore wind potential, it would nevertheless encourage domestic policymakers to begin creating the framework for an offshore wind industry given the country’s “excellent” offshore wind-energy potential. The World Bank Group’s 2019 ‘Going Global Report’, which assessed the technical potential for offshore wind-energy within 200 km of the coasts of eight developing countries, estimated South Africa’s technical offshore potential to be 646 GW.
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Increased storage crucial to mix

With South Africa aiming to move towards more diversified energy generation systems as outlined in the Integrated Resource Plan 2019 (IRP 2019), it is crucial to increase the country’s energy-storage capacities, says solar industry supplier Valsa Trading.
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Noncarbon future epitomises ideal energy mix

In about 2060, the ideal energy mix would be one with only non-carbon sources, such as wind, solar, pumped hydro and hydrogen, says global energy advisory UL.
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Clean coal can still play meaningful role in S Africa

Coal is relatively cheap and widely available; therefore, if it is used cleanly and efficiently, it can be a vital part of the economic development of South Africa, says the IEA Clean Coal Centre (IEACCC).
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CFBC boiler technology viable for S Africa

The global success of circulating fluidised bed combustion (CFBC) boiler technology, suggests that this should be the technology of choice for the future in State-owned power utility Eskom’s power stations.
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Microgrid solutions could combat load-shedding

Microgrid solutions with battery energy storage systems are ideal to ensure stable and sustainable power by harnessing solar and other renewable energy resources, says technology solutions provider Hitachi ABB Power Grids.
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Eskom fully supports South Africa’s lower-carbon trajectory

The Integrated Resource Plan 2019 (IRP 2019) signals an important move to a range of fuel options for power generation in South Africa, which State-owned power utility Eskom supports.
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Anglo’s July Ndlovu says coal underpins societal development

Despite coal being a commodity “that some have chosen to hate”, Anglo American Coal South Africa CEO July Ndlovu says it will continue to remain relevant, as it “underpins societal development”. Ndlovu, recently appointed as World Coal Association chairperson, emphasised during the virtual Coal Industry Day on August 20 that coal would continue to be needed, as it was a commodity not used only for energy generation, as is commonly assumed, but it also continues to be an important enabler in the steel and cement industries, which both underpin infrastructure development.
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South32 progressing negotiations with Eskom for Hillside

Dual-listed South32 is making good progress with its negotiations with State-owned power utility Eskom on electricity prices for its Hillside aluminium smelter in Richards Bay, the group said during a media call on August 20. COO Mike Fraser said the group had reached an agreement with Eskom on a new agreement that would ensure the provision of power to Hillside for a ten-year period.
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