Panellists have mixed views on sustainability of renewable-energy financing

Independent power producer (IPP) developers are currently generating lower returns on renewable-energy projects at about 11%, making it challenging for banks and institutions to provide finance, said Thebe Investment Corporation power and infrastructure GM Johann Bester. He introduced this problem statement to a panel of experts during the Coal & Energy Transition Industry Day on July 23, adding that some banks are not participating in Bid Window 7 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme because the returns are simply too low.
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Port of Richards Bay moves to diversify beyond bulk exports while bolstering climate resilience

The Port of Richards Bay, in KwaZulu-Natal, is progressing with planning for infrastructure and terminal investments aimed at consolidating its position as a bulk export hub for key minerals such as coal and chrome, while also diversifying its activities to include more containers, as well as the importation and storage of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquid fuels. The developments are included in a masterplan and the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) estimates that investments of more than R30-billion will be required over the coming ten years to open up new berths, as well as to facilitate the relocation of the South African Navy from the Port of Durban to the Port of Richards Bay.
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TFR boasts slight improvement but admits much work still to be done

Although there has been a “slight” improvement year-on-year in terms of State-owned Transnet Freight Rail’s (TFR’s) North Corridor performance, the beleaguered rail operator is “not out of the woods yet”, TFR north corridor acting managing executive Theo Johnson has said. “‘Slight improvement’ is a term that I would accept. We’re working on a lot of initiatives [in] the North Corridor, because that’s the biggest corridor in TFR, particularly for the export coal line . . . but we are not out of the woods. We have a long way to go,” he said at the 2024 Coal & Energy Transition Day, in Johannesburg, on July 24.
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Eskom again moots 20 GW clean-energy build programme

Eskom will replace its declining coal capacity with clean-energy options in line with country policy and the Just Energy Transition, Eskom GM for primary energy Dan Mashigo told participants at a conference on coal and the energy transition. Speaking on behalf of Eskom CEO Dan Marokane, Mashigo reported that the State-owned company had a 20 GW-plus generation project pipeline, including 6 GW of solar PV, 4 GW of hybrid wind-PV-battery projects, 4 GW of gas-to-power, 3 GW of nuclear and 3.5 GW of hydro, wind and battery storage.
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Energy Partners completes first solar facade skyscraper at Fairvest-owned property

Energy company Energy Partners has completed a project at property investment company Fairvest’s Metalbox skyscraper in Auckland Park, Johannesburg. The property now features a building-integrated PV (BIPV) system that generates up to 300 MWh/y. It is South Africa’s first solar facade skyscraper, Energy Partners says.
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Heatwaves driving strong growth in electricity demand – IEA

Energy demand growth is forecast to be among the highest levels this year and next, compared with the last two decades, the International Energy Agency (IEA) notes in its ‘Electricity Mid-Year Update’ report.

Solar PV technology alone is expected to account for half of the demand growth increases globally.

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Economic growth a top priority for GNU

Engineering News editor Terence Creamer discusses the key themes of interest to business raised during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Opening of Parliament speech; the ongoing and new reforms that will be pursued by the Government of National Unity; and the immediate priorities from an economic perspective.
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Solar equipment supplier illuminates S Africa’s informal settlements

Solar energy and lighting solutions provider ZRW Mechanika has successfully combined LED technology with renewable solar power to create its portable solar systems to provide lighting for informal and rural settlements and develop integrated solar high-mast solutions for area lighting. LEDs have become the standard, as LEDs use less power, compared with fluorescent tubes, induction lights and incandescent lights, says ZRW Mechanika MD Dr Kamalluddien Parker.
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Firm integrates technological advancements into fittings

With technological advancements vastly improving within the lighting sector, lighting manufacturer Spazio has begun to integrate solar, AI and LED technologies into its light fittings. Spazio marketing manager Moynene Bredenkamp says that solar lighting technology has seen massive improvements over the last few years, which has made it a popular choice as an exterior domestic application in South Africa.
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Vulindlela 2.0, green industrialisation, infrastructure at centre of GNU’s growth vision

A second round of economic reforms under Operation Vulindlela, together with green industrialisation and scaled-up infrastructure development have been placed at the centre of the Government of National Unity’s (GNU’s) agenda for driving inclusive growth and job creation, which President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined in his opening of Parliament address on Thursday night. Speaking 50 days after highly competitive elections where no single party secured an outright majority and days after the new members of the expanded executive met at a Cabinet lekgotla to agree on priorities for a GNU that includes ten political parties, Ramaphosa announced that inclusive economic growth had been placed at “the top of the national agenda”.
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