South Africa will champion African energy priorities at G20 next year – Ramokgopa

South Africa will use its position as Chair of the G20 (the group of 19 major global economies plus the African Union and the European Union) next year to champion Africa’s energy priorities on the global stage. So assured Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa in his keynote address on the first day of the African Energy Week conference and exhibition, being held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. He affirmed that accessibility, affordability and sustainability had to be energy priorities for the continent. Africa needed affordable clean energy, with the aim of creating a resilient energy system across the continent.
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Eskom’s revenue application displays ‘cavalier disregard’ for negative economic and …

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) has urged the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) to reject Eskom’s latest revenue application, which Outa says “displays a cavalier disregard” for the negative economic and socials impacts of yet more above-inflation hikes. In its formal written submission to Nersa, the non-profit organisation warns that the price of electricity “is spiralling out of control”, and argues that a new dedicated effort is required to tackle energy poverty, access and affordability as has been done with loadshedding.
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Trip at Kriel power station’s Unit 6 will not lead to loadshedding, Eskom assures

State-owned utility Eskom has assured the country that the tripping of Unit 6 at the Kriel power station, in Mpumalanga, on November 3, would not impact the current generation capacity or lead to loadshedding. The unit tripped following the loss of hydraulic oil to the turbine valves. A preliminary investigation revealed that an oil pipe had broken, causing an oil spill on the hot surfaces of the turbine, which triggered a fire.
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IPP Office to defend legal attempt by BW5 preferred bidders to prevent payout of bid bonds

The Independent Power Producer (IPP) Office has confirmed that it will oppose a legal attempt by two renewables consortia to prevent the payout of preferred-bidder guarantees called after their projects failed to advance to commercial close. Both consortia – Engie-Pele Sannapos Solar PV Consortium and Globeleq-Mainstream SA Renewables Power – were selected as preferred bidders during Bid Window 5 (BW5) of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme, launched in 2021.
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Initiative improves efficiency for farmers

Through its Smart Farming initiative, power transmission and motion control products distributor BMG offers solutions that are aimed at conserving power, enhancing operational efficiency and minimising downtime through effective maintenance strategies. As farming operations face increasing pressures from rising electricity and water costs, as well as power supply constraints, the initiative, also referred to as the ‘Boer Slim’ initiative, focuses on sustainable practices that improve crop production output while addressing broader concerns such as labour, capital investment and resource management.
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Collaborative robot enhances energy efficiency, sustainability

Multinational technology company ABB’s YuMi collaborative robot is playing a transformative role by contributing to both operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, making it an essential tool in modern manufacturing and beyond, says ABB robotics local division manager Julian Pillay. He explains that the YuMi robots are optimised to reduce energy consumption through precise motion control and programming, minimising unnecessary movements during operations.
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EV charging system enhances energy efficiency, optimises use

Multinational technology company ABB’s Terra DC Fast Charger is positioned as a solution that advances both energy efficiency and sustainability in the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry, ABB product marketing specialist for smart power Veron Maharaj says, adding that the charger leverages advanced technologies to optimise power use and support the broader transition to clean transportation. The Terra DC Fast Charger is specifically designed to be highly efficient compared to conventional charging systems. Maharaj explains that the charger minimises energy losses during the charging process, ensuring that more of the electricity drawn from the grid is used directly to charge vehicles, rather than being lost as heat.
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Intelligent heating solutions drive sustainability efforts

Amid increasing concerns over rising electricity costs and a growing demand for sustainable energy, vertically integrated sustainable technology group Rubicon’s Apex SGS solar geyser system offers an innovative and smart approach to energy efficiency in water heating. Designed and manufactured locally, the system prioritises the use of solar energy, consequently reducing reliance on grid electricity and supporting South Africa’s transition towards greener energy solutions, Apex national sales head Ruan Smith tells Engineering News.
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No one entity can meet South Africa’s energy investment needs, report argues

No one entity has the resources, funding or execution capability to address South Africa’s multitrillion-rand energy investment needs, a new PWC report argues, while calling for collaboration between the public and private sectors to address the challenge. The ‘Africa Energy Review 2024’ report follows government’s release of the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, which highlighted the need to scale up private-sector participation in the delivery of public infrastructure, including energy infrastructure.
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DA urges ‘anti-competitive’ Eskom to withdraw legal proceedings against Nersa

The Democratic Alliance (DA) on Thursday urged State power utility Eskom to withdraw its “futile and costly” legal dispute and support the transformation of South Africa’s energy sector. Eskom has approached the High Court to review the National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s (Nersa’s) decision to grant four trading licences in what it describes as its area of supply.
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