Posts

Smart grid can mitigate system challenges

The integration of smart technology can ensure reliability and efficiency of the country’s electricity grid.  A smart grid system will be able to effectively manage challenges associated with current electricity distribution systems such as maintenance and breakdowns. The life span of electricity distribution networks has significantly been reduced, owing to a lack of investment in grid infrastructure, a lack of maintenance and a reactive approach to infrastructure asset management.
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Heat exchanger for fuel cell systems launched

At centrifugal separation solutions provider Alfa Laval’s net-zero launch event in February this year, the company introduced the AlfaNova GL50, the first heat exchanger developed specifically for fuel cell systems. The company highlights that fuel cells will play a vital role in the global transition to green energy.
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PCC underlines support for electricity reforms as govt mulls coal life extensions

Amid a likely proposal that Eskom be allowed to extend the life of certain coal power stations beyond the decommissioning dates outlined in the Integrated Resource Plan, the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC), which is chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa, reaffirmed its support for the broader reforms under way in the energy sector, as well as the Energy Action Plan (EAP). In a statement issued following a meeting that took place in Johannesburg on Thursday, the commission expressed particular support for the creation of an independent transmission company, as well as the lifting of the cap on embedded generation, and moves to incentivise rooftop solar generation.
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World Bank proposes financing framework for developing countries’ energy transitions

International finance institution the World Bank has proposed a new framework to help develop a comprehensive financing approach for the energy transition. This comes as developing countries require an unprecedented transformation of power sector infrastructure, which includes scaling up of energy efficiency and renewable energy, as well as phasing down of coal-fired power generation.
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EWSETA launches women-focused renewable energy skills programme

The Energy & Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSETA), together with the Department of Higher Education and Training and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on April 19 launched a renewable energy skills development programme for 100 women. The Electrical Engineering Renewable Energy Specialisation Skills Development Programme is seeing 100 artisans in electrical engineering being upskilled in renewable energy, over a six-month period.
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R400m energy fund launched to help finance backup power solutions for SMEs

Small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) financier Business Partners has launched a R400-million Energy Fund aimed at helping SMEs finance viable sources of alternative electricity and thereby keep them in business during loadshedding.

According to data published by the South African Reserve Bank, the accumulative loss business of Stage 6 loadshedding amounts to between R204-million and R900-million a day, with a portion of these losses incurred by thousands of small businesses that do not have the resources to install back-up sources of energy.

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Outa calls on National Treasury to abandon Eskom exemption

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) has submitted written comments to the National Treasury on its proposal to exempt State-owned utility Eskom from disclosing irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure in its yearly financial statements for 2022/23 and the following two years. A Government Gazette notice granting the exemption from the relevant section of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and Treasury regulation was published on March 31; however, following public outcry, it was withdrawn on April 6 and replaced by a call for comments on a proposed exemption.
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Ramaphosa affirms climate goal amid coal push

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged to meet the nation’s net-zero carbon emission target despite a push to keep coal-fired power plants open. Ramaphosa met with the Presidential Climate Change Commission on Wednesday to review reports it produced after its members met with communities and other stakeholders over the impact of the country’s climate goals, said Crispian Olver, executive director of the panel.
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Untapped renewable resources in Africa should receive more attention – RES4Africa

As the majority of the world embraces a shift in electricity generation away from fossil fuels towards greener, renewable sources of energy, Africa faces several challenges in attracting investment capital to undertake a significant energy transition, renewable energy support foundation Renewable Energy Solutions for Africa (RES4Africa) secretary general Roberto Vigotti stated on April 19.

Speaking during the first of RES4Africa’s Online Lab series, he said Africa’s energy sector was faced with five main decisions about its green energy trajectory, including its ambitions to achieve universal access to energy, meeting energy demand growth and building a reliable power system.

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Standard Bank online platform is supporting customers seeking to adopt solar energy

South African financial institution Standard Bank has highlighted that its online “home knowledge hub” LookSee provides extensive information regarding the choice, installation, financing and support of solar power systems for homeowners. (Standard Bank is not to be confused with UK-based multinational Standard Chartered Bank; the former ceased to be a subsidiary of the latter in 1987.) “Sunny South Africa gets more than 2 500 hours of sunshine a year and it ranks among the top three countries in the world in average direct solar radiation,” pointed out Standard Bank digital and eCommerce head Andrew van der Hoven. “Furthermore, as an infinite resource, solar power doesn’t just offer a way to keep the lights on, it also helps the environment by greatly reducing carbon emissions.”
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