Posts

Opinion: Eskom’s solar clampdown – A risk to renewables and business confidence

In this article, IMPOWER business development executive Matthew Cruise writes that Eskom’s recent push to register all grid-tied solar systems has sparked controversy in South Africa’s solar sector, raising concerns about legality, cost and Eskom’s role in shaping the country’s energy future.
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Township entrepreneurs begin adopting plug-and-play solar solution

The market for a pioneering solar-battery solution tailored to meet the needs of informal businesses such as spaza shops, salons, tailors, mechanics and restaurants operating in South Africa’s so-called ‘township economy’ is beginning to take shape. Launched by Wetility in mid-2024, the innovation has been designed to address the specific challenges faced by township entrepreneurs, including chronic ‘load reduction’ and cable theft, as well as unstable building structures and limited access to finance.
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Firm expands hygienic valve portfolio

Swedish manufacturing company Alfa Laval is extending its range of valve-related offerings to clients in the industrial, home and food and beverage sectors, with its new leakage detection butterfly valve (LDBV), Unique Mixproof valves and the Unique SSV pressure relief valve, says valves and automation portfolio manager Paw Kramer. The Alfa Laval LDBV is the “ideal solution” for maintaining performance, as its integrated leakage detection allows for “rapid responses”, while its single seal, disc and actuator make it lightweight. It can fit into clean-in-place (CIP) systems and, when paired with Alfa Laval’s ThinkTop solution, incorporates real-time monitoring and control capabilities, and enhances performance and reliability.
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Firm’s industrial valves improve operationality, efficiency

Industrial solutions provider BMG’s Fluid Technology division supplies and supports an extensive range of components for fluid technology systems and general industrial applications. BMG’s strategy to enhance its fluid technology services to meet growing market demand encompasses the introduction of new products boasting the latest developments in design technologies, materials and coatings.
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Discovery Green, Sasol team up to offer wheeled green electricity to SMEs

Energy trader Discovery Green and fuels and chemical group Sasol have teamed up to form a new venture that will supply wheeled renewable electricity to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are keen to reduce their carbon footprints but are not in a position to sign multidecade power purchase agreements (PPAs). Known as Ampli Energy, the new entity was launched in Sandton by Discovery CEO Adrian Gore and Sasol CEO Simon Baloyi at an event that was also addressed by Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who described it as a pioneering move to “democratise” access to green electricity.
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TIPS launches Just Transition Labour Centre to research, voice the needs of the working class

Independent, nonprofit economic research institution Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS) has launched a Just Transition Labour Centre to help develop the technical expertise required as a result of South Africa’s transition to greater climate resiliency. The centre is being supported by the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), the Federation Unions of South Africa, the National Council of Trade Unions and the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu).
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Ramokgopa reaffirms Nedlac deliberations on IRP to be ‘last step’ before Cabinet approval

Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokogopa has reaffirmed that deliberations at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) are the “last step left” ahead of Cabinet approval of the updated Integrated Resources Plan (IRP). In response to a question posed by Engineering News during a briefing on the reasons for the latest bout of loadshedding, Ramokgopa indicated that the Nedlac process was a legislated requirement and that the draft IRP had been delivered to the social partners late last year for their deliberations.
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Outage slippages blamed for sixth bout of loadshedding of 2025

Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has fingered cumulative outage slippages of 3 100 MW as the reason behind South Africa’s latest bout of loadshedding – the sixth this year. Speaking after Eskom announced the implementation of Stage 2 loadshedding during the evening peaks from 16:00 to 22:00 from Tuesday May 13 until Thursday May 15, Ramokgopa described the new round of cuts as a “setback”.
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Greencoat Renewables aims to make JSE debut in June

European renewable energy infrastructure company Greencoat Renewables is seeking a secondary listing on the JSE’s Alternative Exchange, or AltX. The company is already listed on the Alternative Investment Market in London and the Euronext Growth Market in Dublin, having concluded its initial public offering in 2017.
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Eskom to implement Stage 2 loadshedding during the evening peak until Thursday

Power utility Eskom has announced that it will implement Stage 2 loadshedding during the evening peak from 16:00 until 22:00 from today until Thursday, May 15, in order to manage limited generation capacity and ensure continued supply during the working days. This decision follows the delayed return of generation units amounting to 3 120 MW, as well as an additional loss of 1 385 MW in the past 24 hours due to unplanned breakdowns.
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