Now that the licence exemption threshold for self-generation has been extended to 100 MW, it encourages the development of a robust embedded energy sector, says law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH). CDH says the risks to South Africa’s energy security, in addition to the economic impacts of Covid-19, have intensified the business sector’s long-standing call for increased private power generation capacity.
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As Ethiopia begins diverting 13.5-billion cubic meters of water from the Blue Nile river to its controversial new megadam, residents of Sudan to the south fear a repetition of last year’s devastating drought. The second stage of filling the $4.5-billion reservoir is ratcheting up tensions between Ethiopia and neighbours Sudan and Egypt, who depend on the Nile to support farming and generate power for their economies.
Creamer Media’s Chanel de Bruyn speaks to Engineering News Editor Terence Creamer about Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe’s latest update on amendments to be made to Schedule 2 of the Electricity Regulation Act to lift the licensing-exemption threshold for embedded generation projects to 100 MW and what this means for the energy sector.
In 2020 Atlas Copco Power Technique announced the launch of its PAC H centrifugal pump range, which consists of four models, for high-pressure applications. The pumps have been designed to reduce downtime, prolong the life span of the equipment used in an application and save operational costs. The PAC H centrifugal pump can handle liquids containing solids of up to 89 mm in size, making the pump particularly well suited to industrial applications, such as water transfer in the oil and gas sector, applications in construction and at municipalities, as well as sewerage bypass systems, explains Atlas Copco Power Technique portable products business line manager David Stanford.
Materials testing and inspection service provider Dekra Industrial has joined forces with aerial solutions and drone services company Sky Africa Drones to offer a drone inspection service that combines the technologies of high scope non-destructive testing (NDT) systems with the manoeuvrability of a drone. Sky Africa Drones is a fully licensed drone company specialising in security surveillance and provides quality aerial data fast and accurately.
The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit and International Convention Centre has received its energy performance certificate with a rating of B, says South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) energy efficiency and corporate communications GM Barry Bredenkamp. “The facility is comprehensive, with the main building about 14 500 m2 in size. The energy requirements are significant, and the rating is to be applauded.”
Mineral Resource and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe says that a revised amendment to Schedule 2 of the Electricity Regulation Act, reflecting an increase in the licence-exemption cap from 1 MW to 100 MW, will be finalised within the coming week and will be shared with The Presidency “so that we reconcile our approach”. However, speaking during an Absa event on Wednesday, Mantashe struck a somewhat ominous tone when he said that he and his officials were still grappling over the distinction between the registration “permit” to be issued by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) under the new regulation and a licence.
The West Coast Black Business Alliance (WCBBA) has come on board alongside other organisations to appeal the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s (DFFE’s) decision to not approve Karpowership South Africa’s environmental-impact assessments (EIAs) for three powership gas-to-power projects.
The WCBBA on July 7 said it would launch an independent appeal against the decision, as would the Eastern Cape Maritime Business Chamber (ECMBC) and the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved $170.9-million in financing for the African Development Bank’s (AfDB’s) Leveraging Energy Access Finance Framework (LEAF) programme.
The programme aims to unlock commercial and local-currency financing for decentralised renewable energy (DRE) projects in Ghana, Guinea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Tunisia.
The upfront costs associated with electric vehicles (EVs) is the biggest barrier to the transport mode’s adoption and uptake in South Africa, says Stellenbosch University associate Professor Stephan Krygsman. Speaking on behalf of Benson Manu, who authored the study on EVs, Krygsman says EV adoption is largely driven by global carbon emissions standards – of which the European Union and China are taking the lead.
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