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Installed renewable capacity set to double by 2030 – IEA

Global renewable power capacity is predicted to increase by 4 600 GW, or more than double, by 2030, led by the rapid rise of solar PV, says intergovernmental organisation the International Energy Agency (IEA). Solar PV will account for about 80% of the global increase in renewable power capacity over the next five years, driven by low costs and faster permitting timeframes, the organisation says in its ‘Renewables 2025’ report.
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Despite some immediate CBAM reprieve, South African industry warns of serious potential fallout

A postponement from incorporating indirect carbon emissions into the European Union’s (EU’s) calculation of a product’s embedded emissions under its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will provide something of a short-term reprieve to South African steel and aluminium exporters, which are heavily exposed to the measure. The EU intends implementing CBAM from January 1, 2026, and the postponement will continue until at least 2027.
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ACTOM acquires SGB-SMIT Power Matla

Power transformers and electrical infrastructure company ACTOM has acquired primary transformer manufacturing company SGB-SMIT Power Matla (SSPM), which will enhance ACTOM’s transformer manufacturing capabilities to now include Class 3 units up to 500 MVA/500 kV, increase its production capacity and strengthen its energy sector focus to support regional industrial growth throughout Africa. The acquisition will also generate employment opportunities while developing local skills and establishing domestic manufacturing capabilities to decrease import reliance and boost economic performance, says ACTOM Group CEO Mervyn Naidoo.
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Nuclear regulator has completed public consultation process about extending Koeberg’s life

The National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) announced on Monday that it has completed the third and final round of public consultations regarding national electricity utility Eskom’s application for authorisation for Long-Term Operation (LTO) of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant. LTO meant extending the operation of nuclear reactors beyond their original design life. Koeberg had two reactors, known as Unit 1 and Unit 2. “The NNR values the input received during these public hearings,” assured NNR Board Chairperson Protas Phili. “The perspectives and concerns of stakeholders are an important part of our overall assessment, ensuring that the decision we take is informed, transparent, and in the best interests of nuclear safety and radiation protection.”
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Municipal debt, theft could undermine Eskom’s recovery

Eskom is again warning that municipal debt and electricity theft could undermine its nascent recovery. Terence Creamer unpacks this and some of the other key messages emerging from the State-owned entity’s results.  
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Classifying Eskom’s coal fuel costs as fixed would damage SAWEM

Allowing Eskom Generation to classify the primary energy used by its coal power stations as fixed costs will undermine the objective of using the upcoming launch of the South African Wholesale Electricity Market (SAWEM) to usher in a competitive supply industry. This stark warning was delivered by Jenna Harris, an experienced energy professional, who was also founder and the former CEO of a licensed electricity trader, during recent regulatory hearings into the National Transmission Company South Africa’s (NTCSA’s) application for a Market Operator licence.
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Partnership creates profitable biomass solutions

The strategic partnership between energy and environmental solutions provider John Thompson, a division of electromechanical equipment manufacturer and distributor ACTOM, and biomass energy projects developer and supplier Berkeley Energy Corporate Solutions (BECS), will deliver profitable biomass energy solutions for African industries. Together, the companies aim to accelerate the deployment of reliable, renewable steam solutions to industrial clients across Africa.
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Bala appointed as NTCSA CEO as decision on ‘end state’ nears

Eskom veteran Monde Bala has been appointed as CEO of the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), effective October 1, having served in the position on an interim basis for the past two months. Bala took over from Segomoco Scheepers, who played a central role during the separation of the NTCSA from the rest of Eskom, and who will retire from the State-owned entity at the end of December.
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Eskom outlines R320bn capex plan, as it signals 2028 return to capital markets

Having finally announced the completion at the end of September of its generation build programme, which included two mega coal projects that ran years behind schedule and tens of billions over budget, Eskom has outlined plans for a R320-billion investment programme for the coming five years. The programme includes greenfield generation projects, which Eskom has been disallowed from pursuing since 2023 without the explicit permission of the Finance Minister as part of the terms of a R230-billion debt-relief package, under which it is still trading.
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Eskom warns that municipal debt could climb to R300bn by 2030

Eskom CFO Calib Cassim warns that municipal arrear debt owing to Eskom could exceed R300-billion by 2030, while once again highlighting the failure of the current National Treasury initiative to arrest the crisis. Cassim, who will retire from Eskom in 2026, reported at the group’s results presentation that debt owed to Eskom by municipalities had increased by 27% to R94.6-billion in the year to March 31, 2025, and had since climbed to above R103-billion.
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