Engineering News | Renewable Energy

https://www.engineeringnews.co.za

Advertise on this page? Click Here to Learn More

Renewable Energy News

Wind energy industry reaffirms commitment to energy security

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 18th May 2022 As the country once again contends with continued load-shedding, the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) has reaffirmed the sector’s role in contributing to energy security. This is despite the recent announcement of delays to two renewable energy procurement rounds meant to unlock and... →

Creecy offers provinces help to process EIAs for 100 MW embedded projects

By: Terence Creamer 18th May 2022 Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy reports that she has written to provincial environment MECs to enquire whether they require any assistance in processing environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for embedded-generation projects that could help relieve pressure on the... →

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy

Eskom compiling ‘consolidated proposal’ for ending load-shedding crisis

By: Terence Creamer 17th May 2022 Eskom CEO André de Ruyter has revealed that the utility is compiling a “consolidated proposal” on how to end the ongoing electricity crisis, including how to introduce much-needed new generation capacity in the shortest possible time. The State-owned utility estimates the current shortfall to be... →

Photo by Creamer Media Chief Photographer Donna Slater
Eskom CEO André de Ruyter

Kibo secures deal to develop, deploy CellCube-based energy storage solutions in Southern Africa

By: Schalk Burger 17th May 2022 Energy company Kibo Energy has signed a rolling five-year agreement with energy storage company Enerox’s subsidiary CellCube to develop and deploy CellCube-based long-duration energy storage (LDES) solutions in selected sectors in Southern Africa. Kibo has been granted conditional exclusive... →

IPP Office head says stakeholder alignment key to regular, investment-promoting procurement rhythm

By: Terence Creamer 17th May 2022 The head of South Africa’s Independent Power Producer (IPP) Office believes that improved stakeholder management and alignment are key to overcoming delays to the introduction of urgently required new electricity capacity and to creating the predictable “procurement rhythm” required to attract... →

IPP Office head Bernard Magoro

BLSA suggests business plan for an incoming modernised electricity system

By: Marleny Arnoldi 16th May 2022 South Africa will eventually find itself with a thoroughly modern electricity supply sector, including many generators competing with each other, an effective distribution operator and a wide marketplace for consumers to buy electricity. Businesses should see through the doom and gloom of the... →

BLSA CEO Busi Mavuso

Godongwana says work under way to unblock R54bn embedded generation pipeline

By: Terence Creamer 13th May 2022 Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana reports that work is under way with the private sector to unblock the remaining obstacles to investment of about R54-billion in embedded generation projects. Speaking during a presentation of Operation Vulindlela’s first quarter progress report, Godongwana said... →

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana

Newly rebranded DFI launches in Kenya

By: Darren Parker 13th May 2022 The newly rebranded UK government’s development finance institution (DFI) British International Investment (BII) was launched on May 12 at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Nairobi, Kenya – one of the DFI’s most important markets. The event was attended by BII CEO Nick O’Donohoe and... →

South Africa must cut red tape to close energy gap, ANC suggests

By: Bloomberg 13th May 2022 South Africa must accelerate plans to generate more electricity itself, buy more energy from private producers and make it easier for power-hungry mining companies to build their own plants, according to a draft economic policy document compiled by the nation’s governing party. Projects outlined... →

Winter load-shedding outlook

13th May 2022 Creamer Media's Chanel de Bruyn speaks to Engineering News Editor Terence Creamer about the outlook for load-shedding this winter, why the electricity system is in a precarious state, power utility Eskom's heavy reliance on its open-cycle gas turbine plants and the utility's calls for additional... →

Winter load-shedding outlook

InfraCo Africa provides $15m loan to Bboxx to ramp up clean energy access in Africa

By: Schalk Burger 13th May 2022 Infrastructure investment mobilisation organisation InfraCo Africa will provide $15-million by way of convertible loan notes to decentralised solar-powered systems company Bboxx to enable it to accelerate its provision of clean energy solutions to millions of people in existing and new markets... →

Efficient trucks added to fleet

By: Halima Frost 13th May 2022 Heavy lifting and rigging specialist Lovemore Bros added four new trucks from global truck manufacturer Volvo to its heavy lifting and materials handling fleet. Lovemore Bros heavy rigging manager Shane Hawyes says the benefit of the acquisition is threefold. →

A condenser lift using a hydraulic gantry at a heavy lift job in South Africa

CONDENSED POWER A condenser lift supplied by Lovemore Bros using its hydraulic gantry

Project launched to fast-track energy, water transition

By: Halima Frost 13th May 2022 The South African Industry Adaption (SAIA) project was launched last month to accelerate South African industry’s energy and water transition to a decarbonised, green and inclusive economy, as well as a vibrant job market. SAIA is a collaboration between the governments of South Africa and... →

A photo of Lee-Hendor Ruiters speaking at teh launch of the The South African Industry Adaption (SAIA) project which was launched last month to accelerate South African industry’s energy and water transition a collaboration between the governments of South Africa and Flanders, in Belgium, and the United Nations Industrial Development Corporation

LEE-HENDOR RUITERSThe South African Industry Adaption (SAIA) project was launched last month to accelerate South African industry’s energy and water transition

Tracker technology increases PV efficacy

By: Halima Frost 13th May 2022 The Genius Tracker from solar energy equipment supplier GameChange Solar can increase a solar photovoltaic (PV) installation’s harnessing efficacy by up to 25% as opposed to a static tracking system. The single axis tracker can be installed on slopes of about 7%, “but it could be designed to... →

A long row of solar panels of specially designed Genius trackers supplied by Gamechange solar at an installation in South Africa

TOP TRACKER The Genius Tracker offered by GamChange solar increases harnessing efficiency on a solar panel by about 25%

Two installations prove company’s mettle

By: Halima Frost 13th May 2022 Industrial boiler manufacturer Steam Generation has successfully completed two projects in Africa that highlight its ability to improve energy efficiency and management for clients. “We commissioned a steam generation plant for a notable brewery in Accra, Ghana, in January, which entailed... →

A large 3 000 kg/h burner installed at local food, home and personal care product producer, in Isando,

BIG BURNER Steam Generation has installed two burners for a client based in Isando

Battery installation bolsters solar plant efficacy

By: Halima Frost 13th May 2022 Renewable-energy turnkey provider African Clean Energy Solutions (ACES) Renewables is installing two 540 kWh hybrid lithium-ion batteries at a business park near the Eastgate shopping centre, in Gauteng, to ensure energy efficiency amid load-shedding disruptions. The project, which includes the... →

A large array of solar panels on the top of an office building

TOP-UP The solar PV installation on top of a building finished by ACES Renewables last year will be complimented by a Battery storage system

DBSA, IDC and NEF team up to mobilise finance for just transition to low-carbon economy

By: Terence Creamer 12th May 2022 The CEOs of three leading South African development finance institutions (DFIs) have established a collaborative platform, known as the DFI CEOs Forum, that aims to support the financing of the country’s just transition to a low-carbon economy and climate resilient society by 2050. Led by... →

Study shows potential of off-grid anaerobic biogas energy in South Africa – SANEDI

By: Schalk Burger 12th May 2022 A study, commissioned by the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), has uncovered the untapped potential for a micro-digester sector to aid in climate mitigation and the green circular economy, and showed that the sector has significant opportunity to grow if it can... →

DA wants State of Disaster declared on Eskom

By: Sane Dhlamini 12th May 2022 Democratic Alliance Shadow Minister of Public Enterprises Ghaleb Cachalia on Thursday called for a State of Disaster to be declared on power utility Eskom following a heavy run of load-shedding this year. The DA has also written to Presidency Director-General Phindile Baleni requesting a State of... →

DA Shadow Minister of Public Enterprises Ghaleb Cachalia

Talk must make way for action if ‘SA Inc’ is to navigate looming 22 GW coal exit

By: Terence Creamer 11th May 2022 Eskom COO Jan Oberholzer has appealed for urgent and coordinated public-private action to close an immediate electricity shortfall of up to 6 000 MW and to prepare the way for the replacement of 22 000 MW of coal capacity that will be shut over the coming 14 years. Speaking during a system... →

Photo by Creamer Media's Donna Slater
Eskom COO Jan Oberholzer

Busa welcomes Operation Vulindlela progress, but calls for further advances

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 11th May 2022 Business organisation Business Unity South Africa (Busa) says in a statement that business has taken note of the report from Operation Vulindlela on the progress made in implementing some of the structural reforms required to attract investment and put the country on a path to sustained and... →

Law firm suggests govt recognise role of storage in energy regulation

By: Marleny Arnoldi 11th May 2022 As South Africa takes its first steps towards a just transition and as decarbonisation becomes a strategic imperative for heavy electricity users, the role of energy storage and hybrid technologies is becoming more relevant, says law firm Allen & Overy South Africa. Electricity storage paired... →

Another renewables installation record forecast for 2022, but higher costs to linger

By: Terence Creamer 11th May 2022 A record 295 GW of new renewables capacity was installed globally in 2021 and the International Energy Agency (IEA) is forecasting that installations will rise to about 320 GW this year, despite elevated costs for both solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind. Solar PV is forecast to account for 60% of... →

Solar PV is forecast to account for 60% of the 2022 increase

New infrastructure vulnerable to climate change owing to mismanagement, corruption

By: Darren Parker 10th May 2022 New infrastructure was just as vulnerable to climate change as ageing infrastructure, said South African Local Government Association (Salga) senior climate change adviser Slindile Maphumulo on May 10. She explained that, while ageing infrastructure was vulnerable to being damaged or destroyed... →

Ford South Africa’s Silverton plant switches on 13 MW of solar

By: Marleny Arnoldi 10th May 2022 Automaker Ford South Africa’s (Ford SA's) Silverton assembly plant, in Pretoria, which produces the Ranger pickup for the domestic and export markets, has officially started sourcing 35% of its electricity needs from solar photovoltaic (PV) energy generation. Ford SA has a long-term power... →

Ford SA's solar energy project

South Africa gearing up to negotiate ‘new paradigm’ climate finance deal

By: Terence Creamer 9th May 2022 South Africa aims to pursue a financing solution that embraces a “different paradigm” with regard to the allocation of risk, as well as return expectations and investment horizons, when negotiating the terms and conditions of a $8.5-billion climate finance offer made in November by several... →

Presidential Climate Finance Task Team head Daniel Mminele

Ramaphosa positive about electricity reform progress despite power cuts and procurement delays

By: Terence Creamer 9th May 2022 President Cyril Ramaphosa has attempted to put a positive gloss on the uneven progress being made under Operation Vulindlela to reform South Africa’s load-shedding-prone electricity supply industry. Writing in his weekly newsletter, he said that “a number of important, interconnected reforms are... →

President Cyril Ramaphosa

SAPVIA announces new CEO

By: Darren Parker 6th May 2022 Industry body the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) has appointed Dr Rethabile Melamu as its new CEO, effective from the beginning of May. Melamu is a chemical and environmental engineer by training and has international expertise in the green economy and energy sectors.... →

New Sapvia CEO Dr Rethabile Melamu

Electricity generation procurement delays

By: Creamer Media Reporter 6th May 2022 Creamer Media's Chanel de Bruyn speaks to Engineering News Editor Terence Creamer about the latest delays in the procurement of new electricity generation capacity under the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme, as well as the Renewable Energy Independent Power... →

Electricity generation procurement delays

Renewable-energy projects considered for Komati repowering

By: Cameron Mackay 6th May 2022 State-owned power utility Eskom is investigating the implementation of solar photovoltaic (PV), wind, battery storage and, possibly, gas power generation projects at Komati power station, in Mpumalanga, as the station is scheduled to shut down this year. “We’ve divided this into two phases. In... →

Image of Eskom’s Komati Power Station and solar panels

RENEWABLE REPURPOSING In total, the cost for the solar and wind projects in Phase 1 could amount to about R1.3-billion

Mbalula recommends a people-centred just transition

By: Schalk Burger 5th May 2022 Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has said a just transition is about improving the lives and livelihoods of all South Africans, particularly those that are bearing the brunt of climate impacts, and protecting and empowering workers and communities, as the country navigates the shift away from... →

Photo by Reuters
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula

Kangnas Wind Farm signs ecological agreement to protect biodiversity

By: Marleny Arnoldi 4th May 2022 The Kangnas Wind Farm, in the Northern Cape, has signed an ecological agreement with the Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, to compensate for any biodiversity impact from the project. The long-term agreement improves the viability of biodiversity... →

Eskom questions assertion that it is delaying IPP projects

By: Terence Creamer 4th May 2022 Eskom insists that it is processing budget quotes for independent power producers (IPPs) seeking to connect to the national grid, in line with agreed timelines, and that it is making every effort to debottleneck the process so that much-needed new generation capacity can be introduced speedily.... →

Photo by Creamer Media Chief Photographer Donna Slater
Eskom CEO André de Ruyter

South Africa seeks to make climate finance deal global benchmark

By: Bloomberg 4th May 2022 South Africa’s planned $8.5-billion climate finance deal with some of the world’s richest nations could serve as a blueprint for other coal-dependent countries, the head of its negotiating team said. The potential funding, which will be made available over three to five years, was announced at... →

Photo by Bloomberg
Daniel Mminele

DMRE details fresh electricity procurement delays in briefing of lawmakers

By: Terence Creamer 3rd May 2022 The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) told lawmakers on Tuesday that the postponement of financial close on 25 wind and solar projects selected as preferred bids in October was the result of delays in the issuance of budget quotations from Eskom for connection to the grid. Bid... →

Cold boxes being precooled in preparation for gas

By: Darren Parker 3rd May 2022 JSE-listed Renergen reported on May 3 that it was making “strong” progress in terms of the commissioning of Phase 1 of the Virginia gas project, which comprises exploration and production rights of 187 000 ha of gas fields across Welkom, Virginia and Theunissen, in the Free State. Cold boxes –... →

Rich nations scramble to seal coal transition deals before COP27

By: Bloomberg 3rd May 2022 As they prepare for the next round of global climate talks in November, officials from rich countries are trying to pull together a series of multibillion-dollar packages to help poor countries phase out coal. But negotiations have been snarled by national politics and Russia’s war in Ukraine,... →

Company Post

Energy Monitoring Wifi Smart Timers

more

About

Engineering News is a product of Creamer Media.
www.creamermedia.co.za

Other Creamer Media Products include:
Mining Weekly
Research Channel Africa
Polity

Newsletters

Sign up for our FREE daily email newsletter

Receive daily sector news alerts

More

Subscriptions

We offer a variety of subscriptions to our Magazine, Website, PDF Reports and our photo library.

Subscriptions are available via the Creamer Media Store.

View store

Advertise

Advertising on Engineering News is an effective way to build and consolidate a company's profile among clients and prospective clients. Email advertising@creamermedia.co.za

View options

Subscribe