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Ethiopia seeks US clarification on reports of planned aid cut

By: Bloomberg 31st August 2020 Ethiopia asked the US government to clarify reports it may withhold about $130-million of aid in a bid to pressure the Horn of Africa nation to review its plans to fill a new dam that have affronted its neighbors. “We have asked for clarification on reports of the United States’ decision not to... →

Coal to remain relevant despite growing shift to renewable energy, says consultancy

By: Simone Liedtke 28th August 2020 The use of coal is enabling the energy transition, owing to its provision of a basis for the economy to develop, drive wealth and enable economic progress, which then, in turn, creates and enables the funds for stronger and further investment into renewable energy, says Boston Consulting Group MD... →

Boston Consulting Group MD and partner Tycho Möncks gives Engineering News and Mining Weekly some insight into how coal is enabling the energy transition. Video: Recorded via Zoom. Editing: Creamer Media's Darlene Creamer.

Regulations, pricing a challenge for local LNG uptake

By: Theresa Bhowan 28th August 2020 Despite there being vast benefits to using liquefied natural gas (LNG) locally, natural gas producer Renergen tells Engineering News that regulations and pricing are impeding the growth of the LNG sector. →

RENEWING ENERGY Renewable energy is fast becoming more affordable

LPG upcoming in SA’s energy mix

By: Theresa Bhowan 28th August 2020 Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has an important role to play in the complete energy mix of South Africa – it is a clean-burning, sustainable and portable fuel, with further applications in water heating, space heating and cooking, says industry association and body the Liquefied Petroleum Gas... →

NIRVAN BRIJLAL The economic and environmental benefits of LPG emphasises its role as a key player in the local energy mix

Laser tech key to developing economy

By: Tracy Hancock 28th August 2020 It is vital that South Africa has an in-depth understanding of the impact photonics-based technologies will have on its economic development, as they underpin the communication systems and sensors needed to drive the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The country also needs to ensure that it can... →

LASER FOCUS The present focus of the Rental Pool Programme is to improve the commercialisation of research done by research groups

Regional developments expected to ignite South Africa’s gas economy

By: Natasha Odendaal 28th August 2020 There has long been discussions about the development of a gas economy having the potential to help transform the South African landscape and, despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, about gas emerging as a game changer both in terms of its role in the country's energy transition and the new... →

M&R holds on to shrinking South African unit amid hopes of infrastructure-led recovery

By: Terence Creamer 27th August 2020 JSE-listed engineering and construction group Murray & Roberts (M&R) is “holding on” to its South African-aligned business unit that focuses on power, industrial and water despite the fact that its contribution to the group’s R54.2-billion order book has slumped to less than one percent, or only... →

M&R CEO Henry Laas

Camden power station resumes operations

By: Creamer Media Reporter 27th August 2020 Operations at the Camden power station resumed on August 27 after a four-month shutdown. The shutdown was implemented to relocate ash from an unsafe dam at the station. →

Old Mutual fund urges South Africa to focus on power

By: Bloomberg 27th August 2020 A $1.9-billion infrastructure fund owned by Old Mutual said South Africa should start with power as it embarks on an R2.3-trillion drive to lure private investment into infrastructure over the next decade. Electricity is South Africa’s most urgent need and the country has experience of approving... →

DMRE starts procurement process for 2 000 MW of electricity capacity

27th August 2020 Creamer Media's Chanel de Bruyn speaks to Engineering News Editor Terence Creamer about the process initiated by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy to procure 2 000 MW of electricity capacity to fill an emergency supply gap and what this process says about the how the department... →

DMRE starts procurement process for 2 000 MW of electricity capacity (Editing: Nicholas Boyd)

Kibo advancing PPA discussions for Mozambique projects

By: Creamer Media Reporter 26th August 2020 A grid impact assessment and integration study for multi-asset energy company Kibo Energy's Benga power plant project (BPPP), in Mozambique, has been completed and submitted to power utility Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM). This forms part of the definitive feasibility study optimisation and... →

Projects developed in renewables zones, gas and grid corridors ‘not exempt’ from environmental processes

By: Terence Creamer 26th August 2020 The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) has dismissed suggestions that renewable-energy projects developed within the designated Renewable Energy Development Zones (REDZs), including the three new zones being proposed, will be exempt from all environmental authorisation... →

Etion Create selected as one of the preferred suppliers in the UK-based Sofia offshore wind farm project

By: Natasha Odendaal 26th August 2020 Advanced electronics equipment original design manufacturer Etion Create has secured a contract to supply its VF360 OpenVPX boards for the core computing units (CCUs) installed in the one of the world’s largest offshore wind farm projects. The Sofia offshore wind farm, 100% owned by German... →

Opinion: Changing one number, in one piece of legislation, can change South Africa’s destiny, in one day

26th August 2020 In this opinion piece, South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) Grid Access Working Group chairperson Daniel Goldstuck, writes about a possible solution to South Africa's energy crisis. What if I told you that our energy crisis could be alleviated with one simple change? →

SAPVIA Grid Access Working Group chairperson Daniel Goldstuck

Sudan and Ethiopia pledge to push for deal on Blue Nile dam

By: Reuters 26th August 2020 Ethiopia's prime minister and Sudan's leadership said on Tuesday they would make every effort to reach a deal on a giant hydropower dam on the Blue Nile that has caused a bitter dispute between Addis Ababa and Cairo over water supplies. Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan failed to strike an agreement on... →

Africa Prize selects 2020 finalists ahead of virtual event

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 25th August 2020 A more affordable, effective cervical cancer screening device, a digital platform to help farmers plan and distribute crops, a new way to secure banking through facial recognition, and a tool that monitors the condition of solar photovoltaic (PV) installations are the four innovations selected as... →

IHS Markit says growth in world oil demand expected to plateau

By: Simone Liedtke 25th August 2020 London-based global information provider IHS Markit says the growth in global oil demand is expected to taper off, with global crude oil demand plateauing just below pre-pandemic levels. According to the company’s new analysis, global oil demand, currently at 89% of pre-Covid-19 levels and... →

Stanlib acquires stake in Mulilo Group

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 25th August 2020 South African asset manager Stanlib’s Infrastructure Investments unit has acquired a 10% equity stake in Mulilo Energy Holdings, which is a R1.8-billion privately-owned renewable energy developer. This transaction is strategic and complementary to both companies, Mulilo says. →

DEFF revokes emergency directive for Karpowership

By: Donna Slater 25th August 2020 The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) has revoked a Section 30A directive granted to Turkish power ship operator Karpowership for activities linked to the emergency generation of electricity. When Karpowership initially submitted its request, the company indicated that... →

Initiative launched to stimulate adoption of fast-growing energy management standard by South African firms

By: Terence Creamer 25th August 2020 An initiative is under way to accelerate the adoption by South African industrial firms of the international energy management standard ISO 50001, which is designed to help improve the performance of a company’s energy-intensive assets to support cost savings and emission reductions. Although ISO... →

The NCPC-SA’s Alf Hartzenburg, who heads up the IEE Project in South Africa, on the benefits of the international energy management standard ISO 50001. Camera Work: Kutlwano Matala Editing: Nicholas Boyd.

Botswana, Namibia set to sign 5 GW solar energy plan

By: Bloomberg 24th August 2020 Botswana and Namibia are set to sign an agreement to develop solar projects of as much as 5 GW through installations built across their mostly flat, sunny landscapes. The southern African nations are working with US government initiative, Power Africa, to help structure the deal, Namibian Mines... →

DMRE launches procurement process for 2 000 MW of ‘dispatchable’ power

By: Terence Creamer 22nd August 2020 The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has formally initiated the much-anticipated procurement process for 2 000 MW of emergency power under its so-called Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (RMIPPPP). The request for proposals (RFP) bid documentation... →

Photo by Creamer Media's Donna Slater
Minerals Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe

Eskom Transmission head says policy, legislative and regulatory changes needed to facilitate unit’s full independence

By: Terence Creamer 21st August 2020 The head of Eskom’s Transmission division has outlined some of the progress being made to establish an Independent Transmission System Operator (ITSO) but has also warned that full separation will take time and will also require major policy, legislative and regulatory changes. The creation of... →

Eskom Transmission CEO Segomoco Scheppers on the progress being made in setting up an Independent Transmission System Operator and the gaps that remain. Camera Work: Kutlwano Matala. Editing: Nicholas Boyd.

ARB says financial year ‘will be well remembered’ for Covid-19, other challenges

By: Simone Liedtke 21st August 2020 JSE-listed investment and property holding company ARB Holdings says sluggish economic growth and the collapse in business confidence became a “secondary concern” this year, as regulations and national lockdown restrictions were implemented to halt the spread of Covid-19. ARB owns investments in... →

ARB CEO Billy Neasham gives Engineering News some further detail and insight on the company's financial results. Video: Recorded via Zoom. Editing: Creamer Media's Nicholas Boyd.

Congo hydrogen plant being considered by European turbine maker

By: Bloomberg 21st August 2020 German turbine makers and natural gas companies are exploring producing green hydrogen in the Democratic Republic of Congo, home to what could become the world’s largest hydropower complex. Should the project go ahead Congo would join Morocco as a potential site for hydrogen production in Africa.... →

Africa’s most-industrialised economy will probably shrink by 8%

By: Bloomberg 21st August 2020 Slow reforms and the return of rolling power cuts in South Africa could threaten the recovery of an economy that probably bottomed in the second quarter. Africa’s most-industrialized economy will probably shrink by 8% in 2020, according to the median estimate of 29 economists in a Bloomberg... →

Global wind body urges South Africa to explore ‘excellent’ offshore wind potential

By: Terence Creamer 21st August 2020 The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) says that, while South Africa has strong onshore wind potential, it would nevertheless encourage domestic policymakers to begin creating the framework for an offshore wind industry given the country’s “excellent” offshore wind-energy potential. The World Bank... →

South Africa's offshore wind resource

Increased storage crucial to mix

By: Mamaili Mamaila 21st August 2020 With South Africa aiming to move towards more diversified energy generation systems as outlined in the Integrated Resource Plan 2019 (IRP 2019), it is crucial to increase the country’s energy-storage capacities, says solar industry supplier Valsa Trading. →

A DECADE IN Valsa Trading has been in the photovoltaic solar industry in South Africa for more than ten years

Noncarbon future epitomises ideal energy mix

By: Mamaili Mamaila 21st August 2020 In about 2060, the ideal energy mix would be one with only non-carbon sources, such as wind, solar, pumped hydro and hydrogen, says global energy advisory UL. →

JAMES TRUDEAU It is “very critical” that Eskom increases its energy storage capacities to support a more diversified energy portfolio

Clean coal can still play meaningful role in S Africa

By: Mamaili Mamaila 21st August 2020 Coal is relatively cheap and widely available; therefore, if it is used cleanly and efficiently, it can be a vital part of the economic development of South Africa, says the IEA Clean Coal Centre (IEACCC). →

Photo by Creamer Media
GROWTH POINT About 18 000 jobs were created during the peak of construction at Eskom’s Medupi power plant

CFBC boiler technology viable for S Africa

By: Mamaili Mamaila 21st August 2020 The global success of circulating fluidised bed combustion (CFBC) boiler technology, suggests that this should be the technology of choice for the future in State-owned power utility Eskom’s power stations. →

SMOKE STACKS The emissions of concern in coal-fired technology are carbon dioxide, sulphur oxide, nitrogen oxide and particulates (usually fly ash of various sizes)

Microgrid solutions could combat load-shedding

By: Mamaili Mamaila 21st August 2020 Microgrid solutions with battery energy storage systems are ideal to ensure stable and sustainable power by harnessing solar and other renewable energy resources, says technology solutions provider Hitachi ABB Power Grids. →

GREEN ENERGY SOLUTIONS Hitachi ABB’s intelligent solutions for a more dynamic grid will also contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 of affordable, reliable and clean energy

Eskom fully supports South Africa’s lower-carbon trajectory

By: Mamaili Mamaila 21st August 2020 The Integrated Resource Plan 2019 (IRP 2019) signals an important move to a range of fuel options for power generation in South Africa, which State-owned power utility Eskom supports. →

PHASING IN THE GREEN Eskom proposes to continue adopting a phased and prioritised approach to achieve compliance to the Minimum Emission Standards regarding particulate matter

Anglo’s July Ndlovu says coal underpins societal development

By: Simone Liedtke 20th August 2020 Despite coal being a commodity “that some have chosen to hate”, Anglo American Coal South Africa CEO July Ndlovu says it will continue to remain relevant, as it “underpins societal development”. Ndlovu, recently appointed as World Coal Association chairperson, emphasised during the virtual Coal... →

Anglo American Coal South Africa CEO July Ndlovu

South32 progressing negotiations with Eskom for Hillside

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 20th August 2020 Dual-listed South32 is making good progress with its negotiations with State-owned power utility Eskom on electricity prices for its Hillside aluminium smelter in Richards Bay, the group said during a media call on August 20. COO Mike Fraser said the group had reached an agreement with Eskom on a... →

Graham Kerr

High-level Nedlac working group on economic recovery begins meeting

By: Terence Creamer 20th August 2020 The first formal meeting of the small multi-stakeholder working group set up to finalise South Africa’s Covid-19 economic recovery plan is expected to take place next week, with a preliminary planning meeting having taken place on Thursday afternoon. The working group includes representatives of... →

Photo by Creamer Media
Business Unity South Africa CEO Cas Coovadia

Covid-19 impact on coal, energy systems still evolving, says Prevost

By: Simone Liedtke 20th August 2020 With the Covid-19 pandemic having created the biggest global crisis in generations by sending shockwaves through health systems, economies and societies around the world, XMP Consulting senior coal analyst Xavier Prevost says the implications of the pandemic for energy systems and clean energy... →

Photo by Creamer Media's Donna Slater
XMP Consulting senior coal analyst Xavier Prevost

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