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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... →

Microgrid, agriculture repurposing projects initiated for Komati

By: Cameron Mackay 6th May 2022 Following socioeconomic impact studies and community engagement, State-owned power utility Eskom has initiated the first three of its repurposing projects for the coal-powered Komati power station, in Mpumalanga. Eskom just energy transition GM Mandy Rambharos states that the first of these... →

Image of an agricultural pilot project at Komati

SUSTAINABLE PILOT PROJECT Eskom wants to test the possibility of using a PV plant in combination with agricultural activities

REVOV

20th August 2021 REVOV sells lithium-iron batteries either as single units or in powerful systems made up of hundreds of batteries with a vision to provide freedom from the grid and provide storage for renewable energy generation. REVOV’s research indicates that it commands a 95% share of the local second life... →

Repower, repurpose plans under way for utility

By: Cameron Mackay 20th August 2021 State-owned power utility Eskom is progressing with plans to repower and repurpose some of its coal power stations, build greenfield power plants with cleaner technologies and invest in necessary grid infrastructure to support these plans. Repowering and repurposing the Komati power station, in... →

Image of the rock statue outside of Eskom's Megawatt Park

Photo by Creamer Media's Donna Slater
A JUST ENERGY TRANSITION Eskom is undertaking modelling work to determine the pace of the utility’s transition to use more renewable energy sources to meet decarbonisation targets

Court decision could increase electricity prices, revenue

By: Cameron Mackay 20th August 2021 National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) is appealing a High Court application that State-owned power utility Eskom brought against Nersa last year, which states that Nersa exceeded its boundaries regarding the determination on tariff adjustments requested by Eskom. Energy sector law... →

NIKITA LALLA Eskom’s argument is that Nersa had gone beyond its statutory or regulatory regime, and the information it was allowed to consider in determining tariff increases

Energy study on grid capacity to assist Eskom

By: Cameron Mackay 20th August 2021 Stellenbosch University (SU), in the Western Cape, is conducting a study to examine grid capacity and determine ideal locations for renewable-energy projects that will support the grid. The study is funded by global organisation the European Climate Foundation (ECF); SU reports on the results of... →

Image of Stellenbosch Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies Director Professor Sampson Mamphweli

PROFESSOR SAMPSON MAMPHWELI We have plenty of solar resources and wind energy resources in South Africa, and we haven’t exploited the energy storage systems to their fullest

Legislative guidance needed to unlock renewable- energy-storage benefits

By: Cameron Mackay 20th August 2021 The use of renewable energy, such as solar photovoltaic, and exploring energy storage technologies, are integral to balancing the local energy mix in South Africa, including in the domestic and commercial sectors of the country. However, government needs to provide more guidance in terms of... →

Image of a solar energy system roof mounting installed by Valsa Energy

AFFORDABLE ENERGY The reduction in the cost of solar generation technologies will make energy storage more viable locally

Company offers solutions to manage decentralised power systems

By: Cameron Mackay 20th August 2021 The shift to renewable sources of power generation that are decentralised and have to be managed presents opportunities for technology company Hitachi ABB Power Grids to be involved in the local energy sector. Hitachi ABB Power Grids lead sales and marketing manager Stuart Michie states that new... →

Renewables can benefit from repurposed batteries uptake

By: Cameron Mackay 20th August 2021 Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe’s announcement of the opening of Bid Window 5 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) in March this year will result in significant opportunities to use more energy storage technologies locally, says... →

Image of REVOV chief technology officer Felix von Bormann

FELIX VON BORMANN The most ideal chemistry for storing energy is by far the 2nd LiFe EV lithium ferro phosphate cells that we supply

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

Sosimple Energy

21st August 2020 Sosimple Energy provides cheap, clean energy across South Africa, protecting businesses against rising electricity prices and helping them save money from Day 1. Our customers put in zero investment and have zero costs for maintenance or insurance. Customers only pay for the electricity they use... →

Divisionalisation first step in vertical separation

By: Mamaili Mamaila 21st August 2020 State-owned power utility Eskom says divisionalisation is but the “first step” in the vertical separation of the utility into three businesses under Eskom Holdings and that it is aligned with the restructuring roadmap released by the Department of Public Enterprises. →

SLIGHT UNCERTAINTY
The outcomes from the Independent Electricity Management Operator Bill will impact the future of both the supply and demand dynamics of the electricity industry

Photo by Creamer Media's Donna Slater
SLIGHT UNCERTAINTY The outcomes from the Independent Electricity Management Operator Bill will impact the future of both the supply and demand dynamics of the electricity industry

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

Winter plan: Eskom requires efficient use of electricity

17th May 2019 With colder weather conditions expected across the country and the demand for electricity projected to increase, South Africans can make a huge difference by rallying towards the common cause of using electricity efficiently, which has the potential to reduce demand by up to 500 MW – saving the... →

ESKOM We promise to keep our customers informed about the state of our power system on a continuous basis

Eskom unbundling will allow for efficient and effective management

By: Mamaili Mamaila 17th May 2019 The challenges facing State-owned power utility Eskom can be mitigated through proper, efficient and effective management, which is possible with the company’s unbundling, says Stellenbosch University Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies (CRSES) director Professor Sampson Mamphweli. →

SAMPSON MAMPHWELI There is a greater need for a balanced energy mix between coal, gas and renewable energy

Nuclear is a solution to Eskom’s woes

By: Mamaili Mamaila 17th May 2019 The success of all the countries that have undertaken large nuclear programmes shows that nuclear energy is a credible solution to State-owned power utility Eskom’s power challenges, says retired Eskom chief nuclear officer David Nicholls. →

Retired Eskom Chief Nuclear Officer David Nicholls discusses the power utility, scan the barcode with your phones QR reader, or go to ‘Video Reports’ on www.engineeringnews.co.za/ Camerawork: Christo Greyling. Editing: Nicholas Boyd. Recorded: 24.04.2019

Plans in place to redeem utility

18th May 2018 In its presentation to Parliament last month, State-owned power utility Eskom mentioned that it would be dealing with a number of issues within the utility relating to governance, ethics and accountability as well as improving liquidity to ensure financial sustainability. Presented on April 18,... →

Photo by Creamer Media
REVIVING ESKOM The new board Eskom will focus on multiple aspects to bring it to financial sustainability

Ninety-five years of lighting up South Africa

18th May 2018 For the past 95 years, State-owned power utility Eskom, has been at the forefront of contributing positively towards fighting the country’s socioeconomic challenges through the Eskom Development Foundation. The foundation, a nonprofit organisation solely funded by Eskom, has launched many... →

PROVIDING POWER Eskom has been supplying South Africa with electricity for 95 years

Cranes company upgrades equipment at power stations

18th May 2018 Crane manufacturer Konecranes Southern Africa is currently working on systematically upgrading lifting equipment at State-owned power utility Eskom’s different power stations. The upgrading of the equipment includes repairing equipment that has been misused and replacing equipment that is obsolete. →

UPGRADING CRANES Konecranes is currently upgrading and replacing crane and lifting equipment at various Eskom power stations across South Africa

New research group to bridge skills gap at Eskom

18th May 2018 Applied Thermo Fluid Process Modelling Research Unit (ATProM), a new research group, is building on an existing collaboration between State-owned power utility Eskom and the University of Cape Town (UCT) to provide engineers with up-to-date research and students with real-world experience while... →

Photo by Creamer Media
HANDS ON Engineering students will get real world experience while helping tackle challenges Eskom faces

Rope specialist introduces drones to NDT at Eskom

By: Erin Steenhoff-Snethlage 18th May 2018 Rope access specialist Skyriders has introduced the collision-tolerant Elios drones to its nondestructive (NDT) testing offering, and has started using them at State-owned power utility Eskom. The drones are part of Skyriders’ turnkey solution offering that improves the efficiency of the NDT and... →

DRONE INSPECTIONS Skyriders has added a drone to its NDT testing offerings at Eskom facilities

Science enhancement initiative expands to EC

18th May 2018 State owned power utility Eskom has signed an agreement with the Technology Research Activity Centre South Africa (TRAC SA) to increase the coverage of the Eskom Science Enhancement Initiative support programme, TRAC 2. In partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Education, Eskom signed... →

Millions invested in renewables, research excellence

19th May 2017 Last month, State-owned power utility Eskom says over an extended period of time, funded research work done by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Stellenbosch University has ostensibly benefited research in the renewables space. “Eskom’s unique role in driving... →

Five mobile transformers delivered to Mkondeni unit

19th May 2017 Five mobile transformers were delivered to State-owned power utility Eskom’s Mkondeni unit in KwaZulu-Natal in March. The plan to purchase the five 132/88-22/11KV mobile transformers started in 2011 and was followed by a rigorous procurement process. Industrial corporation Siemens was awarded... →

ALTERNATIVE POWER Five mobile transformers delivered to Eskom’s Mkondeni unit can be used to replace existing equipment during scheduled maintenance

Geosynthetic products supplied for substation

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 19th May 2017 Manufacturer and comprehensive supplier of geosynthetic products Fibertex South Africa is providing an ongoing supply of its geosynthetic products for use in the construction of State-owned power utility Eskom’s Pinotage substation, in the Western Cape. This new large electrical substation is... →

GEOSYNTHETIC SUPPLY Fibertex South Africa is providing an ongoing supply of a range of geosynthetic products for use in the construction of the Eskom Pinotage substation

Rope access services provided for coal-fired power station

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 19th May 2017 Industrial rope access specialist Skyriders Access Specialists is providing rope access services for State-owned power utility Eskom at its Kendal power station, located about 40 km southwest of Witbank, in Mpumalanga. Skyriders marketing manager Mike Zinn tells Engineering News that the company... →

CIRCUMVENTING BOILING POINT Skyriders conducted boiler safe access inspections for Eskom at one of its coal-fired stations

Industry leaders warn of loss in investments in renewables sector

By: Johane Turkstra 19th May 2017 Following State-owned power utility Eskom’s decision last year not to sign a number of contracts with independent power producers (IPP) and the delay in doing so since, industry leaders are warning that a loss in investments in the renewables sector could lead to a severe plateau in... →

NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY
Eskom is responsible for generating about 95% of South Africa’s electricity and the firm mainly relies on coal for its power generation

Photo by Bloomberg
NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY Eskom is responsible for generating about 95% of South Africa’s electricity and the firm mainly relies on coal for its power generation

Eskom Academy trains over 500 contractors

19th May 2017 Over the last three years, State-owned power utility Eskom’s enterprise development programme, the Contractor Academy, trained 518 contractors from all nine provinces, with the youth accounting for about 60% of participants. The programme started as a pilot programme in 2008 and has since grown... →

Photo by Duane Daws
ESKOM CONTRACTOR ACADEMY The academy trained 518 contractors from all nine provinces

Expo creates new opportunities for young scientists

19th May 2017 Earlier this month, three learners departed to participate in the International Sustainable World Energy, Engineering, and Environment Project Olympiad (I-SWEEEP) in Houston, US. The three learners did exceptionally well in the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Finals in October last... →

Young innovative entrepreneurs offer renewable-energy solutions

By: Johane Turkstra 19th May 2017 State-owned power utility Eskom’s Development Foundation’s yearly Business Investment Competition (BIC) continues to discover businesses bringing about positive socioeconomic changes to the benefit of communities and the country. The latest such business is solar energy company Lamo Solar, which... →

LAMO SOLAR Co-owners Tshibvumo Sikhwivhilu and Elmond Khoza

Power grid might have reached secure state

By: Sascha Solomons 13th May 2016 Despite negative publicity associated with load-shedding, tariff price hikes and the loss of senior management in the past couple of years, State-owned power utility Eskom might have reached a more secure state in 2016, consulting firm Frost & Sullivan asserts. Frost and Sullivan energy and... →

Photo by Duane
ESKOM REACHES STABLE GROUND Power utility to provide oversupply of power

Energy sector headed in a positive direction

By: Sascha Solomons 13th May 2016 With State-owned power utility Eskom’s Medupi and Kusile power stations contributing about 10 GW jointly at full operation, global consulting firm KPMG believes the Department of Energy is proactively working towards reaching the National Development Plan’s (NDP) 2030 goal of having about 17 GW... →

Fifty-eight participants graduate from Eskom academy

By: Sascha Solomons 13th May 2016 In line with its commitment to develop skills and create jobs, State-owned power utility Eskom’s Contractor Academy saw 58 participants drawn from Mpumalanga, Limpopo, the North West and Gauteng graduate in March this year. The graduation ceremony celebrated the upskilling of another group of... →

Photo by Duane
BRIAN MOLEFE Through the academy, Eskom develops and supports of small and medium-sized enterprises

Medupi to comply with emissions standards

By: Sascha Solomons 13th May 2016 State-owned power utility Eskom intends to retrofit each of Medupi power stations’ six power generation units with flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) technology, which is used to reduce the sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions of a coal-fired power station but has the drawback of requiring high water... →

Photo by Duane
MEDUPI POWER STATION The FGD will allow Medupi to comply with the new plant cabon dioxide minimum emission standard

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