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Renewable-energy projects well under way

By: Darren Parker 13th December 2019 Construction on several Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) fourth bid window projects are well under way. The REIPPPP fourth window bids include 12 wind farms, 12 solar photovoltaic (PV) projects, a biomass project, a mini-hydro project and a concentrated... →

Success of renewables programme continues

By: Darren Parker 13th December 2019 Over the past eight years, the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) has attracted about R209.4-billion in committed private-sector investment, with the successful fourth window bids being valued at about R56-billion. South African companies, such as... →

WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY 27 preferred bidders signed agreements last year and their respective renewable energy projects are well underway

Additional renewable energy development zones proposed

13th December 2019 The second phase of the Strategic Environmental Assessment for wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) energy in South Africa proposes three additional renewable energy development zones for wind and solar PV energy projects. The renewable energy development zones support the responsible implementation... →

RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT ZONES The Phase 2 proposed zones support the responsible implementation of the Integrated Resource Plan 2019

Maintenance work on tunnel completed

13th December 2019 The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has indicated that the inspection and maintenance work on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) tunnel – which was closed on October 1 and was scheduled to open November 30 – was completed as planned. The recharge of the tunnel started on November... →

USEFUL BEAUTY The Katse dam not only supplies water to the South Africa but also hydro electricity and tourism to the Kingdom of Lesotho

Water project underway and making progress

13th December 2019 Last month, the official ground-breaking function for Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) took place and was attended by Kingdom of Lesotho Minister of Water Samonyane Ntsekele and South Africa Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu. “Implementing Phase... →

DAM BIG PROJECT The site of the 2.3-billion-cubic-metre Polihali dam

Project aims to create Africa’s helium hub

By: Simone Liedtke 13th December 2019 Emerging natural gas producer Renergen marked the start of the pipeline construction at its flagship Virginia gas project, in the Free State, with a sod-turning ceremony, last month. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquid helium production is expected by 2021, when Phase 1 of the project is... →

Renergen CEO Stefano Marani speaks to Engineering News about the company’s flagship Virginia gas project, and what this milestone means for the company

Environmental studies essential to REIPP success

By: Darren Parker 13th December 2019 In most renewable-energy independent power producer (REIPP) project cases, environmental sensitivities can be successfully avoided if developers embrace advice given by environmental consultants during the environmental impact assessment (EIA) stage. This enables developers to better ensure that... →

NOT WINGING IT Embracing the advice given by professional environmental consultants early on can lead to the avoidance of many environmental issues

Company appointed as EPC contractor for Virginia gas project

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 13th December 2019 Engineering consultant EPCM Bonisana, a subsidiary of EPCM Holdings, has been appointed as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for emerging liquefied natural gas (LNG) and helium producer Renergen’s Virginia gas project, in South Africa. EPCM Bonisana is responsible... →

SunRanch Solar

13th December 2019 SunRanch Solar is a fully integrated and experienced turnkey solar engineering, procurement and construction company. Based in Pretoria, South Africa, SunRanch Solar has representation in eight provinces across the country. →

G7 Renewable Energies

13th December 2019 Pioneers of wind energy in South Africa Established in 2008, G7 Renewable Energies is at the forefront of South Africa’s burgeoning renewable-energy industry and prides itself on championing the adoption and development of renewable technologies in the country. →

Government reaffirms support for rural, township economies

By: Mamaili Mamaila 13th December 2019 To improve access to information and bring economic infrastructure support closer to township and rural-based enterprises, government is expanding incubators and digital hubs to townships and rural areas, says President Cyril Ramaphosa. →

Photo by SA Investment Conference
VIBRANT THINKING South Africa's small, medium-sized and microenterprises are demonstrating out-of-the-box thinking in business skills

Science, innovation investment crucial to Africa’s development

By: Mamaili Mamaila 13th December 2019 Africa still does not realise the potential and opportunity that science and innovation hold for its development, says South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor. →

Photo by Creamer Media's Dylan Slater
NALEDI PANDOR The time has come for Africa to be serious about investing more in research, development and innovation

Small enterprises present strongest growth potential – Ramaphosa

By: Mamaili Mamaila 13th December 2019 With the local and global economy under pressure, it is small enterprises that present the greatest potential for growth, says President Cyril Ramaphosa. →

Photo by Creamer Media's Dylan Slater
PRETTY PLEASE? President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed to the global investor community to support small enterprises following the commitments made at the annual South African Investment Conference

Private-sector investment a key driver of growth

By: Mamaili Mamaila 13th December 2019 Ahead of the 2019 South African Investment Conference, JSE-listed and diversified mining company Exxaro hosted a media tour, which started at The conneXXion – its head office in Centurion, Gauteng. →

InvestSA CEO Yunus Hoosen discusses the importance of domestic investments. Camerawork: Creamer Media’s Kutlwano Matlala. Editing: Creamer Media’s Nicholas Boyd. Recorded: 31.10.2019

Diversified miner announces R20-billion investment drive

By: Mamaili Mamaila 13th December 2019 JSE-listed diversified mining company Exxaro officially announced its commitment of R20-billion towards President Cyril Ramaphosa’s investment drive for South Africa at the 2019 South African Investment Conference, which took place in Johannesburg, last month. →

Exxaro CEO Mxolisi Mgojo discussed the company’s investments ahead of the 2019 South African Investment Conference. Camerawork: Creamer Media’s Kutlwano Matlala. Editing: Creamer Media’s Nicholas Boyd. Recorded: 31.10.2019

Gas project beneficial for local economy

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 13th December 2019 Emerging natural gas producer Renergen’s Virginia gas project is a good example of how effectively small amounts of gas – if they are indigenous – can be used in the local economy, says industry body South African Oil and Gas Alliance (Saoga) executive director Niall Kramer. Renergen is an... →

STUNT DEVELOPMENT that South Africa’s lack of policy certainty is hindering the development of it is on- and offshore oil and gas resources

How to remain successful in Global Commercial Aerospace Manufacturing – a South African success story

13th December 2019 “The development of an Aerospace (and Defence) Masterplan under the leadership of the Department of Public Enterprises is seen as a significant step towards creating a true Public-Private Growth partnership in the Commercial Aerospace sector in South Africa, and we look forward to further... →

Odourless treatment process produces energy, creates jobs

By: Cameron Mackay 14th December 2018 A new labour-based upgrade for wastewater management plants and acid mine drainage plants below ground – the upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor (UASB) process – can be used to produce potable water and energy while reducing costs and creating job opportunities, says engineering and... →

HYSON CELLS The upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor process is below ground, which allows for natural insulation of the cone structures

LHWP Phase II ensures employment opportunities in January 2019

By: Cameron Mackay 14th December 2018 The start next month of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) Phase II advance infrastructure construction at Polihali, where the Phase II dam will be built, and Katse village, which was constructed in Phase I as housing for consultants and contractors, will bring eagerly anticipated... →

LESOTHO HIGHLANDS WATER PROJECT The road infrastructure works will help improve access to basic services and facilities, as well as reduce travelling time and stimulate local business ventures

LHDA workshop places contractors in better bidding position

By: Cameron Mackay 14th December 2018 The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) held successful workshops for South Africa- and Lesotho-based small and medium-sized registered contractors to place them in a better position to bid for construction projects on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). Held in several towns... →

WATER PROVIDES CONTRACTS Workshops were successfully held to ensure that small businesses can bid for construction projects on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project

Self-sustaining clean energy system developed

By: Paige Müller 14th December 2018 Sustainable energy specialist Hyson Sustainable Energy – situated in Krugersdorp – has developed and patented a fully self-sustaining, energy-producing tower, says Hyson Sustainable Energy MD Sally Hall. “The Hyson Sustainable Energy ‘Power Tower’, which was provisionally patented just seven... →

Photo by Bloomberg
ZERO EMISSIONS The Hyson Sustainable Energy ‘Power Tower’ allows for the recycling of liquefied carbon dioxide and water used in the energy generation process, resulting in zero harmful emissions

Solar PV uptake expected to double

By: Paige Müller 14th December 2018 Energy supply from solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is increasing at a rapid rate in South Africa, with PV grid installation expected to double in the 2018/19 period, says renewable-energy solutions supplier Genesis Eco-Energy director and solar energy association South African Photovoltaic... →

Photo by Creamer Media
NO THREAT POSED The adoption of renewable-energy systems neither poses an immediate nor a significant threat to workers in the local coal industry

Cornubia bridge opened to traffic

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 14th December 2018 The new Cornubia bridge that crosses over the N2 to uMhlanga, in KwaZulu-Natal, has been partially opened to traffic, says construction design and engineering services provider Royal HaskoningDHV project engineer Brian Downie. The project was a joint venture in which Royal HaskoningDHV designed... →

ONE STRUCTURE The Cornubia bridge forms one structure, carrying six mixed-use traffic lanes as well as pedestrian sidewalks and two bus lanes

N12 bridges expected to open in February 2019

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 14th December 2018 The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) has identified two bridges on the N12 outside Hopetown, in the Northern Cape, that are being widened and improved, thereby increasing their life span, and the bridges are expected be opened to traffic in February next year, says project... →

BUILDING BRIDGES The original bridges were built in 1958 and 1985, spanning 31.2 m and 320 m respectively

E Cape project to be completed in July 2019

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 14th December 2018 The Qiti bridge forms part of a roads safety upgrade project that is expected to be complete in July next year. The project’s purpose is to improve vehicular and pedestrian safety, says global multidisciplinary management, engineering and development consultancy Hatch professional engineer Peter... →

Water monitoring platform one-stop shop for S Africa water intelligence

By: Cameron Mackay 14th December 2018 The website application Mzansi Amanzi (isiZulu translation of Water South Africa), has the capabilities to monitor and provide insight on surface-water resources across South Africa on a monthly basis, says Mark Thompson, the director of the earth observation technology company GeoTerraImage. The... →

THEEWATERSKLOOF DAM WESTERN CAPE Water is going to be the kingpin in just about every decision-making sector

Research shows tribology improves energy efficiency

14th December 2018 National science academy the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), completed a study into the state of energy efficiency technologies in South Africa in June this year. The study, initially commenced by ASSAf in 2016, focused on electrical energy efficiency. However, according to national... →

Wind farm completed in Eastern Cape

16th December 2016 The Nojoli wind farm, in the Eastern Cape, has been completed and connected to the grid by multinational renewable-energy corporation Enel’s subsidiary Enel Green Power RSA (EGP RSA). →

Photo by Bloomberg
WIND FARM The Nojoli wind farm, in the Eastern Cape, has been completed

Railway company investments to facilitate economic growth

By: Sascha Solomons 16th December 2016 The current investments by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and State-owned freight utility Transnet will largely facilitate economic growth in South Africa through major infrastructure projects currently under way, says consulting and auditing firm KPMG infrastructure deal... →

Photo by Duane Daws
DE BUYS SCOTT investments by the PRASA and Transnet will largely facilitate economic growth in South Africa

Execution of PRASA project contributes to outstanding results

16th December 2016 Railway sector services provider Alstom Group announced in its “outstanding” fiscal year 2016/17 results that trains reached €1.6-billon sales, with ongoing execution of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) project in South Africa among other deliveries of suburban, regional and... →

Company completes Wolmerton rail project

By: Sascha Solomons 16th December 2016 Rail track construction, rehabilitation, electrification and maintenance provider Grindrod Rail Construction (GRC), in a joint venture with engineering company Bakara, has completed the rail refurbishment of the Wolmerton Depot. This forms part of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s... →

WOLMERTON DEPOT The Wolmerton Depot overhaul falls under PRASA’s Depot Modernisation Programme

Construction to continue at Kathu

By: Victor Moolman 16th December 2016 Next year, global engineering and technology company Sener will continue to provide the engineering, procurement and construction services for the 100 MW Kathu concentrated solar power (CSP) project in South Africa’s Northern Cape, in conjunction with its joint venture partner, Acciona. →

Photo by Duane Daws
CONCENTRATED SOLAR POWER Concentrated solar radiation is used to heat fluids that drive a turbine

New gas projects will be economical – Aurecon

By: Victor Moolman 15th December 2016 With two major gas-to-power projects under way in the country, consulting company Aurecon believes that the two, possibly three, gas power stations associated with the projects can be economical as existing infrastructure can be used to support them. →

Aurecon associate – power generation explains the future and opportunities of electricity projects in South Africa.

3 500 North West households to be electrified

29th July 2016 State-owned power utility Eskom GM Phil Khumalo says that the utility is committed to electrifying more than 3 500 households in the Madibeng local municipality in North West by the end of this financial year. →

Power builds to continue despite decreased demand across industries

By: Robyn Wilkinson 29th July 2016 Despite a decrease in demand for energy from the mining and related industries, construction, engineering and mining contractor Murray & Roberts Power & Water platform CEO Steve Harrison believes that the power station builds at Medupi, in Limpopo, and Kusile, in Mpumalanga, will continue to... →

MEDUPI POWER STATION Unit 5 at Medupi first fired on oil in June

Agency supports waste-to-energy project in SA

29th July 2016 The US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has awarded a grant to South African renewable energy project developer MBHE African Power to support a waste-to-energy project in the Drakenstein municipality, in the Western Cape. →

S Africa renewables sector growing well

By: Robyn Wilkinson 29th July 2016 Engineering firm Arup associate director Mariaan Woest believes that the renewables sector is growing well in South Africa, with Arup selected as a consultant on many of the projects approved in the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). →

MARIAAN WOEST Micro hydros are the way forward in terms of electricity on a more localised scale

Solar gaining traction in South Africa

By: Robyn Wilkinson 29th July 2016 Adequate, reliable and affordable electricity supply remains a challenge in South Africa for businesses and homeowners, and solar energy is gaining momentum as a key area of focus to provide solutions for these challenges. →

KARAGLEN SHOPPING CENTRE The installation of 1 250 units of solar modules at the centre in Edenvale is one of the biggest solar projects of its kind completed in Gauteng to date

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