Growthpoint Properties, in partnership with licensed electricity trader Etana Energy, has made a significant achievement in Cape Town’s energy grid by wheeling renewable electricity. This pioneering move is a step towards utilizing clean, green energy and providing greater access to affordable renewable energy sources, ultimately contributing to resolving the nation’s energy crisis.
Solar MD, a lithiumion battery storage manufacturer, has broken ground on the continent’s first gigawatt battery storage manufacturing plant in Cape Town, South Africa. This development marks a significant milestone for the African continent and Cape Town, setting them on a path towards a smarter, cleaner, and more secure energy future.
Cape Town’s Golden Arrow Bus Service (GABS) is taking steps towards a sustainable future by introducing 60 electric buses each year, starting in 2024, with the goal of replacing its entire fleet of 1,100 dieselpowered vehicles. This shift towards electric propulsion not only helps the environment but also saves costs for the company in the long run.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s vet shop faced a devastating robbery in July 2023 during Stage 6 loadshedding. The store was left in a state of disarray, with significant damage to its interior, structure, and merchandise. In the aftermath of the incident, the need for an uninterruptible power supply became apparent.
In today’s world, sustainable practices and renewable energy solutions are crucial in the fight against climate change. On June 16, the SASOL Foundation organized the Youth in Energy event, which aimed to introduce young minds to green technology and inspire them to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, and innovation (STEAMI).
The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) has increased its budget to R10.9 billion for the 2023/24 financial year, demonstrating its commitment to the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Decadal Plan. Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Dr. Blade Nzimande, stressed the importance of utilizing STI to create job opportunities and enhance renewable energy development.
Businesses worldwide are turning to renewable energy solutions to tackle power shortages and minimize their impact on the environment. The Western Cape Government (WCG) has been supporting this transition by creating a conducive environment. Fair Cape Dairies is one such company that has taken significant steps towards energy independence and environmental sustainability.
South Africa’s Energy Action Plan has received significant attention in recent times as the country seeks to address its chronic energy shortage issues and promote a sustainable and reliable energy sector. On June 9th, 2023, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, the Minister of Electricity, held a virtual media briefing to provide updates on the plan’s progress and implementation. The event attracted a strong turnout from the media and showcased the Minister’s commitment to keeping all stakeholders informed.
On June 6, 2023, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed his Portuguese counterpart, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, to South Africa for his first visit to the country. The two leaders held a meeting at the Union Buildings in Pretoria and discussed various topics, including bilateral relations, energy cooperation, and pressing global issues.
The Free State Provincial Government is taking steps to invite both local and foreign investors to invest in renewable energy projects, specifically solar photovoltaic (PV) endeavors. The aim is to tackle South Africa’s energy crisis and mitigate the devastating effects of load shedding. Thabo Meeko, MEC for the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA), recently held discussions with representatives from small, medium and microsized enterprises (SMMEs), councilors, and other social partners in Kopanong Local Municipality.
The Western Cape province in South Africa is committed to a sustainable future, and it is making significant strides towards achieving this goal. One of the ways the province is supporting the use of renewable energy sources is through tax incentives, as highlighted by the Director of Personal Income Tax at the National Treasury, Marle Van Niekerk, during Premier Alan Winde’s 13th Energy Digicon.
The Kusile Power Station is an ambitious project that has been in construction for over a decade. With an estimated cost of R160 billion, it is one of the largest coalfired power stations in the world, with a capacity to generate 4,800 megawatts of electricity upon completion.
The Western Cape has been facing significant energy challenges, including load shedding, high energy costs, and an overreliance on fossil fuels. To address these issues, the government has been actively exploring alternative energy sources, with a particular focus on green hydrogen.
The South African Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is contributing to the country’s economic recovery and job creation. For the 2023/24 financial year, the department has been allocated R8.782 billion, with R4.5 billion earmarked for infrastructure, property management, facilities, and asset management.
As the world faces an energy crisis with traditional resources such as coal, oil, and gas becoming unreliable, countries worldwide are racing to invest in renewable energy, especially solar power. Solar energy has emerged as the thirdlargest renewable energy source, following wind and hydropower, due to its economic feasibility and abundant availability. Let’s dive into the solar power race and explore the top three countries based on installed capacity, along with assessing South Africa’s progress in this area.
Assuming the role of Eskom CEO in January 2020, André de Ruyter soon discovered why it was considered the most challenging job in South Africa. In his newly published book, “Truth to Power: My Three Years Inside Eskom” by Random House Publishers, the former CEO takes readers on a journey through boardrooms and government meetings, unveiling the inner dynamics of the stateowned enterprise.
