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100 MW Free State solar project represents IPP empowerment landmark

Published: 12 Dec 24

The selection of Pele Green Energy (PGE) to supply renewable energy to the South African ferrochrome smelters operated by the Glencore Merafe Venture represents an important milestone in the steady yet uneven evolution of South Africa’s electricity industry. Its significance is not immediately apparent, largely because the novelty of such multidecade power purchase agreements (PPAs) between electricity-intensive private firms and independent power producers (IPPs) has worn off somewhat three-and-a-half years after President Cyril Ramaphosa successfully twisted a reluctant Gwede Mantashe’s arm to enable such deals at scale.

Renergen concerned about its mineral rights amid solar plant construction

Published: 11 Dec 24

JSE- and ASX-listed Renergen has provided an update on ongoing actions involving its majority-owned subsidiary, Tetra4, which produces helium, and a proposed solar plant being planned by another entity. Renergen has welcomed the signing of the Upstream Petroleum and Resources Development Act into law in October.

Financial crime investigators can now subpoena digital bank records

Published: 11 Dec 24

The South African Banking Risk Information Centre (Sabric), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) and the Banking Association South Africa (Basa) have launched the Section 205 Digital Subpoena initiative, a key development in South Africa’s efforts to combat financial crime. The initiative is aimed at enhancing the efficiency of subpoenaing bank records digitally, significantly expediting the process for law enforcement agencies.

V&A plans R20bn Granger Bay development

Published: 11 Dec 24

Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront plans a R20-billion expansion of the adjacent Granger Bay precinct and has sought permission from authorities in South Africa’s second-biggest city for the development. V&A — one of the continent’s most visited tourism and retail destinations — has asked the local council to approve an increase in its permissible development rights to 440 000 m2, two-thirds of which will be for Granger Bay, spokesperson Donald Kau said.

Proposed acquisition by Saudi-Sewela entity should see Barloworld delist

Published: 11 Dec 24

A special purpose consortium – Newco – comprising a Saudi Arabian group and a company linked to current CEO Dominic Sewela, has announced its intent to acquire diversified industrial group Barloworld. This should lead to the delisting of the group on the JSE, and will form a black-owned, privately-held South African company.

MTN sponsors microgrid initiative delivering renewable energy, connectivity to Orange Farm

Published: 11 Dec 24

Telecommunications group MTN South Africa is sponsoring a microgrid initiative in Orange Farm to bring renewable energy, Internet connectivity and new economic opportunities to the area. MTN’s sponsorship will see the microgrid solution being implemented in partnership with non-profit company Ukukubona, connecting 96 homes and switching on the lights for the first time, with locally-sourced materials used for the project.

Rand Water prepares for more maintenance

Published: 11 Dec 24

Rand Water is preparing to embark on its next planned water infrastructure maintenance project this week. On Friday, the utility will start repairs of the B1/B2 pipeline leak at Zuikerbosch, which will impact the Zwartkopjes system, with pumping reduced to 70% for 36 hours from 05:00.

Creamer Media Electricity 2024/25 cover image

Electricity 2024/25: Tariffs, renewables and transmission challenges

Published: 11 Dec 24

South Africa’s energy crisis hit a peak in 2023, with record loadshedding affecting homes, businesses, and the economy.

Creamer Media’s ‘Electricity 2024/25: Tariffs, renewables and transmission challenges’ report explores the power outage challenges, including State-owned power utility Eskom’s struggles with aging coal-fired power plants, corruption, and electricity theft. It also looks at the broad-based approach by government to turn things around.

From new renewable-energy projects to reducing debt, including perhaps most pressingly clawing back debt owed by municipal customers, this report highlights what is being done to secure South Africa’s energy future and the challenges that remain.

Icasa gazettes new call termination rates glide path

Published: 11 Dec 24

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) has published the amendments to the 2014 Call Termination Regulations, setting a new three-year glide path for termination rates in the wholesale voice market. This followed a review in 2021, the publication of the findings document in 2022, and extensive stakeholder engagements throughout 2023.

Real-time payments contribution to South Africa's GDP set to double by 2028

Published: 11 Dec 24

Payments technology company ACI Worldwide says in its 'Real-Time Payments: Economic Impact and Financial Inclusion' report that the contribution of real-time payments to South Africa's GDP is expected to more than double to $486-million by 2028. Real-time payments drive economic growth and give citizens access to fast and affordable financial services. The potential for banks extends beyond regions with large unbanked populations, the company notes.