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Invest in Africa Energy (IAE) 2024 to Showcase Southern Africa’s Energy Market Growth

Location: News

Energy Capital & Power
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A dedicated roundtable at the upcoming Invest in Africa Energy (IAE) 2024 forum in Paris will shine a spotlight on Southern Africa, with a focus on South Africa, Mozambique, and Namibia. The region boasts new discoveries in the oil and gas sector, abundant renewable resources, and promising potential for hydrogen prospects. This makes it an attractive destination for investors keen on leveraging these resources for capital growth.

During the two-day forum, delegates will gain insights into Southern Africa's status as a frontier market with first-mover advantages. From South Africa's mineral-rich terrain to Zambia's hydroelectric potential, Mozambique's liquefied natural gas (LNG) prospects and Namibia's untapped offshore reserves, the region offers diverse opportunities poised to fuel development.

Organized by Energy Capital & Power, IAE 2024 (https://apo-opa.co/3UMOOtQ) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 14-15, 2024 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Panelists include Godfrey Moagi, Chief Executive Officer, SANPC; Antoine Berel, Vice President Sub-Saharan Africa (South), Halliburton; Calib Cassim CFO Eskom, Paul Eardley-Taylor, Oil and Gas Coverage Southern Africa, Standard Bank and Dr. Sama Bilbao y León, Director General, World Nuclear Association. The session will be moderated by Olivier Barbeau, Managing Partner, Moore South Africa.

Namibia's recent deepwater discoveries, including Graff-1X, Venus-1X, La Rona-1X, Jonker-1X, Lesedi-1X, Mopane-1X & 2X, Mangetti-1X, and its most recent Enigma-1X, have intensified exploration activities within the Orange Basin. Although significant potential exists, substantial investment is need to fully develop these resources for commercialization. Recently, Namibia's Minister of Finance announced that by the end of 2024, Namibia anticipates a final investment decision from multinational energy companies, TotalEnergies for its Venus-1X discovery and Shell for its Graff-1X discovery. This is a step towards accelerating oil production, set for 2029.

With two major LNG projects underway — TotalEnergies' Mozambique LNG and ExxonMobil's Rovuma LNG — Mozambique has solidified its position as a key player in both the Southern African and global gas markets. Moreover, Mozambique made significant strides by exporting its inaugural LNG cargo to Europe in 2022, facilitated by Eni's Coral Sul floating LNG facility. With robust trade agreements in place and a growing capacity, Mozambique presents a dependable and burgeoning gas market. With over 100 trillion cubic feet of proven reserves, the nation offers ample opportunities for gas exploration, production, transportation, storage, and utilization projects.

Meanwhile, South Africa's Renewable Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP) is expanding renewable energy capacity. Bid Window 7, launched in January 2024, aims to acquire 3.2 GW of onshore wind and 1.8 GW of solar photovoltaic projects. Integration into the grid will address power deficits and boost energy security. Private sector developers can seize this opportunity, secure contracts, and establish themselves in South Africa's growing renewable energy market.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Read moreInvest in Africa Energy (IAE) 2024 to Showcase Southern Africa’s Energy Market Growth

President Ramaphosa sets sights on five million EPWP jobs in next five years

Location: News

President Ramaphosa sets sights on five million EPWP jobs in next five years

President Cyril Ramaphosa believes that the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) remains a critical policy instrument to tackle unemployment and reduce poverty as government grapples with high levels of joblessness. 

The President has since pledged on behalf of government to improve the EPWP and to deliver five million work opportunities in the next five years.

President Ramaphosa was speaking on Tuesday at the 20-Year celebration of the EPWP and launch of Phase 5 of the programme in Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape. 

The President painted the EPWP as a success story that has empowered communities to address local needs and build resilience. 

The country’s commander-in-chief said since 2004, the programme has created more than 14 million work opportunities across the EPWP sectors, with more than 300 public bodies across all spheres of government and non-profit organisations (NGOs) as implementing agents. 

WATCH | 

“The EPWP is changing lives and transforming communities, and the evidence is there for all to see,” President Ramaphosa told the crowd.  

Through the EPWP infrastructure projects, President Ramaphosa said Welisizwe Rural Bridges are constructed and maintained to create better access to markets, schools and clinics.

READ | Zikalala announces construction of over 100 Welisizwe bridges

Beneficiaries include those cleaning streets and beaches, and those involved in Early Childhood Development (ECD), community home-based care, school feeding and community crime prevention. 

According to the President, some of the beneficiaries have gone on to be trained as emergency response personnel in the South African Police (SAPS) and even qualified as pilots.

While there are many achievements, President Ramaphosa urged government to use the 20-year milestone as a springboard for even greater achievements in the years to come.

“We must build not only on lessons from the EPWP but also from the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which has, over the last few years, demonstrated that public employment can go to significantly greater levels of scale.” 

However, he acknowledged that the quality of work experience and service delivered to the communities needed to be improved. 

According to the President, government also needs to mobilise the nation behind a revitalised portfolio of public employment programmes.

This, he said, will include urgent service delivery priorities such as road upgrading through pothole patching and block paving, and infrastructure maintenance. 

VIEW | Celebration of 20 years of the EPWP

20-Year celebration of the EPWP. 20-Year celebration of the EPWP.  

The President is of the view that public employment can also assist in tackling social challenges, such as gender-based violence (GBV) and substance abuse. 

The programme will also support tackling clean energy installation and catchment management to improve water quality and limit the risks of floods. 

President Ramaphosa said it could also help in the digitisation of public records and give young people a first step into this growing sector of the economy. 

Deepening youth participation

The President believes that the EPWP Phase 5 will rise to the challenge by increasing youth participation and strengthening skills development. 

“As we enter this new phase, we must reiterate that there can be no space for corruption, nepotism or favouritism. Effective and fair recruitment practices must be applied.”

He called on social partners and the private sector to work with the State during Phase 5 to lend a hand in creating jobs and work opportunities for South Africa’s youth, women and people with disabilities. 

“Working together through public and social employment programmes and by providing support for small enterprises and cooperatives, we can create more jobs at a much faster pace while improving the delivery of basic services.” 

The President has vowed to continue to expand public employment through the EPWP, the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the National Youth Service, and others. 

In addition, he stated that government will assist civil society organisations that are creating work opportunities. 

The Head of State also promised to back entrepreneurship and job creation by increasing support for small enterprises and cooperatives in townships and villages. 

“We will continue to prioritise young people in public employment programmes, in work-based learning programmes, in artisan training and entrepreneurship programmes.”

He assured the young South African men and women that government will not leave them behind. 

“We are determined to reach you, one and all, to help you and to support you. This is the promise of democracy and freedom,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za 

Gabisile
Wed, 04/24/2024 - 14:17

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Read morePresident Ramaphosa sets sights on five million EPWP jobs in next five years

Mashele targets third consecutive RUN YOUR CITY podium at Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K

Location: MyPR

As the most consistent performer in the 2023 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, Precious Mashele is eagerly anticipating his second event of the 2024 series: the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K on Sunday, 12 May 2024. Fresh from his bronze medal win in the 5000m event at the ASA Senior Track & Field …

Read moreMashele targets third consecutive RUN YOUR CITY podium at Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K

M&A Activity in South Africa expected to remain muted in 2024 amidst global economic headwinds and regulatory uncertainty

Location: MyPR

Chris Green, Managing Partner, Hogan Lovells SA M&A activity in South Africa declined sharply in 2023 relative to the two preceding years, in line with global trends. The factors driving this included, amongst others, global economic headwinds particularly high inflation and high interest rates, the well-documented geopolitical uncertainty in Europe and the Middle East, ongoing …

Read moreM&A Activity in South Africa expected to remain muted in 2024 amidst global economic headwinds and regulatory uncertainty

Deputy Minister Botes hosts Spanish counterpart for Bilateral Consultations

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation
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The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, hosted the State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs of the Kingdom of Spain, Mr Diego Martínez Belío, on 23 April 2024. Deputy Minister Botes and State Secretary Martínez Belío co-chaired the 15th Session of the South Africa-Spain Bilateral Consultations. South Africa's bilateral relations with Spain are managed through the Bilateral Consultations, which meets annually at the Deputy Minister level.

The Official Visit to South Africa enhanced the already strong relations between South Africa and Spain. This visit highlighted the existing cooperation between the two countries and reviewed the progress and implementation of existing agreements.

The meeting deepened engagement and discussions in the areas of mutual interest to both countries, particularly in trade and investment, education, science and innovation, climate change and renewable energy, as well as human rights, migration and women, peace and security.

Bilateral trade between South Africa and Spain grew by 9.7% from $3.1 billion in 2022 to $3.4 billion in 2023. In 2023, Spain was South Africa's 18th trading partner globally and fifth largest trading partner in the EU. During the same period, South Africa was Spain's second largest export destination and seventh largest source of imports on the African continent. South Africa's exports to Spain grew by 12.8% from $1.41 billion in 2022, to $1.77 billion in 2023.

Over the past ten years, there has been steady investment in South Africa by Spanish companies. The bulk of the investment is in the renewable energy sector. South African companies have also looked to Spain as an investment destination in the Real Estate sector. More than 150 Spanish companies have invested in South Africa creating over 20,000 jobs, largely in the following sectors: Infrastructure Development, Renewable Energy, Financial Services, Tourism, Textiles, IT & Software, Metals, and Mining.

Spain also remains a strategic European tourism market for South Africa. There has been a slight recovery in terms of tourist arrivals from Spain for the periods 2022 and 2023. Tourist arrivals increased by a total of 8 716 between the above-mentioned years, from 23 304 in 2023 to 32 020 in 2024. This is a positive indication of inbound travel slowly returning to pre-pandemic levels as far as this market is concerned.

The recent various high-level engagements between South Africa and Spain symbolise the commitment by both countries to promote a better and more equitable world to benefit the people of both countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Read moreDeputy Minister Botes hosts Spanish counterpart for Bilateral Consultations

Minister Pandor co-chairs the VII Session of the South Africa-Brazil Joint Commission

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation
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The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Minister Pandor, will co-chair the VII Session of the South Africa-Brazil Joint Commission (JC) on 23 April 2024 in Brasilia, Brazil, with her counterpart, Minister Mauro Vieira, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

On 13 December 2003, South Africa and Brazil signed an agreement to establish a Joint Commission. A Declaration on Strategic Partnership and an Action Plan was signed in 2010.

The Joint Commission serves as a mechanism to monitor and facilitate the implementation of the Action Plan in several areas such as agriculture; defence; economic and commercial relations; environment; health; higher education and technical cooperation; justice and correctional services; minerals and energy; science, technology, and communications; sports, arts, and culture.

The Joint Commission is composed of 10 sectoral Working Groups (WG).

A Senior Officials Meeting was held on 10 April 2024 to review the work done by the working groups in preparation for the JC.

South Africa shares a common history and cultural heritage with Brazil's over 100 million population of African descent (African Diaspora), the second largest African Diaspora in the Americas region.

Brazil will host the Sixth Region Diaspora Conference in the state of Bahia on 20-22 May 2024 as one of the preparatory meetings for the Ninth Pan African Conference that will be held in Togo in October 2024.

South Africa and Brazil as member countries of the Global South, actively advance the developmental agenda of the South through, amongst others, the UN, IBSA, BRICS, G20, WTO, and International Financial Institutions.

Brazil is currently holding the IBSA Chair, G20 Presidency and in 2025 will chair the BRICS Plus as well as COP30. On 1 December 2023, South Africa became a member of the G20 Troika, with India and Brazil and will assume the Presidency of G20 in 2025

Brazil is South Africa's largest trading partner in Latin America and is the second largest trading partner in the Americas after the USA. South Africa is Brazil's second largest export partner in Africa.

The resumption of LATAM Airlines' and SAA's direct flights between Sao Paulo and Johannesburg in 2023 has opened opportunities to scale up tourism, trade, and people-to-people relations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Read moreMinister Pandor co-chairs the VII Session of the South Africa-Brazil Joint Commission

World Nuclear Association to Highlight Southern Africa’s Nuclear Prospects

Location: News
Energy Capital & Power

Director General of the World Nuclear Association (WNA) Dr. Sama Bilbao y León will speak at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) forum in Paris this May, unpacking unprecedented opportunities in southern Africa's energy sector. 

The WNA is an international organization that promotes nuclear power with the goal of tripling nuclear capacity by 2050 to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. On the African continent, South Africa is currently the only country with an operational nuclear power plant – the 1,860 MW Koeberg Nuclear Power Station – which accounts for approximately 5% of power generation. Last December, the country's Department of Mineral Resources and Energy announced plans to procure 2,500 MW of additional nuclear capacity and is in the process of seeking bids to commission new projects.

Organized by Energy Capital & Power, IAE 2024 (https://apo-opa.co/3UMOOtQ) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 14-15, 2024 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Following the discovery of large uranium deposits in eastern Uganda, the East African nation is forming a joint venture with South Korea and Russia to construct two nuclear power facilities totaling 15,000 MW. Burkina Faso is partnering with Russia's Rosatom to construct a nuclear power plant, while Ethiopia and Zimbabwe have also signed agreements with Russia to cooperate on nuclear technology and infrastructure development. Rwanda is developing a nuclear reactor pilot project in-country, expected to be operational by 2026.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Energy Action Plan, Eskom Generation Operational Recovery bearing fruit

Location: News

Energy Action Plan, Eskom Generation Operational Recovery bearing fruit

Eskom’s performance over the past three weeks – which has seen no load shedding being implemented – is a result of concerted and deliberate plans by the power utility and government to deal with load shedding.

This according to Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who was briefing the media on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan on Monday.

“The kind of progress that we are seeing today is largely as a result of the exceptional work that has been done by the team at Eskom. We are turning the corner and making significant strides to ensure that finally we get to see the back of load shedding. Of course we are not yet out of the woods.

“There’s been significant recovery as a result of the execution of the Generation Operational Recovery Plan…[and] as a result of, first, at the national level, the Energy Action Plan,” he said.

Ramokgopa added that there have been “phenomenal improvements in relation to the unplanned capacity loss factor” during the past week.

“We are beginning to see the kind of improvement that we are desiring. The period of March, the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor [UCLF] – the rate at which we are losing these units, the rate at which these units are not efficient – is coming down.

“The baseline of May [2023], we were sitting at about 18 000MW, we are bringing it down. The average of the week from the 8 to 12 April [2024], we were sitting at about 13 900MW. The week after, again at 14 000MW. Today, we are still at about 13 000MW. We want to maintain that…even bring it sub-13 000MW but it’s a function of a steady, orchestrated and deliberate effort on the part of Eskom,” he said.

The Minister emphasised that although the improvements are commendable, focus is still firmly on the work that still needs to be done.

“We are keeping focus on the bouncing ball, the resolution of load shedding. I must emphasise that in the nature of this space, you are likely to have setbacks. We are still working on the reliability of these machines and that’s why you can’t speak with great confidence that load shedding is behind us.

“We are making the kind of progress that, in many instances, far exceeds where we thought we will be, but we are not yet where we want to be,” he said.

Renewable energy

Minister Ramokgopa highlighted that the Energy Action Plan is also beginning to bear fruit which is exemplified in the contribution of renewable energy projects.

“We are seeing exceptional performance of renewables. As a result of the reforms that the state has introduced...the contribution of renewables is on the back of state incentives. It's part of that orchestrated plan. If you go to the Energy Action Plan, outcome number four stated explicitly that part of this Energy Action Plan is to ensure that we accelerate the rollout of roof top solar solutions for both households and industries.

“When we are out of this load shedding situation, we will still encourage people to rollout rooftop solar solutions because we want to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and we want to ensure that households, small and large industries contribute to this green transition we have committed to,” he said.

Prospective view

The Minister said the prospects in the immediate future look bright with several generating units coming back online over the next coming months.

“We are on track to recover Unit 4 of Medupi [Power Station] and that will be coming on stream in September of this year. We are on track to ensure that we return – as part of the extension of the life of our only nuclear power station – Koeberg Unit 2…we are confident that we will return it in September 2024. We are confident of synchronising Kusile [Power Station] Unit 6 in October of this year.

“In the next six months, we are going to get an additional 2580MW just on the Eskom fleet. We will continue to ensure that we sustain these efforts of improved performance,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Mon, 04/22/2024 - 11:38

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Read moreEnergy Action Plan, Eskom Generation Operational Recovery bearing fruit

MSC Cruises Introduces Seven Distinct Districts To Its Newest Ground-Breaking Ship, MSC World America, New For 2025

Location: MyPR

• From a dedicated family area or tranquil zen area through to a lively promenade with entertainment, shops and bars – a world of options awaits for guests • MSC Cruises’ new flagship to sail from homeport in Miami, Florida, USA from April 2025, with sailings already available to book MSC Cruises revealed today that …

Read moreMSC Cruises Introduces Seven Distinct Districts To Its Newest Ground-Breaking Ship, MSC World America, New For 2025

Revolutionising Home Comfort: The Impact of Smart Blinds and Light Switches

Location: MyPR

In the realm of home automation, two standout innovations—smart blinds and smart light switches—are transforming our living spaces into havens of convenience, efficiency, and personalized comfort. These technologies are not merely about adopting the latest trends; they’re about reimagining how our homes serve us, making everyday interactions with our environment simpler, more intuitive, and tailored …

Read moreRevolutionising Home Comfort: The Impact of Smart Blinds and Light Switches

Mashatile to launch second phase of Wi-Fi connectivity project in Limpopo

Location: News

Mashatile to launch second phase of Wi-Fi connectivity project in Limpopo

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will lead the official launch of Phase 2 of the South Africa Connect project on Friday, 19 April 2024. 

The project is a flagship programme aimed at bridging the digital divide by providing Wi-Fi access to communities and ensuring universal access to the internet. 

The SA Connect Phase 2 launch event is organised by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and will take place at the Ephraim Mogale Stadium, Modimolle Local Municipality, Waterberg District, in Limpopo. 

The project aligns with the government’s commitment to achieving the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 goals related to technology.

The programme also aims to create an inclusive information society and enable the government to provide broadband to communities. 

By playing an enabling role in the provision of broadband, the Presidency said, government will be better positioned to meet the needs of its citizens.

“It also galvanises the capability, resources, and energy of public and private sectors towards realising a bold vision to reach 80% connectivity by 2024,” the statement read. 

Deputy President Mashatile is launching Phase 2 which is expected to connect more than 42 000 government facilities, including schools, health facilities, post offices, police stations, and government offices, to broadband services.

The project will cover eight rural district municipalities.

So far, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has successfully confirmed that more than 751 232 households and about 4 366 community Wi-Fi hotspots are connected in 11 district municipalities. 

These include Mount Ayliff in the Eastern Cape and Kokstad in KwaZulu-Natal, with other districts to follow.

The Deputy President will also take the opportunity to interact with members of the surrounding communities to witness progress achieved by government in providing core access to network infrastructure to enable broadband connectivity to community Wi-Fi hotspots that connect households. 

The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, Members of the Limpopo Provincial Executive Council, District and Local Mayors, as well as senior government officials will support Deputy President Mashatile. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 11:23

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Read moreMashatile to launch second phase of Wi-Fi connectivity project in Limpopo

Finding Your Perfect Appliance: A Comprehensive Guide to Home Essentials

Location: MyPR

In the realm of household appliances, the choices are endless, with options to suit every need and preference. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen gadgets or streamline your cleaning routine, there’s a wide array of appliances for sale to cater to your specific requirements. Let’s explore a curated selection of essential appliances, from air …

Read moreFinding Your Perfect Appliance: A Comprehensive Guide to Home Essentials

Unlock Your Fitness Potential: Exploring Essential Supplements

Location: MyPR

Achieving fitness goals often requires more than just dedication to exercise. Proper nutrition and supplementation play vital roles in optimizing performance, enhancing recovery, and achieving desired results. With a plethora of gym supplements available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right ones for your needs. Let’s delve into a range of essential supplements and …

Read moreUnlock Your Fitness Potential: Exploring Essential Supplements

Capetonians support CANSA when you #RunYourCity this Mother’s Day

Location: MyPR

When registering online for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K (taking place on Sunday 12 May 2024), participants, whether they’re running or walking, can support the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) by making an immediate donation towards this meaningful cause. A non-profit leader in the fight against cancer since 1931, CANSA enables …

Read moreCapetonians support CANSA when you #RunYourCity this Mother’s Day

Electricity Minister to visit Northern Cape

Location: News

Electricity Minister to visit Northern Cape

Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, is expected to undertake an outreach programme with business stakeholders in the Northern Cape.

The programme is expected to be held on Thursday and Friday.

“The programme seeks to forge partnerships between all spheres of government and organised business/industrialists to achieve the Energy Action Plan’s [EAP] target of ending load shedding and creating energy security.

“The programme focuses on localised solutions to energy supply to protect local economies and save jobs and livelihoods,” the Ministry said in a statement.

The Minister will be joined by Premier Zamani Saul with the support of provincial and local government.

“On Thursday, the Minister…will be part of marking the reaching of commercial operation of one of the largest hybrid solar and energy battery storage facilities, Scatec ASA. Scatec has now officially commenced producing and supplying electricity to the national grid from their three Kenhardt plants in the Northern Cape.

“With an installed solar capacity of 540 MW and a battery storage capacity of 225MW/ 1140MWh, this innovative and large-scale project delivers 150 MW of dispatchable power to the grid.

“This milestone is in fulfilment of the EAP’s pillars of enabling private investment in generation and fast tracking the procurement of new generation from renewable energy sources, as part of South Africa’s energy mix,” the Ministry said.

The programme will conclude on Friday with an engagement with business representatives in the province to be held in Upington. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Tue, 04/16/2024 - 10:54

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Read moreElectricity Minister to visit Northern Cape

Johannesburg precinct sets standards for sustainability

Location: News
Melrose Arch

As South Africa migrates to an off-grid economy, one mixed-use precinct is leading the way with its sustainability prowess. Melrose Arch (www.MelroseArch.co.za/) has a thriving waste separating facility, underground cooling plant, gardens and rooftop solar system, providing its hotels, businesses and residential properties with an unparalleled experience.

After blasting and bulk earthworks commenced in the year 1998, Melrose Arch opened with a limited upmarket facility, with phase 1 consisting of only 11 buildings in 2001. It was constructed on a super basement that connects all areas of the precinct and remains the only one of this kind in the country. Parking cars in the basement reduces traffic congestion, and assists in reducing ambient air pollution above ground. Therefore, walking on street level is safe and pleasurable.

Renowned for its upmarket appeal and European street style aesthetic, Melrose Arch's streets are lined with greenery. The precinct has over 700 trees planted within its border, as well as five internal garden spaces creating green lungs for residents and tenants to enjoy.

Melrose Arch has since expanded to house 106 000m² office space, 39 000m² retail space, 17 000m² hotel space, 29 000m² of residential and conferencing space, and 8600m² accommodating health clubs. The integration of sustainability operations has expanded parallel to the 199 600m², with the result of seamless integration. 

Eco Centre, Waste Separating Facility

Melrose Arch's waste separating facility, that operates 24/7 separates paper, cardboard, metals, plastics and glass, and sends these for recycling. At the property's approximately 30 restaurants, cafés and bars on the precinct, food waste is separated at source i.e., in the restaurant kitchens.

The food waste recycling works by implementing efficient waste separation methods and commitment, allowing each restaurant to divert food waste from traditional waste streams. By separating the food waste at source, restaurants assist in thorough recycling and processing, transforming waste into valuable resources such as compost.

The food waste is taken offsite and directly to the Urban Farms Recycling Centre, where it is converted into organic fertiliser. This organisation's vermiculture facility in Modderfontein is the largest of its kind in South Africa. After the majority of the waste is recycled, the balance goes to a landfill, where the eco center aims to minimise the amount each day.

In February 2024, of the 92.578 tons of waste collected across the precinct, 88% was recycled. A total of 77,303.58m³ CO2, 712,447.19L of water and 312,494.50 kWh energy was saved. Additionally, the eco center creates employment and enhances community participation in climate-relevant mitigation and adaptation measures.

Melrose Arch Cooling Plant

The provision of efficient indoor climate and comfort, particularly in the offices and commercial buildings, has been prioritised since the inception of Melrose Arch's development. The precinct boasts its own 1,471m² district underground cooling plant, that operates 24/7. This remarkable facility includes 8 chillers that are 2722.94kW in size, 12 cooling towers and 5 building water pumps.

Operated by a Building Management System, the plant is energy efficient. The cooling is centrally produced and distributes cold water to each building through a closed distribution network. Environmentally-friendly and economically savvy, this center helps to regulate the temperature inside buildings across the entire precinct.  

The cooling plant's machinery and equipment have a nameplate capacity of 4,324.74KW, but for safety, are never operated at full capacity. The kVA demand for the plant during the summer months is set at 8.5kVA, which means that the plant regulates itself depending on demand, but it will limit itself to 8.5kVA. The average monthly kWh consumption for the plant is 494,914.08kWh.

Intricate Solar System

The Melrose Arch precinct's rooftop solar system is intricately accommodated across 16 different roof surfaces, and every building under the precinct's joint venture agreement that can host solar panels does. Currently featuring 7,811 solar panels and multiple inverters, generating approximately 3.2MW of clean energy annually, the grid-tied system integrates with multiple generators during load-shedding.

Some of the commercial operators on the property such as the Johannesburg Marriott Hotel, Melrose Arch operate their own solar systems, providing further sustainability. “We are committed to a target of 30% renewable energy across all of our properties by 2025, and becoming net zero for carbon emissions by 2050,” said Richard Collins, Area Vice President: Sub-Saharan Africa, Marriot International.

Melrose Arch is investigating the expansion of its current solar capacity, looking to increase its clean energy supply by a further 3MW per annum. Melrose Arch is also investigating a battery plant solution, tied into its own grid, to be powered by the solar plant, which will provide the precinct with up to 4 hours of standby energy in the event of outages.

Back up water

Melrose Arch has two sources of underground water. Through its water treatment plant, water is filtered and cleansed before being converted to potable water. This water is channeled to Melrose Arch's standby tanks, which are in place to enable the precinct to continue to enjoy water when there are interruptions to the local supply.

This system keeps the precinct's gardens green throughout the year and ensures that less water is wasted. Last year alone, the precinct saved 3,500,000 litres of water in this way. Furthermore, Melrose Arch/the precinct has a water back-up system with sufficient supply to keep operations flowing for up to 72 hours at any given time.

“Melrose Arch's prominence in the commercial and residential sector is underpinned by its robust operational sustainability integration that includes solar power, waste separation, a cooling plant, water backup and more,” says Reiner Henschel, Operations Director at Melrose Arch. “However, our commitment doesn't end there. We are resolute in continually integrating sustainability into our operations, ensuring that the precinct maintains its position as a leader in environmental responsibility in South Africa,” he concluded.

For further details on Melrose Arch, visit https://MelroseArch.co.za/

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Melrose Arch.

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Transforming Your Home: The Power of Smart Home Automation

Location: MyPR

In the era of interconnected technology, the concept of home automation has evolved from a futuristic dream to a tangible reality. With the rise of smart home systems, homeowners now have the ability to control various aspects of their living environment with unprecedented convenience and efficiency. From enhancing security to optimizing energy usage, let’s explore …

Read moreTransforming Your Home: The Power of Smart Home Automation

Introducing the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro & DELTA 2 Max: The Ultimate Energy Partners to Power Through Loadshedding

Location: Business
EcoFlow

EcoFlow (https://apo-opa.co/3Q0P8ln), a leading eco-friendly energy solutions company, today launched the RIVER 2 Pro and DELTA 2 Max in South Africa. Featuring an upgraded capacity and faster charging, the RIVER 2 Pro is the best portable power station within stage 6 loadshedding. DELTA 2 Max has a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) transfer time of 20ms and a capacity of 2048Wh, making it an ideal power ally for whole-home comfort.

“As loadshedding continues to grow, the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro and DELTA 2 Max ensure our consumers have access to a simple, flexible and reliable energy source wherever and whenever they should need it,” said Bradley Chetty, B2C Sales Director at EcoFlow South Africa. “We are proud to bring more lifestyle solutions to the market. EcoFlow is committed to making life better through meaningful innovation.”

RIVER 2 Pro, the Best Portable Power Station within Stage 6 Loadshedding

Charge Faster and Power More Sufficiently

The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro boasts a capacity of 768Wh. Thanks to EcoFlow's X-Stream technology, it can be fully recharged via AC charging in just 70 minutes, 70% faster than the industry average.

With a maximum AC output of 800W and EcoFlow's X-Boost technology, the RIVER 2 Pro can run devices of up to 1600W. It is sufficient for 80% of heavy-duty appliances such as, hair dryers, microwaves, and electric kettles, covering almost all the daily essentials in a household.

An Emergency Power Supply with 5-Year Warranty

The RIVER 2 Pro is able to provide emergency power supply (EPS). In case of a sudden blackout, it can automatically switch to the battery-powered supply mode within 30ms. When unexpected power outages happen, it can almost instantly become a reliable energy source, preventing disruptions in consumers' daily activities or work.

Equipped with advanced LiFePO4 (LFP) batteries that can operate under extreme temperatures, the RIVER 2 Pro possesses a lifespan of 3,000 cycles, six times longer than the industry average of 500 cycles. In addition, the RIVER 2 Pro comes with an industry-leading 5-year warranty, a testament to EcoFlow's confidence in its product's durability and futuristic technology.

DELTA 2 Max, Your Power Ally for Whole Home Comfort

The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max supports 20ms auto-switch to Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) mode when unexpected power cuts hit, acting like an invisible lifeline. With a base capacity of 2,048Wh, which can be expanded up to 6,144Wh with two extra batteries, users can customize their energy solutions based on their specific energy needs.

Featuring EcoFlow's patented X-Stream technology, the DELTA 2 Max boasts industry-leading fast charging speeds. With an AC input of 2300W and a maximum solar input of 1000W, the DELTA 2 Max can be charged by AC from 0 to 100% in 81 minutes or by solar from 0 to 100% in 2.3 hours. Meanwhile, the DELTA 2 Max can be charged from 0 to 80% in only 43 minutes[1] with AC and solar dual charging – making it the ideal portable power station for life's unplanned moments.

The DELTA 2 Max is equipped with a 2400W AC output that can power almost all essential home appliances. Even while charging, it can still power up to 13 devices simultaneously. With the X-Boost technology, the DELTA 2 Max can even power some appliances up to 3100W. In face of potential severe power outages such as stage 13 loadshedding, the DELTA 2 Max can serve as a powerful and reliable energy partner   to help people live worry-free and enjoy the same level of comfort at home.

Pricing and Availability

Both RIVER 2 Pro and DELTA 2 Max will be available to buy starting Monday, April 15, on EcoFlow South Africa (https://apo-opa.co/3Q0P8ln). The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro (https://apo-opa.co/446kkWg) is priced at R 11,999 and the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max (https://apo-opa.co/4cOWBO6) is priced at R 25,999.

For more information, please visit: https://ZA.EcoFlow.com.

 

[1] The charging time is achieved when the combined solar and AC input is 2400W. Actual user experiences may vary.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of EcoFlow.

About EcoFlow:
EcoFlow is a leading eco-friendly energy solutions company with the vision to power a new world. Since its founding in 2017, EcoFlow aims to become a reliable and trusted energy companion for individuals and families across the world, providing accessible and renewable power solutions at home, outdoors, and in mobile spaces. Today, with operational headquarters located in the USA, Germany, and Japan, EcoFlow has empowered more than 2.5 million users in over 100 markets worldwide.

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