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Africa is rapidly expanding electricity generation, but new research shows energy planning must also account for water scarcity and carbon dioxide emissions.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) will do everything in its power to oppose the application fee and monthly levy on solar panels proposed by the Emfuleni Local Municipality (Evaton, Sebokeng, Vaal Oewer, Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging). During the latest council meeting, the Council approved, in principle, a proposal allowing an application fee of approximately R2 […]
The post Emfuleni plans to penalise solar power users appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Solar energy can cut costs and pollution for South African households, but fear of theft holds people back. Shared mini-grids offer a safer, affordable alternative.
The Draft 2026/27 Budget effectively formalises a "City-as-a-Service" model, where the privilege of being a resident is increasingly defined by mandatory, high-cost subscriptions rather than actual service usage.
The post CAPE TOWN’S NEW BUDGET IS A “SUBSCRIPTION MODEL” FOR BASIC RIGHTS appeared first on For Good.
Research suggests a shift to electric mobility is technically and economically feasible.
Strong institutions ensure that foreign investment supports sustainable growth rather than environmental decay.
Johannesburg’s power utility says credits of R136-million have been issued to 86 customers who were overcharged
South Africa needs a renewable energy industrial strategy, not just requirements for green power projects to buy a percentage of solar parts from local companies.
This appears to be the most draconian pre-publication interdict we have come across
Failing water, power, sanitation and security services in South Africa are spurring households and communities to do it themselves.
The houses were specifically given to elderly and people with disabilities in Extension 2, Mackenzieville
The company had wanted to stop three “whistleblowers” and a journalist from reporting that it was importing and not locally manufacturing its solar panels
There have been too many prepublication gag orders in recent times
Solar panel company ARTsolar has been in the news for obtaining a gag order against a journalist and whistleblowers. ARTsolar, a Durban-based company, has been in the news for the past few weeks because it obtained a gag order against journalist Bongani Hans and three whistleblowers. See: The company’s website states: “As a local manufacturer …
“There is no absolute right to be protected from being the subject of defamatory allegations” says acting judge
R90-million awarded to ARTsolar under investigation
Reporter prevented from exposing claims that a solar panel company misled a client
The sun has set in Johannesburg, South Africa and Nntuthuzelo Ndwandwa, 39, is returning home from her job as a customer care consultant. When once she would have glanced nervously into the shadows, now she walks through a complex illuminated by solar-powered lights and enters her home, where a solar-powered heater doles out warm water for washing up.
“We are safe during load shedding because the external lights are on solar,” says Ndwandwa. “I'm also guaranteed hot water in the morning. It has made my life so much easier.”
This may sound like a humdrum, everyday moment, but for Ndwandwa and the other hundreds of residents of the Tshedzani Phase 3 social housing project, these basics are a revelation. They were provided through a project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) that installed solar-powered equipment in public housing units across South Africa's biggest city. The effort, implemented by the City of Johannesburg, was designed to improve the quality of life of urban dwellers and fight climate change.
Residents of the social housing project say they now feel more secure, are saving money and have more job opportunities.
“Before the project, we had load shedding, and outside, it was dark […] we would not go outside as we were scared,” says resident Catherine Gugulethe Mbuyisa, 55. “Cars would be hijacked, washing would be stolen. But since the installation of solar power, we haven't experienced any of those problems and I've saved a lot in terms of electricity.”
Cities at the centre of climate action
Johannesburg is one of a growing number of global cities racing to lower their greenhouse gas emissions through better urban planning, which experts say can be a quick and easy way to reach climate targets. But such work also has a host of other benefits – from providing access to energy to protecting residents from the health hazards of open dumping.
“Action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions doesn't just make a difference at a global level – it invariably makes a positive difference to people's lives,” says Martin Krause, Director of the UN Environment Programme's Climate Change Division. “This is particularly obvious in cities, where the concentration of people means rapid gains for people and planet are possible.”
Today, some 56 per cent per cent of the world's population live in cities. Almost 1.2 billion of these people already face a bevy of climate-related risks, including rising seas and heatwaves. At the same time, urban areas consume around 75 per cent of the world's energy and produce around 70 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, reports the International Energy Agency. Urbanization is occurring rapidly, increasing the impact of cities on the environment and economy.
But cities are also hotbeds of climate solutions. And experts say how they are designed, built and managed will significantly impact global emissions, resource consumption and resilience to climate change. That is why successful projects, such as the one in Johannesburg, are considered so important.
“By adopting integrated approaches to support green, affordable housing, waste management and clean energy access for communities thriving amidst verdant natural spaces, cities like Johannesburg are leading the way to a sustainable urban future that benefits people, natural ecosystems and the global environment,” says Fred Boltz, Manager of GEF's Programming Division.
Multiple benefits
Kicked off in 2020, the GEF project focused on five key areas, including retrofitting social housing, increasing food resilience through sustainable urban farming, boosting biodegradable waste management and increasing evidence-based planning.
As part of this work, 172 units in Roodepoort Tshedzani 3 social housing have been fitted with solar water heaters, solar panels and lithium-ion batteries, energy-saving lighting and water-saving components.
To boost organic peri-urban farming in other areas, seeds, fertilizer and tools have been provided to farmers, alongside boreholes at four sites. Some 8,000 square metres of land is now under organic production and waiting for certification. Residents were also trained in many aspects of sustainability, including recycling, and a biodigester plant is under construction to turn waste into energy.
These additional benefits have brought opportunities to many residents, such as Voneen Trompeter, an unemployed single mother looking for ways to support her two children.
“This project has made me feel more worthy of being in a community, and I have learned a lot about business and recycling,” she says. “My hope for the future is to get a permanent position within the recycling programme, as it will be beneficial to me and my family.”
While the project is set to end later in 2025, its legacy will continue—not just in the infrastructure set up for residents. Standards and guidelines are being prepared to make it easier for such initiatives to take root in other parts of Johannesburg.
“We are excited to see the results of the GEF project coming together,” says Liana Strydom, Assistant Director, Regional Planning, City Transformation and Spatial Planning Directorate in the City of Johannesburg. “It creates momentum to mainstream our initiatives and creates hope for broader impact across many different aspects of the city's resilience and our citizens' ability to navigate climate shifts.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber (https://EnergyChamber.org).
Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP) have been introduced in recent years to provide financial support to developing nations as they transition away from fossil fuels. In 2021, during the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), South Africa became the first nation to sign such a deal. Senegal and the International Partners Group (IGP) signed a JETP in June 2023.
I have said before that the best way for Western countries, and the developed world at large, to help Africa transition from fossil fuels is through investment and collaboration, not patronization. This is precisely what the JETP programs seek to do, assist energy emerging economies that are dependent on coal to transition away from fossil fuels while leaving room to address the associated social consequences. That is investment, that is collaboration, and above all, it is respectful of the reality that Africa can move only on its own schedule in this matter. Arbitrarily forbidding us from using our natural resources will only do more harm than good.
So far, South Africa and Senegal are the only African countries to have agreed to a JETP, with South Africa securing a deal for USD8.5 billion, while Senegal secured one for USD2.7 billion. How South Africa and Senegal intend to leverage these deals differ drastically, however, as do their power generation circumstances.
South Africa: Pulled Between Priorities
Coal continues to dominate South Africa's energy portfolio, at over 80% of the country's power generation mix. Due to chronic load shedding and energy shortage issues, the country is now being pulled between two priorities, ensuring energy security and adhering to its decarbonization plans. General power outages have plagued the country since 2008 but intensified in recent years and effectively hamstrung South Africa's economy, which has not surpassed even 1% gross domestic product (GDP) annual growth in the last decade.
The country's aging coal fleet faces significant maintenance issues which led to several of the country's largest coal units being rendered inoperable in 2023. That year also saw the worst load shedding the country has faced yet, more than twice what it experienced in 2022, leading to energy shortages for 335 days out of the year. This load shedding led to a sharp increase in demand for solar panels and batteries, but Eskom (South Africa's power utility) has had to prioritize energy security instead, prolonging its reliance on coal-fired plants and slowing down their decommissioning. To their credit, Eskom has made significant improvements to their coal plants' maintenance and repair thanks to a recovery strategy launched in early 2023, and they have not suffered another load-shedding event since March 26, 2024.
Nevertheless, the decision to prolong their reliance on coal is at odds with South Africa's JETP. It has also directly led to the South African government seeking renegotiation of finance deals tied to its transition to cleaner energy sources, amounting to some USD2.6 billion of the originally agreed to USD8.5 billion.
Above all, right now South Africa requires a solution that will ensure its energy security while also keeping the country on track with its JETP commitments, especially given its peak demand by 2030 is expected to reach 38 gigawatts (GW), a full 6 GW more than its current peak. And even though 13.6 GW of new power plants are expected to come online by 2027, with solar PV accounting for over half and onshore wind accounting for 25% of the new capacity, coal is still expected to meet two-thirds of daily demand. Battery storage assets awarded by South Africa's Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (BESIPPP) will also contribute to this new capacity. Renewable-based generation in South Africa is also expected to grow from nearly 14.1% currently to nearly 29% by 2030.
I want to be very clear here: South Africa's renewable energy growth is commendable, and Eskom's decision to prioritize energy security via coal when an alternative solution wasn't immediately available was understandable and pragmatic. But the country's renewables are not advancing fast enough to cover for the aging of its coal fleet, and no amount of emergency maintenance campaigns can ensure that similar issues won't lead to a load-shedding crisis again. If unaddressed, it will introduce the risk of shortfalls when the coal fleet is inevitably shut down at its end of life. Gas-to-power is thus the most prudent option for South Africa to prioritize while it continues working to expand its renewable power sources. The flexibility provided by gas-to-power will help meet demand once the coal fleet can no longer provide South Africa's baseload power, leaving it with only its Koeberg nuclear power plant and currently limited solar and hydropower resources to fill in the gap. Not only is natural gas more cost-effective and efficient as a power source than coal, but it is also relatively cheap to retrofit a formerly coal-fired plant with gas turbines, allowing South Africa to both gradually phase out coal while saving money that would otherwise be spent building entirely new infrastructure. All of this will matter a great deal, as South Africa anticipates phasing out coal to require USD99 billion dollars between 2023 and 2027. So far, it has raised half between their JETP deal with the IGP, USD33 billion in private sector investments, and USD10 billion from the public sector. South Africa hopes to fill the gap through both domestic and international private entities in the form of grants, guarantees, and concessional loans.
Fewer Struggles in Senegal
Senegal, meanwhile, looks to be having fewer troubles, being reliant on liquid fuel sources rather than coal. The USD2.7 billion raised through its JETP is expected to attract and mobilize further investments from both the private and public sectors, much the same as South Africa. Senegal, however, will also be receiving technical assistance from its international partners to boost the integration of its renewable energy infrastructure and technology, with a heavy focus on grid stabilization and battery storage. This aligns well with its electrification plans, which aim to achieve 40% of its installed capacity mix provided by renewables by 2030, up considerably from the current 22%. Senegal has also committed to developing an investment plan within 12 months to identify its needs, opportunities, and allocations to meet its targets.
To that same end, Senegal plans to publish a revised nationally determined contribution (NDC) at COP30, set to take place in late 2025. The current NDC outlines an unconditional target of 235 MW of solar PV, 150 MW of onshore wind, and 314 MW of hydro by 2030. With international assistance, these targets are set to rise to 335 MW of solar PV, 250 MW of onshore wind, 50 MW of bioenergy and 50 MW of solar thermal.
Overall, both South Africa and Senegal stand to benefit significantly from their JETPs, and this is a trend I hope to see continue in the future for African states. There are, of course, growing pains. JETPs are still a nascent program, and the first few deals were signed as political promises first and foremost before the full technical and coordination details could be fully worked out by all sides. The implementation process for South Africa and Senegal has thus been delayed while consultations and negotiations smooth over the logistical details. In addition, JETPs alone will be nowhere near enough to fully cover the financial burden of transitioning African countries away from fossil fuels, and acquiring the private financial investments to bridge the gap may prove difficult for many countries.
This is why it is crucial for African states, and the world at large, to keep a close eye on how things develop in South Africa and Senegal, as their efforts to address these challenges will no doubt set the example for others.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
As global temperature records continue to be broken, cities need to move fast to protect residents from heat stress. Planting trees seems the simplest solution
Shipping containers have evolved far beyond their original use for transporting goods across the world. Today, these sturdy and versatile structures are being repurposed for a wide range of applications, from storage solutions to innovative architectural projects. This article delves into the many uses of shipping containers, the availability of shipping containers for sale, and …
Gauteng’s Murray Park Library to get a new lease on life
The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) has commenced with the construction of the long-awaited upgrades to the Murray Park Library, located in Malvern, Johannesburg.
The JDA has commenced with the construction on behalf of the City of Johannesburg's Community Development Department.
First opened in 1957, Murray Park Library has been a cornerstone of knowledge and community engagement for over six decades.
Recognising its importance as a hub for education and enrichment, the JDA spearheads a comprehensive redevelopment project to modernise and revitalise the beloved institution.
“The upgrade of Murray Park Library is part of the Inner City Eastern Gateway Urban Development Framework, reflecting the City's commitment to enhancing infrastructure and services for its residents.
Upon completion, the renovated library will serve as a beacon of learning and culture for Malvern and surrounding communities,” said the agency in a statement.
JDA Executive Manager for Project Implementation Siyabonga Genu said the agency is excited about the upgrades.
“This project underscores our commitment to creating inclusive spaces that foster lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and community cohesion.
“Through thoughtful design and meticulous planning, we aim to deliver a modern, accessible library facility that will be a source of pride for generations to come," he said.
Key features of the upgrade
The upgrade project will be done in two phases, with phase one focusing on foundational elements and phase two concentrating on constructing the two-story library structure.
Phase 1, scheduled for implementation in the 2024/2025 financial year, encompasses critical groundwork such as site clearance, construction of retaining walls, and foundational preparations.
Phase 2 will see the construction of the state-of-the-art library facility, spanning approximately 2000m². The ground floor will feature a general library space, a study area for children, meeting rooms, study centres, and essential amenities.
The first floor will accommodate a teenage section, activity centre, e-learning area, and additional facilities. The exterior enhancements will include landscaping, paving, lighting, and parking facilities.
Moreover, the upgrade project emphasises sustainability and accessibility, with provisions for solar panels, upgraded power supply capacity, and facilities for persons with disabilities.
Community impact
According to the JDA, the upgraded Murray Park Library will serve as a dynamic community resource, offering world-class library and information services to residents of all ages.
From providing access to literature and educational resources to fostering a vibrant space for cultural exchange and lifelong learning, the new library will enrich the lives of a diverse population. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 08/26/2024 - 09:57
Lives will improve in Ekurhuleni, vows government
Government is committed to improving the lives of residents of the City of Ekurhuleni Municipality through interventions including “expanded support for small businesses and intensified efforts to spare communities from crime”.
Other interventions will be in security of tenure for people living and working on farms, and much needed repairs to major roadways that serve as economic arteries to the municipality.
On Friday, President Cyril Ramaphosa led a District Development Model Presidential Imbizo in the municipality.
READ | Strong municipalities needed to grow economy
The Presidential Imbizo was a platform for communities to interact and share their challenges with government leaders from all three spheres of government on service delivery challenges, and for the executive to respond to the community on what they are doing to resolve those issues.
“During this interaction, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza and other leaders outlined efforts address these matters and to improve economic prospects more broadly in the district,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said in a statement.
Water and electricity
After the community expressed their challenges, particularly those related to water, Xhakaza assured them that the city’s Water and Sanitation Department was working tirelessly to deliver services.
A new water pump station is in the pipeline for the area.
“The department has been allocated R590 million in 2024/25 for key projects including R30 million for a new 30Ml reservoir in Germiston; R15 million for the construction of a new sewer pipeline at Pomona and R10 million for a new water pipeline in Nigel.
“To mitigate the challenge the city power cuts and load reduction the City has undertaken to install backup generators at 21 water supply infrastructure sites such as reservoirs and pump stations. Some sites where the backup generators installed include Sunward Park, Tsakane and Germiston reservoirs,” the statement read.
Housing and employment
During the Imbizo, it was revealed that land claims totalling some R53 million are being fast tracked while housing is also getting attention.
It was revealed that the city, the provincial and national governments have partnered to under mega hosing projects which are at “various stages of pre-planning and construction”.
“The City has provided hundreds of serviced sites or stands that feature permanent infrastructure such as water, electricity and sanitation and are ready for top structures for integrated human settlements, and the development of transport services.
“Ekurhuleni is implementing a range of housing projects and related infrastructure totalling just under half a billion rand at Brakpan Old Location, Esselen Park, John Dube, Helderwyk, Birchleigh, Leeuwpoort, Daggafontein and Palm Ridge.
“Other actions under way and in the pipeline in the district include public employment projects such as the Vala Zonke pothole repair initiative; the opening in the coming weeks of a shared facility that will bring together small businesses under one roof; the revival of dormant industrial parks, and the provision of solar panels to needy residents in an initiative that has the potential to create 30 000 jobs,” the GCIS said.
Pre-Imbizo
Ahead of the Imbizo, leaders from all three spheres of government embarked on oversight visits to Ekurhuleni.
“Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy paid an oversight visit to the rehabilitation work construction crews are performing on 14km of the R21 freeway.
“Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mzwanele Nyhontsho presented title deeds to land tenure beneficiaries who now have security on land bought by government at a cost of R12 million,” the GCIS said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 08/25/2024 - 12:42
Introduction Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable energy solution. With the growing concern for the environment and rising energy costs, many people are considering solar panels for sale as a viable option. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of solar panels and why they are a smart investment. Understanding …