The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe revealed on Tuesday that government is looking forward to creating a new entity with the ability to generate power independently from Eskom. He communicated to the audience that government will provide license-free permission to mining companies to generate power for their own consumption.
Renewable and self-sustaining mini-grid solutions present a viable solution to achieve universal energy-access goals for remote African communities. Mini-grids present a viable solution to increasing energy access to Africa’s population while also tapping into Africa’s huge potential for renewable energy.
Africa Energy Indaba to connect solar project development, finance & investment in the four leading solar electrification segments (utility-scale, mini/microgrids and off-grid, commercial & industrial)
Africa’s abundant clean energy resources, coupled with new investments in renewable energy technologies, have spearheaded Africa into a clean energy revolution. As reported by the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable energy is believed to constitute approximately 50% of sub-Saharan Africa’s power generation growth by 2040, consequently accelerating Africa’s novice economies.
Prevalent topics with particular reference to Africa’s energy sphere, are set to form the core of discussions at the 12th Africa Energy Indaba. Interactive dialogues and key outcomes emanating from these themes will provide business growth opportunities for Africa’s energy sector and inspire the necessary transformation within this realm.
The African Continental Free Trade Area agreement (AfCFTA) will constitute the world’s largest free trade area, consolidating an integrated market of 1.3 billion consumers with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $3.4 trillion. The objective is to realise a continent-wide single market for goods and services with free movement of business, persons and investments.
Energy storage coupled with renewable energy ensures supply is less intermittent, thereby solving balancing and system reliability issues. A new report commissioned by IFC and ESMAP finds that energy storage deployments in emerging markets are expected to grow 40 percent annually over the coming decade, resulting in about 80 gigawatts of new storage capacity.
The Africa Energy Outlook 2019 report states that cumulative investments of $2.6 trillion are required between 2019 and 2040 to meet Africa’s rising energy demand
South Africa’s renewable energy sector has revealed the preparation of a transition roadmap that seeks to speed up and assist the mobilisation of wind and solar energy in regions where gold and coal mining are on the decline. By incorporating employment and industrialisation in the renewable industry, the roadmap will accelerate economic activity and produce job opportunities in the affected areas.
Municipalities need to adequately prepare for significant transitions in the electricity sector concerning IPPs – with South Africa paving the way.