Eskom’s evolution sparks hope of thinking outside the grid

For decades, South Africans have associated Eskom with crisis rather than innovation. However, a quiet transformation is underway, one that suggests the power utility is beginning to embrace creativity and technology in its approach to energy management and financial...

Closing the gap in the energy market

The transition to clean energy is facing a significant challenge in the form of a shortage of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and graphite. These materials are essential for technologies like electric vehicles and battery storage, but current supply...

Call to address the climate change reality in SA

This year’s World Engineering Day (4 March) was a powerful reminder of the critical role engineers play in driving progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By Karen King, director of climate resilience at Royal HaskoningDHV  The theme,...

Private sector seen as key to enabling grid capacity

South Africa’s lack of sufficient reserve capacity to back up unforeseen outages has led to rolling black outs across the country, leaving many with up to eight hours of no power. As foreign ministers gathered in at the Group of 20 meeting, President Ramaphosa...

Powering sustainable mining operations in Africa

Africa’s mining sector is at a crossroads and, as the industry grapples with mounting pressure to drive operational efficiency within the boundaries of sustainability, natural gas is emerging as a compelling solution, writes Johan Helberg, head of sales: Africa at...

Energy storage key for aligning mines’ goals

During the 1990s and early 2000s South African mines bought electricity from Eskom at regulated tariffs which were globally competitive. By Jonathan Skeen, MD: commercial at SOLA Eskom prioritised the mines as their most important customers, and faced few hurdles...