SMBs can contribute to a more sustainable world
2024 marks our 54th World Earth Day (yesterday, 22 April) and, while we can say a lot about the progress we've made as a society, or not, what I'm left thinking about is the principle that Earth.org, the creators of World Earth Day, run on - collective action. By...
Cutting down on digital waste beyond Earth Day
Earth Day, commemorated today (22 April), serves as a reminder of our responsibility to protect the environment. While traditional approaches like reducing plastic consumption are well-known, there are less obvious methods that also have a significant impact. One such...
Load shedding versus load curtailment
As of 1 March 2024, Eskom has taken over control of load shedding in the City of Ekurhuleni. This, after the city reportedly failed to execute power outages when required. However, the metro has negotiated with the power utility for load curtailment to be implemented...
How to slash rising electricity costs
Starting from 1 April 2024, prepaid electricity prices have increased by 12,74%, resulting in an average electricity tariff rise from around R1.84 per kWh to approximately R2.07. With households averaging 350kWh per month, South Africans are now expected to pay in the...
Saving electricity could be the key to solving the water crisis
Millions of Johannesburg residents face a critical water shortage, raising concerns about the city's long-term water security. While Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda recently unveiled a comprehensive water security strategy, Dr Andrew Dickson, engineering executive at...
Energy forecasting as a service could benefit utilities and the country
Load forecasting, designed to ensure there is ample supply of electricity to meet demand, has been a focal point for utilities the world over especially during the ongoing energy crisis. In South Africa, amidst continual loadshedding, efforts have intensified to...
Battery minerals shine light on a greener, cleaner future
The world is going electric - from vehicles to smartphones, portable electronics and renewable energy storage systems. According to Oscar van Antwerpen, who is the director and founder of geological consulting firm Minrom, this battery-powered world is fueled by...
Promote sustainability across the supply chain
If any trend signals the next evolutionary stage of business in South Africa and around the world, it's sustainability. By Marcel Bruyns, sales manager for Africa at Axis Communications Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) discussions have become ubiquitous,...
This is why you need a microgrid
If 2023 has taught us anything, is that the energy landscape is dynamic, robust, and versatile. By Nishandra Baijnath, systems architect: power systems for Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric South Africa and, in fact, the world are at historic juncture with...
How microgrids could alleviate load shedding
Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa recently announced that South Africans experienced 600 hours less load shedding over the past three months than they did in the same period last year. But, while this has been welcomed, the threat of load shedding still...
Deregulation drives innovation in Africa’s energy sector
A deregulated power sector is an enormous opportunity for key markets in Africa, as individual countries start to contribute to an efficient, sustainable and competitive renewable energy ecosystem, writes Paul van Zijl, Group CEO at Starsight Energy. He shares some...
A consumer-friendly guide to lithium-ion batteries
Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious consumer, or someone keen on the future of energy storage, understanding key concepts relating to lithium-ion batteries is invaluable. SafeQuip, a distributor of fire-related equipment, sheds more light on common terms...