Unbelievable: Coal puts halt to South Africa’s renewables industry
In an unexpected turn of events, two unions representing coal interests have put a halt to the signing of 27 renewable energy power purchase agreements (PPAs), thus effectively stopping South Africa’s renewables industry in its tracks.
South Africa: Date set for PPA signing, economic benefits highlighted
The South African Government has set a date of March 13 for the signing of 27 outstanding PPAs for solar and wind. It emphasized the economic benefits of the contracts, which are set to spur new energy investment of around US$4.7 billion and over 60,000 jobs.
South Africa: Outstanding PPAs for solar, renewables to be signed by end of March
The announcement was made by the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA). The PPAs relate to 26 renewable energy projects, of which 12 totaling 813 MW are for large-scale PV plants selected in round 4 of the REIPPPP program.
GCL-Poly Energy reveals O&M, leasing deals following share sale
GCL-Poly Energy has announced a handful of service deals among several of its subsidiaries dating back to 2016, in line with disclosure requirements related to a recent share subscription by its Hong Kong-listed solar O&M unit, GCL New Energy (GNE).
South Africa: Calls for 1.5 GW of annual PV, 55,000 new jobs – comment
The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) has called on the country’s government for more PV support. Energy specialist, Chris Ahlfeldt comments on the five point PV plan, which envisages 1.5 GW of new installs annually, and the creation of 55,000 jobs. He also discusses the ongoing issue of the 27 unsigned PPAs, and the bottlenecks in the market.
Apis Partners provides Greenlight Planet with $60 million in funds
The U.S.-based off-grid specialist will use these financial resources to expand its business in Asia and Africa.
South Africa’s energy mix will be much cheaper with renewables, study says
According to a new study conducted by the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies at the Goethe-University Frankfurt, a mix of solar and wind may be over 10% cheaper than power generation from new coal and nuclear plants in South Africa, even if the cost of renewables and batteries will see no further reduction from today until 2050.
German Development Bank sets up €33 million credit facility to support renewables in Africa
The facility is planned to improve liquidity of developers of renewable energy projects up to 50 MW across Africa.
South Africa exempts IPPs up to 1 MW from licensing
Under the new rules, unlicensed PV installations not exceeding 1 MW may provide with power a final client or be used for self-consumption.
Interview: the next decade belongs to Africa
Dr. Sam Duby, Africa Director for TFE Consulting, sat down with PV Magazine to discuss insights from TFE’s new report “Kenya: The World’s Microgrid Lab”, the importance of on-the-ground experience in energy access projects, and how tech and social innovation in Africa will be the headline of the next decade.
