Data center specialist begins building 120 MW of solar in South Africa
South African data center company Teraco has started building a 120 MW solar plant. The project, which secured grid capacity in February, is expected to go online in 2026.
French development agency backs South African pumped hydro storage project
Agence Française de Développement has signed a ZAR 125 million ($7 million) grant agreement with South African utility Eskom to support the development of a hydro storage system project.
Tender opens for 17 solar systems in Mozambique
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Mozambique is accepting bids to install 17 solar systems at selected health facilities across the country. The deadline for applications is Dec. 13.
Fixing faulty inverters in PV plants via root cause analysis
Kiwa PI Berlin has fixed faults in inverters at a PV plant in South Africa by using root cause analysis. The project had experienced up to 130 failures related to insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs).
Eskom secures licenses for 125 MW of solar
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa has granted licenses for two solar projects to be operated by Eskom. Tenders for the construction of both projects, which have a combined capacity of 125.3 MW, took place earlier this year.
New testing method for solar water pumps
An international research group has proposed a low-cost testing methodology for solar water pumping systems that can reportedly improve water access in developing countries. The novel approach enables ongoing borehole monitoring without additional fuel costs or interruptions to the water supply.
PowerChina selects EPC contractor for 342 MW of solar in South Africa
Chinese civil engineering company PowerChina has signed an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract with developer SolarAfrica Energy for a 342 MW solar plant, to be built in South Africa’s Northern Cape province.
Construction begins on 20 MW solar plant in Namibia
Solarcentury Africa’s 20 MW merchant solar project in northeastern Namibia has reached financial close. Once complete, the project will sell all its power on the South African Power Pool.
Scientists assess heat dissipation factors in fixed, single-axis PV modules
Scientists have measured two fixed panels and two single-axis modules for months to determine their site-specific heat dissipation factors. These local results indicate a 3.3% enhancement in energy production compared to the default factors used in PVSyst.
Niger seeking consultants for 60 MW solar-plus-storage project
Niger Electricity Co. has asked consultants to submit expressions of interest for feasibility, environmental, and social impact studies for a 60 MW solar-plus-storage project in western Niger. The deadline is Dec. 2.
