ESI Africa

06/11/2025

As hydropower development gains pace across Africa, accountability and sustainability are taking centre stage.

In this podcast episode, ESI Africa’s Editor-in-Chief, Nicolette Pombo-van Zyl, speaks with João Costa, Executive Director of the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance, about the Hydropower Sustainability Standard — a rigorous assessment and certification framework ensuring responsible project development.

Costa discusses how the increasing demand for assurance from institutions and regulators is shaping new opportunities for hydropower, and what the first African project to achieve Gold certification, Zambia’s 180MW Ngonye Falls Hydroelectric Project, means for the continent’s clean energy future.

Listen to the full podcast for insights into how sustainability standards are reshaping Africa’s hydropower landscape.

05/11/2025

The future of energy in South Africa is bright and more diverse than ever.

As the energy sector opens up to private partnerships, Growthpoint Properties has invested in the Boston Hydroelectric Plant in the Free State, securing a 30% stake in this operational renewable project:

Growthpoint acquires 30% stake in the Boston Hydroelectric Plant, a 5MW R390m project by Serengeti Energy, secured by Lesotho Highlands dam

05/11/2025

Eskom has issued a tender for the design, supply, delivery, installation, and commissioning of a hybrid wind and solar PV microgrid research facility at its Research, Testing and Development (RT&D) campus.

The project will run over a three-year period and aims to advance innovation in renewable and distributed energy solutions.

Eskom invites bids for the design, supply, and commissioning of a hybrid wind and solar PV microgrid at its RT&D facility for three years.

05/11/2025

South Africa’s Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has officially taken delivery of five mobile generators from the People’s Republic of China.

Each mobile generator delivers 620kW of power enough to supply over 600 average-sized homes — adding a valuable layer to the country’s energy resilience

China has supplied five 620kW mobile generators to South Africa to strengthen energy resilience and support emergency power across the country

05/11/2025

"There’s no such thing as waste heat, think of it as untapped energy,” says Bulelwa Silwana, Plant Manager at the Eternity Power plant.
Located at the Anglo American Platinum Waterval Smelting Complex, the Eternity Power co-generation plant transforms waste heat into clean, usable electricity

Discover how Eternity Power, South Africa’s first co-generation plant, transforms industrial waste heat into 5MW of clean electricity

04/11/2025

🎬 Dr Rethabile Melamu Opening Plenary | 2025 C&I Energy & Storage Summit

Dr. Rethabile Melamu, CEO of the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA), set the tone for the 2025 C&I Energy & Storage Summit with a powerful message on South Africa’s renewable energy future.

As Programme Director for the Opening Plenary, Dr. Melamu welcomed delegates to the second edition of the summit — held at a defining moment for the C&I energy landscape. She highlighted:

🔹 The Minister of Electricity and Energy’s new Renewable Power Procurement (RPP) allocations for the C&I sector
🔹 Insights from the South African Renewable Energy Grid Survey, revealing a 220 GW pipeline of renewable and hybrid projects
🔹 The need to align energy, storage, and water strategies for a more affordable and resilient future

The session also featured an interactive “burning questions” segment — inviting delegates to shape discussions across the two-day event.

📍 Hosted by: ESI Africa — Africa’s trusted voice in energy
🎥 Event: 2025 C&I Energy & Storage Summit

&I2025 &IStorage

04/11/2025

Data centres have become one of the fastest-growing sources of electricity demand globally, with the IEA estimating usage will double by 2030 to nearly 945TWh.

As cloud computing and data delivery reshape modern economies, Bryce Allan, Head of Sustainability at Teraco Data Environments, says data centres are now “at the core of vital infrastructure powering the online world”.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, connectivity hubs like those in South Africa are central to the region’s digital transformation. Teraco’s story highlights how the sector can meet rising demand while advancing sustainability and energy efficiency.

Watch the video to learn how Teraco is doing more with less, and meet the team at the C&I Energy+Storage Summit on 4–5 November at the Maslow Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg:
https://youtu.be/E1NeZoz3irc?si=b-2BZZZ5FivRC1Gc

04/11/2025

South Africa’s commercial and industrial sectors are under growing pressure to cut energy costs and move towards sustainability.

Mainstream Renewable Power, which has already installed 1GW of renewable capacity locally, is now enabling private companies to benefit directly from clean energy through 150MW of wheeling projects.

In this exclusive interview, Hein Reyneke, General Manager at Mainstream Renewable Power, discusses why they’re taking part in the C&I Energy+Storage Summit Johannesburg and how they’re shaping the future of energy with shorter-term, more flexible Power Purchase Agreements.

Watch the video to learn more:

In this exclusive interview Hein Reyneke, General Manager – Mainstream Renewable Power, explains why they are taking part in the C&I Energy+Storage Summit Jo...

04/11/2025

Cape Verde is taking a major step forward in its clean energy journey with the planned repowering of the Palmarejo Photovoltaic Plant, which supplies the capital, Praia.

The project will expand the facility’s generation capacity from 4.4MW to 10MW, enough to supply electricity to between 20,000 and 25,000 residents. According to the Cape Verde Ministry of Energy, the project will involve the complete replacement of existing solar panels with modern, more efficient models, improving both output and system performance.

This initiative is particularly significant as it marks the first project financed through a debt-for-climate conversion agreement with Portugal. The mechanism allows part of Cape Verde’s bilateral debt to be redirected into climate-related investments.

The Climate and Environment Fund, established in July 2024 and initially capitalised with €12.5 million, will finance this project and future initiatives in renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, fisheries and low-carbon transport.

This is an important milestone for small island developing states seeking innovative financing models to scale renewable generation and build resilience against climate risks.

Read:

The project will increase output and efficiency at the Palmarejo site, one of Cape Verde's flagship renewable energy installations

04/11/2025

In South Africa’s commercial and industrial sector, energy-intensive industries are navigating rising costs and a strong push toward sustainability.

In this exclusive interview, Eduardo Werninghaus, CEO at WEG Africa, shares why they are participating in the C&I Energy+Storage Summit Johannesburg and how they’re expanding their product portfolio to support the energy transition.

From electric motors and generators to controls for renewable and hybrid systems, WEG Africa is helping businesses build resilient, efficient energy solutions.

Meet the WEG Africa team at the Summit on 4–5 November at The Maslow Hotel, Sandton.

Watch the video to find out more:

In this exclusive interview Eduardo Werninghaus, CEO at WEG Africa, explains why they are keen to be part of the C&I Energy+Storage Summit Johannesburg. .In ...

04/11/2025

🎥 Opening Address | Chanelle Hingston, Group Director: Power & Energy

“We’re here to make these next two days count — for your business, your networks, and for South Africa’s energy future.”

The 2025 C&I Energy & Storage Summit is officially underway!
In her opening address, Chanelle Hingston welcomed delegates, sponsors, and partners — including the Energy Intensive Users Group (EIUG) — to a pivotal gathering shaping South Africa’s power and water future.

Chanelle also introduced the exciting new co-located event, Water Security Africa, created in direct response to the need for integrated energy–water planning amid climate and infrastructure challenges.

👏 ESI Africa, as host media partner, is proud to be part of this platform driving collaboration, resilience, and innovation across the continent.

🎬 Watch Chanelle’s full opening address and join the conversation shaping South Africa’s sustainable energy journey.

04/11/2025

Exciting news from the C&I Energy & Storage Summit!

As the Host Media Partner, ESI Africa is thrilled to be here as the show is about to kick off! We're ready for a day of insightful discussions, powerful networking, and deep dives into the future of commercial and industrial energy and storage.

Stay tuned for updates from the event!