Zambia, Zimbabwe cut Kariba Dam power generation
Zambia and Zimbabwe reduced power generation to around half capacity at their power stations at the Kariba Dam as water levels in the reservoir fell, Zambia’s state-owned Zesco said on Monday.
Zesco spokesperson Henry Kapata said power generation on both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides had been restricted to 500 MW each from total capacities of around 1000 MW.
Engineering News, 25 February 2019
Sida expands off-grid renewables model into sub-Saharan Africa
The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) has confirmed its expansion project of US$50 million into the regions of Burkina Faso, Liberia and Mozambique.
Following the success of Sweden's investment in small-scale energy services in Zambia, the project expansion will give between five and 15 million people in rural and slum areas access to electricity, according to a Sida statement.
ESI Africa, 25 February 2019
New record conversion efficiency for solar cells
Achieving a new record conversion efficiency of 24.2% for n-type solar photovoltaic cells is a company R&D milestone for JinkoSolar Holding Co Ltd and one that will benefit the industry at large.
JinkoSolar, the world’s largest manufacturer and global leader in the solar industry, distributes its solar PV products and sells its solutions and services to a diversified international utility, commercial and residential customer base.
ESI Africa, 26 February 2019
SAIPPA welcomes Radebe’s statement on REIPPPP
The South African Independent Power Producer Association (SAIPPA) has welcomed Energy Minister Jeff Radebe’s statement regarding the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).
During a briefing on Sunday, the Minister discussed the context and chronology of events that led to the inclusion of independent power producers (IPPs) and of renewable energy in the South African energy mix.
Engineering News, 26 February 2019
Cape Town to petition court to allow electricity purchases from independent producers
The city of Cape Town said on Tuesday it was asking the North Gauteng High Court to treat a pending court matter between itself, the energy minister and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa regarding electricity procurement as urgent.
Cape Town wants itself and other municipalities across South Africa to purchase cleaner energy directly from independent power producers (IPPs).
Engineering News, 26 February 2019
Molten salt storage: The rise of power stability
The intermittent nature of renewable energy has challenged the effective implementation of solar and wind on the national grid.
This major disadvantage has encouraged investment into storage technologies to better equip these power plants to provide generation capacity when it is most needed. The need for reliable energy sources is becoming a critical challenge calling for stable solutions.
ESI Africa, 26 February 2019
New research to enhance lead battery performance
A global battery consortium charged with advancing lead battery technology has re-launched as it prepares to unveil a raft of new research designed to take the technology to the next level.
The Consortium for Battery Innovation, which includes more than 90 member companies worldwide supporting pre-competitive research into lead battery technology, is preparing for a surge in demand for energy storage in the next decade.
ESI Africa, 28 February 2019
Togo to subsidise solar energy systems for citizens living in rural areas
Plug-and-play solar system manufacturer BBOXX’s customers in Togo will start receiving a subsidy from government to spend on solar energy.
This is the first government subsidy for the purpose of solar energy payments in Africa.
Dubbed the CIZO Cheque, households with BBOXX solar home systems will be granted a subsidy of about US$4 a month for a three-year period.
Engineering News, 1 March 2019
Uganda: solar irrigation solution enables agricultural benefits
GrowFast, a pay-as-you-go solar irrigation solution, has been named the winner of the Uganda renewable energy fund launched by the UN CleanStart programme and Embassy of Sweden.
More than 200 000 people across Uganda are set to benefit from the energy fund and clean energy solutions including Azuri Technologies' GrowFast solar irrigation system.
The solution offers farmers an innovative and affordable pay-as-you-go solar irrigation bundle that includes a smartphone with GrowFast app, as well as crop insurance cover.
ESI Africa, 4 March 2019
The above reflects a summary of certain news articles published during the preceding week.
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