Weekly projects and energy updates in South Africa

Medupi Unit 4 synchronised to national grid

In South Africa, Unit 4 of the Medupi Power Station Project in Lephalale, Limpopo, was synchronised to the national power grid on Wednesday, becoming the third of the power station’s six units to come on stream.

State-owned power utility, Eskom, said in a statement that the synchronisation of Unit 4 also marks a key milestone towards the full commercial operation of the unit ahead of its scheduled commercial operation in 2018.

ESI Africa, 2 June 2017

Eskom debacle prompts calls for Lynne Brown and the board to quit 

Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown’s capitulation over the removal of Eskom CEO Brian Molefe and the bungling of the Eskom board over his reinstatement have prompted calls for the removal of both the minister and the board.

After weeks of public outrage and opposition to Molefe’s reinstatement, Brown directed the board on Wednesday to rescind it, but only once the decision to do so was taken by an interministerial committee established by President Jacob Zuma to investigate the reinstatement.

Business Day, 1 June 2017

Namibia to spend US$12.44bn on projects in next five years

Namibia will invest N$164 billion (US$12.44 billion) over the next five years on plans that include upgrading and revamping hospitals, and building water and energy infrastructure, President Hage Geingob said on Wednesday.

Engineering News, 1 June 2017

Energy Minister mulls criminal charges over sale of SA’s strategic fuel stocks

Energy Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi on Tuesday told MPs she was considering criminal charges relating to the sale of 10.3 million barrels of South Africa’s strategic fuel reserves.

Briefing Parliament’s portfolio committee on energy, Kubayi again confirmed the fuel stocks were “sold” and not rotated as was claimed by her predecessor Tina Joemat-Pettersson last year.

Engineering News, 30 May 2017 

Botswana power utility invites bids to build 100 MW solar plant

Botswana's state-owned power utility has invited bids to build a 100 MW solar power plant to boost energy security in the diamond-rich southern African country.

Engineering News, 30 May 2017 

The above reflects a summary of certain news articles published during the preceding week.