Energy

Both projects will deliver essential power, energy, and ancillary services to Eskom through 15-year Power Purchase Agreements. (Image source: AMEA Power)

Fast-growing renewable energy company, AMEA Power, has been awarded two major standalone battery energy storage projects (BESS) in South Africa

The Gainfar and Boitekong projects were awarded through Big Window 2 of BESIPPPP and are located in the North West Province. Each will have a capacity of more than 300MWh and are seen as vital to ensuring Eskom’s grid stability. The Gainfar Project will be connected to the Ngwedi substation, while the Boitekong Project will be connected to the Marang substation.

“This achievement marks a major milestone for AMEA Power, as we continue to expand our footprint in South Africa, a key market for us,” remarked Hussain Al Nowais, chairman of AMEA Power. “These projects represent our first successful awards of BESS projects, through a competitive bidding process and underscore our commitment to providing sustainable, resilient and cost-effective energy solutions.

"We are proud to support South Africa’s energy transition, enhance Eskom’s grid reliability, and drive economic growth in the region. With our expanding portfolio, including the 120MW Doornhoek Solar PV project, and our regional office in Johannesburg, we are dedicated to contributing to cleaner, more sustainable energy future for South Africa.”

This announcement follows soon after AMEA Power celebrated Africa’s largest solar energy plant becoming operational in Egypt. Discover the full story by clicking here.

Comapire takes over from Seco Power. (Image source: Perkins)

Perkins, a global power systems powerhouse, has appointed Comapire as its new authorised distributor in Morocco

Replacing Seco Power in the country, Compaire was selected due to its extensive industrial engines experience, strong knowledge of the territory and proven customer relationships. Led by managing director Yassine Tabout, the wider Comapire team has worked with the Perkins brand in the country for more than 30 years.

“The Comapire team is very excited to be taking on this appointment,” remarked Tabout. “We are looking forward to delivering our portfolio of service and support solutions to help Perkins-powered customers throughout Morocco. Customers will benefit from our highly trained technicians, our infrastructure set up and our extensive experience with industrial engines.”

This team will now be bolstered by the addition of a newly appointed service manager who will lead the service department overseeing technical support, coordinating field service technicians and service product support representatives.

Jaz Gill, vice president of global sales, marketing, service and parts at Perkins, added, “I’m very pleased our Perkins-powered customers in Morocco will be supported by Comapire going forward. I’m confident that Perkins end users will receive an exceptional level of service and support, as Comapire’s highly experienced team have worked with engines for many years. The investment they have made in their new facility in Casablanca, coupled with their geographical reach and proven customer engagement will serve them well.”

Eskom anticipates Koeberg’s enhanced performance will be fully realised in FY26. (Image source: Eskom)

Eskom, the South African electricity public utility, has synchronised Unit 2 of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station in Cape Town to the national grid following a long-term operation (LTO) programme designed to extend its operational lifespan

Unit 2 contributes 930MW to the energy grid and is (alongside Unit 1) therefore considered vital to the country’s future energy security. With this in mind, Eskom undertook the LTO programme in order to ensure the safe and efficient performance of Unit 2 at the facility, helping to increase its operational lifespan by 20 years. The LTO programme included the replacement of three steam generations, inspections, and refuelling activities and follows the successful completion of a similar programme on Unit 1 in 2023.

“While projects like the LTO programme necessitate a higher initial upfront investment, the long-term benefits – including decades of affordable, low-carbon energy – make them indispensable,” said Eskom’s group chief executive, Dan Marokane. “Koeberg exemplifies how nuclear power can align economic and environmental priorities to create a sustainable energy future. Through the successful execution of the LTO project, our Koeberg team has once more demonstrated the exceptional skills we have to support our country’s nuclear ambitions.”

Units 1 and 2 of the Koeberg facility will supply 1,860MW to the grid, representing an approximate 5% of South Africa’s total electricity.

Cutting out coal

“By forming strategic collaborations with international designers, suppliers, and industry leaders, Koeberg has established itself as a hub for nuclear innovation,” remarked group executive for generation, Bheki Nxumalo. “These partnerships are anticipated to be crucial as South Africa explores advanced nuclear technologies, such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This could position the country as a leader in cutting-edge nuclear solutions while continuing to build and maintain a skilled nuclear workforce.

“As South Africa phases out some of the aging coal-fired power plants by 2030, nuclear energy is poised to provide a reliable and stable baseload supply. Unlike intermittent renewable sources, nuclear power ensures continuous electricity generation, meeting the needs of both residential and industrial users. Its ability to produce carbon-free energy also supports South Africa’s climate goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

This project supports Egypt’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and its efforts to transition to a low-carbon energy sector. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is advancing renewable energy and low-carbon technologies in Egypt by facilitating a syndicated loan of US$275mn for the construction and operation of Africa’s largest wind farm

This new wind farm project is co-financed by several development institutions, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), British International Investment (BII), Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG), the OPEC Fund for International Development, and the Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation (APICORP).

Located in the Gulf of Suez region, the wind farm will have an installed capacity of 1.1GW and will produce renewable energy at a cost lower than that of traditional generation methods. It is expected to generate over 4,300 GWh of electricity annually, reducing CO2 emissions by more than 2.2 million tonnes each year. This project supports Egypt’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and its efforts to transition to a low-carbon energy sector.

As a leading partner in Egypt’s Nexus of Water, Food & Energy (NWFE) programme, the EBRD is key to the energy component of this initiative, which was launched at COP27. This wind farm is one of the first projects developed under the NWFE energy pillar. It will contribute to Egypt’s target of 10GW of renewable energy and help decarbonise the country’s fossil fuel-based power sector.

Suez Wind, a special project company, is co-owned by ACWA Power and HAU Energy, the latter of which is a newly established renewable energy platform backed by the EBRD, alongside Hassan Allam Utilities and Meridiam Africa Investments.

Rania A. Al-Mashat, Egypt’s minister of planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, and the EBRD Governor for Egypt, said, “Egypt is committed to advancing its renewable energy ambitions, aiming to derive 42% of its energy mix from renewable sources by 2030, in line with our nationally determined contributions. Through our partnership with the EBRD, a key development partner within the energy sector of Egypt’s country platform for the NWFE programme, we are mobilising blended finance to attract private-sector investments in renewable energy. So far, funding has been secured for projects with a capacity of 4.7GW, and we are working collaboratively to meet the programme’s targets to reduce Egypt’s fuel consumption and expand clean energy projects.”

Nandita Parshad, managing director of the EBRD’s Sustainable Infrastructure Group, added, “EBRD is proud to be the largest financier of this landmark 1,100MW wind farm in the Gulf of Suez, also the largest onshore wind farm in the EBRD countries of operation to date. Egypt continues to be a trailblazer for large-scale renewables in Africa: first with the largest solar farm and now the largest wind farm on the continent. Great to partner on both with ACWA Power and to bring new partners in this project, Hassan Allam Utilities and Meridiam.”