Tanzania’s Geita gold mine gets connected to the national grid. (Image source: Hitachi Energy)

Hitachi Energy has completed a project to connect Tanzania’s leading gold producer, Geita Gold Mine Limited (GGML), to the national grid, displacing the use of traditional thermal gensets for energy

In a statement, Hitachi Energy said the project replaced 80% of the fossil-fuel gensets used by GGML for power generation and is expected to reduce the site’s carbon emissions by at least 50 kilotons (Kt) CO2 per annum.

Tanzania’s national grid is currently estimated to be made up of around 45.5% renewable energy sources.

“We are proud to support Geita Gold Mine Limited in this landmark achievement,” said Mohamed Hosseiny, managing director at Hitachi Energy in Africa.

AngloGold Ashanti, the owner of GGML, collaborated with the Tanzanian government, power utility Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco), and Hitachi Energy to execute the project.

As part of the deployment, Hitachi Energy delivered a state-of-the-art power electronic converter that stabilises the mine’s connection to the grid, featuring a PCS 6000 STATCOM system.

The system’s performance is further optimised through MicroSCADA, which provides crucial real-time monitoring and control.

The PCS 6000 STATCOM system was pre-assembled, tested to the highest standards, and shipped as a containerised package for fast installation on-site.

Its compact design and adaptability to harsh mining environments make it a “compelling solution” for industrial and remote grid applications, according to Hitachi Energy.

“Electrification solutions, like the STATCOM system, are vital to accelerating the global energy transition,” a statement read.

“By delivering innovative technology to high-impact markets, Hitachi Energy empowers the world’s energy system to be more sustainable, secure, resilient, and affordable.”

During the project execution, the company engaged with local partners, providing supervision and training to contractors and skills development.

Hosseiny added that it underlined the industry’s commitment to improving its environmental footprint.

“AngloGold Ashanti’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and climate resilience across their business, value chain, and communities sets a remarkable standard in the industry,” he said.

“It is reassuring that our pioneering technologies and solutions are advancing a sustainable energy future for all.”

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IEA’s new analysis suggests low-emissions hydrogen production could reach 37mn tonnes a year by 2030

Despite a recent wave of project delays and cancellations, low-emissions hydrogen production is still expected to expand to 2030, though at a slower pace than once signalled, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA)

The 2025 edition of the IEA’s Global Hydrogen Review, tracks developments across the sector with particular focus on low-emissions hydrogen technologies.

Worldwide hydrogen demand reached nearly 100mn tonnes in 2024, up 2% from 2023 and broadly in line with overall energy demand growth. Most of this demand was met by hydrogen produced from fossil fuels without emissions-capturing measures, with oil refining and industry remaining the main consumers.

Producing hydrogen from fossil fuels remains much cheaper globally, a gap widened by falling natural gas prices and rising electrolyser costs. But the report expects the cost gap to narrow by 2030 due to lower technology costs, stronger renewables growth in some regions, and new regulations.

Even so, uptake of low-emissions hydrogen is lagging behind expectations. High costs, regulatory uncertainty and slow infrastructure development have restrained growth, with production projects particularly exposed. The IEA’s new analysis suggests low-emissions hydrogen production could reach 37mn tonnes a year by 2030, down from the 49mn tonnes projected from announced projects just a year earlier.

Not all projects reach completion, meaning actual capacity is likely to be lower. Still, projects already operational, under construction or with a final investment decision are set to increase more than fivefold by 2030, reaching over 4mn tonnes per year. An additional 6mn tonnes could also materialise by the end of the decade if stronger policy support ensures demand.

“Investor interest in hydrogen jumped at the start of this decade thanks to its potential to help countries deliver on their energy goals,” said IEA executive director Fatih Birol. “The latest data indicates that the growth of new hydrogen technologies is under pressure due to economic headwinds and policy uncertainty, but we still see strong signs that their development is moving ahead globally. To help growth continue, policy makers should maintain support schemes, use the tools they have to foster demand, and expedite the development of necessary infrastructure.”

China remains the leading force in electrolyser deployment, accounting for 65% of installed or approved capacity and nearly 60% of global manufacturing. But the report warns that Chinese producers face challenges from excess capacity, as more than 20GW per year of output far outstrips current demand.

The review also highlights the shipping sector, finding that adoption of hydrogen-based fuels will require more compatible technologies and port readiness. Nearly 80 ports worldwide already handle chemical products, offering opportunities to manage hydrogen fuels in future.

A special section on Southeast Asia notes that announced projects could boost the region’s low-emissions hydrogen production to 430,000 tonnes a year by 2030, up from just 3,000 tonnes today. Achieving this will require faster renewables deployment, targeted policies and expansion of pilot projects.

Nurturing solar uptake in Africa

ZE-Gen, the Zero Emissions Generators initiative, has announced a new partnership with CLASP to drive competition and inspire innovation in solar-powered generators across Africa and other low-income regions

ZE-Gen is a collaborative initiative of the Carbon Trust and Innovate UK, both of which receive backing, directly or indirectly, from UK public funds.

CLASP is an NGO and authority on efficient appliances’ role in fighting climate change.

By promoting cleaner alternatives, the partnership aims to support efforts to phase out fossil fuel generators and expand access to sustainable energy solutions.

“The rapidly emerging market for solar-powered generators has huge commercial potential and offers a more reliable and safer solution for energy than highly polluting fossil fuel generators,” according to ZE-Gen lead, Lily Beadle, from Carbon Trust.

“Our new partnership with CLASP will develop a new quality assurance workstream which supports ZE-Gen’s wider programme of work and will help protect customers when they switch to renewable energy.”

The two sides also plan to launch a new international solar generator competition with US$100k in innovation prizes under the Global LEAP Awards, to showcase high-performing and efficient solar-powered generators designed for communities and SMEs.

Winners and finalists will be featured in a buyer’s guide that provides product performance information to support informed purchasing decisions.

The Global LEAP Award nominations open on 8 October 2025.

The new collaboration is part of ZE-Gen and CLASP’s broader work under the UK government’s Transforming Energy Access platform, part of the Ayrton Fund.

“In emerging economies, solar-powered generators are a game changer for people and businesses without access to reliable electricity,” said CLASP’s senior director, Africa, Emmanuel Aziebor.

“Testing and showcasing innovative, efficient and user-friendly products will support CLASP and ZE-Gen’s mission to ensure cleaner, affordable generators powered by renewable energy become the default option for communities everywhere.”

Globally, more than 82 million fossil fuel generators are still in use, contributing to pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, noise and health risks, with unpredictable fuel costs.

In contrast, modern solar-powered generators can offer cleaner, quieter and more cost-effective alternatives, though many do not consider them as robust or reliable as traditional thermal-based gensets, particularly in large industrial settings.

Historically, fossil fuel generators have dominated the market due to availability, upfront cost and perceived reliability.

However, modern high quality solar-powered generators eliminate the need for fuel, offering a potentially more sustainable and economical solution in certain resource-constrained settings.

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